System and Process for Duplication of Dentures

Abstract

Systems and processes for the duplication of dentures from existing dentures. The interior and exterior of the dentures are scanned and a best fit procedure is used to create a fully digitized denture. The denture teeth are selected from a library that is the closest fit to the original denture teeth. The library teeth are offset a preset distance to compensate for the best fit. The teeth are then subtracted from the digitized denture. The margins of the denture are then cleaned after subtracting the teeth. The denture base is then ready for manufacturing. The teeth are then installed onto the denture base and provided to the patient.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to the field of denture manufacture and particularly the duplication of existing dentures.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Dentures are worn by a considerable number of individuals. The average life span of a denture is approximately seven years, although many individuals continue to wear dentures well beyond that time period. Additionally, dentures become ill-fitting over time due to changes in the patients anatomy. Dentures may also become damaged over time as well.[0003]Also, some individuals may want to have a spare denture in case of the loss of the original denture or in the event of an accidental fracture of their primary denture. The cost and time of creating a new denture can often be considerable. Thus, it is often desirable to make a new denture based on an existing denture, particularly if the patient is satisfied with their existing dentures.[0004]The duplication of an existing denture is preferable in most circu...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]The present invention provides systems and processes for the precise duplication of dentures from existing dentures. The duplicate dentures can be ready for delivery to the patient in a relatively short time frame. The duplicate denture may even be manufactured in the dentist office.

[0012]A preferred embodiment of the present invention creates a best fit for the duplicate denture that maintains the occlusal scheme of the existing denture. The occlusal scheme is maintained while allowing changes to the denture for anatomical, functional and aesthetic reasons.

Problems solved by technology

Additionally, dentures become ill-fitting over time due to changes in the patients anatomy.

Dentures may also become damaged over time as well.

The cost and time of creating a new denture can often be considerable.

However, these temporary dentures are usually ill-fitting, uncomfortable and not intended for continued use.

Often, there may be a considerable amount of time that has elapsed and such information may not be available.

This entails considerable time and expense for the patient.

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