Abstract: A method for fabricating a dental prosthesis during a single office visit includes: scanning a template that is representative of at least a portion of a patient's intra-oral anatomy to create a computer aided design (CAD) model of the template; manipulating the CAD model of the template to design a base for the dental prosthesis having a plurality of recesses shaped to receive teeth; fabricating the base from the manipulated CAD model; and securing prosthetic teeth in the recesses of the fabricated base.

Abstract: Methods are provided for computer-based planning of a dental restorative procedure of a patient having a craniooral space and/or of at least one dental component for the dental restorative procedure. Certain methods include determining a first spatial position of a first boundary surface, in the craniooral space, of a first dental unit of a dental restoration; determining a second spatial position of a second boundary surface, in the craniooral space remote the first boundary surface, of a second dental unit of the dental restoration; and determining a third spatial position of at least a portion of the at least one dental component relative at least one of the first and second spatial positions.

Abstract: Pre-surgical planning for cranial and facial reconstruction includes preparing a computer generated jaw or skull model for determining a locational position for a dental implant, a surgical bone implant to repair missing bone in the cranium, install ear prostheses, and/or install nose prostheses. The computer generated jaw or skull model is made from medical imagery and computer aided design. A surgical guide is prepared with oversize holes in registration with analogs for the dental or surgical bone implants to be inserted in the jaw or cranial skull model. The surgical guide is fitted atop each analog, and bonded to the jaw or skull model at a predetermined angle of the analog in the jaw or skull. The surgical guide is removed and attached to the jaw or skull of a patient for accurate drilling for insertion of the implants into the jaw or skull of the patient.

Abstract: A dental model kit includes a set of dowel pins for successive use with at least one tooth die that is part of the dental model kit. Each dowel pin includes an upstanding tooth anchor section that is configured to be fixedly attached to the tooth die; and a main body section having a top surface from which the tooth anchor section extends. The main body section is for reception within a base of the dental model kit. According to the present invention, a location of the tooth anchor section relative to the top surface changes from an initial position associated with an initial pin that is part of the set to a final position associated with a final pin that is part. Successive movement of the tooth anchor section is translated into successive movement of the tooth die both in a desired direction and a desired distance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recording medium a method and an apparatus for generating virtual teeth and recording media storing a program performing the method. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for generating virtual teeth includes (a) acquiring a tooth image having three-dimensional information from teeth including a damaged tooth; (b) determining an image of a virtual tooth to be inserted into a position of the damaged tooth in a tooth image library having predetermined three-dimensional information and inserting the determined virtual tooth image into the acquired tooth image; and (c) modifying the virtual tooth image by considering tooth images positioned at upper and lower sides or right and left sides of the virtual tooth image. According to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to produce a prosthesis most suitable for the state of patient's teeth only once and an operator can minimize post-processing of the produced prosthesis.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a method may include mapping an ellipse with its center at the origin of an xy-coordinate plane to a circle with its center at the origin of the xy-coordinate plane. The method may also include transforming a three-dimensional subject image including a curved profile in the xy-coordinate plane to an intermediate image based at least on the mapping of the ellipse to a base circle. The method may further include transforming the intermediate image to a transformed image having a linear profile by distorting each of one or more points of interest of the intermediate image based at least on a dimension of the circle and a coordinate of such point.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method for increasing the speed in setting artificial teeth in full dentures or dental prostheses, the method comprising providing premade tooth segments, the premade tooth segments comprising at least one tooth that may be preset into a gingival roll manufactured with either the individual teeth connected together in the gingival roll or by a mid-tooth connection at the mesial and distal surfaces (the sides of a tooth) of each tooth in the segment; setting the premade tooth segments into a wax bite rim; fitting the wax bite rim to the patient's mandibular or maxillary arch; and curing the wax bite rim. Another aspect of the disclosure includes a method for individualizing the denture or dental prosthesis whereby the incisors can be manipulated to create a personal and natural appearance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blank arrangement, with a blank (12) that is to be machined, in particular for the production of dental restoration parts. The blank is connected to a holder (16), which is fixedly connected to the blank (12), and to an adapter (22), which releasably bears the holder (16) and the blank (12), the adapter (22) having an effective surface by means of which the blank unit can be mounted in or on the work holding fixture of a machining device.

