Preliminary Casting, Model, Or Trial Denture Patents (Class 433/213)
  • Publication number: 20150010880
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a dental model for removable insertion in a recess of a holder, which dental model has a referencing, comprising at least one tooth part having a base to be inserted into the recess, wherein the at least one tooth part is produced using digitized data of a jaw in that the digitized data are saved in a computer beforehand and supplied to a processing machine to produce the at least one tooth part. In order to ensure simple handling of the dental model and in particular to prevent faulty insertion of the dental model or segment, according to the invention the referencing is saved in the computer and, in consideration of the referencing, the at least one tooth part is produced as having the base as a unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Stefan Fecher, Andreas Gebhardt, Martin Haizmann, Heiner Horhold, Elmar Hock, Lothar Volkl
  • Patent number: 8926327
    Abstract: A unitary dental device constructed from a suitable thermoplastic or thermosetting material allowing the dental device to be heat molded by a dental practitioner sitting chair side to a patient. The dental device includes a single-piece, shell-like analog having the appearance of contoured, individual teeth. The dental device may also include a pair of posterior tooth extensions in order to create a custom buccal corridor specifically adapted for the patient. A connection bridge uniformly joins the proximal contact areas intermediate of adjacent teeth to form the unitary shell-like analog. The dental device may be temporarily affixed in the patient's mouth to allow both the patient and the dental practitioner to preview chair side the look of a final smile design with a fully-fabricated dental prosthesis. Once the patient and dentist are satisfied with the particular tooth selection and characterization, the dental prosthesis can be fabricated from the dental device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Global Dental Impression Trays, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph J. Massad
  • Patent number: 8926328
    Abstract: A placement jig for locating a dental implant analog in a physical model of a patient's mouth includes a base, a guide-strut receiving feature, a throughbore, and an angled receiving feature. The guide-strut receiving feature is positioned within the base and is configured to receive a guide-strut of the physical model thereby positioning a lower surface of the placement jig at a desired distance from an opening of a bore in the physical model. The throughbore receives a screw therethrough that engages the dental implant analog such that the dental implant analog, is removably coupled to the base. The angled receiving, feature is positioned about the throughbore on the lower surface of the base. The angled receiving feature includes a mating surface that is configured to abut a custom abutment positioned between the mating surface and the dental implant analog.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Biomet 3i, LLC
    Inventor: Zachary B. Suttin
  • Publication number: 20150004555
    Abstract: A mouthpiece includes first and second bodies over teeth of a user and connector between the bodies. The bodies comprise frames with a bite pad between upper and lower teeth. The bite pad is molded in the frames while in situ in the mouth. The frames, prior to having the bite pads in place are hollow spaces with spanning elements spaced from each other projecting into the hollow space between a top and a bottom of each of the frames. The material of the bodies and connector employ a durometer selectively between Shore A 40-45, and selectively the amount of material is between 4-6 grams for each of a first base putty and for a second catalyst putty for the making of the guard, in combination with the frame. At least one putty is of a first color and selectively the second putty is a same or different color to the first color, and at least one frame is selectively clear or colored, and at least one of the putties includes a flavoring or is flavorless.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: David Scott Frey, Scott Harold Wilson, Kyle Andrew Buzzard
  • Publication number: 20150004565
    Abstract: A 3D virtual model of an intra oral cavity in which at least a part of a finish line of a preparation is obscured is manipulated in virtual space by means of a computer or the like to create, recreate or reconstruct finish line data and other geometrical corresponding to the obscured part. Trimmed virtual models, and trimmed physical models, can then be created utilizing data thus created. The virtual models and/or the physical models may be used in the design and manufacture of copings or of prostheses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Avi Kopelman, Eldad Taub
  • Publication number: 20140356815
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to a dental prosthesis molding block for producing a dental prosthesis part, to a corresponding method for producing a dental prosthesis part, and to such a dental prosthesis part. The dental prosthesis molding block has a dentin zone, which is embedded into an enamel region, a boundary surface thus being formed. The boundary surface of the dentin zone has a first dentin surface, which is directed toward the labial surface of a first potential dental prosthesis part, and a second boundary surface for forming a second dentin surface, which is directed toward the labial surface of a second potential dental prosthesis part. The first and second dentin surfaces preferably have respective convex shapes, wherein the sizes and/or shapes of the two dentin surfaces preferably differ from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Jody Paul Spalt, Christian Borowski, Frank Becker
