Abstract: The improved milling machine makes use of individually controlled x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis carriages. These carriages provide positive and precise control of the position of the cutting tools and the blank to be cut. A tool changer allows the tools to be changed to accommodate other materials. A camera is used to detect wear on the tools.

Abstract: A laser digitizer system provides a visual three-dimensional image of a real-world object such as a dental item through a laser digitization. The laser digitizer captures an image of the object by scanning multiple portions of the object in an exposure period.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to mill blank constructions to facilitate the manufacture of dental restorations. A given mill blank is formed in a shape (i.e. with a given geometry) that has been predetermined to reduce material waste when the mill blank is machined into the final part. A set of two or more blanks each having such characteristics comprise a smart blank “library.” In one embodiment, a smart blank library includes a sufficient number of unique blanks such that, when the geometry of the designed restoration is known, the smart blank with a highest yield can be selected for use in milling the restoration. The “yield” of a given smart blank represents the amount of material of the smart blank that is actually used in the final restoration. Automated processes for smart blank inventory management and smart blank selection are also described.

Abstract: A method for generating a 3D model for a restoration is operative in a computer having a display. The method begins by obtaining a 3D model of the preparation. The preparation model may be obtained by an operator using a 3D digitizer. A “margin” curve on the preparation model is then determined. The method then continues by selecting a given 3D restoration cap model from a set of such models, where the set includes cap models that vary by one or more characteristics such as type, age, sex and ethnicity. The restoration cap model has a cap edge curve. According to the invention, the method then continues by fitting the restoration cap model over the preparation model (on the computer display) so that a minimum distance between the restoration cap and the restoration model is greater than a given minimum material thickness. The restoration cap model is then reshaped or otherwise scaled as necessary so that the restoration cap edge curve is related to the margin curve in a predetermined manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to mill blank constructions. According to the invention, a “smart blank” is pre-configured into a form that closely resembles a restoration being designed. The blank comprises a body adapted to be shaped by material removal into an artificial tooth part having buccal-lingual, mesial-distal and occlusal-cervical axes. In an illustrative embodiment, the body has at most one symmetric plane that is defined by a buccal-lingual-occlusal-cervical cross-section whose normal is along the mesial-distal axis. The blank also includes a holder for mounting the blank in a shaping apparatus. The smart blank provides more efficient milling and high yield.

Abstract: The improved milling machine makes use of individually controlled x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis carriages. These carriages provide positive and precise control of the position of the cutting tools and the blank to be cut. The tools are located in spindles that are moved in the x-axis. A work piece or blank is manipulated in the y-axis and the z-axis. The tools are offset in the x-axis. Lights on a work space door are used to signal the condition of the mill machine and the milling operation. A tool changer allows the tools to be changed to accommodate other materials. A camera or other sensor is used to detect the location and wear on the tools.

Abstract: The improved milling machine makes use of individually controlled x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis carriages. These carriages provide positive and precise control of the position of the cutting tools and the blank to be cut. A tool changer allows the tools to be changed to accommodate other materials. A camera is used to detect wear on the tools.

Abstract: A system and method for producing a dental fixture are provided. A laser digitizer imaging system creates a visual three-dimensional image of a dental item such as a tooth or a dental impression. The three-dimensional image may be displayed and the size and shape of the image may be selectively modified by the user of the system. Digital data associated with the three-dimensional image of the dental item is sent to an implant production device. A dental implant is produced in response to receipt of the data associated with the three-dimensional image such that the implant is insertable into a socket of the jawbone from where a tooth was extracted.

Abstract: A system provides high-speed multiple line digitization for three-dimensional imaging of a physical object. A full frame of three-dimensional data may be acquired in the same order as the frame rate of a digital camera.

Abstract: A digitized image of an object may include representations of portions of the object that are obscured, occluded or otherwise unobservable. The image may be a multi-dimensional visual representation of dentition. Characteristics of the dentition and its surfaces, contours, and shape may be determined and/or analyzed. A light may be directed toward and reflected from the dentition. The reflected light may be combined with a reference to determine characteristics of the dentition, including obscured areas such as subgingival tissue.

Abstract: A digitized image of a tangible object is displayed in an operator's field of view of the object almost simultaneously as the digitized image is being captured. The image is projected onto a screen in an orientation, position and scale corresponding to an orientation and position of the object within the field of view of the operator so as to be perceived as an overlay to the object. The image may be a one-, two, three, or other multi-dimensional representation of the object and may be captured by an imaging system, such as an intra-oral imaging device.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to mill blank constructions to facilitate the manufacture of dental restorations. A given mill blank is formed in a shape (i.e. with a given geometry) that has been predetermined to reduce material waste when the mill blank is machined into the final part. A set of two or more blanks each having such characteristics comprise a smart blank “library.” In one embodiment, a smart blank library includes a sufficient number of unique blanks such that, when the geometry of the designed restoration is known, the smart blank with a highest yield can be selected for use in milling the restoration. The “yield” of a given smart blank represents the amount of material of the smart blank that is actually used in the final restoration. Automated processes for smart blank inventory management and smart blank selection are also described.

Abstract: A intra-oral laser digitizer system provides a three-dimensional visual image of a real-world object such as a dental item through a laser digitization. The laser digitizer captures an image of the object by scanning multiple portions of the object in an exposure period. The intra-oral digitizer may be inserted into an oral cavity (in vivo) to capture an image of a dental item such as a tooth, multiple teeth or dentition. The captured image is processed to generate the three-dimension visual image.

Abstract: A laser digitizer system provides a visual three-dimensional image of a real-world object such as a dental item through a laser digitization. The laser digitizer captures an image of the object by scanning multiple portions of the object in an exposure period.