Abstract: Modeling pontics at successive treatment stages includes: (1) calculating space measurements between first and second teeth by getting first and second tooth transformations at a treatment stage i; (2) applying the first and second tooth transformations to get positions of the first and second teeth at the stage i; (3) calculating a direction vector of the space measurements at the stage i; (4) calculating a reference plane using the direction vector as a normal; (5) determining whether the space is available for a pontic by measuring the distance from the closest point on each of the first and second teeth to the reference plane; (6) generating an original pontic geometry for a first treatment stage; and (7) generating pontic geometries at each successive stage by calculating deformation parameters based on the original pontic geometry and size characteristics of the space and of the first and second teeth at each stage.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming an accurate stone cast from an impression of a body region, used for the purpose of prosthetic fabrication, such as dental crowns and artificial eyes and hearing aids. The initial step with this unique method is to first acquire a suitable amount of dental stone catalyst. One type of a suitable stone catalyst is calcium sulfate dihydrate. The dental stone catalyst is engaged onto the internal surface of the impression. This catalyst, placed in the area between impression material and stone, will act to hasten the initial setting of wet, mixed dental stone that is in closest proximity to the impression. The result is a stratified set of the stone. Setting of the wet, mixed dental stone occurs first at the impression/stone interface. The mixed stone better resists distortion upon setting and the resultant set stone cast is more accurate.

Abstract: A method and a dental implant treatment planning and surgical guide design system based on a full anatomy model (FAM). A FAM consists of models for bones, teeth, and nerves, and a virtual stone model. A virtual stone model is not only a surface model of the soft tissue and tooth surfaces of a patient, but also a color map of tissue thickness data. It also contains the insert direction of a surgical guide. The treatment planning and surgical guide system uses the full anatomy model as a unique reference throughout the workflow. Its implant placement, restoration preview and surgical guide design are all based on the anatomy model.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved methods and apparatus for recording and simulating the condylar movement of an individual. This invention also provides a dental articulator which is designed to simulate the jaw or condylar movements of a patient. This instrument enables a dentist to obtain the necessary diagnostic information for treatment of the occlusal irregularities, such as malocclusion, and the fabrication of dental cast or “dentures”.

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.

Abstract: For proper fitness of a core portion of an abutment to a patient, a wax model base for an abutment of a dental implant includes an engagement portion 1 engaging with an implant fixture analog embedded in a gypsum model without rotation, a truncated conical portion 2, a building portion 4 provided directly on an inner peripheral edge of a ring-like first stepped portion 3, which is provided on an oral cavity inner side of the truncated conical portion 2, or through a cylindrical portion 4a having a low height to have a conical shape expanding toward the oral cavity inner side and have a cutoff portion 5 on an outer peripheral surface, a cylindrical portion 7 provided on an inner peripheral edge of a ring-like second stepped portion 6 provided on the building portion 4, and a screw hole 8 along a center axis of the base.

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.

Abstract: A method is set forth for making a computer model of patient's jaws, face, teeth and removable dentures on the basis of digital information. Three dimensional digital data about the soft tissues, artificial teeth, supporting bone and position of nerves is combined in a virtual computer model to create an aesthetic and functional plan for the creation of surgical drill guides and the creation of new dentures and teeth. A key component of this method, the accurate positioning of dental casts in a physical articulator, is simplified using three dimensional virtual and physical measurements and movements. Surgical guides used to position dental implants are manufactured using computer milling, layered manufacturing or conventional laboratory techniques with the aid of mechanical tools that reproduce the position of the dental cast or digitally produced replica in the same orientation to the virtual implant position.

Abstract: A dental model articulator of the type that has separable complementary articulation members is connected to a registration object having compatible complementary articulation members. The dental arches of each dental model articulator half is scanned with the reference object to give the axis of the articulator model. This facilitates generating a virtual dental model.

Abstract: A method of preparing a dental framework or mathematical model thereof includes creating a replica of a patient's mouth or a framework to be inserted into the patient's mouth, electronically scanning the replica or framework, electronically determining a surface model of a dental framework and manufacturing the framework.

Abstract: A procedure for creating a dental prosthetic includes registering three-dimensional (3D) dental impression image data of a tooth restoration site and 3D x-ray image data of the tooth restoration site, and removing image data corresponding to soft tissue in the tooth restoration site from the 3D dental impression image data. A system for producing a dental prosthetic includes at least one processor operable to register 3D dental impression image data of a tooth restoration site and 3D x-ray image data of the tooth restoration site and remove image data corresponding to soft tissue in the tooth restoration site from the 3D dental impression image data.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided for accurately characterizing a tooth's movement. One method embodiment includes associating an abnormal tooth shape with a model tooth shape from a reference library of model tooth shapes, mapping a predefined dental reference from the model tooth shape onto at least a portion of the abnormal tooth shape, and adding a location of the predefined dental reference to the abnormal tooth shape based on the mapped predefined dental reference from the model tooth shape.

