Abstract: A method for monitoring tooth wear and a method for monitoring tooth wear and gingival recession and erosion by comparing three-dimensional virtual models at different times are described, as well as occlusal contact between upper and lower virtual three-dimensional teeth of a patient when the upper and lower arches are in an occluded 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.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to prepare a malocclusion treatment plan by selecting a tooth treatment pattern from a library of predetermined tooth treatment patterns; and generating the malocclusion treatment plan implementing the selected tooth treatment pattern.

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: The systems and methods disclosed herein provide real time display of three-dimensional dental data acquired intraorally from a dental 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: To remove an undercut part from three-dimensional data of the inner face, the program includes a surface model creating means to create a surface model based on three-dimensional data of a gypsum model including an abutment tooth, a cutting direction specifying means to specify a direction of a cutting bar, and a surface model creating means to create a surface model for machining by changing the three-dimensional data to have new coordinates by determining a base axis in parallel with the cutting bar in the surface model and plane moving coordinates of the cutting bar, and converting the coordinates of a point which becomes an undercut part, to be equal to the plane moving coordinates of a point having a high height from a specified face rectangular to the base axis at the opposite side of the occlusion face and a long distance from the base axis.

Abstract: A two-part impression cap for manufacturing a model for a dental implant, comprising: a cylindrical body and a cap-shaped part pluggable onto the cylindrical body, the cylindrical body and the cap-shaped part having a common central axis, the cap-shaped part being provided with elastic elements extending in the direction of the central axis, which elements are adapted to be bent towards the central axis and thus to create a tension in the elastic elements for engaging a groove in the interior of an abutment, adapter or the like, and the cylindrical body being adapted to fit tightly on the outside of the abutment, adapter or the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging unit for homogenising ceramic slurry in mixing devices with at least one packaging vessel, which exhibits a releasable closure, containing ceramic slurries or their components in pre-metered quantities.

Abstract: A dental computer analyzer including a housing to be placed over a tooth, a first camera mounted in the housing, a first transmission line connected to the first camera for transmitting signals from the first camera representative of an image of the tooth in the housing, a central processing unit connected to the first transmission line for receipt of the signals representative of the image of the tooth, a crown die, a second camera for capturing an image of the crown die, and a second transmission line connected to the second camera for transmitting signals from the second camera to the central processing unit representative of the image of the crown die. The central processing unit includes a comparator for comparing the image of the tooth and the image of the crown die. A monitor is connected to the central processing unit for viewing the images of the tooth and the crown die. The comparator feeds superimposed images of the tooth and the crown die to the monitor.

Abstract: An implant delivery system includes a carrier that is attached to an implant. The carrier includes a main body having a lower portion to be attached to the implant and an upper portion. The upper portion includes an internally threaded section having a polygonal internal cross-section. The polygonal cross-section engages a tool that applies torque to install the implant into bone. The threaded section receives a threaded portion of a secondary component to be coupled to the carrier after the implant has been installed. One secondary component is a gingival healing component. Thus, the combination of the carrier and the gingival healing component acts as a healing abutment after the carrier has been used to install the implant.

Abstract: A casting abutment for a dental implant comprising: an apical socket portion, a transition portion bordering coronally on the socket portion, an occlusal portion bordering coronally on the transition portion and having an apical lower rim, wherein the occlusal portion, starting from its lower rim, is provided on its peripheral surface with an area having indentations, whose crests face the transition portion.

Abstract: Method for planning and performing dental treatments comprising: an acquisition phase of a set of data relating to the position, to the conformation and to the dimension of at least one site inside the oral cavity of a patient who has to undergo a dental treatment and relating to the conformation of at least one portion of the patient's face; a design phase of a virtual prototype of at least one dental prosthesis that can be fitted at the site during the treatment, starting from the set of data and by means of a software program implemented on a computer; a determination phase, by means of the software program and starting from the set of data and from the virtual prototype of the dental prosthesis, of at least one virtual model suitable for visually reproducing the portion of the face following the fitting of the dental prosthesis; a preparation phase of the site by means of a dental instrument, with the assistance of the software and starting from the virtual prototype of the dental prosthesis and from the

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: The present invention relates to a mold assembly for manufacturing tooth and a method for molding the same, comprising a tooth model, a model-binding plate, fixing pins, and a base member, wherein said model-binding plate is a flat plate made of synthetic resin that has a form of which one side has narrow width and the other side has wide width, surface of the side to which said fixing pins are attached being formed with a plurality of concaves; each of said fixing pins is attached at a point corresponding to each center part of the relevant tooth placed at upside of said model-binding plate, pin body of each of said fixing pins being rectangular in cross section, thick at upper part contacting the lower plane of model-binding plate and thin at lower part, and one side of upper part of said pin body being formed with a convex; said base member is formed at its surface with a plurality of convexes each corresponding to each of concaves formed at surface of said model-binding plate; and each of pin insertion ho

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.

