Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method of manufacturing a mouth piece by 3D printing a 3D printer readable file encoding the mouth piece, the method comprising steps of: obtaining a scan file comprising physical data representing a user's teeth and gum line using 3D scanner means (100); removing outlier data from physical data in the scan file; generating representative geometrical data of the curvature of the user's teeth and gum line from the physical data; generating a virtual base model representing a mouth piece from the physical data and the representative geometrical data, the virtual base model having customisable dimensions (101); removing selected regions from the mouth piece represented by the virtual base model (102); and from the virtual base model, generating the 3D printer readable file encoding the mouth piece for printing on 3D printing means (103).

Abstract: A dental overlay is prepared for use with a cutting tool in preparing a tooth to be prepared for restoration. A prepared tooth is simulated based on three-dimensional data acquired from a dentition to define tooth structure to be removed by a cutting tool from the tooth to be prepared. A dental overlay configured for placement onto one or both of the tooth to be prepared and a neighboring tooth is produced. The overlay includes an occlusal portion and buccal and lingual sides extending from the occlusal portion. The overlay has a first guiding groove configured for contact with the cutting tool so as to limit movements to be followed by the cutting tool to predetermined movements for removing a portion of the defined tooth structure to be removed. A first portion of the first guiding groove extends through the buccal or lingual side of the overlay.

Abstract: A dental prosthetic comprising a pre-fabricated metal base and a crown, wherein the dental prosthetic is fabricated by a process comprising the steps of manufacturing the pre-fabricated metal base from a first metallic material, wherein the pre-fabricated metal base is dimensionally adapted to be secured to, and fitted to, an implant fixture, and fabricating the crown from a second material using a 3D printing technology, so that the crown is printed on the pre-fabricated metal base and thereby fabricating the crown fused onto the pre-fabricated metal base, and thereby obtaining the dental prosthetic.

Abstract: The invention relates to a single- or multi-unit dental restoration, which consists of a support structure and a veneer, which support structure is in particular made from oxide ceramics by means of additive manufacturing, particularly preferably by means of rapid prototyping, wherein the veneer is produced by pressing a ceramic material, such as a glass ceramic or composite material, which is more translucent than the support structure, characterized in that the veneer fills and/or penetrates recesses of the support structure (12) configured as a net or frame structure or as a reinforcement, wherein it is particularly provided that the recesses penetrate through the support structure (12).

Abstract: Methods of employing bone defect filling, e.g., orthopedic cements, such as calcium phosphate cements and the like, are provided. A feature of the subject methods is that vibration is employed in conjunction with the use of the cement, e.g., in preparation of the cement, in preparation of the target site, in delivery of the cement to the target site, and/or following delivery of the cement to the target site. Also provided are devices, systems and kits that find use in practicing the subject methods. The subject methods, devices and systems find use in a variety of different applications.

Abstract: Pre-sintered blanks based on lithium metasilicate glass ceramic are described which are suitable in particular for the preparation of dental restorations.

Abstract: Drilling of an implant shaft is carried out with a handpiece tool whose location and angular orientation with respect to a radiographic working guide is updated in real time with respect to the radiographic working guide and anatomical structures of the patient, free of viewing obstructions. Prior to the drilling, the radiographic working guide is fitted to a particular patient. Real-time imaging support is provided on a display of a computer, wherein the radiographic workpiece guide includes a plurality of fiducial markers that define a substantially planar reference surface of the radiographic workpiece guide. The radiographic workpiece guide also includes an alignment structure located a predetermined distance from a pilot hole proximate the work site. The image is updated based on an initial radiographic scan and updated position information from the handpiece tool as to location and angular orientation of the handpiece tool relative to the workpiece guide.

Abstract: Pre-sintered blanks based on lithium disilicate glass ceramic are described which are suitable in particular for the preparation of dental restorations.

Abstract: A reshapable retention device for insertion at a dental site and contact with adjacent dental surfaces, for the controlled delivery to the dental site of at least one material having a predetermined intraoral activity. The retention device comprises at least one matrix containing the material. The retention device is adapted for physically affixing at the dental site for at least a predetermined time period correlated to the delivery of a predetermined portion of the at least one matrix to the dental site in a controlled single, bi or multiphase pattern. The retention device comprises a first configuration in which the overall dimensions of the retention device are larger than at least one dimension of the dental site. The first configuration is reshapable to a second configuration in which at least one dimension of the retention device is reduced to enable physically affixing the retention device at the dental site.

