Abstract: A method for bite-setting computer models of teeth on a first jaw and a second jaw includes determining an initial position of the first jaw; and determining an optimal bite based on the initial position of the first jaw.

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 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.

Abstract: A method for designing a connector between a first and a second element of a dental restoration, such as a connector between coping and coping, or coping and pontic, or pontic and pontic of a bridge, which is characterized by the steps of computing a (first) model of the first element and a (second) model of the second element, defining a connecting straight line between the first model and the second model, computing edge curves (?0, ?4) on the first model and the second model, whereby the edge curves are defined by origins of surface normal vectors of the models, which satisfy boundary conditions relative to the connecting line, computing offset curves (?1, ?3) on the first model and the second model from the first edge curves, and connecting the first edge curves and the offset curves of the first model and of the second model and computing the connector on the basis of the course of the connection between the curves.

Abstract: A dental device and/or process include at least one scaled and shaped linking component to be supported by a dental model or an imaging template. The process includes scaling, aligning, and orienting data from different data acquisition sources with the scaled and shaped linking component, and combining the data from different data acquisition sources into a master data file. A method of making the diagnostic model can include virtually designing an imaging template including at least one linking component made at least partially of a radio opaque material, and three-dimensionally printing the virtually designed template. The diagnostic model can include at least one of an exposed bone structure portion, a removable gum tissue portion, a removable bone structure portion, a visualization portion illustrating a root, bone density, an internal bone structure, a nerve channel, a nerve ending, a sinus cavity, a blood vessel, an artery, and diagnostic teeth.

Abstract: A model of at least a part of a dental structure, an articulator, and methods of manufacturing such devices are provided. The model and the articulator can be used to approximate the natural movements of a jaw of a patient to facilitate preparation of a dental restoration. The model can comprise the dental structure, an interface, and at least one void extending from a reference surface of the interface inwardly toward the void. The articulator can comprise upper and lower portions on which models of upper and lower dental structures can be held. The upper and lower portions of the articulator can be configured to generally maintain a vertical alignment while at least one gap formed between respective first and second alignment components thereof allows horizontal movability of the upper and lower portions relative to each other to test the interfit of the models therebetween.

Abstract: A pin removal system is configured to remove a dowel pin from a dental model base. The system includes first and second members. The first member is configured to releasably mount to the dental model base, and the second member is movable relative to the first member and into engagement with the pin to move the pin relative to the dental model base. The dowel pin can be secured to a model of at least one tooth that is mounted to the dental model base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of dental replacement using a CAD system. In particular, the present invention relates to the design of the three-dimensional shape of a dental prosthesis, which has, for example, two prosthesis sections and a connector section, the connector section being connected to the two prosthesis sections.

Abstract: A dental impression tray, a kit, and method of using the same are provided for taking an impression of at least a portion of a dental structure of a patient. The tray can comprise a tray portion, fiduciary markers, and can also have a holding section with two opposing sides and fasteners disposed thereon. The kit can comprise the tray and a handle portion. The handle can be removably secured to the holding section of the tray. In some embodiments, the handle can comprise a pair of handle portions. In other embodiments, a part of the handle can be aligned with a facial feature of a patient from whom a dental impression is to be obtained.

Abstract: A system of manufacturing a custom set of pre-manufactured upper and lower dentures is provided. In one form, a set of master upper and lower dentures is created. The master upper and lower dentures are used to create reusable upper and lower dental matrices, respectively. These re-usable upper and lower dental matrices are repeatedly used to manufacture upper and lower pre-manufactured or standard sized dentures, respectively. Optionally, a dental patient can have these upper and lower pre-manufactured dentures custom fit or relined to fit the dental patient's mouth to form upper reline and/or lower reline pre-manufactured dentures. The dental patient can have custom fit dentures in two visits with the dentist, even two visits in the same day.

Abstract: A prosthesis mounting device and assembly for securing a prosthesis on an implant supported in bone tissue. An appendage or “preppable abutment” is carried by a dental implant and is milled or “prepped” into a shape suitable to accept a dental prosthesis such as a crown or bridge. Alternatively the appendage may be cast using a lost-wax investment molding process in which an appendage model is shaped by adding and sculpting wax onto portions of a calcinable appendage and/or removing material from portions of the appendage before using the model to form a mold. In each case the appendage is formed to include a recess that extends axially upwardly from a bottom end of the appendage and is shaped to fit over an O-ring receiver abutment or “O-ball” of a dental implant.

