A kit for determining the position of a feature in a patient's mouth, for example a dental implant

Abstract

A kit (10) for determining the location of features in a patient's mouth is disclosed, comprising a scanning body (20, 20', 20'') having a fixture for connecting to an artificial or biological feature, a reference structure (50, 50', 50'') detectable by a scanner, a connection structure (60, 60', 60''), and a plurality of arm members (30, 30', 30'') having a complementary connection structure (210, 210', 2100) having a configuration complementary to the connection structure (60, 60', 60'') to connect the connection structure (60, 60', 60'') and the complementary connection structure (210, 210', 2100). Each arm member (30, 30', 30'') includes a mating connection structure (250, 250', 2500) having a configuration identical to the connection structure (60, 60', 60'') such that the mating connection structure (250, 250', 2500) on one arm member can be connected to the complementary connection structure (210, 210', 2100) of another arm member.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a kit for determining the location of features within a patient's mouth, and more particularly to a kit for determining the location of dental implants within a patient's mouth.

[0002] When designing restorations to replace one or more teeth, an accurate model of the patient's mouth must be obtained. Traditionally, this has been achieved using plaster casts. While effective, this process is uncomfortable for the patient, requires significant amounts of materials and time, and is costly in terms of materials. However, recently, scanning devices capable of creating digital models of patients' mouths have been developed.

[0003] When creating a digital model of the oral cavity, components called scan bodies are attached to fixed objects in the cavity, such as teeth or dental implants. These scan bodies have geometry known to the scanning software and serve as reference points within the oral cavity around which the digital model can be built.

[0004] When scanning an oral cavity with few or no teeth (the latter case is called an edentulous jaw), there is a large area of ​​relatively "featureless" gingiva between the scanned proprioceptive reference points. This leads to poor image matching during scanning, resulting in an unreliable digital model.

[0005] To solve this problem, photogrammetry equipment can be used. However, such systems are expensive because they require specialized multi-camera systems. US10080636 describes such a system.

[0006] A more affordable alternative is to use a scanning body comprising one or more arms extending radially from the longitudinal axis of the scanning body. Arms from adjacent scanning bodies can be positioned to contact each other or other objects in the oral cavity. Therefore, the arms of the scanning body can provide a continuous reference surface for the scanner along the jawbone surface, enabling accurate stitching of the acquired images.

[0007] Several such scanning body systems exist. In particular, WO2023 / 081956 discloses an apparatus and method for determining the position of a dental implant in a patient's mouth. The at least one apparatus includes a central body having an attachment portion adapted for attachment to a dental implant in the patient's jawbone, and individual collars extending therefrom with one or more arms. Several collar types are provided, with arms of different numbers, lengths, and orientations. Before attaching at least one apparatus to the dental implant, a desired collar can be attached to the central body such that one or more arms extend radially outward from the central body. One or more arms are adapted to be bonded to at least one other central body or arm of another apparatus. In use, the dentist attaches the central body with the desired collar to the dental implant. The dentist repeats this step for each dental implant, selecting appropriate collars such that at least one arm or central body of each apparatus can be bonded to another apparatus. The dentist then uses an adhesive material (e.g., composite resin) to bond these apparatuses together. An intraoral scanner is used to obtain a scan of the bonded apparatus and the surrounding visible gingiva.

[0008] WO2022 / 094301 and WO2021 / 087549 disclose further such scanning body systems. In each case, a kit of scanning bodies is provided, each scanning body having a radially extending arm capable of contacting, for example, another scanning body or other structures within the oral cavity.

[0009] These existing scanning body systems offer a fixed number of arm geometries, which are either integral with or can be attached to the central scanning body. Therefore, such systems require the production of a wide variety of arm designs, and dentists must use a fixed number of available component shapes to provide a continuous scanning body reference surface over the oral cavity area to be scanned. This can be challenging, especially when only a limited number of features for securing the scanning body are available in the oral cavity, such as when only two implants are available for securing the scanning body.

[0010] The purpose of this invention is to provide a scanning body system that allows for high-precision determination of the location of features such as dental implants within a patient's oral cavity over a large area of ​​non-featured gingiva, the system comprising a limited number of universal components.

[0011] This problem is solved by the kit for determining the location of characteristic features within a patient's mouth according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0012] The present invention relates to a kit for determining the location of features within a patient's mouth, the kit comprising at least one scanning body and multiple arm components.

[0013] At least one scanning body extends from the root tip to the coronal end along a longitudinal axis of the body, the scanning body including a fixation device for attachment to an artificial or biometric feature within the patient's mouth. Furthermore, the scanning body includes a reference structure that allows the position and orientation of at least one scanning body to be detected by the scanner.

[0014] Artificial features can be, for example, dental implant components. Dental implant components can be, for example, implants or abutments. When the fixation device is used to connect dental implant components, the kit is used to determine the position of the dental implant in the patient's mouth. Artificial features can also be components that are temporarily placed in the patient's mouth at a location away from the implant site and then removed after the dental work is completed (e.g., reference markers). Biological features can be, for example, teeth, bone, or gingiva. When the fixation device is used to connect features other than dental implant components (whether artificial or biological), the kit is suitable for determining the position of the dental implant in the patient's mouth and / or determining the position of various other features in the patient's mouth. In particular, such a kit can be used to obtain accurate images of the patient's oral cavity before implant placement.

[0015] The scanning body also includes at least one connection structure for connecting the arm components.

[0016] Each arm component extends from a first end to a second end along the longitudinal axis of the arm and includes at least one complementary connection structure having a configuration complementary to at least one connection structure of the scanning body, such that at least one connection structure and at least one complementary connection structure can be connected together.

[0017] According to the invention, each arm member further includes at least one mating connection structure having a configuration equivalent to at least one connection structure of the scanning body, such that at least one mating connection structure on one arm member can be connected to at least one complementary connection structure of another arm member.

[0018] At least one complementary connection structure on each arm component and at least one connection structure on at least one scanning body allow the arm component to be assembled with the scanning body. In this way, at least one of the plurality of arm components can be attached to the scanning body.

[0019] Starting with the primary component, at least one matching connection structure present on each arm member allows for the connection of another arm member to the arm member of the primary component. This is achieved by connecting at least one complementary connection structure of the other arm member to at least one matching connection structure of the arm member of the primary component. This connection is possible because the configuration of at least one matching connection structure of the arm member is equivalent to at least one connection structure of the scanning body, meaning that the complementary connection structure of the arm member can be connected to either the connection structure or the matching connection structure. If necessary, more arm members can be connected to the component to form a scanning component in the assembled state that extends from an artificial or biological feature (e.g., a dental implant component) to another fixed structure in the oral cavity (e.g., a tooth or another dental implant component).