  • Patent number: 8897902
    Abstract: Methods for recognizing a virtual tooth surface, defining a virtual tooth coordinate system, and simulating a collision between virtual teeth are provided. Methods include receiving input data specifying a point on the rendered surface model associated with a tooth, deriving a perimeter on the surface model of the tooth, and analyzing the surface model along a plurality of paths outwardly extending from points on the perimeter. Methods also include receiving point input data, receiving axis input data that defines first and second axes associated with the virtual tooth, computing a substantially normal vector for a portion of the tooth surface surrounding the point, and computing a coordinate system. Methods also include receiving permissible movement input data directed to permissible movement of a first virtual tooth, bringing the first virtual tooth into contact with a second virtual tooth, and displaying data resulting from the simulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Peter See, Richard E. Raby, Nicholas A. Stark
  • Patent number: 8896592
    Abstract: Embodiments are provided for digital dental modeling. One method embodiment includes receiving a three-dimensional data set including a first jaw and a second jaw of a three-dimensional digital dental model and receiving a two-dimensional data set corresponding to at least a portion of the first jaw and the second jaw. The method includes mapping two-dimensional data of the two-dimensional data set to the three-dimensional digital dental model by transforming a coordinate system of the two-dimensional data to a coordinate system of the three-dimensional data set. The method includes positioning the first jaw with respect to the second jaw based on the two-dimensional data mapped to the three-dimensional data set. The method includes using at least a portion of the two-dimensional data mapped to the three-dimensional data set as a target of movement of the first jaw with respect to the second jaw in the three-dimensional digital dental model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Anatoliy Boltunov, Yury Brailov, Fedor Chelnokov, Roman Roschin, David Mason
  • Publication number: 20140319713
    Abstract: Casting jigs, methods, and kits that may be used in manufacture of anatomical healing caps. A casting jig may include a body having one or more wells within the body, each well being open at a proximal end thereof and having a negative shape corresponding to an anatomical healing cuff body of a given tooth position. The casting jig includes an opening through the bottom surface through which an elongate handle may be inserted, allowing a temporary abutment to be coupled into the distal end of the elongate handle, so that the abutment is disposed in the well, held in place by the handle, as it is used as a core about which the anatomical healing cuff body is formed. A crown forming jig for forming an inexpensive, chair-side prepared bis-acrylic temporary crown that may be easily and quickly installed over the anatomical healing cuff body is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Mark H. Blaisdell, Todd C. Liston
  • Publication number: 20140315153
    Abstract: Provided is a method in which a computational device generates a design of a negative mold of teeth. The negative mold of the teeth is fabricated from the design of the negative mold. An aligner is formed using the fabricated negative mold. Provided also is a negative mold of teeth for fabricating a positive model of the teeth for an aligner. The negative mold comprises a tooth surface, and an identity tracking entity coupled to the tooth surface to provide identification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Ian D. KITCHING, Hua ZHANG, Tuan A. DO, Kenneth A. PHELPS, Yi-Feng TSAI
  • Publication number: 20140290668
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a breathing device includes an oral appliance arch, a post, and first and second masks that are separately adjustable relative to the oral appliance arch. The first mask defines a first interior space and is configured to deliver gas to a user's nose when the first mask is connected to a gas delivery device. The second mask defines a second interior space and is configured to be adjustably secured to the post and to form a substantial seal around the user's oral cavity when pressed against a portion of the user's mouth. The post is coupled to the oral appliance arch and is configured to adjustably secure the first mask relative to the oral appliance arch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: W. Keith Thornton, Alastair McAuley
  • Patent number: 8845330
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for creating a physical teeth model. The method comprises the following steps: providing a virtual three dimensional (3D) representation of a patient's dentition that comprises at least a region of the teeth that includes a tooth stump on which a crown is to be fitted or a region on to which a bridge is to be fitted; and preparing a physical model of the jaws of a subject from a blank, based on information from said virtual 3D image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Cadent, Ltd.
