dental cast

Abstract

The utility model relates to dental appliance manufacturing technical field discloses a dental arch model is used as the mould of hot pressing film forming shell -like dental appliance, its characterized in that: the dental arch model includes bottom surface and outer surface, the outer surface includes appliance cover area and non - appliance cover area, the dental arch model includes the exhaust passage with first opening and second opening, the first opening is located in the non - appliance cover area, and when pressing the film, the air between the diaphragm and dental arch model can at least part pass through first opening and enter second opening exhaust passage and go out.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of manufacturing technology of shell-shaped dental appliances, and in particular to a dental model for thermoforming. Background Technology

[0002] The existing design and manufacturing scheme for clear aligners is as follows: the orthodontic aligner film is hot-pressed onto a dental mold (master mold) processed by light-curing rapid prototyping (DLP, SLA, etc.) technology, and then cut, polished, and cleaned to finally produce a bracketless clear aligner.

[0003] During the hot pressing process, negative or positive pressure is used to ensure the diaphragm adheres tightly to the dental model. However, in practice, due to the shape and size of the dental model, a small amount of air may remain between the diaphragm and the model, preventing proper fit. Therefore, ensuring proper air removal between the diaphragm and the model during pressing is crucial for a tight fit of the orthodontic appliance. Patent CN220695369U describes a current technique where the dental model is placed on a flat plate with multiple air vents. During pressing, these vents create air channels, allowing for a tighter fit. However, this method still cannot guarantee a perfect fit in all areas, especially for models containing a hard palate or certain local structures such as the tooth-gingival junction, where insufficient air removal often occurs. Moreover, even if there is only a small amount of air in a localized area, which is not visible to the naked eye, it can still lead to insufficient adhesion between the diaphragm and the dental model. This results in a difference between the shape of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance formed by thermoforming and the designed shape, causing inaccurate force application to the teeth and creating defective and / or substandard products. Utility Model Content

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a dental model for use as a mold for thermoforming shell-shaped orthodontic appliances, which increases the fit between the diaphragm and the dental model, thereby improving the pass rate of the orthodontic appliance and saving production costs.

[0005] The present invention provides a dental model for use as a mold for thermoforming shell-shaped orthodontic appliances. The dental model includes a bottom surface and an outer surface. The outer surface includes an appliance-covered area and a non-applied appliance-covered area. The dental model includes an exhaust channel with a first opening and a second opening. The first opening is located in the non-applied appliance-covered area. During thermoforming, at least part of the air between the diaphragm and the dental model can enter the exhaust channel through the first opening and be discharged through the second opening.

[0006] Compared with the prior art, the dental model provided by this utility model has an air venting channel on it. When the film is pressed, there is air between the film and the dental model. The air can be discharged through the first opening, the air venting channel, and the second opening, thereby reducing the air between the film and the dental model during the hot pressing process. This solves the problem of non-fitting between the film and the dental model caused by incomplete air discharge, and increases the fit between the dental model and the film. In addition, the first opening is set in the non-orthodontic appliance coverage area to prevent the film in the appliance area from being sucked in and causing appliance deformation. This avoids insufficient air venting, which can lead to defects or even defects in the shell-shaped dental appliance formed by hot pressing.

[0007] Optionally, the first opening is set at a predetermined gap with the edge of the area covered by the orthodontic appliance to avoid affecting the edge of the orthodontic appliance and generating additional corrective force.

[0008] Optionally, the predetermined gap is the vertically upward projection of the closest distance between any point on the first opening and the edge of the area covered by the orthodontic appliance, and the value of the predetermined gap ranges from 1.5mm to 8mm. The first opening should not be too close to the orthodontic appliance to ensure good airflow while avoiding damage to the edge structure and mechanical properties of the appliance.

[0009] Optionally, the effective diameter of the cross section of the exhaust channel perpendicular to the long axis direction is 0.05mm-1mm. This setting can ensure the exhaust effect while preventing the diaphragm from being sucked in.

[0010] Optionally, there are multiple first openings, discretely distributed along the dental arch direction. By providing more first openings, more areas are covered in the dental arch direction, making it easier for more locations on the dental model to completely expel air.

[0011] Optionally, the number of air vents is greater than or equal to the number of crowns, with each crown having at least one first opening on its lingual or buccal side. By providing more first openings, more areas of the dental model are covered, facilitating complete air venting at all locations on the dental model.

[0012] Optionally, the at least one exhaust passage has a plurality of first openings.

