Injection molding system, medium and method for expansion appliance

Abstract

The invention discloses an injection molding system for an expansion appliance. Comprising a model import program module, an undercut program module, a steel wire model generation program module, a base model generation program module, a fairing program module, an embedding box model generation program module, an injection molding hole program module, an expansion device model program module, a clamping groove generation program module and an output program module. By digitally designing the orthodontic device base plate model and the embedding box model matched with the orthodontic device base plate model, outputting the designed three-dimensional model, installing the steel wire and injecting the resin, the manufacturing of the expansion orthodontic device is completed, and the manufactured expansion orthodontic device is high in uniformity, smooth in surface, simple and efficient in manufacturing process and suitable for large-scale production.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of oral medicine technology, and specifically relates to an injection molding system, medium and method for an orthodontic expander. Background Technology

[0002] Removable and functional orthodontic appliances are widely used in clinical practice, often for children in their peak growth and development period, to regulate the growth rate of the maxilla and mandible. They are typically used to improve and coordinate misalignments in the maxilla and mandible, both lateral and longitudinal. When transverse misalignment exists, an arch expander is usually added to the appliance. Removable and functional orthodontic appliances come in many varieties, but they generally include a resin base and retention wire, and sometimes also an occlusal pad.

[0003] For the past few decades, traditional manufacturing methods have been used. The first step is to manually bend the retaining wires needed for the upper and lower jaw tooth models and fix them to the lower jaw tooth model. The second step is to lay resin base powder and liquid in the selected areas of the upper and lower jaw tooth models, wait for both to solidify, and draw the dividing line in the middle of the base. The third step is to remove the base with the wires from the upper and lower jaw tooth models, cut the base with the wires along the dividing line with a special saw, then grind and polish it, and finally install the arch expander on the base.

[0004] Traditional manufacturing processes are extremely complex, time-consuming, and labor-intensive. With the development of digital technology, many patients now have 3D scanned digital dental models of their teeth. However, factories manufacturing injection-molded orthodontic appliances still have to 3D print these models before using traditional methods to fabricate the appliances. While direct 3D printing of removable orthodontic appliances has emerged, its equipment and materials are expensive, resulting in high manufacturing costs. Furthermore, for children still growing and developing, long-term wear of 3D-printed appliances may pose a risk of residual printing material, creating biosafety concerns. In addition, 3D-printed removable orthodontic appliances differ from traditional resin base materials widely used in clinical practice; if the appliance is damaged, it is difficult to repair with conventional materials, making maintenance inconvenient.

[0005] By digitally designing the base model of the orthodontic appliance and the matching embedding cassette model, the designed 3D model is output. After installing the steel wire, resin is injected to complete the fabrication of the arch expander. The fabricated arch expander has high uniformity and a smooth surface. The manufacturing process is simple and efficient, and it is suitable for large-scale production. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to design an injection molding system, medium, and method for an orthodontic expander. By digitally designing the base model of the orthodontic appliance and the matching embedding box model, the designed three-dimensional model is output. After installing the steel wire, resin is injected to complete the fabrication of the orthodontic expander. The fabricated orthodontic expander has high uniformity and a smooth surface. The manufacturing process is simple and efficient, and it is suitable for large-scale production.

[0007] An injection molding system for an orthodontic expander includes: a model import module for importing upper and lower jaw tooth models; an undercut module for detecting and filling undercut areas on the upper and lower jaw tooth models; a wire model generation module for generating a retention wire model; a base model generation module for generating a base model in a selected area between the upper and lower jaw tooth models; a smoothing module for smoothing the outer surface of the base model; an embedding cassette model generation module for generating an embedding cassette model that covers the outer surface of the base model and matches the tooth model; an injection hole module for generating injection holes and vent holes for the embedding cassette model; an expander model module for generating expander retention holes and dividing bands; a slot generation module for generating slots that match the retention wire model; and an output module for outputting the designed three-dimensional model.

[0008] Furthermore, the model import program module is specifically used to import the upper and lower jaw tooth models and adjust the spatial positions of the upper and lower jaw tooth models in the anterior-posterior and vertical directions.