[0020] Therefore, the kit of the present invention allows for the creation of scanning components that extend from artificial or biological features (e.g., dental implant components) in any direction and orientation desired by the operator, and the distance can also be determined by the operator. By providing multiple arm components that can be attached not only to the scanning body but also to each other, the flexibility of the system can be increased without the need for an increasing number of components of different shapes, which would increase the complexity and cost of the system.

[0021] In conventional dental terminology, "apex" refers to the direction towards the bone, while "coronal" refers to the direction towards the occlusal surface of the tooth. Therefore, the apex of a component is the end that points towards or enters the jawbone during use, while the coronal end is the end that points towards or enters the oral cavity.

[0022] In the following paragraphs, the various features of the invention will be defined in more detail. Unless explicitly stated to the contrary, each feature so defined may be combined with one or more other features. In particular, any feature indicated as preferred or advantageous may be combined with one or more other features indicated as preferred or advantageous.

[0023] According to the invention, each arm component includes at least one complementary connection structure having a configuration complementary to at least one connection structure of at least one scanning body. In the context of the invention, a structure having a configuration complementary to another structure should be understood such that the surfaces of the structure and the other structure are sized to allow the surfaces to interact with each other to connect the components together.

[0024] Preferably, at least one connecting structure and at least one complementary connecting structure are configured such that they can be joined together in a form-fit manner, such as by friction fit, interference fit, press fit, snap fit, etc. In this embodiment, one of the at least one connecting structure and at least one complementary connecting structure typically includes an inner surface, while the other of the at least one connecting structure and at least one complementary connecting structure includes an outer surface whose dimensions and shape are set to accommodate and retain within the inner surface.

[0025] According to the present invention, each arm component includes at least one mating connection structure having a configuration equivalent to at least one connection structure of at least one scanning body.

[0026] In the context of this invention, a structure having a configuration equivalent to another structure should be understood such that the surfaces of both structures are sized to allow them to interact independently with a single complementary structure for connection to that structure. In the present case, this allows at least one complementary connection structure to connect to a mating connection structure or a connecting structure.

[0027] In the preferred embodiment described above, at least one connecting structure and at least one complementary connecting structure are configured such that they can be joined together in a form-fitting manner, and at least one mating connecting structure is preferably also configured to be joined to at least one complementary connecting structure in a form-fitting manner. In this embodiment, at least one mating connecting structure typically has the same internal / external orientation as at least one connecting structure. In other words, when at least one connecting structure includes an inner surface, at least one mating connecting structure also includes an inner surface, and when at least one connecting structure includes an outer surface, at least one mating connecting structure also includes an outer surface.

[0028] While a structure having a configuration equivalent to another structure does not need to be identical to that other structure, it is generally preferred to use the same configuration for the sake of design simplicity and consistency. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, each arm member includes at least one mating connection structure having the same configuration as at least one connection structure of at least one scanning body. This embodiment can be designed and manufactured in a simple manner.

[0029] In one embodiment, at least one connecting structure of the scanning body and at least one mating connecting structure of each arm member each include an outer surface, such as a pin, protrusion, or other external portion of at least one scanning body and multiple arm members. In this embodiment, at least one complementary connecting structure of each arm member includes an inner surface, such as a channel, hole, or other internal portion of each arm member, wherein the outer surfaces of at least one connecting structure and at least one mating connecting structure are sized to accommodate and be held within the inner surface of the complementary connecting structure.

[0030] However, in a preferred embodiment, at least one connecting structure of the scanning body and at least one mating connecting structure of each arm member each include an inner surface, such as a channel, hole, or other internal portion of at least one scanning body and arm member. Furthermore, at least one complementary connecting structure of each arm member includes an outer surface, such as a pin, protrusion, or other external portion of each arm member, wherein the outer surface of at least one complementary connecting structure is sized to accommodate and remain within the inner surfaces of both the at least one connecting structure and the at least one mating connecting structure.

[0031] These two embodiments offer the following advantages: the scanning body and arm components can be assembled together by inserting corresponding external surfaces into internal surfaces, providing a simple connection method. Forming at least one connection structure as an internal surface has the additional advantage of minimizing the height and footprint of the scanning body. Furthermore, many scanning bodies are connected to artificial or biological features (especially dental implant components) via screws and thus include screw channels. When at least one connection structure is an internal surface, this internal surface can be formed from existing screw channels, thereby improving design efficiency.

[0032] Preferably, the structure of multiple arm members including the inner surface (i.e., at least one mating connection structure or at least one complementary connection structure) forms through holes in the arm members. This allows the form-fitting outer surface to be inserted into the inner surface from one of two opposite directions, thereby increasing the versatility of the kit.

[0033] In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one connecting structure, at least one mating connecting structure, and at least one complementary connecting structure each have a circular cross-section. This configuration allows the arm components to rotate relative to each other and the scanning body. This feature provides the user with completely flexible positioning of the arm components.

[0034] According to an alternative preferred embodiment, at least one connecting structure, at least one matching connecting structure, and at least one complementary connecting structure each have a non-circular symmetrical cross-section. For example, the structures may have a polygonal cross-section (e.g., hexagonal or octagonal), or they may include multiple radially extending leaves forming, for example, a hexagonal star-shaped cross-section. This shape allows for relative rotational positioning of the locking arm member relative to the scanning body or another arm member in the assembled state.

[0035] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, "cross section" means the cross section of an object in a plane perpendicular to the object's longitudinal axis.

[0036] In any of the above embodiments, at least one connecting structure, at least one matching connecting structure, and at least one complementary connecting structure may be in the form of a truncated cone having a circular or non-circular base.

[0037] However, preferably, at least one connecting structure, at least one mating connecting structure, and at least one complementary connecting structure each include a generally cylindrical surface. This arrangement further simplifies the design and manufacture of the scanning body and arm components. The cylindrical surface also increases the ease of component connection and disconnection, which allows for precise and flexible positioning of the arm components when assembling dental devices. The term "generally" encompasses a precise cylindrical shape and a shape with a taper angle of at most 5° in the longitudinal direction of the surface. Such a small taper angle may exist due to the manufacturing methods used (e.g., injection molding) or manufacturing tolerances. Including a very slight inward taper on the structure including the outer surface also makes it easier to insert into the inner surface, while also allowing these structures to form a good frictional fit.

[0038] Therefore, according to a preferred embodiment, at least one of the at least one connecting structure, at least one mating connecting structure, and at least one complementary connecting structure includes a generally cylindrical outer surface with a cone angle of less than 5°, and at least another of the at least one connecting structure, at least one mating connecting structure, and at least one complementary connecting structure includes a generally cylindrical inner surface with a cone angle smaller than the cone angle of the generally cylindrical outer surface. For example, the outer surface may have a cone angle of 1° to 3°, while the inner surface has no cone angle.