[0013] Optionally, the dental model includes a hard palate, which further includes a second air vent with a third opening and a fourth opening. The appliance coverage area partially covers the hard palate. The third opening is located on the appliance coverage area of ​​the hard palate. During diaphragm pressing, at least part of the air between the diaphragm and the hard palate can enter the second air vent through the third opening and exit through the fourth opening. Because the hard palate area is relatively large, further adding air vents on the hard palate facilitates the expulsion of air within the hard palate area, allowing the appliance in the hard palate area to better conform to the hard palate shape.

[0014] Optionally, the dental model includes a hard palate, and the appliance coverage area partially covers the hard palate. At least one of the first openings is located in the hard palate and in the non-applied appliance coverage area. This arrangement ensures that air within the hard palate area can be discharged while minimizing the possibility of membrane aspiration.

[0015] Optionally, the dental model is a solid structure, with the second opening located on the bottom surface of the dental model; or, the dental model is a thin-shell structure, including sidewalls and a cavity with an opening at the bottom formed by the sidewalls, the exhaust channel penetrating through the sidewalls of the dental model, and the second opening communicating with the cavity. The dental model in this embodiment can be applied to different types of dental models, such as solid and hollow models, facilitating the widespread adoption of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0016] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings are not to be limited by scale.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the dental model structure from a bottom view in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2a This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the air venting channel of a dental model in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2b This is an enlarged view of region b in a dental model according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the dental model structure provided in Embodiment 2 of this utility model from a bottom-up perspective;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the exhaust channel in some other embodiments of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the exhaust passage in some other embodiments of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the exhaust passage in some other embodiments of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom surface of a dental model according to other embodiments of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of the outer surface and bottom surface of a dental model according to other embodiments of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the outer surface of a dental model according to other embodiments of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the outer surface and bottom surface of a dental model according to other embodiments of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the various embodiments of this invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art will understand that many technical details have been provided in the various embodiments of this invention to facilitate a better understanding of this application. However, the technical solutions claimed in the claims of this application can be implemented even without these technical details and with various variations and modifications based on the following embodiments.

[0029] In this embodiment of the invention, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "middle," "vertical," "horizontal," "lateral," and "longitudinal" indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing this invention and its embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated devices, elements, or components to having a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0030] Furthermore, in addition to indicating direction or positional relationship, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in some cases to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0031] Furthermore, the terms "installation," "setting," "equipped with," "opening," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or an internal connection between two devices, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0032] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are primarily used to distinguish different devices, elements, or components (which may be the same or different in specific type and construction), and are not intended to indicate or imply the relative importance or quantity of the indicated devices, elements, or components. Unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0033] The terms "anterior region" and "posterior region" mentioned in the various embodiments of this application are defined according to the classification of teeth in the 2nd edition of *Introduction to Stomatology*, published by Peking University Medical Press, pages 36-38. These include premolars and molars, teeth marked as 4-8 using the FDI notation, and teeth marked as 1-3 using the FDI notation for the anterior region. Teeth in the anterior region include the central incisors, lateral incisors, and canines.

[0034] In orthodontic treatment of malocclusion, the dental model used in the hot-press molding process of invisible aligners can utilize the product of this invention. This invention provides a dental model used as a mold for hot-press molding shell-shaped orthodontic appliances. Compared to existing technologies, the dental model of this invention includes several venting channels with first and second openings, thus allowing for better air removal between the liner and the dental model during the hot-press molding process.

[0035] The following is a detailed description of the implementation details of the dental model used as a mold for a thermoforming shell-shaped orthodontic appliance according to this utility model. The following implementation details are provided for ease of understanding only and are not necessary for implementing this solution.

[0036] Example 1

[0037] Please refer to Figure 1 As shown, a dental model 100 is provided for use in the thermoforming process of shell-shaped dental instruments. The dental model includes an outer surface 11 and a bottom surface 12. In the first embodiment of this invention, the outer surface 11 includes an appliance-covered area 110 and a non-applied appliance-covered area 112. The appliance-covered area 110 is the portion above the cutting line after the diaphragm is pressed into shape; that is, the portion ultimately formed into the orthodontic appliance. The non-applied appliance-covered area 112 is the remaining portion of the diaphragm; that is, the portion that needs to be removed in subsequent production. Specifically, as shown... Figure 1As shown by the dashed line, the dividing line 111 is the boundary between the aligner coverage area 110 and the non-aligner coverage area 112. It should be noted that this dividing line does not exist on the actual dental model 100. This dividing line can be the aligner cutting line; that is, in this embodiment, after the dental model 100 is molded and cut, the diaphragm is cut at the dividing line. During subsequent manufacturing, the portion above the dividing line is removed, polished to form the aligner, while the portion below the dividing line is discarded. The dental model has an air venting channel 13 with a first opening 1100 and a second opening 1200. The first opening 1100 is located in the non-aligner coverage area 112. During molding, at least part of the air between the diaphragm and the dental model can enter the air venting channel through the first opening 1100 and exit through the second opening 1200. Furthermore, since the non-aligner coverage area 112 is not part of the finished shell aligner, even if there is slight deformation or indentation due to the first opening, it will not affect the quality of the finished aligner.

