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: A method and system for making a dental prosthetic includes, for example, arranging a first virtual tooth image relative to a second virtual tooth image on a virtual denture set and locating a first actual prosthetic tooth relative to a second actual prosthetic tooth in a manner corresponding to the arranged first and second virtual images. The method also may include performing at least one Boolean operation to remove a portion of the first virtual tooth image and the second virtual tooth image and machining the first actual prosthetic tooth and the second actual prosthetic tooth to remove a portion correspond to material removed by the Boolean operation performed on the first and second virtual tooth images.

Abstract: Apparatus, system, and methods for utilizing one or more computing devices to stage the movement of teeth during an alignment treatment are disclosed. The computing device receives an electronic representation of the patient's teeth in their initial position and an electronic representation of the teeth a final position for each tooth. A route each tooth will travel to reach its final position is determined, and the teeth are scheduled to move according to a movement pattern. Moreover, the schedule of movement takes into account a maximum rate of tooth movement for each tooth, the path of movement for each tooth, the distance each tooth needs to move, any needed tooth staggering, any needed round-tripping or tooth movement slowing. The invention also includes techniques for determining an optimum number of stages for the treatment based on the schedule of movement.

Abstract: A process for oral tissue prototyping includes the steps of forming a prototype of an oral cavity and placing a sealer on an oral tissue area of the prototype. Thereafter, the sealer is painted with a tissue-colored paint and any other remaining details are added to the prototype to mimic the anatomical tissue coloration of the oral cavity.

Abstract: A dental bridge and a dental device. The dental device may include a structural portion extending along an axis and connectable to at least one tooth. A truss portion may depend from the structural portion and be operable to support a pontic, the truss portion may define a plurality of slots extending from a peripheral surface. The structural portion may have a first surface oriented toward the occlusal surface and an opposite second surface, the structural portion defining a plurality of openings, the plurality of openings extending transverse to the axis and between the first surface and the second surface. The structural portion may define an angled surface leading into at least one of the plurality of openings. A plurality of projections may be formed on a first surface of the structural portion, each of the projections having a projection surface spaced beyond the first surface toward the occlusal surface.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming an accurate stone cast from a dental impression, used for the purpose of prosthetic fabrication, such as dental crowns and dentures. The initial step of this unique method is to first acquire a suitable amount of dental stone setting 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 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.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a rapid prototype overmold for locating a dental implant analog in a modified stone model for use in creating a tooth prosthesis is provided. An impression of a mouth having a first installation site that has a dental implant and a gingival healing abutment with at least one informational marker installed is taken. A stone model based on the impression is prepared. The model is scanned. A three-dimensional computer model of the installation site on a CAD program using data from the scan is created. The at least one informational marker is determined to gather information about the location of the dental implant. Abutment dimensional information based on the three-dimensional image and the at least one informational marker is developed. Overmold rapid prototype dimensional information based on the three-dimensional image is developed. The overmold rapid prototype adapted to fit over the modified stone model is fabricated.

Abstract: A dental model baseplate for use in the manufacture of a working dental model. The baseplate includes a connector element to fix a dental model articulator. An apparatus includes a plate portion and an adapter portion extending from the plate portion, the adapter portion configured for connecting to a portion of the dental articulator.

Abstract: A method produces a physical dental arch model having at least two physical tooth models. The method includes detecting the interference between two physical tooth models. If interference is detected between the first physical tooth model and the second physical tooth model, the positions and orientations of at least one physical tooth model is modified to prevent interference between the first physical tooth model and the second physical tooth model.

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: Method and system for providing volume manufacturing of customizable items including receiving a data package including a plurality of manufacturing parameters, each of the plurality of manufacturing parameters associated with a unique item, verifying the received data package, and implementing a manufacturing process associated with the received data package is provided.