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.

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.

Abstract: A process for creating a dental model to avoid periodontal defects during planned dental work includes obtaining CT scan data and optical scan data of a patient's dentition and integrating the CT scan data and the optical scan data by at least one of surface to surface registration, registration of radiographic markers, and registration of optical markers of known dimensions, to produce a dental model that includes the dentition and underlying bone and root structures. The process then segments anatomic sites of the tooth roots and underlying bone. A plan for the dental work is then generated based on the segmented anatomic sites, whereby the plan avoids periodontal defects based on the knowledge of the anatomic sites of the roots and underlying cortical bones in the dental model.

Abstract: A digital data set representing a pre-scanned tooth geometry, including digital data representing a digitally-mirrored contralateral digital tooth model including a crown component, is merged with data representing a scanned patient tooth crown image which lacks sufficient data to completely represent a complete tooth crown to create a complete digital tooth crown model.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for planning and/or delivering an oral or facial endosseous implantation in a patient are described. In certain embodiments, systems according to the invention include a processing module; a bone imaging module that communicates bone data about the patient to the processing module; a surface imaging module that communicates surface data about the patient to the processing module; and the processing module processes the bone data and the surface data into an output that includes three-dimensional (3-D) representation data indicative of at least one of an oral structure and a facial structure of the patient. In certain embodiments, a system includes a fabrication module that produces a physical model based on the 3-D representation data and indicating a planned location of an endosseous implant. In certain embodiments, a system includes a surgical module that guides implantation of an endosseous implant based on the 3-D representation data.

Abstract: The system, object of the invention consists of a unit for scanning a mould produced from the sample from a patient's mouth, an image which is sent to digital generation equipment of a removable dental prosthesis, producing a file that is transmitted to metal piece manufacturing equipment by means of sintered powder applying a high-energy ray. The design stages consist of the relief of the mould, the calculation of the insertion axis, the paralleling of the teeth, designing of the elements or components of the prosthesis such as lattice, clamp, stop, major connector, minor connector, bristle, pearls, lingual bars, extrusion of the different elements designed, smoothing of the sharp edges, elimination of the superpositions of the different elements designed and conversion of a closed continuous connected surface to a three-dimensional one.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implant analog for placing in a jaw model for modeling a dental prosthesis by means of the jaw model. Said analog comprises a sleeve extending in an axial direction and comprising an axial inner bore having an internal thread for threading in a fastening screw for fastening a post to the implant analog, wherein the post is provided for fastening a dental prosthesis. According to the invention, the sleeve comprises a self-tapping external thread for threading in the implant analog into a jaw model. The invention further relates to a method for applying such implant analogs and an implant system having such implant analogs.

Abstract: A dental positioning stent for drilling an implant hole and a manufacturing method, a using method and components for the same are provided. The manufacturing method includes: slicing a tooth mold and a false tooth model along a preset slice plane; fixing two markers in the preset slice plane on two sides of the false tooth model respectively; covering the markers and the false tooth model with a shaping agent to form a positioning stent; putting the positioning stent on the teeth in a mouth to perform tomography imaging to acquire a slice image of the preset slice plane; mounting a positioning aid having a positioning hole in the positioning stent according to the slice image pasted up on the tooth mold to guide an initial drill. A dental positioning stent for tomography imaging, and a manufacturing method, a using method, and components thereof are provided.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a ceramic molded part from a suspension/dispersion with a solids content and a fluid content by depositing solids content at the periphery of a porous self-supporting support that is at least partially immersed in the suspension/dispersion and has the same shape as the molded part to be prepared, but with a reduced size, wherein: the solids content contains oxide-ceramic particles; the porous self-supporting support is detachably connected with a discharge in a zone that is not immersed in the suspension/dispersion; the suspension/dispersion is moved towards the porous self-supporting support by means of a positive pressure difference between a pressure prevailing in the suspension/dispersion and a pressure prevailing in the discharge; wherein the fluid content of the suspension/dispersion enters in the porous self-supporting support with depositing solids content at the periphery of the porous self-supporting support.

Abstract: This invention introduces an oral-dental anatomy modeling method and an implant treatment planning system based on a full anatomy model (FAM). Dental Implant Treatment Planning systems place implants on 2D slices of DICOM files, and sometimes on 3D models of bones and remaining teeth. Because the final look and feel of implants and restorations depend on how well they go along with the remaining teeth and soft tissues, treatment planning without tissue model presents safety and aesthetics risks. A FAM consists of models for bones, teeth, soft tissues and nerves. They are created from CT and optical scans, and assembled together with model registration techniques. The tissue model is the real differentiator. A treatment planning system uses FAM as a unique reference throughout the workflow. Its implant placement, restoration preview and surgical guide design are all based on FAM.