[0009] Furthermore, the undercut procedure module is specifically used to detect and fill undercut areas on the upper and lower jaw tooth models. The undercut procedure module can select the viewing angle and undercut detection parameters, using vertical ray tracing or other methods to detect and display undercuts, and fill the undercut areas to prevent the finished denture base from being unable to be removed from the tooth model. Furthermore, the wire model generation module is specifically used to generate a retention wire model. Furthermore, the base model generation module is specifically used to generate a base model in a selected area between the upper and lower jaw tooth models according to the set base thickness parameters. The location of the embedded wire model in the base model is based on the upper surface of the wire model. The outer surface of the base model is thickened according to the set parameters. After selecting the area, the base model is uniformly thickened according to the set base thickness parameters. Since the springback coefficient of the wires is different, if the generated base model is too thin when the wire is bent, the wire will be exposed. If the base model is too thick, the patient's wearing comfort will be reduced. Therefore, the base model part with embedded wires can be thickened additionally. In this way, even if the wire is bent and there is a difference from the designed wire model, the wire will not be exposed.

[0010] Furthermore, depending on clinical needs, the base model generation area can be selected on the lingual side of the tooth model to increase the stability of the appliance when worn. Alternatively, an occlusal pad can be generated on the occlusal surface of the tooth model and fused with the base model to form a new whole, allowing for the design of different types of appliances.

[0011] Furthermore, the smoothing program module is specifically used for smoothing the outer surface of the base model. The outer surface of the base model is smoothed using the Laplace smoothing algorithm or other algorithms, resulting in a high degree of smoothness on the surface of the injection-molded orthodontic appliance, making it comfortable for patients to wear.

[0012] Furthermore, the embedding cassette model generation module is specifically used to generate an embedding cassette model that covers the outer surface of the base model and matches the tooth model, and the injection hole module is specifically used to generate the injection holes and vent holes of the embedding cassette model.

[0013] Furthermore, the embedding cassette model consists of multiple components, including: injection holes, vent holes, left side of the embedding cassette, right side of the embedding cassette, outer surface of the embedding cassette, embedding cassette retaining pins, embedding cassette disassembly openings, embedding cassette steps, and weak points. The embedding cassette model is divided into left and right sides, and the interface between the left and right sides is designed with embedding cassette disassembly openings. Tools can be inserted into the embedding cassette disassembly openings to separate and disassemble the cassette, which facilitates assembly and disassembly.

[0014] Furthermore, a weak point is added to the outer surface of the embedding box model. When the embedding box cannot be removed, the weak point can be destroyed, thereby removing the embedding box.

[0015] Furthermore, the embedding cassette model has embedding cassette retaining pins, which are used to fix the position of the embedding cassette and prevent it from shaking.

[0016] Furthermore, the outer surface of the embedding box is designed to be flat, which facilitates clamping and fixing by the fixture.

[0017] Furthermore, there are two holes on each side of the embedding box: one is an injection hole and the other is a vent hole. When resin base material is injected into one hole, it is an injection hole, and when air is discharged from the other hole, it is a vent hole. Each hole can be either an injection hole or a vent hole, and the position and size of the holes can be set and modified through the embedding box model program module.

[0018] Furthermore, the bow expander model program module is specifically used to generate the bow expander retaining hole and the dividing band, the slot generation program module is specifically used to generate a slot that matches the retaining wire model, and the output program module is specifically used to output the designed three-dimensional model.

[0019] Furthermore, after inserting the expander into the expander retention hole, the expander dividing band separates the base and the embedding box into left and right sides. The injection holes on the left and right sides of the embedding box can be used to inject resin bases, ultimately forming an expander orthodontic device.

[0020] Furthermore, after 3D printing the tooth model with slots, the automatically bent steel wire is embedded into the retention wire slot, and then the surrounding box is installed. The resin base can then be laid directly. After the resin base solidifies, the surrounding box can be removed to obtain the completed injection-molded orthodontic appliance. Only grinding and polishing are needed to complete the manufacturing process.

