Abstract: According to some embodiments of the invention, it is provided a method of generating a 3D model of a first denture and of a second denture comprising: x-ray scanning the first and the second dentures in occlusion conditions to obtain a set of data; generating, from the obtained set of data, a 3D image of the first and the second dentures in occlusion conditions, the generated 3D image comprising voxels; classifying each of voxels of the generated 3D image as belonging to the first denture, the second dentures, or space between the first and the second dentures; and generating, from the classified voxels, a 3D model of the first denture and of the second denture, wherein classifying a voxel of the generated 3D image is based on characteristics of neighboring voxels in the generated 3D image, according to an iterative analysis of voxels from neighbor to neighbor.

Abstract: A method for segmenting a 3D model image of a patient's dentition obtains a first 3D model image of the patient dentition and obtains a first segmentation of the first 3D model image, wherein the first segmentation provides at least a tooth surface contour and a tooth label for one or more teeth of the first 3D model. A second 3D model image of the patient dentition is obtained. Each segmented tooth surface contour of the first 3D model is registered to corresponding tooth surface contour of the second 3D model. A second segmentation of the second 3D model image is obtained according to the registered tooth surface contour, wherein the second segmentation similarly provides at least tooth surface contour and a tooth labeling for one or more teeth of the second 3D model image. The segmented second 3D model image is displayed, transmitted, or stored.

Abstract: A method for displaying a superimposition of a second dental model on a first dental model of a patient's dentition, obtains a first 3D model of the patient's dentition and a segmentation of the first 3D model. A second 3D model of the patient's dentition and a segmentation of the second 3D model are obtained. A selected tooth is identified from the segmented teeth of the first and second 3D models. A post-treatment target position for the selected tooth of the first 3D model is determined according to a movement indication calculated for the selected tooth. The second 3D model is registered to the first 3D model based on the target position of the at least one selected tooth. An imposition of the second 3D model onto the first 3D model of the patient dentition is displayed.

Abstract: An extra-oral imaging apparatus can obtain a 3D volume image of a portion of a head of a patient. Exemplary dental apparatus and/or method embodiments can provide 3D mesh models of surfaces of the maxillary dental arch and the mandibular dental arch in a 3D volume image obtained from a single extraoral scan of physical casts of the maxillary dental arch and the mandibular dental arch in an occlusal relationship. In one exemplary embodiment, a first 3D mesh model of surfaces of the maxillary dental arch model and a second 3D mesh model of surfaces of the mandibular dental arch model are generated. Then, contact areas where the first 3D mesh model and the second 3D mesh model intersect are removed to separate the first and second mesh models. In another exemplary embodiment, the first 3D mesh model and the second 3D mesh model can be aligned.

Abstract: A method for forming a surgical guide for a dental patient rotates material about a rotation axis to a first angular position and drills a drill guiding hole using a drilling tool having a drilling tool axis. The drill guiding hole is centered about a guide axis that is orthogonal to the rotation axis. A first planar surface of the guide is formed from the material, wherein the first surface is. oblique to the guide axis. The material is repositioned to orient the first surface orthogonal to the drilling tool. A hole pattern is formed having two or more positioning holes in the first surface, with the pattern corresponding to a pin pattern in a tray that is positionally registered to a dental arch of the patient. A second planar surface of the surgical guide is formed, parallel to the first planar surface.

Abstract: An extra-oral imaging apparatus can obtain a 3D volume image of a portion of a head of a patient. Exemplary dental apparatus and/or method embodiments can provide 3D mesh models of surfaces of the maxillary dental arch and the mandibular dental arch in a 3D volume image obtained from a single extraoral scan of physical casts of the maxillary dental arch and the mandibular dental arch in an occlusal relationship. In one exemplary embodiment, a first 3D mesh model of surfaces of the maxillary dental arch model and a second 3D mesh model of surfaces of the mandibular dental arch model are generated. Then, contact areas where the first 3D mesh model and the second 3D mesh model intersect are removed to separate the first and second mesh models. In another exemplary embodiment, the first 3D mesh model and the second 3D mesh model can be aligned.

Abstract: A method for forming a surgical guide for a dental patient rotates material about a rotation axis to a first angular position and drills a drill guiding hole using a drilling tool having a drilling tool axis. The drill guiding hole is centered about a guide axis that is orthogonal to the rotation axis. A first planar surface of the guide is formed from the material, wherein the first surface is. oblique to the guide axis. The material is repositioned to orient the first surface orthogonal to the drilling tool. A hole pattern is formed having two or more positioning holes in the first surface, with the pattern corresponding to a pin pattern in a tray that is positionally registered to a dental arch of the patient. A second planar surface of the surgical guide is formed, parallel to the first planar surface.