[0039] In the remainder of this specification, the reference to "cylindrical" surface should be interpreted as a "generally cylindrical" surface, i.e., a surface with a cone angle of 0° to 5° relative to its longitudinal axis.

[0040] In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one connecting structure, at least one matching connecting structure, and at least one complementary connecting structure each include a cylindrical surface.

[0041] For example, in a preferred embodiment, both at least one connecting structure and at least one mating connecting structure are cylindrical channels, while at least one complementary connecting structure is a cylindrical pin sized to be received and held within the channel.

[0042] Alternatively, at least one complementary connection structure is a cylindrical channel, while both at least one connection structure and at least one mating connection structure are cylindrical pins sized to accommodate and hold within the channel.

[0043] In both embodiments, the cylindrical pins are sized to fit into the cylindrical channels via a form-fit design. The circular cross-section of these structures allows the pins to be inserted into the channels at any angular orientation.

[0044] As described above, according to the present invention, at least one mating connection structure has a configuration equivalent to at least one connection structure. In some preferred embodiments, for the sake of design simplicity, at least one mating connection structure has the same configuration as at least one connection structure. In these cases, the cross-section of at least one mating connection structure will be the same as the cross-section of at least one connection structure.

[0045] However, at least one connecting structure and at least one mating connecting structure can also have different cross-sections while remaining identical. For example, at least one connecting structure of the scan body can take the form of a channel with a circular cross-section, while at least one mating connecting structure can take the form of a channel with a hexagonal cross-section. Both structures can be configured to connect to a complementary connecting structure in the form of a pin with a hexagonal cross-section. In this embodiment, the hexagonal cross-sections of the complementary connecting structure and the mating connecting structure will have approximately the same dimensions, and the radius of the connecting structure will be equal to the radial length of the vertex of the hexagonal pin. In this way, the vertex of the hexagonal pin will contact the circular wall of the channel, thus the complementary connecting structure will be held within the connecting structure. This identical but not identical configuration allows at least one connecting structure and at least one mating connecting structure to be connected to the same complementary connecting structure in different ways (e.g., rotationally fixed or freely rotatable).

[0046] Therefore, according to one embodiment, at least one of the at least one connecting structure, at least one complementary connecting structure, and at least one matching connecting structure includes a circular cross-section, while the other of the at least one connecting structure, at least one complementary connecting structure, and at least one matching connecting structure includes a non-circular symmetrical cross-section.

[0047] In embodiments where at least one connecting structure, at least one complementary connecting structure, and at least one matching connecting structure all include a generally cylindrical surface, it is preferred that the cross-sectional shape (e.g., circular, polygonal, etc.) of each structure remains constant along the length of the generally cylindrical surface.

[0048] However, in alternative embodiments, both at least one connecting structure and at least one mating connecting structure, or at least one complementary connecting structure, may include a first generally cylindrical surface having a proximal segment with a circular cross-section and a distal segment with a non-circular symmetrical cross-section. The first generally cylindrical surface may be either an outer surface forming, for example, a pin, or an inner surface forming, for example, a channel. In the current context, the “proximal” segment of the structure is the end that will interact with the mating structure first during use, while the “distal” segment will interact with the mating structure only after the proximal segment. Therefore, the terms “distal” and “proximal” are defined with reference to the mating structure. In this embodiment, the other of both at least one connecting structure and at least one mating connecting structure, or at least one complementary connecting structure, may include a second generally cylindrical surface having a non-circular symmetrical cross-section equal to the cross-section of the distal segment of the first generally cylindrical surface. These cylindrical surfaces are sized such that both the distal and proximal segments of the first generally cylindrical surface can engage with the second generally cylindrical surface in a form-fit manner.

[0049] This design allows the arm component to be connected to the scan body and / or another arm component in either a rotationally fixed or freely rotatable configuration. This enables the user to allow the arm component to rotate freely during scan assembly until its position is locked after reaching the desired orientation.

[0050] For example, at least one complementary connection structure may include a generally cylindrical pin having a proximal segment with a circular cross-section and a distal segment with a polygonal cross-section, the radius of which is approximately equal to the minimum radial length of the polygonal cross-section. At least one connection structure and at least one mating connection structure may include a generally cylindrical channel having a polygonal cross-section equal to the cross-section of the distal segment of the pin. When the proximal segment of the pin is inserted into the channel, the circular nature of the proximal segment allows relative rotation between the components. However, if the pin is pushed further into the channel to insert the distal segment, the angular orientation of the components becomes fixed. A similar effect can be achieved by providing a channel having a proximal circular cylindrical segment and a distal polygonal segment, the radius of which is approximately equal to the maximum radial length of the polygon; and a cylindrical pin having a polygonal cross-section approximately equal to the cross-section of the distal segment of the channel.

[0051] According to the invention, each arm member includes at least one complementary connection structure having a configuration complementary to at least one connection structure of the scanning body, such that the at least one connection structure and the at least one complementary connection structure can be connected together. In a preferred embodiment, each arm member includes a complementary connection structure at its first end. This embodiment allows the arm member to be connected to the scanning body or another arm member at its first end, thereby ensuring that the full length of the arm member can extend from the scanning body or another arm member to maximize the length of the dental assembly. Furthermore, when multiple arm members are connected to the scanning body, positioning the complementary connection structure at the first end (relative to, for example, the middle of the arm member) results in the arm member requiring limited space near the scanning body. As a result, multiple arm members can be attached to the scanning body where appropriate without contacting or interfering with each other.

[0052] According to the present invention, each of the plurality of arm components includes at least one complementary connection structure and at least one mating connection structure. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one complementary connection structure and the at least one mating connection structure extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the arm. In other words, the longitudinal axis of the at least one complementary connection structure and the at least one mating connection structure is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the arm.

[0053] Additionally or alternatively, at least one complementary connection structure and at least one mating connection structure of each arm member preferably extend in the same direction. In other words, the longitudinal axes of the at least one complementary connection structure and the at least one mating connection structure are parallel to each other. Furthermore, these axes are preferably located in a plane containing the longitudinal axis of the arm.

[0054] Although each arm member according to the invention may include only a single complementary connection structure and a single mating connection structure, in a preferred embodiment, each arm member includes multiple complementary connection structures and / or multiple mating connection structures. This allows the arm members to be attached to the scan body and / or to each other at multiple locations on the arm member. This embodiment also allows multiple arm members to be connected to a single arm member.

[0055] In embodiments where each arm member includes multiple complementary connection structures and / or multiple mating connection structures, it is preferred that each complementary connection structure and mating connection structure has one or more preferred features as described above.