Abstract: A mandibular advancement device including upper and lower dental plates which operatively fit over at least part of the upper and lower teeth of a user, said upper and lower dental plates being made from a flexible material, the lower dental plate having two pairs of spaced apart pillars, each pair consisting of an anterior and posterior pillar, said pairs being on opposing sides of the lower dental plate, two removably attachable horizontal displacement inserts, mounted in the buccal region on opposite sides of the upper dental plate, two removably attachable vertical displacement inserts mounted in the lower dental plate, placed in a manner to provide correct vertical registration of the teeth, such that operatively each horizontal displacement insert is retained between the respective anterior and posterior pillars to maintain an advancement of the mandible. A method for production of the mandibular advancement device is also claimed.

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: This invention relates to a blank arrangement, with a blank (22) 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: The present invention relates to a device for attaching a dental model to a variety of articulators for reproducing oral motions as a sagittal plane of a patient's organism and the left and right side points having the same height relative to the sagittal plane are found to mount the dental model at the articulators in a range for reproducing fatigue oral motions thereon, thereby helping the fabrication of the dental prosthesis inclusive of clinical treatment planning according to the extrusion and intrusion causes, the reasonable articulation re-construction in a dental laboratory process, and artificial teeth arrangements.

Abstract: An orthodontic implant device is provided including a head portion (4), engagement means (14, 16) provided on or associated with an upper surface (6) of the head portion or a neck portion to allow an insertion instrument to engage therewith in use and a body portion (10) extending from a lower surface of the head portion. At least one recess or undercut (21) is provided substantially internally of the head portion.

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: Oral appliances adapted to for spacing the occlusal surfaces of the teeth of a user are disclosed. The oral appliances have a major connector interconnecting a first bite pad and a second bite pad. The first bite pad can include a first spacer and the second bite pad can include a second spacer that are configured to maintain the spacing of the occlusal surfaces of opposing teeth of a user during clenching or upon an impact to the jaw. Methods for the manufacture of composite oral appliances are also disclosed. The methods include forming a composite oral appliance over a model of a user's mouth.

Abstract: The process for producing tooth replacement parts is characterized in that curable tooth replacement material is introduced into a first mold of part of the human dentition, a positive model produced from a second mold is pressed into this material and the tooth replacement material remaining after the pressing-in is allowed to cure to form the tooth replacement part(s).

Abstract: A method for making artificial tooth bridges including a ceramic densely sintered high strength individual core veneered with porcelain using powder metallurgical methods. The individual densely sintered bridge parts are joined together to a bridge core by a particle reinforced glass. Since only the glass material wets the surface of the densely sintered parts, the glass is the binding material that holds the core together and the particles function to only increase the strength of the bulk glass material.

Abstract: The invention proposes a muffle with a pressing channel and at least one mold cavity that is coupled to the pressing channel via at least one connection channel. In this case, in order to increase the pressing pressure and to improve the intermixing of the blank material, it is proposed to arrange at least two blanks (18) side by side in the pressing channel (12).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for the production of an individual tooth replacement formed of multiple layers, for example, a removable tooth replacement, implant superstructures, bridges, crowns, partial crowns, onlays and inlays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for obtaining an accurate three-dimensional model of a dental impression, said method comprising the steps of, scanning at least a part of an upper jaw impression and/or a lower jaw impression, obtaining an impression scan, evaluating the quality of the impression scan, and use the impression scan to obtain a three-dimensional model, thereby obtaining an accurate three-dimensional model of the dental impression.

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: A process for making a dental restoration includes forming an image which represents a natural oral cavity characteristic. The image may be formed on a computer by an artist or by capturing a photograph of an oral cavity. The computer-based image may be modified with a computer-aided software program. Thereafter, the image is printed as a decal and attached to the dental restoration base. The decal and the dental restoration base are conditioned by a high intensity light or by being fired together in an oven in order to create a finished dental restoration having the desired oral cavity color and characteristics.

Abstract: Process for planning an operational intervention on a body part, in particular on the jaw, of a patient, whereby within the framework of a recording, a common reference system is defined between a set of patient data that are registering with a recording device and that show the body part in its three-dimensionality, and a model of the body part, whereby the patient is held in place, during the registering of the patient data, with the body part in a securing device (3), which is brought into a defined position relative to the registering device, whereby after registering the patient data, the model (7) is positioned by means of a holding device (8) in a corresponding location in the securing device (3), whereby the holding device (8) is in a defined position relative to the securing device (3), whereby the model (7) in this defined position is secured to the holding device (8) and whereby additional planning steps are undertaken on the model (7) that is secured on the holding device (8).