    Inventors: Eldad Taub, Avi Kopelman
  • Patent number: 8845327
    Abstract: A casting abutment for a dental implant comprising: an apical socket portion, a transition portion bordering coronally on the socket portion, an occlusal portion bordering coronally on the transition portion and having an apical lower rim, wherein the occlusal portion, starting from its lower rim, is provided on its peripheral surface with an area having indentations, whose crests face the transition portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Straumann Holding AG
    Inventors: Marcel Schlüssel, Holger Kast, Fabian Schwieder
  • Publication number: 20140272801
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a three-dimensional model of at least a part of a jaw in order to produce a dental prosthesis, wherein a laboratory implant is arranged in a recess of the model, a cylindrical or conical recess being produced in the model according to the method, the laboratory implant being inserted into the recess in order to position the laboratory implant on the model, wherein the recess is produced with a single or multiple rotational symmetry about the longitudinal axis of the recess, and a laboratory implant is used that has the same rotational symmetry at least in certain areas and thus fits into the recess, or a counter thread mating with a thread on the lab implant is produced in the recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Norbert Ueberück
  • Publication number: 20140272797
    Abstract: The present invention includes apparatuses and methods for making a final hybrid prosthesis to be attached to one or more dental implants. One preferred method includes the step of making a temporary hybrid prosthesis and at about the same time also making a duplicate temporary hybrid prosthesis. The duplicate temporary hybrid prosthesis permits the final hybrid prosthesis to be made with fewer visits to a restorative dentist and with less dental laboratory time than is currently needed when making a final hybrid prosthesis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Biomet 3i, LLC
    Inventor: Anthony James Prestipino
  • Publication number: 20140255873
    Abstract: A method of creating implant-supported dentures without physical impressions is provided. Digital impressions may be obtained from scanning the oral cavity, its structures, landmarks, and implant positions. These scans together provide a highly accurate, digital model from which a digital patient model may be designed. Digital denture designs may be reproduced as denture shapes by automated manufacturing processes, and an implant-supported denture may be manufactured therefrom. Methods form making a try-in denture and a final implant-supported denture are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: James R. Glidewell Dental Ceramics, Inc.
    Inventors: Grant Stewart Bullis, Shawn Andrews Ramirez, Zachary Richard Dalmau
  • Patent number: 8830309
    Abstract: A hierarchical pattern matching process is improved for use in three-dimensional reconstruction by calculating a disparity field for low-resolution data, and using this low-resolution disparity field to estimate the disparity field for higher-resolution images. By pre-warping a template according to the estimated disparity field, improved correlation results can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Janos Rohaly, Ilya A. Kriveshko
  • Patent number: 8824764
    Abstract: A method for capturing the shape of a dento-maxillofacial object out of volumetric image data of the dento-maxillofacial object is described. The method includes performing a segmentation of the volumetric image data with at least one calculated segmentation parameter indicative of the distinction between the dento-maxillofacial object and its background and derived from a calibration procedure. The method further includes capturing the shape of the dento-maxillofacial object from the segmented volumetric image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Medicim N.V.