[0056] When an arm component comprises multiple complementary connection structures and / or mating connection structures, these structures may have different shapes from each other. For example, one or more mating connection structures may have a circular cross-section, while one or more other mating connection structures may include a non-circular symmetrical cross-section. However, for ease of manufacture and to maximize system interoperability, it is preferred that each arm component comprises multiple identical complementary connection structures and / or multiple identical mating connection structures. Preferably, each complementary connection structure on each arm component is identical to each other, and each mating connection structure on each arm is also identical to each other.

[0057] In a particularly preferred embodiment, each arm member includes a single complementary connection structure and a plurality of (preferably identical) mating connection structures. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when at least one connection structure and the mating connection structures include an inner surface while the single complementary connection structure includes an outer surface, as this reduces the volume of each arm member and thus reduces material costs. Preferably, the single complementary connection structure is arranged at the first end of the arm member.

[0058] Preferably, multiple matching connection structures and / or multiple complementary connection structures are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis of the arm (preferably equidistant).

[0059] In a particularly preferred embodiment, each arm member includes a single complementary connection structure and a plurality of mating connection structures. The single complementary connection structure includes an outer surface (preferably having a circular cross-section), and each of the plurality of mating connection structures includes an inner surface (preferably having a circular cross-section). The complementary connection structure and the plurality of mating connection structures extend along longitudinal axes that are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the arm, and these axes lie in a plane containing the longitudinal axis of the arm. Most preferably, the complementary connection structure and the plurality of mating connection structures are generally cylindrical.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, each arm member includes a stop member extending perpendicular to the arm's longitudinal axis. The stop member restricts the angular displacement of another arm member connected to that arm member. In other words, the stop member restricts the rotational degrees of freedom relative to each other when multiple arm members are connected together. This can be beneficial for the construction of guided scanning assemblies. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the stop member is located at a first end of the arm member. When the arm member includes a single complementary connection structure, and the complementary connection structure includes an outer surface extending perpendicular to the arm's longitudinal axis, the stop member preferably extends in the direction opposite to the complementary connection structure.

[0061] According to the invention, at least one scanning body extends from the root tip to the coronal end along the longitudinal axis of the body and includes at least one connecting structure. In a preferred embodiment, the connecting structure is located at the coronal end of the scanning body and extends coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the body. Preferably, the connecting structure includes an inner surface (preferably a cylindrical surface) extending from the coronal surface of the scanning body. In other embodiments, if the diameter of the scanning body is sufficient, two or more connecting structures may be located at the coronal end of the scanning body and may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body. Alternatively, or in addition to any embodiment, at least one connecting structure may extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment, at least one scanning body includes a main body extending along the longitudinal axis of the body from the root tip to the coronal end. This main body includes the aforementioned fixing device and reference structure. The scanning body also includes at least one strut extending radially outward from the main body. Preferably, at least one connecting structure is located on this strut. This allows the scanning body to include multiple connecting structures without increasing the overall diameter of the scanning body or omitting the connecting structures from placing them too close together, which could complicate the connection of the arm components. Furthermore, this embodiment allows the arm components to be connected to the scanning body at a distance away from the reference structure, thereby ensuring that the arm components do not obstruct the reference structure from the scanner.

[0063] When at least one connecting structure located on at least one pillar includes an inner surface, preferably, the at least one connecting structure forms a through-hole in the pillar. This allows complementary connecting structures to be inserted into the inner surface from one of two opposite directions, thereby increasing the versatility of the kit.

[0064] In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one scanning body includes a connecting structure located at the coronal end of the body and extending coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the body, and at least one strut extending radially outward from the body, the at least one strut including at least one connecting structure preferably extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body. This allows more than one arm member to be connected to the scanning body in the same axial orientation. Preferably, at least one strut extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body to allow the dental assembly to be constructed in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, the body and at least one support are separate components designed to attach to each other. The components can be assembled via press-fit, snap-fit, or any known assembly mechanism. If space is limited in the patient's mouth, a scanning body without supports can be used, increasing the kit's versatility.

[0066] When the body and at least one support are separate components, each of the at least one support and the body may include complementary connecting surfaces to allow attachment by form-fitting. Note that at least one support may also be alternatively or additionally fixed to the body by adhesive.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the complementary connection surface is formed by an attachment portion on at least one pillar that snaps onto a receiving portion of the body, preferably in a snapping direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment, at least one scanning body includes a plurality of pillars, each extending radially outward from the body and offset at an angle from each other, and each pillar having one or more connecting structures. This embodiment increases the number of arm members that can be attached to the scanning body. As previously mentioned, at least one of the plurality of pillars (preferably all pillars) can form a separate component designed to be assembled with the body via complementary connecting surfaces.

[0069] While the main body and at least one support column can be formed as separate components, in other preferred embodiments, at least one support column is integrally formed with the main body. This provides the user with a simplified system. Such an integral scanning body is particularly advantageous when at least one scanning body comprises only a single support column. However, multiple supports can also be integrally formed with the main body.

[0070] Although one or more pillars of at least one scanning body may include multiple connecting structures, it is preferred that each of the one or more pillars of the scanning body includes only a single connecting structure. This limits the length of the pillars and also prevents the connecting structures from being too close to each other, which could complicate the connecting arm components.

[0071] As described above, at least one scanning body may include multiple connecting structures located on one or more pillars of the body and / or scanning body. When the scanning body includes multiple connecting structures, they may have different shapes from each other. For example, one or more connecting structures may include a surface with a circular cross-section, while one or more other connecting structures may include a surface with a non-circular symmetrical cross-section. However, for ease of manufacture and to maximize the interoperability of the system, when the scanning body includes multiple connecting structures, it is preferable that all connecting structures are identical to each other.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment of the kit, at least one connecting structure of at least one scanning body includes a surface (preferably an inner surface) extending along a longitudinal axis coaxial with or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body. Furthermore, at least one mating connecting structure of each arm member includes a surface (preferably an inner surface) extending along a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the arm. Additionally, at least one complementary connecting structure of each arm member includes a surface (preferably an outer surface) extending along a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the arm. In this embodiment, the scanning body and arm members can be connected such that the longitudinal axis of the arm is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body, allowing the dental device to be constructed starting from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body.

[0073] In an alternative embodiment, at least one complementary connection structure and / or at least one mating connection structure of each arm member may also extend along a longitudinal axis parallel to or coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the arm, and / or at least one connection structure of the scanning body may extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment, when the arm member is connected to the scanning body, at least one mating connection structure and at least one complementary connection structure extend in a direction coaxial with, parallel to, or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body. When multiple mating connection structures and / or complementary connection structures exist on the arm member, some may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body, while others may extend perpendicular to it. However, it is preferred that, in the assembled state, all complementary and mating connection structures of the arm member extend parallel to or coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the body.