Abstract: A blank which is provided for producing dental shaped parts such as crowns, bridges, veneers, abutments and the like, already has at least one preform of a dental shaped part, which is available for producing this shaped part. In particular, the preforms in the blank are prepared by machining of the blank, preferably by cutting, sawing, grinding, drilling and/or milling. The preforms are in particular preforms for single crowns.

Abstract: A method of making a dental crown or bridge restoration comprises forming a precursor crown outside of a patient's mouth with a first restorative material, with a buccal contour on the buccal wall substantially the same as a buccal contour on a final crown restoration, and an open space on or around at least one of the mesial side wall or the distal side wall; and filling and securing a second material, different from the first restorative material, inside the open space or pocket of the precursor crown while outside the patient's mouth, and with the precursor crown having a strength substantially equivalent to the final crown restoration, and with the buccal contour being substantially the same as the buccal contour on the final crown, prior to filling and securing the second material.

Abstract: A dental hygiene for cleaning tool that is small, inexpensive and lightweight to use by people to care for their teeth and gums. The tool has several components integrated or connected with the body of the tool such as a digger for cleaning between teeth. These components include: a floss piece preferably made of nylon and preferably attached to the tool's interiors; a number of rough textures along edges for cleaning between the teeth of varying thicknesses depending on the spacing between the teeth and a curved pick portion adapted to contour over a person's lip when using the tool; a cleaner also for cleaning between the teeth made of a pointed end to clean between teeth and a thinner material for easier insertion between the teeth.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article including taking an article in an initial state formed using an additive manufacturing process, the article including at least one set of mounting features; performing a second manufacturing process to transform the article into a second state, which includes mounting, via the at least one set of mounting features, the article in a holding device of a machine for operating on the article, wherein the position and orientation of the article in three linear and three rotational degrees of freedom within the machine operating volume is known and defined by virtue of the interaction of the mounting features with the holding device, and processing at least one feature on the article. The at least one mounting feature includes kinematic mount features which engage with corresponding kinematic mount features on the holding device of the machine.

Abstract: Endodontic instruments for use in performing root canal therapy on a tooth are disclosed. In one form, the instruments include an elongate shank having a cutting edge extending from a distal end of the shank along an axial length of the shank. The shank comprises a titanium alloy, and the shank is prepared by heat-treating the shank at a temperature above 25° C. in an atmosphere consisting essentially of a gas unreactive with the shank. In another form, the endodontic instruments have an elongate shank having a cutting edge extending from a distal end of the shank along an axial length of the shank. The shank consists essentially of a titanium alloy selected from alpha-titanium alloys, beta-titanium alloys, and alpha-beta-titanium alloys. The instruments solve the problems encountered when cleaning and enlarging a curved root canal.

Abstract: Described herein is a housing that releasably connects a dental prosthetic device, such as a full or partial denture, to a dental implant. The housing is at least partially constructed of a resilient material, at least providing the denture with machinability relative to prior art metal housings. A method of manufacturing a housing for a dental implant and a method of retrofitting a housing for a dental implant are described.

Abstract: An example method of assembling a prophylaxis angle includes inserting a drive gear into a first axial bore defined within a neck of an angle body, the drive gear having a drive gear head and a locking flange axially-offset from the drive gear head. A driven gear is inserted into a second axial bore defined within a head of the angle body, the first and second axial bores being angularly-offset from each other and communicating at an intersection in the angle body. The body defines an opening that spans contiguous portions of both the neck and the head. The drive gear is coupled to the driven gear such that rotation of one rotates the other. A gear retainer is then installed on the head, the gear retainer having an annular body that defines an inner circumferential surface that extends about an outer surface of the head.

Abstract: A method of making a multi-chromatic dental appliance. A first article can be formed of a first material based on a first digital surface representation having a desired outer shape of the dental appliance. A portion of the first article can then be removed to form an outer layer of the dental appliance comprising a cavity dimensioned to accommodate an inner layer. A second article can be formed by filling the cavity of the first article with a second material. The second material can have at least one different optical property than the first material. The second article can be further processed, as desired. For example, a desired inner shape of the dental appliance can be formed in the second article. Such a desired inner shape can be based on a second digital surface representation of a dental object configured to receive the dental appliance.