    Inventors: Wouter Mollemans, Veerle Wouters, Filip Schutyser
  • Publication number: 20140227656
    Abstract: Disclosed are: a kit and a method for the instant in-office fabrication of a surgical guide. The kit comprises of: a dental model laser aligner, self-adhesive partitioning dental stickers, telescopic composed drilling tubes and radiopaque rods. The method comprises: producing a dental cast model from an edentulous patient's jaw; partitioning the edentulous space with the aid of self-adhesive partitioning dental stickers; producing a radiopaque marker appliance for a radiographic visualisation; planning on the sagital and panoramic views of the CT; aligning the dental cast model in the dental model laser aligner, bringing the dental cast model into a new position which makes a vertical being in the osteotomy direction. The final step comprises: inserting the telescopic composed drilling tube and molding a base plate resulting a surgical guide with the telescopic composed drilling tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventor: Zvi Fudim
  • Publication number: 20140186796
    Abstract: A placement jig for locating a dental implant analog in a physical model of a patient's mouth includes a base, a guide-strut receiving feature, a throughbore, and an angled receiving feature. The guide-strut receiving feature is positioned within the base and is configured to receive a guide-strut of the physical model thereby positioning a lower surface of the placement jig at a desired distance from an opening of a bore in the physical model. The throughbore receives a screw therethrough that engages the dental implant analog such that the dental implant analog, is removably coupled to the base. The angled receiving, feature is positioned about the throughbore on the lower surface of the base. The angled receiving feature includes a mating surface that is configured to abut a custom abutment positioned between the mating surface and the dental implant analog.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: BIOMET 3I, LLC
    Inventor: Zachary B. Suttin
  • Patent number: 8758015
    Abstract: The present invention provides a healing abutment for attachment to a dental implant with marking locations thereon. The marking locations either lack or have markers that provide a binary code system for retrieving unique information about the healing abutment and the underlying implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Biomet 3i, LLC
    Inventors: John T. Amber, Stephan S. Porter, Theodore M. Powell
  • Publication number: 20140170591
    Abstract: A dental arch model and method for making the same is shown and described. The dental arch model includes a connector having opposite ends that connect to a respective one of the arch legs. The connector has a three-dimensional shape but does not include a surface that is both planar and parallel to the base of the arch connector along more than two thirds of the arch connector's length. In certain examples, the connector is in the shape of a prism or a trapezoid. In other examples, the connector has an upper surface that is sloped relative to the base of the arch connector. The arch connector may also include a plurality of fluid passageways for allowing fluid flow from an interior area between the inner walls of the arch connector to a location outside of the connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Global Filtration Systems, a dba of Gulf Filtration Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Ali El-Siblani
  • Patent number: 8753119
    Abstract: A mounting method of dental cast is disclosed. The mounting method includes the steps of providing an articulator and a label module having at least a label and at least a reference object, generating a label coordinate information in accordance with the reference object and the label, providing a midface and mandible image information and generating a landmark coordinate information in accordance with a plurality of landmarks of the midface and mandible image information, generating a structure coordinate information in accordance with a plurality of structures of the articulator and the label, disposing a first dental cast connected with the label module on the articulator, and providing a detecting device to detect the label and adjust the position of the first dental cast in accordance with the midface and mandible image information, the label coordinate information, and the structure coordinate information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: National Cheng Kung University
    Inventors: Jing-Jing Fang, Tung-Yiu Wong, Chia-Chang Tsai, Tai-Hong Kuo
  • Patent number: 8753114
    Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a method for forming a dental mold. The method generally includes: (a) scanning an existing dental structure to generate a three-dimensional first digital model of the existing dental structure, (b) modifying the first digital model of the existing dental structure to generate a three-dimensional second digital model of a planned dental structure; (c) generating a three-dimensional third digital model corresponding to a negative of the second digital model; (d) digitally sectioning the third digital model into at least one buccal model portion and at least one lingual model portion of the third digital model; and (e) creating a dental mold comprising at least one buccal mold portion and at least one lingual mold portion based on the sectioned third digital model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventor: William C. Vuillemot
