Abstract: An 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: A method of producing a crown for a custom implant abutment is carried out as follows. The method begins by preparing a patient's existing dental structures, viz., positioning a dental implant in the patient's mouth. Using a scanner device and associated modeling software, a first 3D model is obtained of a sufficiently large portion of an implant abutment to be attached to the implant. This scan is performed extra-orally. Preferably, the sufficiently large portion is that portion of the abutment bounded by a margin curve. After the implant abutment is attached to the implant (intra-orally), the scanner is used to obtain a second 3D model of the implant abutment attached to the implant (i.e., an intra-oral scan). Using the modeling software, the first 3D model is then aligned to the second 3D model. Thereafter, a boundary curve on the first 3D model is identified. Using the boundary curve to trim the first 3D model, the system then produces a third 3D model.

Abstract: An 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: A structured light pattern digitizing method is combined with photogrammetry to determine a 3D model of an object. The structured light digitizing operation generates a 3D model of the object being scanned, and this model is then used to compute a higher accuracy model using photogrammetry.

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.