Abstract: A 3D object fabrication method implemented in a fabrication system includes the following steps. A digital object model is retrieved. Sections of the digital object model are respectively printed on plural pieces of plane material. The pieces of plane material are combined to form a physical 3D object of the digital object model.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dental model articulator configured to combine maxillary and mandibular dental model casts with each other. The dental model articulator includes a frame, an arm member rotatably and reciprocatively supported to the frame, an elastic bias unit frontward elastically pressing the arm member with respect to the frame, a first connecting unit formed in the arm member to be connected with the maxillary dental model cast, and a second connecting unit connected to the frame to move reciprocatvely through at least one penetration hole and combined with the mandibular dental model cast.

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.

Abstract: A method is provided for transferring the position of an angled abutment from a model to an implant installed in the jawbone of a patient. The method can include attaching an attachment member to the first implant replica, attaching an angled abutment to the second implant replica, attaching an abutment holder to the angled abutment, connecting a connecting member to the attachment member, connecting the connecting member to the abutment holder, releasing the attachment member from the first implant replica, and releasing the angled abutment from the second implant replica.

Abstract: Herein are provided methods, systems, computer-readable media, techniques and processes for crown or prosthesis manipulation in dental prosthesis design. These include presenting a 3D model of a multi-tooth prosthesis relative to an area to be reconstructed. An operator may manipulate one or more prosthetic teeth in that 3D model in order to alter the overall shape of the prosthesis. In various embodiments, the techniques may also include the determination of occlusion with respect to antagonist teeth—of the entire 3D model of the prosthesis and/or of individual 3D models of prosthetic teeth in the model. The position or shape of the 3D model of the prosthesis may be modified based on the occlusion.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an orthodontic appliance for accelerating the tooth aligning effect and shortening the treatment period, and has an object to provide an appliance which can bring about higher aligning effect than usual ways by giving vibration to tooth to be aligned to activate bone remodeling of the targeted tooth and the alveolar bone and enhance the shift of the tooth. This appliance includes a vibrating element and a dental mouthpiece having the vibrating element built therein. The provision of the vibrating element in the dental mouthpiece facilitates the application of vibration and handling, and continues the treatment safely even at home. The inner shape of the dental mouthpiece serves aligning treatment as well as acceleration of the effect.

Abstract: A system and method for modeling of complete tooth, including root and crown, of a patient to facilitate orthodontic treatment are provided, wherein generic tooth modeling is combined with tooth crown modeling for a patient to yield complete tooth modeling. A generic tooth 3D model for a particular tooth is morphed with a 3D model of a patient's crown for the corresponding tooth to yield a complete 3D model for that tooth. Modeling techniques can be conducted with computer-based systems, such as systems configured for storing patient data and generic tooth data, morphing such data and/or facilitating additional orthodontic treatment applications, through the use of one or more algorithms. Adjustment of the complete tooth model for the tooth can be provided through additional patient information, such as X-ray imaging, to address variations in root shape between a generic root and an actual root shape for a patient.

Abstract: A dental model includes a base unit having a shape of a section of a jaw and gums of a patient, and at least one removable tooth component which is inserted along a z-axis into a dedicated tooth component recess of the base unit, wherein the removable tooth component includes a tooth section having the shape of a tooth or a tooth stump, the tooth component recess has a substantially cylindrical main recess, the removable tooth component has a plug-in section that is substantially cylindrical and is inserted in the main recess of the tooth component recess, an orientation projection is disposed on one surface of the tooth component away from the tooth section, extending along the z-axis, the tooth component recess that accommodates the orientation projection has an orientation recess adjoining the main recess to accommodate the orientation projection, and the orientation projection and the orientation recesses are designed and/or disposed such that it is only possible to insert the orientation projection into

Abstract: A pontic having a prefabricated notch, channel or slot to physically engage and ensure a secure mechanical lock with the dental appliance. The invention also pertains to a method of fabricating a dental appliance and a kit for facilitating the same. The invention has particular application to thermoformed, removable appliances.

Abstract: The attenuation and other optical properties of a medium are exploited to measure a thickness of the medium between a sensor and a target surface. Disclosed herein are various mediums, arrangements of hardware, and processing techniques that can be used to capture these thickness measurements and obtain three-dimensional images of the target surface in a variety of imaging contexts. This includes general techniques for imaging interior/concave surfaces as well as exterior/convex surfaces, as well as specific adaptations of these techniques to imaging ear canals, human dentition, and so forth.