  • Publication number: 20140162214
    Abstract: A method of creating a dental restoration is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes obtaining a first 3D model of at least a portion of a first dental item including a margin curve, attaching the first dental item to the patient's existing dental structure within the oral cavity, obtaining a second 3D model of at least the first dental item while the first dental item is attached to the patient's existing dental structure, producing a third 3D model of at least the first dental item by aligning the first 3D model to the second 3D model, identifying the margin curve on the third 3D model, producing a fourth 3D model of a virtual dental item using the identified margin curve of the third 3D model, producing a second dental item from the fourth 3D model, and attaching the second dental item to the first dental item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: D4D Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Curtis E. Jansen, Henley S. Quadling, Mark S. Quadling, Gary L. Severance
  • Patent number: 8747110
    Abstract: An orthognathic planning system applied with at least a dental cast includes an articulator, a detecting device, at least a label module and a data processing device. The dental cast is mounted on the articulator. The detecting device is disposed with respect to the articulator. The label module has at least a label and is disposed on the dental cast. The data processing device is signally connected with the detecting device and stores midface and mandible image data. The detecting device traces the label and provides position data, and the data processing device provides orthognathic planning data in accordance with the position data and the midface and mandible image data. The present invention also discloses an orthognathic planning method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: National Cheng Kung University
    Inventors: Jing-Jing Fang, Tung-Yiu Wong, Tung-Chin Wu, Tai-Hong Kuo
  • Publication number: 20140124969
    Abstract: Casting jigs, methods, and kits that may be used in manufacture of anatomical healing caps. A casting jig may include a body having one or more wells within the body, each well being open at a proximal end thereof and having a negative shape corresponding to an anatomical healing cuff body of a given tooth position. Each respective anatomical healing cuff body negative shape includes an asymmetrical cross-section and an irregular surface so that an anatomical healing cuff body having said shape is configured to provide substantially custom filling of at least an emergence portion of a void where a natural tooth once emerged or should have emerged from the void (e.g., in the case of a congenitally missing tooth). The casting jig may further include a socket at a distal end of each well that is configured to receive therein a dental implant or dental implant analog.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventors: Mark H. Blaisdell, Todd C. Liston
  • Publication number: 20140106307
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for producing a dental and/or bone prosthesis for a dentition having a defect, comprising: determining the left and right direction point and an induction point of the upper jaw as three cranial reference points of the upper jaw and determining the left and right direction point and an induction point of the lower jaw as three cranial reference points of the lower jaw; creating a model of the defective dentition, one model half produced for the upper jaw and one model half produced for the lower jaw; identifying the three cranial reference points of the upper jaw on the upper jaw model half and identifying the three cranial reference points of the lower jaw on the lower jaw model half; arranging and fixing the upper jaw model half and the lower jaw model half relative to one another; forming the dental and/or bone prosthesis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Tridenta Dentaltechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Frank JASPER, Viola ILLMER, Michael KRISCHOLLEK
  • Patent number: 8690574
    Abstract: A method of placing a dental implant analog in a physical model for use in creating a dental prosthesis is provided. The physical model, which is usually based on an impression of the patient's mouth or a scan of the patient's mouth, is prepared. The model is scanned. A three-dimensional computer model of the physical model is created and is used to develop the location of the dental implant. A robot then modifies the physical model to create an opening for the implant analog. The robot then places the implant analog within the opening at the location dictated by the three-dimensional computer model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Biomet 3i, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Berckmans, III, Zachary B. Suttin, Dan P. Rogers, T. Tait Robb, Alexis C. Goolik
  • Patent number: 8667971