[0021] In one embodiment, a method for digitally designing injection-molded orthodontic appliances includes the following steps: Step 1: Import the upper and lower jaw tooth models and adjust their spatial positions. Step 2: Select the viewing angle and indentation detection parameters, and fill the indentation area; Step 3: Generate the retaining wire model and generate a slot that matches the retaining wire model; Step 4: Generate a denture base model in the selected area between the upper and lower jaw tooth models, and smooth the outer surface of the denture base model; Step 5: Generate the arch expander retaining holes and dividing bands; Step 6: Generate an embedding box model that covers the outer surface of the dental base model and matches the tooth model; Step 7: Generate the injection holes and vent holes for the embedding box model; Step 8: Output the 3D model of the upper and lower jaw teeth with retention wire slots and the 3D model of the embedding box with injection holes and vent holes.

[0022] Furthermore, step three can be performed before any of the steps between step two and step six.

[0023] Furthermore, an electronic device is characterized by comprising: at least one processor; and a memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein the memory stores instructions executable by the at least one processor, the instructions being executed by the at least one processor to enable the at least one processor to perform an injection molding method for an orthodontic expander.

[0024] Furthermore, a computer-readable storage medium stores instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform an injection molding method for an orthodontic expander.

[0025] This invention discloses an injection molding system for an orthodontic expander, comprising: a model import program module, a concave design program module, a wire model generation program module, a base model generation program module, a smoothing program module, an embedding cassette model generation program module, an injection hole program module, an expander model program module, a slot generation program module, and an output program module. A method for injection molding an orthodontic expander is also disclosed. This method involves digitally designing the base model of the expander and a matching embedding cassette model, outputting the designed three-dimensional model, installing the wire, and then injecting resin to complete the fabrication of the expander. The resulting expander exhibits high uniformity and a smooth surface. The manufacturing process is simple and efficient, suitable for large-scale production. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the various modules in an injection molding system for an orthodontic expander. Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the expander model program module in an injection molding system for an expander orthodontic device; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the concave and convex steps of the embedding box in an injection molding system for an orthodontic expander; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the embedding box disassembly opening in an injection molding system for an orthodontic expander; Figure 5 This is a flowchart of an injection molding method for an orthodontic expander.

[0028] On the diagram: 10-teeth model, 11-base model, 20-wire model, 30-wire slot, 40-extractor model, 41-extractor retention hole, 50-separator strip, 60-embedded cassette model, 61-left side of embedded cassette, 62-right side of embedded cassette, 63-outer surface of embedded cassette, 64-embedded cassette retention pin, 65-embedded cassette opening, 66-embedded cassette steps, 67-injection hole, 68-vent hole, 69-weak point, 12-plane. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the division or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0031] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0032] For example, an injection molding system for an expander orthodontic device includes: a model import program module, a concave program module, a wire model generation program module, a base model generation program module, a smoothing program module, an embedding box model generation program module, an injection hole program module, an expander model program module, a slot generation program module, and an output program module.

[0033] Furthermore, a model import program module in an orthodontic expansion appliance injection molding system is specifically used to import upper and lower jaw tooth models and adjust the anteroposterior and vertical spatial positions of the upper and lower jaw tooth models.

[0034] Furthermore, an undercut procedure module in an orthodontic expansion appliance injection molding system is specifically used to detect and fill undercut areas on upper and lower jaw tooth models. The undercut procedure module can select the viewing angle and undercut detection parameters, detect and display undercuts using vertical ray method or other methods, and fill undercut areas to prevent the finished denture base from being unable to be removed from the tooth model.

[0035] Furthermore, a wire model generation program module in an orthodontic expansion device injection molding system is specifically used to generate a retention wire model.