Abstract: An accessory (100) for the production of dental implant-carried dentures in the dental technician's laboratory has an essentially smooth outer face and a connection geometry (115), corresponding to a dental implant, for dentures. The outer face has, further, a conical portion (120). The conical portion (120) allows an axially and radially accurately defined insertion of the accessory (100) into a corresponding receptacle of the jaw model which is used for producing the dentures, that is to say the accessory (100) can basically be removed from the model and inserted into the latter again so as to fit. Although the outer form of the accessory therefore usually does not correspond to that of the simulated implant, the accessory has, particularly at its proximal end and with respect to its inner contour, the connection geometry (115), corresponding to the dental implant, for the dentures, so that these can be manufactured so as to fit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for bending a guide post used in forming a template for locating dental implant hole. The guide post includes at least one face on a distal end for registering the orientation of the guide post. The apparatus includes a base plate having protractor-like indicia, a supporting block attached to the base plate, the supporting block having an aperture for receiving a distal end of the guide post, and a stylus received by a proximal end of the guide post, the stylus extending towards the protractor-like indicia.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to prevent interference between two physical tooth models in a physical dental arch model by acquiring the coordinates of a plurality of points on the surfaces of each of the two physical tooth models and digitally representing the surfaces of each of the two physical tooth models by a mesh of points in three dimensions using the acquired coordinates. The meshes representing the surfaces of the two physical tooth models intersect at least at one point to form an overlapping portion. The method also includes calculating the depth of the overlapping portion between the two meshes to quantify the interference of the two physical tooth models.

Abstract: Modeling a complete tooth of a patient to facilitate dental and/or orthodontic treatment 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.

Abstract: A method of preparing a dental framework or mathematical model thereof by creating a replica of a patient's mouth or a framework to be inserted into the patient's mouth, electronically scanning the replica or framework, electronically determining a surface model of a dental framework and manufacturing the framework.

Abstract: Presented herein are techniques methods, systems, devices, and computer-readable storage media for library selection in dental prosthesis design. Embodiments include presenting two or more dental morphology libraries for use in a dental plan and receiving a selection of one or more tooth morphologies from one of the presented dental morphology libraries. The selected tooth morphologies can then be placed in the dental plan at particular tooth positions. An operator can also replace all tooth morphologies in a dental plan with those of a particular library or “mix and match” tooth morphologies from multiple libraries in a dental plan.

Abstract: Provided are an implant prosthetic part set and a method of manufacturing replication plaster model including an abutment using the same, which can take an impression of the location and the shape of a fixture in an oral cavity without using a typical impression copping, in order to manufacture an upper prosthesis coupled to the fixture implanted into an alveolar bone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blank for producing dental shaped parts, comprising a blank body (1) made of tooth restoration material, from which the shaped part can be machined using a tool (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) for removing material. The aim of the invention is to enable a reliable verification or recognition of the tool fitting or of the type and state of wear of the used tool of a machine tool for the blank. To this end, the blank has at least one gauge (4, 5), whose dimensions are such that the tool present for the machining can be identified by the gauge on the basis of its outer contour. The invention also relates to a method for producing dental shaped parts with a blank body made of tooth restoration material, from which the entire shaped part can be machined in a machining device by a tool for removing material.

Abstract: A method is provided for automatically separating tooth crowns and gingival tissue in a virtual three-dimensional model of teeth and associated anatomical structures. The method orients the model with reference to a plane and automatically determines local maxima of the model and areas bounded by the local maxima. The method automatically determines saddle points between the local maxima in the model, the saddle points corresponding to boundaries between teeth. The method further positions the saddle points along a dental arch form. For each tooth, the method automatically identifies a line or path along the surface of the model linking the saddle points to each other, the path marking a transition between teeth and gingival tissue and between adjacent teeth in the model. The areas bounded by the lines correspond to the tooth crowns; the remainder of the model constitutes the gingival tissue.

Abstract: In a method and arrangement for allocating prosthetic installation work between at least three parties (A, B, C) a dental situation and fixture application are simulated on a computer screen by the first party. The second party produces first components in connection with the prosthetic installation with the aid of a recording and said simulation. Second components are supplied by the third party (C) and the prosthetic installation is assembled and fitted by the first party by means of said first and second components. The recording includes first and second readings of a loose prosthesis and a portion supporting the prosthetic insallation. The simulation includes collation of representations of the readings on a computer screen. Simulated fixture applications are constructed and a model is produced by one of said parties, or a fourth party. An assembly template guides hole-forming members in an actual substrate in directions which correspond to the directions of the fixtures.