Abstract: A method of making a biometric dental appliance. A first article can be formed of a first material based on a first digital surface representation having a desired outer shape of the dental appliance. A portion of the first article can then be removed to form an outer layer of the dental appliance comprising a cavity dimensioned to accommodate an inner layer. A second article can be formed by filling the cavity of the first article with a second material. The second material can have at least one different structural and/or optical property than the first material. The second article can be further processed, as desired. For example, a desired inner shape can be formed in the second article. Such a desired inner shape can be based on a second digital surface representation of a dental object configured to receive the dental appliance.

Abstract: A dental implant system (1, 1?, 1?) comprising a first implant part (2, 2?, 2?), provided for introduction into a jawbone, and comprising a second implant part (4) associated therewith, provided for attaching a tooth replacement part, the implant parts (2, 2?, 2?, 4) being mechanically interconnectable via a connection pin (10) which is integrally formed on one of the implant parts (2, 2?, 2?, 4) and which is insertable into a receiving duct (12) provided in the other implant part (2, 2?, 2?, 4), is to have a particularly high stability and long duration of use, even when ceramic materials, or base materials comparable therewith in terms of the basic material properties thereof, are used for the implant parts (2, 4).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing tooth parts from dental-grade metal powder, wherein existing CAD/CAM milling machines can be used. The essential process steps consist of: a) preparing a slurry from dental-grade metal powder, b) casting the slurry into a mold, c) drawing out (drying) suspension liquid (water) until a mechanically stable blank is obtained, d) milling the blank into the desired shape, e) oxygen-free sintering of the tooth parts milled from the blank. Because the blank is still present as a green body, milling does not place great demands on the milling machine in terms of mechanical stability and dust development. As a result, the operating speed and the service lives of customary milling machines are substantially increased.

Abstract: Top piece for a corresponding pin shaped dental implant with a platform, which features a first platform surface and a second platform surface, a retention pin placed onto the first platform surface, for the mounting of the mesostructure, a connecting pin for the connection of the platform with a pin shaped dental implant, by means of blind bore corresponding to the connecting pin, while in the first version, the edge of the platform is bulged in a direction oriented from the connection pin away, and in a second version, where the diameter of the platform is large enough, at least in part of the total angular area that it protrudes the platform where the top piece is connected to the corresponding pin shaped dental implant, in a view from above onto the second platform surface over the corresponding pin shaped dental implant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental milling block (1) comprising a dental article (2) having an outer surface, the dental article having been produced based on personalized data, wherein the outer surface of the dental article is at least partially covered with a surrounding material. The invention further relates to a process of producing a dental milling block, the process comprising the steps of: •a) providing a personalized Data Set C containing geometry data of the dental article and colour data related to said geometry data, •b) generating a layer of hardenable material on a surface, •c) applying a colour agent to the layer of hardenable material of step b), wherein the colour agent is applied to at least some regions of those areas of the layer of hardenable material which are related to the geometry data of the dental article, •d) consolidating the result obtained in step c) thereby obtaining an at least partially hardened layer of material.

Abstract: A maxillary, mandibular, or dual concussion orthotic that substantially reduces concussion resulting from forces applied to the lower jaw, and a method of producing the orthotic. The orthotic device produced according to the method described herein is objectively measured and produced to physiological parameters for an individual user. The orthotic is constructed so that the mandibular teeth are firmly indexed into the orthotic to hold the mandible in a specific position relative to the maxilla. The upper and lower jaws are positioned by the orthotic to act as a unit, and cooperate with the orthotic to effectively dissipate concussive forces and provide spacing of the temporomandibular joint, resulting in the decompression of the joint to mitigate transmission of concussive forces from the condyles of the mandible to the temporal bones of the skull.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing dental restorations, wherein a lithium silicate glass ceramic or a lithium silicate glass is used which contains at least 8.5 wt.-% transition metal oxide selected from the group consisting of oxides of yttrium, oxides of transition metals with an atomic number from 41 to 79 and mixtures of these oxides.

Abstract: A method for producing a dental shaped part includes checking an outer contour of a tool of machining equipment, using least one gauge provided on a blank formed from a tooth restoration material from which a dental shaped part is to be machined using the machining equipment. The method also includes machining the dental shaped part from the blank using the tool of the machining equipment, when the outer contour of the tool corresponds to the at least one gauge provided on the blank.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a positioning jig for preparing a two or more of adjacent teeth for a dental prosthesis comprising a member with (i) three or more parallel bores in the member and (ii) one or more means to attach the member to a dental articulator. The invention is also directed to methods of use of the position jig such as to prepare a series of aligned holes in teeth or aligned holes mockup of a dental bridge for a prosthesis.