Abstract: Provided is a method for creating a physical teeth model. Further, the method includes providing a virtual three dimensional (3D) representation of a patient's dentition that includes 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kit for whitening teeth and a kit for fabricating a dental apparatus and/or denture without visiting the dentist or stomataologist.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for manufacturing a dental restorative prosthesis by capturing 3D dental data from a patient; sending the 3D dental data to a laboratory for fabricating a restoration blank, the blank having material below a preparation area; receiving the restoration blank from the laboratory; determining a reduction area from the patient during an in office visit and fabricating the reduction area from the restoration blank to match the patient dentition.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing an aligning plate (3) with at least one opening (4) designed for drilling a bore hole (5) in a specific place in the bone of a lower or upper jaw (1) through said opening (4) to thus fix an implant (9,10) in the bore hole (5) in said bone in an oral cavity, whereby the position of said opening (4) in the aligning plate (3) and the position of the latter in the oral cavity are determined in relation to at least one reference organ (2) that is fixed to a tooth (12) situated in said lower or upper jaw (1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for scanning a split-cast model, said split-cast model covering the area of a plurality of tooth sites and comprising a plurality of model parts, said device comprising: an optical scanning system (2) for one or for a plurality of split-cast models having a scanning area (3) with a width between 5 mm and 100 mm, the scanning system being adapted to be used for acquiring first data from a survey scan covering a plurality of model parts and second data from an individual scan covering only one model part, said first and second data representing the model with different/identical resolutions and/or different/identical completeness, a memory means for storing at least said first and second data, means for 3D matching said first and second data, a base plate, and further comprising a holding device for a split-cast model and/or individual model parts, which is adapted to be arranged on said base plate.

Abstract: A dental device for the correction of upper jaw transversal micrognathism in adult patients, which makes it possible to apply a slow expansion orthopedic technique, without osteotomy with osseo fixation by means of micro-implants, which comprises an expansion component, bilateral palatine support components, and a fixation component. The expansion component is an expansion screw joined to the palatine support components by means of lateral arms that extend out of it, where said palatine support components have perforations for receiving the fixation components defined by the micro-implants. The invention also provides a procedure for building the device and for setting up a surgical guide for said device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making dental prostheses and related surgical guides, that comprises making the prosthesis and/or the surgical guide based on a model that reproduces the bone portions of the jaw using a first material and the mucosa portions of the jaw using a second material softer than the first material, and made on the basis of a computer modelling of the mucosa portions and the bone portions of the jaw by radiographic data differentiation. The invention also relates to the individualized production in a single piece of one or more implants for such a dental prosthesis that comprises machining rods or studs of a biocompatible material. The invention further relates to a ready-to-use individualized kit for placing a dental prosthesis, that comprises this type of prosthesis, this type of surgical guide and/or one or more implants of this type, as well as screwing keys for placing the implants and optionally suitable drills.

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: 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.

Abstract: A dowel pin and sleeve combination for use with a tooth die that is part of a dental model includes a dowel pin and a sleeve that receives the pin. The dowel pin includes a tooth anchor section that is configured to be fixedly attached to the tooth die and a main body section having a bore formed therein. The main body section has a living hinge formed therein that partitions the main body section into an upper pivotable portion that pivots about the hinge and a lower portion. A section of the bore is threaded and the main body section includes an urging member that travels along the threaded bore section and can be driven into contact with the pivotable portion of the main body section. The bore forms an entrance into the slot that defines the living hinge to permit the urging member to be driven into contact with the pivotable portion. The pin includes a locating member extending radially outward from the main body section.

Abstract: Slip based on a polyreactive binder, polymerization initiator and filler, which contains (A) 5-65 wt.-% polymerizable binder, (B) 0.001-1.0 wt.-% photoinitiator and (C) 35-90 wt.-% surface-modified ceramic and/or glass ceramic particles relative to the overall mass of the slip, and process for the preparation of ceramic mouldings by rapid prototyping processes using the slip.

Abstract: A dental implant may be produced having an organic shape corresponding to the root shape of a tooth the implant replaces. Following atraumatic extraction of the tooth, the implant may be inserted and subsequently graft to the root socket. Features of the implant maximize compatibility and positive outcomes.