    Abstract: A spacing member can be positioned between teeth of the athlete to obtain a desired position between the upper and lower jaw. At least one bite registration can be recorded while the lower jaw is in the desired position. The desired position can range from the physiological resting position, to a performance position, in which the lower jaw is positioned anteriorly in relation to the physiological resting position. The mouthpiece can be formed to include a pair of bite portions configured to substantially space apart and position the jaws generally according to the desired position, and a connecting portion can connect the bite portions within the mouth. The connecting portion may extend labially along the anterior teeth and associated gum region of the lower jaw, and may be sized and shaped to substantially lie out of the way so as to not impede speech of the athlete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Nova Scotia Limited
    Inventors: Anil Kumar Makkar, Trevor Robert Laingchild, Preston Joseph Dokuchie, Joseph Youssif Andary, Kris Shailer Astaphan, Deryl Dangstorp
  • Publication number: 20140051037
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for providing a model of a superstructure joining a denture and a corresponding dental arch, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining a first 3D representation of at least a part of a preliminary model of the denture, obtaining a second 3D representation of at least a part of the dental arch comprising dental implants, and generating a model of a superstructure based on the first 3D representation, the second 3D representation, dental implant positions and dental implant orientations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventor: Rune Fisker
  • Publication number: 20140051038
    Abstract: A method of creating a 3-D anatomic digital model for determining a desired location for placing at least one dental implant in a patient's mouth. The method comprises the act of obtaining a first dataset associated with hard tissue of the patient's mouth. The method further comprises the act of obtaining a second dataset associated with soft tissue of the patient's mouth. The method further comprises the act of combining the first dataset and the second dataset to create a detailed structure of hard tissue and soft tissue having variable dimensions over the hard tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: BIOMET 3I, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Berckmans, III, Zachary B. Suttin
  • Publication number: 20140038135
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for manufacturing a physical dental model. A virtual model is provided representative of at least a portion of the intra-oral cavity including at least one dental implant implanted therein, and the virtual model includes a virtual portion representative of each dental implant. The virtual spatial disposition of each such virtual portion is determined with respect to the virtual model, corresponding to a real spatial disposition of the respective implant with respect to the intra oral cavity. A physical model is then manufactured based on the virtual model, the physical model including a physical analog corresponding to each implant at a respective physical spatial disposition with respect to the physical model corresponding to the respective virtual spatial disposition of the respective virtual portion with respect to the first virtual model as already determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: CADENT LTD.
    Inventor: Avi Kopelman
  • Publication number: 20140032183
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of generating and modifying a virtual model of a set of teeth, where the method provides that a restoration can be inserted into a physical model of the set of teeth manufactured from the virtual model of the set of teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: 3SHAPE A/S
    Inventors: Rune Fisker, Sven Nonboe
  • Patent number: 8639477
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for modeling a complete tooth of a patient to facilitate dental and/or orthodontic treatment. The method includes generating a first set of digital data representing a clinical crown; generating a second set of digital data representing a plurality of digital tooth models of a particular tooth type each having a first parameterization; processing the second set of digital data to obtain a third set of digital data representing an average tooth model of the particular tooth type having a second parameterization which is less than the first parameterization; fitting the third set of digital data to the first set of digital data to create a set of digital data representing an interim tooth model; and morphing the set of digital data representing the interim tooth model to substantially mimic the anatomical shape of the clinical crown of the first set of digital data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Fedor Chelnokov, Roman A. Roschin, Petr Ushanov
  • Patent number: 8636513
    Abstract: Systems and methods produce a physical base for receiving physical tooth models by receiving position information for the physical tooth models on the physical base and machining first features on a base plate in accordance with the position information to produce the physical base, wherein the first features are configured to receive the physical tooth models.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Huafeng Wen
  • Patent number: 8628327