[0075] According to the invention, at least one scanning body includes a reference structure that enables the position and orientation of at least one scanning body to be detected by a scanner. This ensures the precise location of corresponding artificial features (e.g., dental implant components) or biological features, which is crucial in the fabrication of dental restorations. Preferably, the reference structure is located at the coronal end of the scanning body.

[0076] The reference structure can be any known structure or combination of structures that enables the scanner to detect the position and orientation of the scanning body. Many such reference structures are known in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the reference structure includes at least one planar surface parallel to or angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the body. Preferably, this surface extends from the coronal surface of the scanning body. This reference structure allows for the determination of the position and orientation of the scanning body in three-dimensional space while also being simple in design and manufacturing. For maximum design simplicity, the reference structure may include a single planar surface of the type described above. Other reference structure shapes that allow for unique determination of the scanning body's position, such as polyhedral surfaces, may also be used. Furthermore, the reference structure may have a combination of surfaces at different locations on the scanning body to ensure that at least one surface can be detected by the scanner in the assembled state of the dental device.

[0077] According to the present invention, at least one scanning body includes a fixation device for attaching to an artificial or biological feature in the patient's oral cavity.

[0078] Preferably, at least one scanning body includes a fixation device for attachment to an artificial feature (preferably a dental implant component). The dental implant component can be a dental implant, an abutment, or any other component of a dental implant system fixed in the mouth. Preferably, the fixation device is arranged for attachment to a dental abutment, most preferably designed for attachment to the abutment of a multi-tooth restoration (e.g., a complete denture). Alternatively, the fixation device may be arranged for attachment to a dental implant. In an alternative embodiment, the fixation device is designed for attachment to an artificial feature other than a dental implant component. This artificial feature may be, for example, a reference marker, temporarily placed in the patient's mouth away from the implant location and removed again after the dental work is completed.

[0079] Any known fixation device can be used. Typically, the fixation device will include a cavity or protrusion at the root tip of the scanned body, which can be connected to a protrusion or cavity of an artificial feature (particularly a dental implant component or reference marker).

[0080] In some embodiments, the cavity or protrusion may include an indexing portion to allow the scanning body to be fixed in a fixed rotational position to an artificial feature (such as a dental implant component or a reference marker). Many such indexing portions are known in the art and typically include portions with a non-circular symmetrical cross-section.

[0081] Additionally or alternatively, the fixation device preferably includes a through-hole extending along the longitudinal axis of the body and adapted to receive a fastening screw. This allows the scanning body to be securely fastened to an artificial feature, such as a dental implant component or a reference marker. In this embodiment, the coronal portion of the through-hole may form a connection structure, particularly a connection structure with an inner cylindrical surface.

[0082] Alternatively, at least one scanning body includes a fixation device for attaching to a biometric feature such as teeth, bones, or gums.

[0083] In this embodiment, the fixation device may include a cavity or protrusion at the root tip of the scanning body, which may be connected to the protrusion or cavity of the biometric feature.

[0084] Additionally or alternatively, the fixation device may include a through-hole extending along the longitudinal axis of the body and adapted to receive a fastening screw. This allows the scanning body to be securely fastened to a biometric feature, such as bone. In this embodiment, the coronal portion of the through-hole may form a connection structure, particularly a connection structure with an inner cylindrical surface.

[0085] Alternatively or additionally, the fixation device may include an adhesive surface to which an adhesive material (e.g., bone putty) can be applied to attach the scanning body to the surface of a biometric feature (e.g., teeth or gums). This surface may have a texture (e.g., with grooves, ridges, depressions, indentations, etc.) to improve adhesion of the adhesive material. Alternatively or additionally, this surface may be a concave surface to better conform to the outer surface of the biometric feature.

[0086] According to the invention, the kit includes at least one scanning body. Preferably, the kit includes multiple scanning bodies. Each of the multiple scanning bodies may have one or more of the preferred features described above. The multiple scanning bodies may be different from each other. For example, some scanning bodies may contain one support, while others may contain two or no supports. At least one connection structure of the scanning bodies may be different. For example, some scanning bodies may include one or more connection structures with a surface having a circular cross-section, while other scanning bodies may include one or more connection structures with a surface having a non-circular symmetrical cross-section. However, preferably, the kit includes multiple scanning bodies, wherein each scanning body is identical to the others.

[0087] According to the invention, the kit includes multiple arm members. These multiple arm members can be of various shapes; for example, the lengths of these members may differ, or the shapes, positions, numbers, and orientations of the complementary connection structures and the mating connection structures may also differ. However, it is preferred that the multiple arm members are identical to each other. This maintains the simplicity of the system.

[0088] At least one scanning body and multiple arm components of the present invention can be made of any suitable material that can be easily and accurately detected by a scanner. Preferred materials are biocompatible polymers such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), plastics, or polyetheretherketone (PEEK). Alternatively, at least one scanning body and / or arm components can be made of a metal such as titanium. In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one scanning body is made of a biocompatible metal (especially titanium or titanium alloys), while multiple arm components are made of polymer materials. Manufacturing the scanning body with metal increases the strength of the body, which is particularly beneficial when the scanning body is screwed to features underneath it (e.g., dental implant components). A metal scanning body can better withstand torque applied to it. Manufacturing the arm components with polymers makes their production faster and cheaper. Preferably, these arm components are manufactured by injection molding.

[0089] When using metallic materials, the metal is preferably surface-treated or coated to create a matte surface, which is easier for scanners to detect. For example, a component may have a sandblasted and / or acid-etched outer surface. Attached Figure Description

[0090] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 A perspective view of a first embodiment of a scanning body included in a kit for determining the location of intraoral features (e.g., dental implants) according to the present invention is shown. Figure 2 A perspective view of a second embodiment of a scanning body included in a kit for determining the location of intraoral features (e.g., dental implants) according to the present invention is shown; Figure 3 A perspective view of a first embodiment of an arm member of a kit for determining the location of intraoral features (e.g., dental implants) according to the present invention is shown. Figure 4 A perspective view of a second embodiment of an arm member of a kit for determining the location of intraoral features (e.g., dental implants) according to the present invention is shown. Figure 5 This diagram shows a perspective view of kit components according to the invention, in an assembled state, for determining the location of intraoral features (e.g., dental implants), the kit comprising... Figure 1 A scanned body and Figure 3 and Figure 4 Multiple arm components as shown in any one of them; Figure 6 A perspective view of a third embodiment of a scanning body, a part of a kit for determining the location of intraoral features (e.g., dental implants) according to the present invention, is shown. Figure 7 A perspective view of a third embodiment of an arm member of a kit for determining the location of intraoral features (e.g., dental implants) according to the present invention is shown. Figure 8 It shows Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a scanning body having a fixation device for connection to dental implant components; and Figure 9 It shows Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the scanning body in another alternative version, which has a fixation device for attaching to biometrics.