Abstract: Syringe tips for use with dental syringes, connectors for connecting syringe tips to a dental syringe, and combinations thereof are described. In one embodiment, a syringe tip has an elastic inner tube with a flexible proximal portion extending proximally beyond a shoulder of an outer tube. An elongate fluid passageway extending from an entrance at the proximal end of the inner tube's flexible proximal portion to an exit at the distal end of the inner tube. The outer tube defines at least a portion of at least one additional elongate fluid passageway. In another embodiment, a syringe tip as described above is provided in combination with a connector that includes a tubular shaped portion adapted to be received within the fluid passageway of the inner tube and wherein the distal end of the tubular shaped member includes fingers adapted to radially expand the inner tube over the tubular shaped member.

Abstract: A dental implant device for insertion into a bore defined in bone for use with a prosthetic tooth or dental appliance includes an abutment with a plurality of male keys disposed about the distal end of the abutment capable of being affixed to the prosthetic tooth or dental appliance, an implantable anchor having a proximal and distal end, a plurality of female keyways defined into the proximal end of the anchor, the keyways capable of coupling to the male keys of the abutment and thereby preventing relative rotation of the abutment and anchor; an interlocking thread helically defined around a longitudinal axis of the anchor, the thread being adapted to couple to the bore defined in the bone and means for coupling the abutment to the implant anchor.

Abstract: A system including a method and associated structures creates efficiencies in the manufacture of prosthetic tooth support frameworks. Pre-manufactured teeth with matching internal keys are used in the setup of a patient prototype. Each key includes a shaft, a cervical platform, a retention knob and preferably at least one channel for the expulsion of excess adhesive fluid. The cervical platforms are shaped to provide intimate contact with a base of their respective tooth. The same tooth/key pairs are then used to make a framework pattern from the setup positioning. The pattern can be cast or scanned for direct machining to produce the finished framework.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a milling block for producing partial or total prostheses, comprising a prosthesis base to be processed according to the shape of the jaw, on which synthetically moulded teeth, preferably a full set of teeth, are provided, a milling block system consisting of a first milling block for the upper set of teeth and a second milling block for the lower set of teeth, and a method for producing partial or total prostheses.

Abstract: A system for making a dental restoration, comprising a 3D digitizer for producing a 3D model digital representation of a dental restoration model, a computer in communication with the 3D digitizer and capable of creating a dental restoration milling trajectory for a selected block of given dimension and given dental restoration material, based on the 3D model, and a laser milling apparatus in communication with the computer and capable of laser milling the dental restoration from the selected block positioned therein using the milling trajectory created by the computer. The laser milling apparatus includes one or more sensor for continuously monitoring the laser milling of the selected block and to provide feedback to the computer such that the milling trajectory is continuously adjusted by the computer using the feedback from the one or more sensor.

Abstract: Dental systems and methods related to impressionless dental modeling. A dental modeling system includes a dental model base and a mounting plate. The dental model base includes a plate support surface and a plurality of pin receiving apertures formed in the support surface. The mounting plate includes a plate portion positioned on the plate support surface and a plurality of pins extending into the pin receiving apertures to provide removable attachment of the mounting plate to the dental model base. The plate portion includes a model support surface configured to support a model of a person's teeth. The model may be formed directly on the model support surface using an impressionless technique. The model may be formed separately using an impressionless technique and then bonded to the model support surface.

Abstract: A method of making a multilayer all-ceramic dental appliance. A first article can be formed of a first material based on a first digital surface representation having a desired outer shape of the dental appliance. A portion of the first article can be removed to form an outer layer comprising a cavity dimensioned to accommodate an inner layer. A second article can be formed by filling the cavity of the first article with a second material. The second article can be further processed, as desired. For example, a desired inner shape can be formed in the second article. Such a desired inner shape can be based on a second digital surface representation of a dental object configured to receive the dental appliance. At least one of the first article, the outer layer, and the second article can be fired, for example, while still being coupled to a support.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a dental prosthesis is disclosed. The method includes a first step of photographing a patient's mouth with a dental cone beam CT, a second step of converting CT data photographed at the first step into a CAD file, a third step of designing a shape of the dental prosthesis with the CAD file using CAD software, a fourth step of correcting the shape of the designed prosthesis using occlusion simulation software, a fifth step of converting the shape of the prosthesis which is designed finally into manufacturing data, and a sixth step of transmitting the manufacturing data to a dental prosthesis manufacturing machine, thus manufacturing the dental prosthesis.