[0038] In some embodiments, the effective diameter of the cross-section of the exhaust channel perpendicular to the long axis is 0.08 mm. The effective diameter can be any diameter that achieves the desired effect. In this embodiment, the effective diameter ensures the exhaust effect while avoiding the impact on the edge of the orthodontic appliance due to the inhalation of the diaphragm. In practical applications, it can also be set to any value between 0.05 mm and 1 mm, such as 0.060 mm, 0.075 mm, or 0.080 mm.

[0039] In this embodiment, the first opening is positioned with a predetermined gap from the edge of the orthodontic appliance coverage area. The predetermined gap 1101 is the vertically upward projection of the shortest distance between any point on the first opening and the edge of the orthodontic appliance coverage area, such as... Figure 2a , Figure 2b As shown, the predetermined gap 1101 is the vertically upward projection distance of the closest distance between point a of the first opening 1100 and the boundary line 111. The predetermined gap 1101 is 3mm, but in practical applications, it can also be set to any value between 1.5mm and 8mm, such as 1.5mm, 1.7mm, or 4mm. The effect is that, while ensuring good airflow, the first opening is not set too close to the orthodontic appliance, thus avoiding damage to the edge structure and mechanical properties of the appliance.

[0040] In some embodiments, the number and position of the first opening 1100 and the second opening 1200 correspond one-to-one; that is, each exhaust channel 13 has one first opening 1100 and one second opening 1200. Regarding the position setting, in this embodiment, the first opening and the second opening can be perpendicularly connected, such as... Figure 2a As shown, the exhaust channel is a vertical channel relative to the jaw model in this embodiment.

[0041] It should be noted that, besides the configuration with only one first opening as listed above, the exhaust channel can also take many other forms, such as having multiple first openings. For example, taking 14 first openings as an example... Figure 3 As shown, the dental model in this embodiment has 14 crowns, each with a corresponding first opening. By providing more first openings, more areas of the dental model are covered, facilitating complete air removal. It is conceivable that, besides the listed 14 first openings, the number of first openings could also be 2, 3, 5, or other numbers as needed; these will not be listed here.

[0042] In some embodiments, besides the one-to-one correspondence between the number of first openings and second openings listed above, the exhaust channel can also take various other forms, such as multiple first openings corresponding to multiple second openings, where the number of second openings is less than the number of first openings. For example, consider two first openings corresponding to one second opening. Figure 4 As shown, the first opening on the buccal side and the first opening on the lingual side exhaust air through the same second opening. By setting more first openings, the dental model can be better covered, and air can be exhausted through the second opening, so that air can be completely vented from all positions on the dental model.

[0043] Besides the example of two first openings corresponding to one second opening, it is conceivable that there could also be three first openings corresponding to one second opening, four first openings corresponding to one second opening, five first openings corresponding to one second opening, three first openings corresponding to two second openings, four first openings corresponding to two second openings, and so on. These will not be listed one by one here.

[0044] In some embodiments, besides the one-to-one correspondence between the first and second openings listed above, the exhaust passage can also be designed so that the positions of the first and second openings are not one-to-one, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the first opening is located at the junction of the tooth and gum, and is obliquely connected to the second opening.

[0045] In some embodiments, the exhaust channel 13 can adopt various other structures besides the vertical channels listed above, such as a curved S-shaped structure. Figure 6 As shown, the first opening 1100 is located at the junction of the tooth and gum, and the air passage has an S-shaped structure. The second opening 1200 is located on the bottom surface.

[0046] In some embodiments, in addition to the structure with a uniform channel diameter listed above, the exhaust channel 13 can also adopt a structure with a non-uniform inner diameter, that is, a structure with different inner diameters.

[0047] In some embodiments, in addition to the cylindrical structure listed above, the exhaust channel 13 can also adopt various other structures, such as a pentagonal shape, for example... Figure 10 As shown, the first opening 1100 and the second opening 1200 are both pentagonal in shape, and the positions and quantities of the first opening 1100 and the second opening 1200 correspond one-to-one.