Abstract: A method produces a base for physical tooth models. The method includes providing one or more cast materials in a container, pressing the underside of the physical tooth models into the one or more cast materials to produce impressions in the one or more cast materials, and solidifying the one or more cast materials having the impressions to produce the base that is adapted to receive the physical tooth models.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for determining the form a duplicate of a residual tooth area, which is to be fitted with a dental restoration whereby the duplicate sections to be fitted with the restoration are removed from the duplicate and the form data to be allocated to their forms has to be determined and stored in a computer, by means of which the form of the restoration is calculated taking into consideration the spatial allocation of the duplicate sections. In order to be able to determine the shape of the residual tooth area to be fitted with the restoration, and thereby determine the shape of the restoration itself with high precision, it is proposed that the duplicate sections are or are being individually referenced to each other in their spatial allocation to each other according to a referencing stored in the computer.

Abstract: Method and system for managing multiple impressions of a patient's jaw for an orthodontic treatment is provided. The method includes scanning at least a first impression and a second impression of same jaw for the orthodontic treatment; determining if the first jaw impression and the second jaw impression have distortion in different areas; selecting the first jaw impression or the second jaw impression as a base impression; and replacing a distorted tooth data from the base impression with data for the same tooth from a non-base impression. The method also includes scanning at least a first jaw impression for the orthodontic treatment; scanning a bite impression for the orthodontic treatment; matching the scanned first jaw impression with the scanned bite impression; comparing bite information with a tooth occlusal surface; and determining if reconstruction is to be performed on the tooth occlusal surface.

Abstract: Surface mapping and/or generation device is provided, with a device for mapping 3D data of at least one denture base object such as a tooth stump or an implantation abutment, and an environment thereof, as well as with a device for the data-based generation and production of a denture part incorporating the 3D data of the denture base object. Additionally provided are a device for determining and/or defining a placement direction of the denture part that is to be slipped onto the denture base object, and a device for determining and producing a primary part that is to be slipped onto the denture base object before the denture part and that yields a desired placement direction for the denture part which is different from the placement direction that exists for slipping the primary part onto the denture base object. The device for data-based generation and production of a denture part is designed to generate and produce the latter by incorporating the 3D data of the primary part.

Abstract: According to the invention, a method and system are provided for scanning, and for facilitating scanning of, an intraoral cavity. The target parts of the intraoral cavity that it is desired to have scanned are identified, and the spatial relationships between a scanning device and the target parts of the intraoral cavity suitable for enabling said target parts to be scanned by said scanning device, are also identified or otherwise determined. These relationships are then displayed, and the displayed relationships are used as a guide for scanning the intraoral cavity.

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 at the locational positions determined by a dentist or surgeon in the jaw or cranial skull model. The surgical guide is fitted atop each analog, and the surgical guide is bonded to the jaw or skull model at a predetermined angle of the analog in the jaw or skull. The surgical guide is removed from the model attached to the law or skull of a patient for accurate drilling during the dental or surgical procedure for insertion of the implants into the jaw or skull of the patient.

Abstract: Methods and corresponding apparatus for segmenting an orthodontic treatment path into clinically appropriate substeps for repositioning the teeth of a patient include providing a digital finite element model of the shape and material of each of a sequence of appliances to be applied to a patient; providing a digital finite element model of the teeth and related mouth tissue of the patient; computing the actual effect of the appliances on the teeth by analyzing the finite elements models computationally; and evaluating the effect against clinical constraints. The appliances can be braces, polymeric shells, or other forms of orthodontic appliance.

Abstract: A method and system useful for planning a dental restorative procedure of a patient and for producing at least one dental restoration or product related thereto to be used in said dental restorative procedure are disclosed. Input data from different sources, e.g. 3D data from a CT scan of a patient with a dental impression tray including a previously prepared dental impression of the patient in the patient's mouth, is matched with data from a high resolution 3D scan of the same dental impression. The resulting data is for instance matched by means of fiducial markers arranged at the dental impression tray. Thus reliable planning and production are enabled by means of the same, matched data set. In this manner the dosage to which the patient is exposed to may be reduced in comparison to previous methods.