Abstract: A plurality of non-adjustable mandibular repositioning devices (MRDs) providing incremental advancement are prescribed and manufactured for a patient. A patient's mouth and teeth and other areas may be measured and modeled, for example, using an intra-oral three-dimensional modeling method. A series of MRDs may be manufactured such that each MRD repositions the mandible a different amount. A patient uses the first MRD for a first period of time, and uses one or more of the remaining MRDs in succession to provide mandibular advancement. The series of MRDs are not adjusted or installed by a health professional, making each MRD usage less expensive.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and device for producing a dental component. The method includes: a) providing a piece of material attached to or held by a first holder; b) shaping the piece of material to form the dental component and at least one support pin maintaining the dental component attached to the first holder or the initial piece of material; c) engaging a second holder to the dental component while the dental component still is attached to the first holder or the initial piece of material via the at least one support pin; and d) removing the at least one support pin from the dental component while the dental component is engaged by the second holder.

Abstract: A fatigue-resistant Nitinol instrument has a working portion in the deformed monoclinic martensitic state and an austenite finish temperature in the range of 40° to 60° C. Because the operating environment of the instrument is about 37° C., the working portion remains in the monoclinic martensitic state during its use. The relatively high austenite finish temperature and fatigue resistance is achieved by subjecting the nickel-titanium alloy to a final thermal heat treat in a temperature range of about 410° to 440° C. while the nickel-titanium alloy is under constant strain of about 3 to 15 kg. Further, the high austenite finish temperature is achieved without subjecting the alloy to thermal cycling to produce shape memory. Additionally, there are no intermediate processing steps occurring between obtaining a finished diameter of the wire or blank through cold working and the final thermal heat treat under constant strain.

Abstract: Methods for making a layered dental appliance. Some methods can include providing a solid structure (e.g., a die or a dental core, such as a fully sintered ceramic dental core) having a desired outer shape, and applying a first slurry to the solid structure to form a first free form layer on the solid structure. The method can further include solidifying the first free form layer on the solid structure, and machining the solidified first free form layer to a desired shape to form a first article comprising the solid structure and a first shaped layer. The method can further include applying, solidifying, and machining a second layer in a similar way to form a second article comprising the solid structure, the first shaped layer, and a second shaped layer. In some methods, the free form layers are not exposed to a high temperature prior to being machined.

Abstract: A method of forming oral orthotic systems (100) to position and/or stabilize a mandible of a patient includes providing an upper dental member (20) adapted to be placed in connection with upper dentition of the patient, providing a lower dental member (30) adapted to be placed in connection with lower dentition of the patient and providing a plurality of posterior mounting structures (40). Each of the posterior mounting structure is adapted to be attached to one of the upper dental member or the lower dental member at a posterior, buccal position thereon. Each of the posterior mounting structures includes an extending member (42) which includes a plurality of positions (44) at which one of a plurality of connectors (50) is attachable to the extending member. Force may be applied to the mandible of the patient via at least one of a plurality of different mechanisms via attachment of a component of the mechanism (120) to at least one of the posterior mounting structures.

Abstract: Lithium silicate glass ceramics and glasses containing specific oxides of divalent elements are described which crystallize at low temperatures and are suitable in particular as dental materials.

Abstract: A method of producing an endodontic file that involves grinding in a plane substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of a rotating dental instrument blank. By grinding the dental instrument blank in this manner, the torsional strength of the resulting endodontic file is not eroded during its production, thereby providing a file that is less susceptible to breakage during its use.

Abstract: A dental implant for preventing elution of metal when applied within an oral cavity and preventing the occurrence of mismatching (bumpy occlusion or the like) when fixed in place, and its manufacturing method are provided. The abutment is manufactured through steps including molding a titanium molded body composition to obtain a titanium molded body, molding a ceramic molded body composition to obtain a ceramic molded body, assembling the titanium molded body and the ceramic molded body together to obtain an assembled body, degreasing the assembled body so that the titanium molded body becomes a titanium degreased body and the ceramic molded body becomes a ceramic degreased body, and sintering the assembled body to transform the titanium degreased body into a titanium member and to transform the ceramic degreased body into a ceramic member so that the titanium member and the ceramic member are firmly fixed and joined together.