Abstract: An orthodontic workstation stores a library of virtual three-dimensional brackets in a memory. Each of the virtual brackets has a unique three-dimensional configuration and prescription. Typically, the library of bracket comprises a library of commercially available, off-the-shelf brackets. The workstation further includes an interactive treatment planning program that permits a user to move teeth from a virtual model of the dentition to a proposed set-up. In one possible embodiment, the treatment planning program provides the ability to display a virtual bracket placed on a virtual tooth and change the prescription or configuration of the virtual bracket. The treatment program automatically compares the modified prescription with the prescription information of the virtual brackets in the library and selects a bracket from the library that most closely matches the virtual bracket displayed on the tooth. Thus, the user does not have to use customized brackets.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for quickly arriving at a pre-set-up for the orthodontic treatment of a patient based up on the user specified parameters; and thereafter enabling the user in interactively arriving at a final, desired treatment set-up for the patient. Several sub-operations are disclosed for arriving at the orthodontic pre-set-up. These sub-operations can be arranged in a specific sequence for realizing the orthodontic treatment pre-set-up for a patient. According to another aspect of the invention, a global reference system is disclosed that enables consistent treatment planning. The global reference system prevents unintended tooth displacements caused as side effects to the desired tooth displacements.

Abstract: A method to create a digital model of a patient's teeth includes taking an impression of the patient's teeth using a radiopaque dental tray; scanning the impression and the dental tray using a dental tray containing a radiopaque agent; scanning the impression and the dental tray using a radiographic source; and generating the digital model with scanned data.

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 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: 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: Methods and apparatus fit a set of upper and lower teeth in a masticatory system by generating a computer representation of the masticatory system and computing an occlusion based on interactions in the computer representation of the masticatory system.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating teeth include capturing a digital dental model taken within an oral cavity; modifying the digital model in planning a dental treatment or in designing a tooth die model for a dental prosthetic; creating physical models from the original or modified digital models: and using the physical models as a pattern for fabrication and fit check of a dental prosthetic.

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. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, 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. Such modeling techniques can be conducted with one or more 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.

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: 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.

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: An implant analog includes an abutment that can be mounted in the dental lab replica of the relevant section of a patient's mouth more securely than heretofore possible. Because of the implant analog, a crown will attach more accurately to the implant in the patient's mouth. The analogs have a pin or other protrusion that projects from the base of the analog. The analog has substantially the same height and dimensions as a conventional implant and abutment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tool for turning a hex screw at the top of a denture compress containing denture flasks which comprises a hex key wrench having a shaft of finite length. Turning the hex screw in one direction causes pressure to be applied to a plate beneath it, and to the denture flasks within the compress. At one end of the shaft there is a handle perpendicular to the shaft, a T-handle. At the opposite end of the shaft a plurality of hex keys of different sizes are formed, in a contiguous relationship, the largest hex key being closest to the shaft and the smallest being furthest from the shaft. The T-handled hex key is supported by a frame which is attached to a flat base plate. The frame is perpendicular to the plane of the base plate, which has either within its surface or on its surface means for temporarily securing the dental compress thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental impression tray comprising a base and at least two walls defining said base. At least one of these walls is at least partially formed by hollow bodies made of flexible material. Said hollow bodies can be filled in order to form, when taut, the desired shape for using the mould tray. In order to provide sufficient longitudinal stability for the impression tray, at least one of the walls is fitted with a rigid longitudinal rib. Said wall can also be rigid in its entirety. The hollow bodies which are to be filled can be fitted with openings. The moulding material filling the hollow bodies can flow from said openings into the moulding region of the dental impression tray. The base is flexible.

Abstract: A model and die system includes a working quadrant having an upper flat surface. Pin-receiving tapered bores are formed in the upper flat surface and a thin metallic foil covers the bores. Cast teeth are supported by the working quadrant and each cast tooth has at least one tapered pin depending from it. Each pin includes a tapered main body that matches the taper of the tapered bore, a reduced diameter section of the same taper that accommodates torn or ruptured foil, an annular ramp section that sharply crimps the foil about the entry of the tapered bore, and a tapered rim that matches the taper of the tapered bore to lock the pin into its fully seated position.

Abstract: A method for virtual orthodontic treatment is provided in which a virtual set of orthodontic components is associated, in a virtual space, with a first virtual three-dimensional image of teeth, and then by a set of rules which define the effect of the set of components' teeth, the effect of the virtual treatment can be computed. This virtual treatment can be used to predict the results of a real-life orthodontic treatment as to design such a treatment.

Abstract: A method for virtual orthodontic treatment is provided in which a virtual set of orthodontic components is associated, in a virtual space, with a first virtual three-dimensional image of teeth, and then by a set of rules which define the effect of the set of components' teeth, the effect of the virtual treatment can be computed. This virtual treatment can be used to predict the results of a real-life orthodontic treatment as to design such a treatment.