[0036] like Figure 2As shown, the base model 11 generation program module in an orthodontic expansion appliance injection molding system is specifically used to generate a base model in a selected area between the upper and lower jaw tooth models according to the set base thickness parameters. The location of the wire model embedded in the base model is based on the upper surface of the wire model. The outer surface of the base model is thickened according to the set parameters. After selecting the area, the base model is uniformly thickened according to the set base thickness parameters. Since the springback coefficient of the wires is different, if the generated base model is too thin when the wire is bent, the wire will be exposed. If the base model is too thick, the patient's wearing comfort will be reduced. Therefore, the base model part where the wire is embedded can be thickened additionally. In this way, even if the wire is bent and there is a difference from the designed wire model, the wire will not be exposed.

[0037] Furthermore, depending on clinical needs, the base model generation area can be selected on the lingual side of the tooth model to increase the stability of the appliance when worn. Alternatively, an occlusal pad can be generated on the occlusal surface of the tooth model and fused with the base model to form a new whole, allowing for the design of different types of appliances.

[0038] Furthermore, a smoothing program module in an orthodontic expansion device injection molding system is specifically used for smoothing the outer surface of the base model. The outer surface of the base model is smoothed using a Laplace smoothing algorithm or other algorithms, resulting in a high degree of smoothness on the surface of the injection-molded orthodontic device, making it comfortable for patients to wear.

[0039] Furthermore, an embedding cassette model generation program module in an orthodontic expansion appliance injection molding system is specifically used to generate an embedding cassette model that covers the outer surface of the base model and matches the tooth model, and the injection hole program module is specifically used to generate the injection holes and vent holes of the embedding cassette model.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, the embedding box model 60 is composed of multiple parts, including: the left side of the embedding box 61, the right side of the embedding box 62, the outer surface of the embedding box 63, the embedding box retaining pin 64, the embedding box opening 65, the embedding box steps 66, the injection hole 67, the vent hole 68, and the weak part 69.

[0041] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the embedding cassette model is divided into left and right sides. The interface between the left and right sides is designed with embedding cassette disassembly openings 65. Tools can be inserted into the disassembly openings to separate and disassemble the embedding cassette, which facilitates assembly and disassembly. A weak part 69 is added to the outer surface of the embedding cassette model. When the embedding cassette cannot be disassembled, the weak part can be destroyed to remove the embedding cassette. The embedding cassette model has embedding cassette concave and convex steps 66. The embedding cassette concave and convex steps on the embedding cassette interlock with the left and right sides of the embedding cassette, providing stability.

[0042] like Figure 1As shown, the embedding cassette model has embedding cassette retaining pins 64 located at the edge of the embedding cassette. Their function is to fix the position of the embedding cassette and prevent it from shaking. The outer surface of the embedding cassette is designed as a flat surface 12 to facilitate clamping and fixing by the fixture. There are two holes on each of the left and right sides of the embedding cassette, one is an injection hole and the other is a vent hole. When the resin base material is injected into one hole, it is the injection hole. When air is discharged from the other hole, it is the vent hole. Each hole can be both an injection hole and a vent hole. The position and size of the holes can be set and modified through the embedding cassette model program module.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, the expander model program module in an expansion orthodontic device injection molding system is specifically used to generate the expander retention hole 41 and the dividing band 50. The dividing band can be higher than the outer surface of the embedding box or completely inside the embedding box. When it is inside the embedding box, the left and right sides of the embedding box can be designed with concave and convex steps and breaking openings. The slot generation program module is specifically used to generate the wire slot 30 that matches the retention wire model 20. The output program module is specifically used to output the designed three-dimensional model.

[0044] Furthermore, after inserting the expander into the expander retention hole, the expander dividing band separates the base and the embedding box into left and right sides. The injection holes on the left and right sides of the embedding box can be used to inject resin bases, ultimately forming an expander orthodontic device.

[0045] Furthermore, after 3D printing the tooth model with slots, the automatically bent steel wire is embedded into the retention wire slot, and then the surrounding box is installed. The resin base can then be laid directly. After the resin base solidifies, the surrounding box can be removed to obtain the completed injection-molded orthodontic appliance. Only grinding and polishing are needed to complete the manufacturing process.