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.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for digitally utilizing and customizing dental features needed in the manufacture of dentures.

Abstract: A method of generating a digital supplementary device for dental implantation by: preparing a mouth model based on the internal shape of the oral cavity of the patient; performing a 3D scan to obtain digital model of the mouth model, the digital model of the patient's oral cavity and the digital model of the tooth model; defining the digital models as the “positioning object,” “the reference object” and the “attached positioning object”; obtaining characteristic points after joining the positioning object and the attached positioning object and positioning the positioning object and the reference object based on the characteristic points; and then outputting the attached positioning object with the positioning data obtained after positioning of the attached positioning object. The output thus obtained is the desired digital supplementary device for dental implant planning.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions for single component photoinitiated dental impression materials. The impression material is workable in its pre-cured state, cures rapidly upon exposure to light, and exhibits desirable processing conditions such as short setting time, long working time, no void formation, good wettability, mechanical properties, and detail reproduction.

Abstract: A system and method for modeling of complete tooth, including root and crown, of a patient to facilitate orthodontic treatment are provided, wherein a generic tooth modeling is combined with a tooth crown modeling for a patient to yield a complete tooth modeling. A generic tooth three-dimensional model for a particular tooth is morphed with a three-dimensional model of a patient's crown for the corresponding tooth to yield a complete three-dimensional 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 model of the dental restoration is shaped in-vivo on the patient by the dentist. The model is then scanned in the dentists office using a 3D optical scanner. A 3D graphic representation of the model is obtained from the scanner using a computer. The computer is used to convert the 3D graphic representation of the model into a milling path for milling the dental restoration in a block of durable dental restoration material having known dimensions. A mill, also present in the dentists office, mills the dental restoration from the block using the milling path while the patient is waiting. The dentist can then take the milled dental restoration and apply it to the patient in the same, single visit.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing wrinkled dental aligner for a patient's tooth includes developing a digital dental aligner model specifying at least one wrinkled surface on a dental aligner and producing a dental aligner having the wrinkled surface in accordance with digital dental aligner model.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming an accurate stone cast from a dental hydrocolloid impression, used for the purpose of prosthetic fabrication, such as dental prostheses. The dental stone catalyst, calcium sulfate dihydrate, is engaged onto the internal surface of set hydrocolloid impression. This catalyst, placed in the area between impression material and wet, mixed stone, will act to hasten the initial setting of 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 setting radiates outwardly, away from the impression/stone interface. The mixed stone better resists distortion upon setting and the resultant set stone cast is more accurate.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method separates gingiva from a model of a tooth by defining a cutting surface along the gingiva; and applying the cutting surface to the tooth to separate the gingiva from the tooth.

Abstract: A measured object mounting tool for producing three-dimensional shape data includes a placing part at a lower face of a cylindrical part, an inclined part at a boundary between a side face and an upper face of the cylindrical part, and a pillar part at the upper face of the cylindrical part. The pillar part has a mounting part at the upper face thereof. A three-dimensional coordinate other than the engaging portion of a model is produced by engaging the model of the dental prosthesis with the mounting part of the tool on a placing table, detecting a position where a received light amount is remarkably decreased with a laser sensor to detect a lower end of the inclined part, and thereby calculating an upper end of the engaging portion.

Abstract: An occlusal state correction-supporting apparatus, a program therefor, and a recording medium thereof are provided, which can generate necessary, effective information in order to complete the shape of teeth excellently bitten. A shape-extracting means 10 extracts and stores shaped data of an upper jaw and a lower jaw. A position-extracting means 20 extracts and stores absolute coordinate data of reference points. A condition setting and distance-computing means 30 computes the distance between a upper jaw model 100 and a lower jaw model 200 while gradually bringing them close in a perpendicular direction. The condition setting and distance-computing means 30 also sets a condition of occlusal contact point, executes such approach movement again, and computes the distance.