    Abstract: Casting jigs, methods, and kits that may be used in manufacture of anatomical healing caps. A casting jig may include a body having one or more wells within the body, each well being open at a proximal end thereof and having a negative shape corresponding to an anatomical healing cuff body of a given tooth position. Each respective anatomical healing cuff body negative shape includes an asymmetrical cross-section and an irregular surface so that an anatomical healing cuff body having said shape is configured to provide substantially custom filling of at least an emergence portion of a void where a natural tooth once emerged or should have emerged from the void (e.g., in the case of a congenitally missing tooth). The casting jig may further include a socket at a distal end of each well that is configured to releasably receive therein a dental implant or dental implant analog.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Inventors: Mark H. Blaisdell, Todd C. Liston
  • Patent number: 8624167
    Abstract: A device for making a muffle, with which dental restoration parts can be produced with the aid of an embedding compound, at least one press blank and a pressing device, the device having a muffle base, a tubular sleeve surrounding the muffle base and at least one muffle insert which is arranged on the muffle base and can be separated from it. At least two cylindrical press-channel forming elements (16, 18, 20) extend parallel to one another and spaced apart from one another from a flat-formed portion of the muffle insert (12), which can be burned out at least with respect to the forming elements, which elements are formed in a closed manner, and in particular with thin walls, at least on one free end face opposite from the flat-formed portion (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Ivoclar Vivadent AG
    Inventor: Diethard Bertsch
  • Publication number: 20130330689
    Abstract: A method for producing a three-dimensional model of a region of a jaw for producing a dental restoration includes fully-automatic shaping of a recess for accommodating a laboratory analogue into the alveolar ridge of the model. Three-dimensional scanning data is used in the shaping and the depth, position, and orientation of the recess are shaped such that the crestal end of the laboratory analogue inserted into the recess coincides with the crestal end of the dental implant in the jaw of a patient. The method may also include fully-automatic shaping of a vestibular, lingual or palatinal feed-through through the model into the recess, wherein the three-dimensional scanning data are used in the shaping and the feed-through is arranged such that the crestal end of a laboratory analogue coincides with the crestal end of the dental implant in the jaw of the patient, when the laboratory analogue is fixed in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Yohannes WOLDEGERGIS, Stefan HORMANN, Helmut REDEMANN, Uwe BOEHM
  • Publication number: 20130316296
    Abstract: A method for producing a patient-specific pad (3) for a modular bracket (1) having a pad (3) and a bracket body (7), which comprises the steps: P1 a) providing a pad material section, which preferably is plane, b) providing a punch having at least one punching stamp for punching out at least one raw pad (5) from the pad material section, c) punching out of at least one raw pad (5) from the pad material section by means of the punch, d) generating a patient-specific set-up, in particular made of plaster, of the teeth to be treated of an upper jaw and/or of a lower jaw of a patient, e) selecting a raw pad (5) from the raw pad library (19) for each of the patient's teeth to be treated, f) filling a gap (27) between the raw pad (5) and the corresponding tooth in the set-up using a filling material, especially of plastic, in order to produce for the pad (3) a tooth-specific glued surface (3K) allow for a form fit to the clinical tooth of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: DW LINGUAL SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventors: Hoang Viet-Ha Julius Vu, Dirk Wiechmann
  • Patent number: 8577493
    Abstract: A virtual model of an intraoral cavity is provided, wherein this process is initialized by a dental clinic, and the design and manufacture of a suitable dental prosthesis for the intraoral cavity is shared between a dental lab and a service center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Eldad Taub, Avi Kopelman
  • Publication number: 20130216980
    Abstract: A dental model and related systems and methods, including a first component representing a portion of a patient's jaw and a second component that is demountably attachable to the first component, and a second component representing a dental structure of interest, such as the remaining portion of a tooth or a dental implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventors: Allen R. Boronkay, Avi Kopelman, Srinivas Kaza
  • Patent number: 8506297
    Abstract: A dental modal for making a dental prosthesis has a base body formed with model teeth and model gingiva and with a cutout in an edentate area and with a hole in a floor of the cutout. A plate is releasably fittable complementarily in the cutout and is formed with a hole aligned with the hole of the cutout. A gingiva mask is fittable on the plate in the cutout and is in turn formed with a hole aligned with the holes of the plate and of the cutout. A model implant insert is releasably fittable in the holes of the mask, plate, and cutout and carries a model implant or an implant-screw mockup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: DREVE ProDiMed GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Klare, Markus Kaiser, Frank Gischer