[0046] like Figure 5 As shown, an injection molding method for an arch expander orthodontic appliance, Example 1, includes the following steps: Step 1: As Figure 1 As shown, the model import program module imports the upper and lower jaw tooth model 10 and adjusts the spatial position of the upper and lower jaw tooth model. Step 2: Select the viewing angle and concave area detection parameters in the concave program module, and fill the concave area; Step 3: The wire model generation module generates the retaining wire model, and the slot generation module generates a slot that matches the retaining wire model. Step 4: The base model generation module generates a base model in the selected area between the upper and lower jaw tooth models, and the smoothing module smooths the outer surface of the base model. Step 5: The bow expander model program module generates the bow expander retaining holes and dividing strips; Step Six: The embedding cassette model generation module generates an embedding cassette model that covers the outer surface of the dental base model and matches the tooth model; Step 7: The injection hole program module generates the injection holes and vent holes for the embedding box model; Step 8: The output program module outputs a 3D model of the upper and lower jaw teeth with retention wire slots and a 3D model of the embedding box with injection holes and vent holes.

[0047] Furthermore, step three in a method for injection molding an orthodontic expander can be performed before either step two or step six.

[0048] This invention discloses an injection molding system for an orthodontic expander, comprising: a model import program module, a concave design program module, a wire model generation program module, a base model generation program module, a smoothing program module, an embedding cassette model generation program module, an injection hole program module, an expander model program module, a slot generation program module, and an output program module. A method for injection molding an orthodontic expander is also disclosed. This method involves digitally designing the base model of the expander and a matching embedding cassette model, outputting the designed three-dimensional model, installing the wire, and then injecting resin to complete the fabrication of the expander. The resulting expander exhibits high uniformity and a smooth surface. The manufacturing process is simple and efficient, suitable for large-scale production.

[0049] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0050] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A method for injection molding an orthodontic expander, characterized in that, The method comprises the following steps: Importing a three-dimensional model of the upper and lower teeth; Detecting and filling the undercut area of the tooth surface based on the three-dimensional model of the teeth; Generating a three-dimensional model of the retention wire matched with the three-dimensional model of the teeth; Generating a three-dimensional model of the base in the selected area of the three-dimensional model of the teeth according to a preset base thickness parameter, and smoothing the outer surface of the three-dimensional model of the base; Generating a three-dimensional model of the embedding box covering the outer surface of the three-dimensional model of the base and matched with the three-dimensional model of the teeth, the three-dimensional model of the embedding box comprising at least one injection hole and at least one exhaust hole; Generating a three-dimensional model of the clamping groove matched with the three-dimensional model of the retention wire, the clamping groove being used to fix the actually bent retention wire on the solid tooth model; Outputting the tooth printing model data containing the three-dimensional model of the clamping groove, and the embedding box printing model data containing the injection hole and the exhaust hole.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The step of detecting and filling the undercut area of the tooth surface specifically comprises: detecting the undercut area of the three-dimensional model of the teeth from a preset perspective by using the perpendicular ray method, and filling the detected undercut area.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, The step of smoothing the outer surface of the three-dimensional model of the base specifically comprises: smoothing the outer surface grid of the three-dimensional model of the base by using the Laplace smoothing algorithm.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, The step of generating the three-dimensional model of the embedding box further comprises: generating a split belt retention hole on the three-dimensional model of the embedding box for accommodating the split belt of the expansion arch device; and generating a breaking opening structure and / or a weak part structure at the split joint of the three-dimensional model of the embedding box.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The three-dimensional model of the embedding box is composed of a left side and a right side, the left side and the right side are embedded with each other through a concave-convex step structure, and the breaking opening structure is located at the joint of the concave-convex step structure.

6. An arch expansion appliance injection molding system, characterized by, The computer program is executed by the processor to implement the expansion arch appliance injection method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. An electronic device, comprising: The method comprises: At least one processor; And A memory connected in communication with the at least one processor; Wherein the memory stores instructions executable by the at least one processor, and the instructions are executed by the at least one processor to enable the at least one processor to execute the expansion arch appliance injection method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. A computer readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program, characterized in that, The computer program is executed by the processor to implement the expansion arch appliance injection method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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