[0048] Besides the pentagons listed, other shapes that can be considered include quadrilaterals, triangles, and hexagons, which will not be listed here.

[0049] The inventors of this application, after studying the lamination process, discovered that areas of non-adhesion often occur at the junction of the gum and tooth. In this area, small amounts of air can easily become trapped during lamination, thus affecting lamination efficiency. Therefore, in some embodiments, the first opening is located near the junction, such as... Figure 1 , Figure 2a As shown.

[0050] In some embodiments, the first opening 1100 can be discretely arranged along the dental arch direction (see...). Figure 3 (As shown), it can also be set at equal intervals.

[0051] In summary, the venting channel structure of Embodiment 1 allows air to exist between the diaphragm and the dental model during the pressing process. The air can be discharged through one or more first openings, through the venting channel, and through a second opening less than or equal to the number of first openings. This reduces the amount of air between the diaphragm and the dental model during the hot pressing process, thus resolving the misfit caused by incomplete air removal and increasing the fit between the dental model and the diaphragm. Furthermore, the first opening is located in the non-orthodontic appliance coverage area to prevent the diaphragm in the appliance area from being sucked in and causing appliance deformation. This also avoids insufficient venting, which could lead to defects or even non-compliance in the shell-shaped dental appliance formed by hot pressing.

[0052] Example 2

[0053] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the dental model in Embodiment 1 is a solid structure, while the dental model in this embodiment is a thin-shell structure in order to reduce the overall weight of the dental model.

[0054] In this embodiment, the dental model 100 specifically includes sidewalls and a cavity with an opening at the bottom formed by the sidewalls. The exhaust channel 13 penetrates the sidewalls of the dental model, and the second opening 1200 communicates with the cavity 1201. Figure 7 As shown, the second opening 1200 is located on the inner wall of the cavity 1201 and is circular in shape.

[0055] It should be noted that, in addition to the single form listed above, the second opening can also take many other forms, such as multiple second openings. For example, taking 14 second openings as an example, the dental model in this embodiment has 14 second openings 1200. By setting the second openings 1200, air can be more fully vented at various positions on the dental model.

[0056] In some embodiments, the second opening 1200 may be located on the inner wall of the cavity, as listed above, or it may be located on the side wall. This allows the second opening to communicate with the open cavity and the bottom surface, thereby venting the air between the diaphragm and the dental model during the hot pressing process and solving the problem of misfitting between the diaphragm and the dental model due to incomplete air removal.

[0057] In summary, the exhaust channel structure of Embodiment 2 allows air to be discharged through one or more second openings located on the inner wall or side wall of the cavity during the hot pressing process of the thin-shell dental model. This reduces the amount of air between the diaphragm and the dental model during the hot pressing process, thus solving the problem of misfitting between the diaphragm and the dental model due to incomplete air discharge and increasing the fit between the dental model and the diaphragm.

[0058] Example 3

[0059] This embodiment is largely the same as Embodiment 1, with the main difference being that the dental model 100 in this embodiment has a hard palate 14 structure. The hard palate 14 further includes a second exhaust channel 1401 having a third opening 1400 and a fourth opening 1402, as shown below. Figure 8 As shown, the appliance coverage area 110 partially covers the hard palate 14, and the third opening 1400 is located on the non-applied appliance coverage area 110 on the hard palate 14. During diaphragm pressing, the air between the diaphragm and the hard palate can enter the second exhaust channel 1401 through the third opening 1400 and be discharged through the fourth opening 1402. The fourth opening 1402 is located on the bottom surface 12 to better and faster discharge the gas. By discharging the gas space, the diaphragm fits the dental model better, and the produced dental instrument better meets the design requirements.

[0060] The predetermined gap between the third opening 1400 and the area covered by the orthodontic appliance on the hard palate 14 is 1.5 mm. The closer to the appliance, the better the airflow effect without affecting it. The effective diameter of the cross-section of the second exhaust channel 1401 perpendicular to its major axis is 0.08 mm. The effective diameter range of the second exhaust channel 1401 is also 0.05 mm to 1 mm. In practical applications, it can be set to any value within the range of 0.05 mm to 1 mm, such as 0.060 mm, 0.075 mm, or 0.080 mm. This ensures good airflow while preventing the diaphragm from being sucked in due to an excessively large third opening.