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.

Abstract: A dentition model material is comprised of a gypsum composition and an additive, wherein, in response to being scanned, a dentition model produced from the dentition model material is configured to produce a signature associated with the additive.

Abstract: This invention relates to ink-jet printing systems for making dental products such as artificial teeth, dentures, splints, veneers, inlays, onlays, copings, frame patterns, crowns and bridges and the like. An ink-jet printer is used to discharge wax-like polymerizable material in a layer-by-layer manner to build-up the object. In other methods, a heated capillary or dropper can be used to apply the polymerizable material. The resulting three-dimensional object has good dimensional stability. Light irradiation can be used to cure and harden the material, thereby producing the final dental product.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for obtaining a three-dimensional representation of a patient's teeth arrangement. A three-dimensional physical teeth model is provided, having a surface relief corresponding to the patient's teeth arrangement. Computerized tomography (CT) is applied to the three-dimensional physical teeth model, to thereby acquire data of multiple slices of at least a portion of the teeth model. The data is analyzed to produce a virtual three-dimensional representation of the teeth model or a portion thereof.

Abstract: There is provided a human body information extraction device for extracting human body information including position information from a reference position, from 3D information on the human body elements obtained from a CT information or the like in which the position information from the reference position with respect to a human body element is unknown. In the human body information extraction device, a reference plane for positioning is detected by detecting information on a common positioning member contained in both of the 3D human body information from the CT information and a 3D model information from a human body model. The both reference planes are matched on the display so that the 3D human body information is positioned on the reference plane. Furthermore, only human information corresponding to the 3D model information is extracted from the CT information. By using this device, it is possible to obtain 3D human body information positioned on the reference plane from which a noise is excluded.

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: A method for designing an abutment tooth which mainly comprises the steps of: setting a reference abutment device with a feature on an analog of a mouth model; positioning a digital abutment with the same configuration as the reference abutment device on the analog to obtain the configuration data of the positioning of the digital abutment on the analog; optimally adjusting the digital abutment by using as a reference the configuration digital data without affecting the configuration of the digital abutment and the analog, thus finishing the design of the abutment.

Abstract: A dental prosthesis is made by first forming a model of a patient's dentition. A three dimensional digital data corresponding to the surfaces of the model is then created. Based on this data, a three dimensional digital data file is then created substantially corresponding to the dental prosthesis to be manufactured. The three dimensional digital data of the dental prosthesis to be manufactured is next transmitted to automated prototyping equipment, and using the automated prototyping equipment, a wax pattern of the dental prosthesis is manufactured based upon this three dimensional digital data of the dental prosthesis. Finally, using this wax pattern in the lost wax investment casting process, the dental prosthesis is made. Prior to investment casting, marginal edges of the wax pattern are adjusted manually.

Abstract: A method for registering a dental model on a tray base includes obtaining a dental model that is an impression of at least some of a patient's teeth; disposing the dental model on a tray base; drilling at least one registration pin hole from a bottom of the tray base, through the tray base, and into a bottom of the dental model while the dental model is disposed on the tray base; and inserting at least one registration pin into the at least one registration pin hole with the at least one registration pin extendable between the dental model and the tray base.

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: The present invention provides methods for acquiring and utilizing time-based 3d jaw motion images (4d datasets) to enhance the computer-aided design (CAD) of dental devices, which may include dental restorations, oral prostheses, and oral appliances. These 4d datasets may be used directly to provide a jaw motion model suitable for enhanced CAD or, they may be used to derive mathematical expressions that are then used to drive a motion simulation. The methods of the invention are based on acquiring time-based 3d images (a 4d sequence) of the upper and lower teeth, with each 3d frame in the time sequence capturing some upper and lower arch anatomy (the oral anatomy). Each image in the 4d sequence may therefore contain an accurate record of the relationship between the upper and lower arch in three dimensions.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to preview a scan includes placing a three dimensional (3D) scanner probe near an object to be scanned; scanning a portion of the object to generate a 3D model of the scanned portion of the object; and displaying the 3D model of the portion as a live 3D preview of the 3D model, wherein the live 3D preview provides feedback on the probe's position and orientation relative to the object.

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

Abstract: An implant cap that may fit with a post includes an opened face contacting a tooth socket and having an opening, a closed face opposite to the opened face, and a penetrating portion communicating with the opening and having a diameter corresponding to that of the post. The cap serves as a hemostasis cap for the wound to prevent it from bleeding after the surgery so that a pretty gum profile can be formed and a provisional tooth crown can be guided and formed to facilitate the inserting of the artificial tooth. Also, the cap serves as the expanding cap for the soft tissue of gum to avoid the anesthetization surgery before the artificial tooth is placed. If the patient has to wear the provisional artificial tooth, the implant cap can be formed to protect the post and keep the cleanness therearound when the artificial tooth is being manufactured.