Abstract: A method is for fabricating a device for injecting a filler material in the fluid phase into a root canal space, the device including an adapter nozzle, an auto-mixer connected to the adapter nozzle, an intra-oral injection nozzle positioned at the upper end of the auto-mixer. The method includes using a shape memory material to make the injection nozzle so as to be bendable according to a desired orientation. The method also includes arranging on the exterior surface of the injection nozzle, circular ribs defining a groove, and moulding the upper end of the auto-mixer in this groove so that the injection nozzle is lodged in position in the upper end while retaining a degree of freedom in rotation around its axis of symmetry, or one or multiple circular ribs parallel to each other.

Abstract: Dental prostheses may be manufactured based on electronic models of the prostheses. Manufacturing aids may be used to check manufacturing quality of the dental prosthesis and components thereof. For example, a jig may be used during and after the manufacture of the dental prostheses and systems and methods for using the same. A customized tooth die may be designed and fabricated to fit a dental prosthesis or components thereof in a jig for inspection. A customized jig may be designed and fabricated for inspecting a dental prosthesis or components thereof throughout the manufacturing process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clear aligner, a manufacturing method thereof, a traction device for a clear aligner, and an auxiliary tool for a traction device for a clear aligner. More particularly, the present invention relates to a clear aligner (10), a manufacturing method thereof, a traction device for a clear aligner, and an auxiliary tool (40) for a traction device for a clear aligner, wherein the clear aligner can improve orthodontic effects by increasing a correction force by traction of a clear aligner using an elastic band when it is impossible to correct teeth only with the clear aligner due to uneven teeth.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an inner structure as an insertion geometry and/or as a rotation lock of a ceramic implant or of a ceramic attachment element. Thereby, a rotating disc for removing ceramic material is advanced in an advance direction of the rotating disc perpendicular to the rotation axis of the disc, into a proximally accessible surface of the ceramic implant or into an end surface of a ceramic attachment element.

Abstract: A technique for fabricating a surgical splint for use in correcting a dental condition of a patient. The technique involves obtaining a three-dimensional digital model of lower and upper arch dentitions of the patient having the dental condition. Relative positions of the lower and upper arch dentitions are adjusted with respect to each other in the three-dimensional digital model using a computing device. A relative positioning structure is added to the three-dimensional digital model using the computing device. A physical model of the patient's corrected dentition is then generated from the three-dimensional digital model. The physical model includes the relative positioning structure that connects the lower and upper arch dentitions of the physical model at the adjusted relative position. The surgical splint is then formed using the physical model. A non-surgical splint is also described.

Abstract: Provided are customized archwires that facilitate wire insertion into fixed appliances and sliding mechanics during the course of orthodontic treatment. These archwires are harmonized with lingual appliances by modifying the archwire shape to alleviate the adverse effects of bends and archwire length discrepancy while maintaining the overall archwire shape. This in turn can be accomplished by selecting one or more segments of an archwire shape from a library, strategically adjusting arch length, performing morphing or smoothing operations on a wire configuration intended for final occlusion, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method (30) for manufacturing a dental superstructure or part thereof is provided. The method comprises the steps of (i) making (31) a dental imprint from the mouth of a subject; (ii) mounting (32) an analog in the imprint to obtain a working model; (iii) attaching (33) a screw channel directing device (10, 20), comprising a screw channel part (11, 21) and an implant cooperating part (12, 22), said screw channel part (11, 21) being tiltable in relation to the implant cooperating part (12, 22), to the working model; (iv) tilting (34) the screw channel part (11, 21) in relation to the implant cooperating part (12, 22) into a desired angle; (v) shaping a mold creating a master superstructure or part thereof onto the screw channel directing device (10, 20); (vi) forming (37) a mold based on the master superstructure or part thereof; and (vii) casting (38) or CAD/CAM shaping of the dental superstructure or part thereof. Embodiments of screw channel directing devices are also provided.

Abstract: A computer-based prosthodontic method is provided, for enabling a dental practitioner to define a finish line of a dental prosthesis of at least one tooth to be fitted over a tooth preparation. The method comprises the following steps: providing a three-dimensional (3D) digital data relating to the patient's dentition, the 3D data includes data representative of the surface topology of the preparation and its surroundings; generating first finish line data representative of at least a portion of the finish line and superimposing an image of the finish line on an image of the dentition; obtaining second finish line data determined on the basis of input received from a dental practitioner; and using the second finish line data to update the first finish line data and superimposing the updated data on the dentition image.