Abstract: Apparatus and method enabling implant supported dental prostheses to be fabricated for reconstruction of both maxillary and mandibular arches from a procedure requiring only one surgery. At least three pairs of reference points in the maxillary arch and in the mandibular arch are connected by adjustable members which are subsequently fixed in length and in mutual orientation to enable necessary impressions and casts to be made. The adjustable members engage anchoring members such as ball headed screws which are fixed to the maxillary and mandibular anatomy. Subsequently fabricated mechanical models of the patient anatomy, such as impressions and casts, capture critical geometric relationships from the adjustable members and their associated anchoring members, thereby enabling both maxillary and mandibular implant mountable prostheses to be fabricated from information gathered during only one surgical session.

Abstract: An indirect bonding tray for use in applying and bonding orthodontic appliances to a patient's teeth is made by providing a replica of the patient's dentition including replicas of the patient's teeth. A guide is provided on each replica tooth in a location corresponding to the ultimate intended location of the orthodontic appliance on the patient's teeth. Each guide has a receptacle for receiving an orthodontic appliance, and serves to ensure that the respective orthodontic appliance is placed in its proper, intended position on the replica tooth. A tray is then formed over the replica teeth and the appliances for subsequent use in bonding the appliances to the patient's teeth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a tooth prosthesis, for insertion in a jawbone, including an implant and an abutment on top of the implant. The method includes: defining a shape of the prosthesis and its location in the jawbone by using first data from a first CT scan image of the jawbone and second data from a second image of a gypsum cast, correlating first and second data by extracting from the first data first position reference data of a first reference in the first image, and from the second data second position reference data of a second reference in the second image, the second reference being identical to the first reference; performing a geometric transformation on the second data and/or the first data to have a coincidence of the second image with the first image and to combine the first and second data into composite scan data.

Abstract: Novel prosthetic teeth constructed using moldable, micro-filled composite resin, and a novel method for making and bonding the same onto implants in a patient's mouth. The teeth are prepared and seated in the patient's mouth using materials and methods that are known and widely available. The present invention may be applied to any situation in which one or more replacement teeth are required, including full-arch replacement for upper and/or lower teeth.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creation of anatomically correct physical models for an individual patient are provided. More specifically, the embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for design and manufacture of a modified bone model including an accurate soft tissue model. Medical image acquisition processes are used to capture data representative of an anatomy and a scan prosthesis. A modified bone model with supports is designed and fabricated. The modified bone model and scan prosthesis (or copy thereof) is then used to generate the soft tissue model.

Abstract: A system to manufacture orthodontic appliances, program product, and associated methods are provided. An embodiment of a system can include a virtual orthodontic appliance design computer having orthodontic appliance design program product provided to design a virtual dimensional representation of an orthodontic appliance including bracket bodies and bracket pads, and a mold apparatus positioned to form each bracket body and bracket pad. The system also includes a data processing computer including computer-aided manufacturing program product provided to derive electrical discharge device control instructions including a virtual dimensional representation of a bracket slot in the bracket, and an electrical discharge machining apparatus. The electrical discharge machining apparatus can include a controller including control program product to derive a control signal carrying the electrical discharge device control instructions and an electrical discharge device.

Abstract: A dental prosthesis is made by externally machining successive layers of wax, each of which is formed on a previous prosthesis layer and/or on a coping. Each wax layer is used to form a mold in situ over the previous prosthesis layer/coping, and the appropriate prosthesis material is cast or otherwise molded to conform to the wax layer by the mold.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatic detection of dental features, such as cusps, ridges, and grooves, are disclosed. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a computer-implemented system and method for automatic detection of dental features for an occlusal surface of a patient's tooth comprises receiving three dimensional data for the tooth's occlusal surface, projecting the three dimensional data into a two dimensional plane, forming a height map from the projected three dimensional data, and detecting a set of points from the height map.