  • Patent number: 8491306
    Abstract: In general, the invention relates to techniques for registering a three-dimensional (3D) coordinate system of a physical model of a patient's tooth structure to a 3D coordinate system of a virtual model of the same tooth structure. Techniques are described to register the complex geometries of the physical and virtual tooth structures by using a known physical characteristic of a pedestal associated with the physical model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Richard E. Raby, James D. Cleary, Oliver L. Puttler
  • Patent number: 8478435
    Abstract: A digital data set representing a pre-scanned tooth geometry, including generic crown data, is merged with data representing a scanned patient tooth crown image, which lacks sufficient data to completely represent a complete tooth crown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Kuo, Vadim Matov, Jihua Cheng
  • Patent number: 8459995
    Abstract: A pinless dental articulator includes a work tray, a retention pocket, and a monorail formed by a plurality of upwardly tapering cylinders which allow jelly or stone to slide out of the retention pocket when the work tray is turned upside down. The work tray has a ledge which stabilizes a rotatable arm that retains the jelly or stone in the retention pocket. A method of using the articulator includes the steps of installing the locking arm onto the stabilizing ledge of the work tray, rotating the locking arm into a closed position on the stabilizing ledge, pouring jelly into the retention pocket, installing a height-adjusting post in the work tray, tightening a fastener against the post in order to keep the post in an upright position, and placing a small tray with at least one negative tooth impression on top of the jelly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: Ilya Aronov
  • Patent number: 8454364
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for creating a physical teeth model. The method comprises the following steps: providing a virtual three dimensional (3D) representation of a patient's dentition that comprises at least a region of the teeth that includes a tooth stump on which a crown is to be fitted or a region on to which a bridge is to be fitted; and preparing a physical model of the jaws of a subject from a blank, based on information from said virtual 3D image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Cadent Ltd.
    Inventors: Eldad Taub, Avi Kopelman
  • Patent number: 8457772
    Abstract: Presented herein are methods and devices for designing dental components, such as physical models of a patient's anatomy, crowns and bridges. An operator of a prosthetic designing system can receive information, such as from a scanner, which provides information on the topology of the patient's dentition. The operator can use this information to design a custom prosthetic to fit the patient. Part of the designing process involves using a finish line defined for a preparation as a segmentation line for a physical die corresponding to the preparation, and using a path of draw line as an insertion axis line for a dental prosthetic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Biocad Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: David Giasson, Philippe-Armand Laberge, Marc Bedard, Urban Nilsson, Per-Olof Karlsson, Anna Persson
  • Publication number: 20130130202
    Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a method for forming a dental mold. The method generally includes: (a) scanning an existing dental structure to generate a three-dimensional first digital model of the existing dental structure, (b) modifying the first digital model of the existing dental structure to generate a three-dimensional second digital model of a planned dental structure; (c) generating a three-dimensional third digital model corresponding to a negative of the second digital model; (d) digitally sectioning the third digital model into at least one buccal model portion and at least one lingual model portion of the third digital model; and (e) creating a dental mold comprising at least one buccal mold portion and at least one lingual mold portion based on the sectioned third digital model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventor: William C. Vuillemot
  • Patent number: 8442283
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods and systems for generating a color-textured three-dimensional dental model that is specific to a patient. According to one embodiment, generating a patient-specific color-textured three-dimensional dental model can comprise obtaining a three-dimensional dental model of a patient. For example, obtaining the three-dimensional dental model can comprise obtaining volumetric image data of a dentition of the patient and generating the three-dimensional dental model based on the volumetric image data. Two-dimensional intra-oral image data of the patient can also be obtained. For example, obtaining the two-dimensional intra-oral image data can comprise obtaining a plurality of photographs. The patient-specific color-textured three-dimensional dental model can be generated based on the three-dimensional dental model and the two-dimensional intra-oral image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Anatomage Inc.
    Inventor: Woncheol Choi