[0091] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a kit 10 for determining the location of intraoral features (e.g., dental implants) of a patient includes at least one scanning body 20, 20', 20''' and a plurality of arm members 30, 30', 30'''.

[0092] A first embodiment of at least one scanning body 20, for example Figure 1 As shown, the scanning body 20 includes a body 40 extending along its longitudinal axis 42 from the root tip 44 to the coronal end 46. The body 40 is generally cylindrical; however, it can also be conceived as other shapes, such as a cylinder with a polygonal cross-section. The scanning body 20 includes a fixing device (e.g., for taking...) at its root tip 44. Figure 1 The fixation device (invisible cavity form) is used for connection to dental implant components. Furthermore, the fixation device includes a screw channel 45 extending along the longitudinal axis 42 of the body, suitable for receiving a fastening screw. Such fixation devices are well known in the art. For example... Figure 8 A suitable fixation device 43a for connecting dental implant components is shown. In alternative embodiments, the fixation device 43a can be used to connect to artificial features other than biological features or dental implant components. In some such embodiments, the fixation device 43a may take the form of a scanning adhesive surface 49 at the root tip 44 of the implant, see [reference needed]. Figure 9 .

[0093] The scanning body 20 also includes a reference structure 50 in the form of a single plane that is angled relative to the longitudinal axis 42 of the body. The reference structure 50 enables the scanner to detect the position and orientation of at least one scanning body 20. The flat surface of the reference structure 50 is located at the coronal end 46 of the scanning body 20 and extends from the coronal surface 47 of the scanning body 20.

[0094] The scanning body 20 also includes a support column 70 extending radially outward from the body 40 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 42 of the body. Figure 1 In one embodiment, the support column 70 is integrally formed with the main body 40.

[0095] The scanning body 20 also includes connection structures 60 for connecting one or more arm members to the scanning body 20. One connection structure 60a is located at the coronal end 46 of the body 40 and extends coaxially from the coronal surface 47 of the scanning body 20 to the longitudinal axis 42 of the body. Another connection structure 60b is located on the strut 70 and extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 42 of the body. Connection structures 60a and 60b are identical to each other, and each includes a cylindrical inner surface 61. The cylindrical inner surface 61 may have a taper angle of 0-5° relative to its longitudinal axis. Connection structure 60b forms a through channel in the strut 70. Connection structure 60a forms the coronal portion of a through-hole 45, although in other embodiments this may be a blind hole. The connection structures 60 are designed to allow arm members to be connected to the scanning body, which will be described below.

[0096] Figure 2 The scanned body 20' shown is generally in relation to... Figure 1 The scanned body 20 discussed earlier is formed in the same manner. Identical features are indicated by similar reference numerals in the accompanying drawings and will not be discussed further.

[0097] and Figure 1 In contrast to the previous embodiments, Figure 2 In the disclosed embodiment, the body 40' and the support column 70' are formed as separate components intended to be connected together. To this end, the support column 70' and the body 40' each include complementary connecting surfaces to allow for a form-fit connection.

[0098] Specifically, the main body 40' includes a connecting surface formed as a receiving portion 90, which has side walls 90a and 90b interconnected by a convex curved front wall 90c. The side walls 90a and 90b are formed by flat surfaces extending parallel to the longitudinal axis 42 of the main body. The support column 70' includes a connecting surface in the form of an attachment portion 100, which has flat side walls 100a and 100b connected by a concave curved rear wall 100c. The attachment portion 100 can be snapped onto the receiving portion 90 in a snapping direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 42' of the main body.

[0099] Planar walls 90a, 90b, 100a, 100b ensure that the support column 70' is connected to the body 40' in a rotationally fixed orientation. However, in other embodiments, individual supports may be rotatable relative to the body.

[0100] Using a method similar to that of reference structure 50, Figure 2 The reference structure 50' is located at the coronal end 46' of the scanning body 20' and extends from the coronal surface 47' of the scanning body 20'. However, in this embodiment, the reference structure 50' includes a single flat surface parallel to the longitudinal axis 42' of the body. The reference structure 50' enables the scanner to detect the position and orientation of at least one scanning body 20'.

[0101] The connection structure 60' of the scanning body 20' and Figure 1 The connection structure 60 is the same. In particular, connection structures 60a' and 60b' are identical to each other and are the same as connection structures 60a and 60b.

[0102] Figure 3 A first embodiment of the arm member 30, which forms part of the kit 10 according to the invention, is shown. The arm member 30 is designed to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The scan bodies 20 and 20' shown are used together.

[0103] The arm member 30 extends from a first end 200 to a second end 203 along the arm longitudinal axis 202. The arm member 30 includes a single complementary connection structure 210 disposed at the first end 200 of the arm member 30. The arm member 30 also includes a plurality of mating connection structures 250 equidistant from each other along the arm longitudinal axis 202.

[0104] The complementary connection structure 210 has a configuration that is complementary to the connection structures 60, 60' of the scanning bodies 20, 20', so that the complementary connection structure 210 can be connected to the connection structures 60, 60' in a form-fit manner.

[0105] For this purpose, the complementary connection structure 210 includes an outer cylindrical surface 210a forming a pin, the dimensions of which are designed to be accommodated and held within the inner cylindrical surfaces 61, 61' of the connection structures 60, 60'. The cylindrical surface 210a may have a taper angle of 0-5° relative to its longitudinal axis 212.

[0106] The circular feature of the complementary connection structure 210 allows the arm member 30 to rotate relative to the scanning bodies 20, 20' when connected to them.

[0107] The outer cylindrical surface 210a extends along the longitudinal axis 212, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 202 of the arm.

[0108] Each mating connection structure 250 has the exact same configuration as the connection structures 60, 60' of the scanning bodies 20, 20'. Therefore, each mating connection structure 250 includes an inner cylindrical surface 251 having the same diameter as the inner cylindrical surfaces 61, 61'. As a result, the complementary connection structure 210 of the other arm member 30 can be connected to any mating connection structure 250 in a manner of identical shape fit to the connection structures 60, 60' connected to the scanning bodies 20, 20'.

[0109] By providing multiple arm components 30 that can be attached not only to the scanning bodies 20, 20' but also to each other, a scanning assembly extending outward from dental implant components or other features can be constructed, with the direction and orientation desired by the operator and the distance also determined by the operator. This will... Figure 5 Further explanation will follow.

[0110] Multiple mating connection structures 250 each extend in a direction perpendicular to and pointing in the same direction as the arm's longitudinal axis 202. That is, the longitudinal axes 252 of the multiple mating connection structures 250 are parallel to each other. Furthermore, these axes 252 are located within the area encompassing the arm's longitudinal axis 202... Figure 3 In this embodiment, the longitudinal axis 212 of the complementary connection structure 210 is located on the plane. However, in other embodiments, the longitudinal axis 252 of the mating connection structure 250 may be located on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 212 of the complementary connection structure 210.