Abstract: A computer or other digital circuitry is used to assist in the creation of a digital model of an individual component, such as a tooth or gum tissue, in a patient's dentition. The computer receives a data set that forms a three-dimensional (3D) representation of the patient's dentition, applies a test to the data set to identify data elements that represent portions of the individual component, and creates a digital model of the individual component based upon the identified data elements. Many implementations require the computer to identify data elements representing a 2D cross-section of the dentition lying in a 2D plane that is roughly parallel to or roughly perpendicular to the dentition's occlusal plane. The computer analyzes the 2D cross-section to identify dentition features that represent boundaries between individual dentition components.

Abstract: A dental model comprising a first jaw member wherein the first jaw member comprises a first transparent medullary bone portion and a first opaque cortical bone portion, at least one tooth connected to the first jaw member, wherein the first jaw member further comprises a simulated gum tissue covering at least a portion of the first transparent medullary bone portion and a first opaque cortical bone portion.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for repositioning the teeth of a patient by providing a digital model of each tooth of the patient; determining one or more root parameters from the digital model; and digitally moving one or more tooth models and evaluating a treatment outcome based on one or more root movement clinical constraints.

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 method for making a dental appliance is disclosed, including affixing a first blank piece of material to a second blank piece of material forming a combined blank. The first blank piece of material is substantially softer than the second blank piece of material. The combined blank is then placed over a dental cast with the first blank piece of material faces the dental cast, and a dental appliance is formed by using a thermal form suck-down of the combined blank over the dental cast with the first blank piece of material in contact with the teeth of the dental cast. Finally, the dental appliance is removed from the dental cast. The dental appliance can be trimmed while it is on the dental cast or after it is removed.

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.

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: 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: Systems and methods are disclosed for matching computer models of two sets of teeth each having corresponding matching regions includes calculating a difference for two sets of teeth shapes; finding the position of one set of teeth with respect to the other set of teeth; calculating a positional difference of the corresponding teeth based on the matching regions; and finding a corrective path to bring one set of teeth to the other set of teeth.

Abstract: The dental model pouring jig of the present invention includes a base member that supports a model base support member and a mold support member. The model base support member is secured to the base member and is capable of mounting a dental model base. The mold support member is adjustably secured to the base member and includes a mold platform that is capable of mounting a mold of a person's teeth. At least a portion of the mold platform is configured to be easily detached and reattached to the mold support member. The mold support member is adjustable relative to the model base support member to properly position the mold adjacent the dental model base.

Abstract: A method and workstation for evaluation of an orthodontic treatment plan for a patient. The workstation is based on a computing platform having a graphical user interface, a processor and a computer storage medium containing digitized records pertaining to a patient including image data (3D image data and/or 2D image data). The workstation further includes a set of software instructions providing graphical user interface tools by which the user can create a proposed treatment plan (proposed position of the teeth at the end of treatment) in three dimensions. The workstation also provides tools for evaluation of the proposed treatment plan.

Abstract: A method is presented for rapidly making and delivering directly to a consumer a full upper and/or lower denture on the basis of contemporaneous digital image information laser scanned from the person's oral cavity after all respective upper and/or lower teeth have been removed, the delivery of the denture occurring substantially contemporaneously with the creation of the contemporaneous digital image information and optionally including and based on archived digital image information laser scanned from the person's oral cavity before all respective upper and/or lower teeth have been removed and digitally stored.

Abstract: A programmed computer is used to create a digital model of an individual component of a patient's dentition. The computer obtains a 3D digital mode of the patient's dentition, identifies points in the dentition model that lie on an inter-proximal margin between adjacent teeth in the patient's dentition, and uses the identified points to create a cutting surface that separates portions of the dentition model representing the adjacent teeth.

Abstract: An orthodontic model has a single block body made of catalyzing acrylic resin with a pair of prism boxes inversely positioned and interconnected by a pair of posterior walls with a window, the prism boxes have covers of the same shape and are provided with perimetral depressions for fitting to the boxes and to reach a welding of edges of each dental arch or the model, and a method of its production is proposed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for imaging a dental occlusal registration impression; developing a digital 3D surface contour model of the occlusal registration impression from the image data; electronically transferring the data representing the digital 3D surface contour model of the occlusal registration impression; fabricating a physical replicate of the occlusal registration impression; correlating features on upper and lower jaw dental models with features on the replicate occlusal registration impression model; and determining occlusal alignment of the upper and lower jaw dental models using the replicate occlusal registration impression model.

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: A programmed computer is used to create a digital model of an individual component of a patient's dentition. The computer obtains a 3D digital model of the patient's dentition, identifies points in the dentition model that lie on an inter-proximal margin between adjacent teeth in the patient's dentition, and uses the identified points to create a cutting surface that separates portions of the dentition model representing the adjacent teeth.