[0061] In some embodiments, in addition to the cylindrical structure listed above, the exhaust channel can also adopt a variety of other structures, such as a pentagonal cross-section. Besides the listed pentagons, it is conceivable that it can also be a quadrilateral, a triangle, a hexagon, etc., which will not be listed here.

[0062] In summary, when air exists between the diaphragm and the dental model with a hard palate structure during the hot-pressing process, the exhaust channel structure of Example 3 allows air to pass through one or more first and third openings, through the exhaust channel, and out through the second and fourth openings. This reduces the amount of air between the diaphragm and the dental model during the hot-pressing process, increases the fit between the dental model and the diaphragm, and the first and third openings are located in the non-orthodontic appliance coverage area to prevent the diaphragm in the appliance area from being sucked in and causing appliance deformation. This avoids insufficient air venting, which could lead to defects or even non-compliance of the hot-pressed shell-shaped dental appliance.

[0063] Example 4

[0064] This embodiment is largely the same as Embodiment 3, the main difference being that the third opening 1400 of the dental model 100 is located in the appliance coverage area 110 on the hard palate 14. Figure 9 As shown, the third opening 1400 is located in the coverage area 110 of the orthodontic appliance. In most cases, there is no need to worry about local deformation caused by membrane suction affecting the function of the palatal appliance. Furthermore, since the hard palate area is relatively large, an additional air vent is added to the hard palate. The third opening can be located in the hard palate appliance coverage area, allowing air to be expelled from the hard palate area without affecting the function of the palatal appliance, thus enabling the orthodontic appliance in the hard palate area to better conform to the shape of the hard palate.

[0065] Example 5

[0066] The difference between this embodiment and the previous embodiment is that the base 200 of the dental model is provided with vent holes that correspond one-to-one with the second openings 1200 of the venting channels 13 of the dental model 100. The vent holes are located on the base of the dental model, and the number of these vent holes matches the number of the second openings 1200 of the venting channels of the dental model, with their positions corresponding one-to-one. This maximizes the venting effect and efficiency, better expelling air between the diaphragm and the dental model, thereby increasing the fit between the dental model and the diaphragm and improving the pressing efficiency in the hot-press molding process.

[0067] It should be noted that the above embodiments can be freely combined as needed to form different new implementation schemes without causing contradictions. All implementation schemes formed by such combinations are within the protection scope of this application. In order to save space in the application text, they will not be described in detail here.

[0068] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this application. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the inventive principle of this invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

[0069] Similarly, the above descriptions are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A dental cast for use as a mold for thermoforming a shell-like dental appliance, characterized in that: The dental model includes a bottom surface and an outer surface. The outer surface includes an area covered by an orthodontic appliance and an area not covered by an orthodontic appliance. The dental model includes an air vent with a first opening and a second opening. The first opening is located in the area not covered by an orthodontic appliance. When the diaphragm is pressed, at least part of the air between the diaphragm and the dental model can enter the air vent through the first opening and be discharged through the second opening.

2. The dental model according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first opening is positioned at a predetermined gap from the edge of the area covered by the orthodontic appliance.

3. The dental model according to claim 2, characterized in that: The predetermined gap is the vertical upward projection of the closest distance between any point on the first opening and the edge of the orthodontic coverage area, and the value of the predetermined gap ranges from 1.5mm to 8mm.

4. The dental model according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The effective diameter of the cross section of the exhaust channel perpendicular to the major axis is 0.05mm-1mm.

5. The dental model according to claim 1, characterized in that: There are multiple first openings, which are discretely distributed along the dental arch direction.

6. The dental model according to claim 5, characterized in that: The number of air passages is greater than or equal to the number of crowns, and each crown has at least one first opening on the lingual or buccal side.

7. The dental model according to claim 5, characterized in that: At least one exhaust passage has multiple first openings.

8. The dental model according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: The dental model includes a hard palate, which also includes a second air passage with a third opening and a fourth opening. The third opening is located in the area covered by the orthodontic appliance. When the diaphragm is pressed, at least part of the air between the diaphragm and the hard palate can enter the second air passage through the third opening and be discharged through the fourth opening.

9. The dental model according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: The dental model includes a hard palate, the appliance coverage area partially covers the hard palate, and at least one of the first openings is located in the hard palate and in the non-applied appliance coverage area.

10. The dental model according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: The dental model is a solid structure, and the second opening is located on the bottom surface of the dental model; or, the dental model is a thin-shell structure, including sidewalls and a cavity with an opening at the bottom formed by the sidewalls, the exhaust channel penetrates through the sidewalls of the dental model, and the second opening communicates with the cavity.

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