[0111] Figure 4 The arm component 30' shown is generally aligned with the... Figure 3 The arm member 30 discussed earlier is formed in the same manner. This embodiment is also designed for use with... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The scan bodies 20 and 20' shown are used together. Identical features are referred to by similar reference numerals in the accompanying drawings and will not be discussed further.

[0112] and Figure 3 In contrast to the previous embodiment, arm member 30' includes a stop member 260 located at a first end 200' of arm member 30'. Stop member 260 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 202' of the arm in a direction opposite to the complementary connection structure 210. Stop member 260 is used to limit the angular displacement of another arm member connected to arm member 30'. In other words, after connection, stop member 260 restricts the rotational degrees of freedom of the plurality of arm members relative to each other. In this embodiment, stop member 260 is formed as a cylinder with a teardrop-shaped cross-section, the tapered portion 261 of which extends toward a second end 203' of arm member 30'.

[0113] As described above, the complementary configuration of the connecting structures 60, 60' and the complementary connecting structures 210, 210' allows the arm members 30, 30' to be attached to the scanning bodies 20, 20'. Furthermore, the equivalent configuration of the matching connecting structures 250, 250' allows the complementary connecting structure 210, 210' of one arm member 30, 30' to be connected to the matching connecting structure 250, 250' of the other arm member 30, 30'.

[0114] Therefore, the kit 10 according to the invention can be constructed as follows: Figure 5 The scanning component is shown. Figure 5 The assembly includes according to Figure 1 An embodiment of a scanning body 20, according to Figure 3 The first arm member 320, the second arm member 330, and the third arm member 340 of the embodiment, and according to Figure 4 One arm component 30' of the embodiment.

[0115] The complementary connection structure 210 of the first arm member 320 is connected to the connection structure 60a of the scanning body 20, while the arm member 30' is connected to the connection structure 60b of the support column 70 via its complementary connection structure 210'. The scanning body 20 has multiple connection structures 60, allowing the scanning assembly to extend in multiple directions from the scanning body 20.

[0116] The scanning assembly extends further from arm member 30 to arm member 30' by connecting the second arm member 330 and the third arm member 340. The second arm member 330 is connected to the mating connection structure 250' in the middle of arm member 30' via its complementary connection structure 210. Furthermore, the third arm member 340 is connected to the same arm member 30' by engaging its complementary connection structure 210 with the mating connection structure 250' at the second end 203' of arm member 30'. Since the mating connection structure 250' in this embodiment forms a through-hole channel through arm member 30', arm members 330 and 340 can be connected to arm member 30' from two opposite sides.

[0117] In this embodiment, the scanning body 20 and the arm components 30', 320, 330, 340 are connected in such a manner that the longitudinal axes 202, 202' of the arms are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 42 of the body, so that the constructed dental device extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 42 of the body. This is due to the orientation of the aforementioned connecting structure 60, complementary connecting structures 210, 210', and mating connecting structures 250, 250'.

[0118] The kit 10 of this invention provides users with a high degree of flexibility to create personalized scanning components to suit the specific circumstances of each patient. After assembling the scanning bodies 20, 20' and the arm components 30, 30' as needed, they can be glued together to fix the relative positional relationship between all components before scanning. Additionally, the scanning component may include a second scanning body 20, 20' connected to another artificial or biometric feature, such as a dental implant component; and the arm components 30, 30' connected to the second scanning body extend toward and contact the arm components 30, 30' attached to the first scanning body.

[0119] Figure 6 Another embodiment of the scanning body 20'' according to the present invention is shown. Figure 7Another arm member 30'' according to the invention is shown.

[0120] Figure 6 The structural configuration of the 20'' middle scanning body is roughly the same as Figure 1 The scanned body 20 is identical. Identical features are referred to by the same reference numerals and will not be described further.

[0121] Unlike the scanning bodies 20 and 20', each connecting structure 600 of the scanning body 20'' is equipped with an inner surface 610 with a non-circular symmetrical cross-section (specifically, a hexagonal cross-section). One connecting structure 600a is located at the coronal end 46'' of the body 40'' and extends coaxially from the coronal surface 47'' of the scanning body 20'' with the longitudinal axis 42'' of the body. Another connecting structure 600b, located on the support 70'', also extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 42'' of the body. The connecting structure 600b forms a through-hole channel within the support 70''. The connecting structure 600a forms a coronal portion extending along the axis 42'' of the body for receiving a fastening screw. The connecting structures 600 are designed to allow the arm members to be connected to the scanning body, as will be described below.

[0122] Figure 7 The structural configuration of the 30'' mid-arm component is roughly the same as... Figure 3 The middle arm component 30 is the same. Identical features are indicated by similar reference numerals and will not be described further.

[0123] Unlike the arm members 30, 30', its complementary connection structure 2100 includes an outer surface 2100a with a non-circular symmetric (specifically hexagonal) cross-section. This outer surface 2100a thus forms a pin, and its dimensions are designed to be received and held within the inner surface 610.

[0124] Therefore, the complementary connection structure 2100 has a configuration that is complementary to the scanning body 20'' connection structure 600; thus, the complementary connection structure 2100 can be connected to the connection structure 600 in a form-fit manner.

[0125] The non-circular symmetry of the complementary connection structure 2100 and the connection structure 600 allows the arm member 30'' to be locked in a fixed relative rotational position relative to the scanning body 200'' when connected to it.

[0126] The arm component 30'' further includes a plurality of mating connection structures 2500, which are equidistant from each other along the longitudinal axis 202'' of the arm.

[0127] Each mating connection structure 2500 has a configuration identical to that of the connection structure 600 in the scanning body 20''. Therefore, each mating connection structure 2500 has a hexagonal cross-section inner surface 2510 with the same dimensions as the inner cylindrical surface 610. As a result, the complementary connection structure 2100 of the other arm member 30'' can be connected to any mating connection structure 2500 in the same shape-fitting manner as the connection structure 610 connected to the scanning body 20''.

[0128] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the kit, which includes multiple scanning bodies 20'' and arm components 30'', will be constructed such that each arm component 30'' can only be connected to each other or to the scanning body 30'' by rotational locking.

[0129] In other embodiments, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 The non-circular symmetrical cross section shown is Figures 1 to 4 The circular cross-sections are combined to create a kit that can be rotatably fixed or freely rotated.

[0130] In one such embodiment, the connecting structures 60, 60' have a radius equal to the radial length of the vertex of the hexagonal cross-section of the complementary connecting structure 2100. In this way, the vertex of the hexagonal pin will contact the circular wall of the channel, thus retaining the complementary connecting structure 2100 within the connecting structures 60, 60'. The arm member 30'' can therefore be rotatably connected to the scanning bodies 20, 20' and rotationally fixed to the scanning body 30''.