Abstract: A method of transporting and processing a set of three-dimensional dentition models includes (a) providing a container having an outer shell containing a shock-absorbing core, wherein the core defines a plurality of compartments each configured to hold one model in the set of three-dimensional dentition models; (b) loading each of the dentition models into its respective compartment; (c) transporting the container to a processing site; and (d) processing the dentition models while they are in the container.

Abstract: Techniques are described for using radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags to track patient-specific materials throughout the manufacturing of indirect bonding trays. A series of RFID tags may be used to track the patient-specific material starting with the taking of a patient's impression at a clinic within a dental impression tray, through the process of casting and forming the indirect bonding tray at a manufacturing facility, back into the clinic where the appliances are bonded to the patient's teeth, and eventually into storage where the left-over materials may be archived. A database may be used to capture unique identifiers for the RFID tags and other information throughout the process.

Abstract: At an initial office visit, the dentist makes an impression of the portion of the mouth in which the tooth is located, with upper and lower occlusal surfaces at or below the gum line. After preparation of a crown, the dentist presses the surface contour tool against the biting surface of the tooth to determine the depth settings for at least one burr in a surface tool that will remove the upper surface of the tooth and create a working surface for the material removal device. The dentist inserts at least one burr with the proper length in this tool so that when the tool is lowered onto the tooth, a flat surface will be created. The flat surface tool and the center hole drilling burr are operated with a device that locks onto the tooth and ensures that the top surface of the tooth will be perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the tooth. The dentist inserts the guide pin of the material removal device in the center hole or onto a disk post and begins to remove material from the side of the tooth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods of developing and tracking delivery and patient progression through an orthodontic treatment plan. One method includes identifying deviations from an orthodontic treatment plan, including receiving a digital representation of an actual arrangement of a patient's teeth after an orthodontic treatment plan has begun for the patient and prior to completion of the orthodontic treatment plan. The method further includes comparing the actual arrangement to a pre-determined planned arrangement to determine if the actual arrangement substantially deviates from the planned arrangement, the comparing comprising matching teeth from a previously segmented model to a surface of an unsegmented representation of the actual arrangement; and calculating one or more positional differences between the actual and planned arrangements of at least some of the corresponding teeth.

Abstract: A method for applying a temporary dental veneer on a patient's teeth that includes the steps of positioning a mold on the patient's teeth, the mold containing a material that may be hardened, and hardening the material on the patient's teeth, the hardened material being temporarily affixed on the teeth. The temporarily affixed hardened material becomes unfixed from the patient's teeth from two hours to two weeks after the material is hardened. An apparatus according to the invention includes a mold adapted to receive a material that may be hardened, and a material that may be hardened, wherein the hardened material is adapted to be temporarily affixed to a patient's teeth.

Abstract: Occlusal contact between upper and lower virtual three-dimensional teeth of a patient when the upper and lower arches are in an occlused condition are determined and displayed to the user on a user interface of a general purpose computing device. Various techniques for determining occlusal contacts are described. The areas where occlusal contact occurs is displayed on the user interface in a readily perceptible manner, such as by showing the occlusal contacts in green. If the proposed set-up would result in a interpenetration of teeth in opposing arches, such locations of interpenetration are illustrated in a contrasting color or shading (e.g., red). The ability to calculate distances and display occlusal contacts in a proposed set-up assists the user in planning treatment for the patient. The process can be extended to interproximal contact detection as well. The concepts also apply to dental prosthetics, such as crowns, fillings and dentures.

Abstract: A dental cast model apparatus for the production and manipulation of dental model casts. The apparatus includes a model base having a mould adapted to produce a dental model. The model base is capable of supporting the dental model when formed and the model base is provided with one or more portions through or via which a force may be applied to said dental model when formed to remove said dental model from the model base.

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: 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 produces a physical dental arch model based on a three-dimensional (3D) digital dental arch model. The method includes smoothening the digital dental arch model to make the digital dental arch model suitable for CNC based manufacturing, segmenting the digital dental arch model into at least two manufacturable digital components, producing manufacturable physical components using Computer Numerical Control (CNC) based manufacturing in accordance with the manufacturable digital components, and assembling the manufacturable physical components to form the physical dental arch model.