[0131] In an alternative embodiment, the cylindrical surfaces 210a and 210a' of the complementary connection structures 210 and 210' may have a radius equal to the minimum radial length of the hexagonal cross-sections of the mating connection structure 2500 and the connection structure 600. In this way, the complementary connection structures 210 and 210' can be rotatably held within the connection structure 600 or the mating connection structure 2500.

[0132] The kit of the present invention includes at least one scanning body that can be arranged for connection to an artificial or biometric feature inside a patient's mouth. Figure 8 Showing Figure 5 The components include a scanning body 20a comprising a fixation device 43a for connection to a dental implant component. The fixation device 43a includes a cavity 43 located at the root tip 44 of the scanning body 20a, and a through-hole extending along the longitudinal axis 42 of the body to form a screw channel 45 suitable for receiving a fastening screw. Note that the scanning body 20a is shown in cross-section.

[0133] Figure 9 Showing Figure 5 An alternative version, wherein the scanning body 20b includes a fixation device 43a for attachment to a biometric feature. Here, the fixation device 43a includes a concave adhesive surface 49 located at the root tip 44 of the scanning body for adhesive attachment to, for example, the gingiva. Note that the scanning body 20b is shown in cross-section.

[0134] The above embodiments are described as examples only, and other variations falling within the scope of the claims are possible. For example, the connecting structures, complementary connecting structures, and mating connecting structures can be formed into a cone shape at an angle greater than 5°, thereby forming a truncated cone. The number and orientation of the connecting structures, complementary connecting structures, and mating connecting structures can vary, and they can also vary between the scanning body and arm components within the same kit.

[0135] List of reference numerals

[0136] Kit 10

[0137] Scan body 20, 20', 20'', 20a, 20b

[0138] Arm components 30, 30', 30''

[0139] Main body 40, 40', 40''

[0140] The longitudinal axes of the body are 42, 42', 42''.

[0141] Fixture 43a

[0142] Cavity 43

[0143] Scan the root tips of the body at 44, 44', 44''

[0144] Screw channels 45, 45', 45''

[0145] Scan the coronal portion of the body at 46, 46', and 46''.

[0146] Coronal surfaces 47, 47', 47''

[0147] Adhesive surface 49

[0148] Reference structure 50, 50', 50''

[0149] Connection structures 60, 60', 600, 60a, 60a', 600a, 60b, 60b', 600b

[0150] Inner surfaces 61, 61', 610

[0151] Support 70, 70', 70''

[0152] Receiver section 90

[0153] Sidewalls 90a, 90b

[0154] Anterior wall 90c

[0155] Attachment 100

[0156] Sidewalls 100a, 100b

[0157] 100c posterior wall

[0158] The first end of the arm component is 200, 200', 200''.

[0159] The second end of the arm component is 203, 203, 203''

[0160] Arm longitudinal axis 202, 202', 202''

[0161] Complementary connection structures 210, 210', 2100

[0162] Outer surfaces 210a, 210a', 2100

[0163] The longitudinal axes of the complementary connection structure are 212, 212', and 212''.

[0164] Matching connection structures 250, 250', 2500

[0165] Inner surfaces 251, 251', 2510

[0166] The longitudinal axes of the matching connection structure are 252, 252', and 2520.

[0167] Stop component 260

[0168] Conical section 261

[0169] Figure 3 Arm components 320, 330, 340

Claims

1. A kit (10) for determining characteristic locations within a patient's mouth, said kit comprising at least one scanning body (20, 20', 20'') and a plurality of arm components (30, 30', 30''), The at least one scanning body (20, 20', 20'') extends along its longitudinal axis (42, 42', 42'') from the root tip (44, 44', 44'') to the coronal end (46, 46', 46''). The scanning body includes a fixation device (43a) and a reference structure (50, 50', 50''). The fixation device (43a) is for connection to an artificial or biometric feature within the patient's mouth. The reference structure (50, 50', 50'') allows the position and orientation of the at least one scanning body to be detected by a scanner. The scanning body also includes at least one connecting structure (60, 60', 600). Each of the arm components (30, 30', 30'') extends along the longitudinal axis of the arm (202, 202', 202'') from a first end (200, 200', 200'') to a second end (203, 203', 203''), and each of the arm components (30, 30', 30'') includes at least one complementary connection structure (210, 210', 2100), the at least one complementary connection structure (210, 210', 2100) having a configuration complementary to the at least one connection structure (60, 60', 600) of the scanning body (20, 20', 20''), such that the at least one connection structure (60, 60', 60'') and the at least one complementary connection structure (210, 210', 2100) can be connected together. Its features are, Each of the arm members (30, 30', 30'') further includes at least one mating connection structure (250, 250', 2500), the at least one mating connection structure having a configuration equivalent to the at least one connection structure (60, 60', 60'') of the scanning body, such that the at least one mating connection structure (250, 250', 2500) on one arm member can be connected to the at least one complementary connection structure (210, 210', 2100) of the other arm member.

2. The kit (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one connecting structure (60, 60', 60'') and the at least one complementary connecting structure (210, 210', 2100) are configured to be connected together in a form-fitting manner, and the at least one mating connecting structure (250, 250', 2500) is configured to be connected to the at least one complementary connecting structure in a form-fitting manner.

3. The kit (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Each of the arm components (30, 30', 30'') includes at least one mating connection structure (250, 250', 2500), the at least one mating connection structure (250, 250', 2500) having the same configuration as the at least one connection structure (60, 60', 60'') of the at least one scanning body (20, 20', 20'').

4. The kit (10) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that, The at least one connecting structure (60, 60', 60'') of the at least one scanning body (20, 20', 20'') and the at least one mating connecting structure (250, 250', 2500) of each of the arm members (30, 30', 30'') include an inner surface (61, 61', 610), and the at least one complementary connecting structure (210, 210', 2100) of each arm member includes an outer surface (210a, 210a', 2100a), wherein the outer surface of the at least one complementary connecting structure is sized to accommodate and remain within the inner surfaces of both the at least one connecting structure and the at least one mating connecting structure.

5. The kit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The at least one connecting structure (60, 60', 60''), the at least one matching connecting structure (250, 250', 2500), and the at least one complementary connecting structure (210, 210', 2100) each have a circular cross-section.

6. The kit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The at least one connecting structure (60, 60'), the at least one matching connecting structure (250, 250'), and the at least one complementary connecting structure (210, 210') each include a generally cylindrical surface.

7. The kit (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The cross-sectional shape of each structure remains constant along the length of the generally cylindrical surface.

8. The kit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Each of the arm components (30, 30', 30'') includes a plurality of complementary connection structures (210, 210', 2100) and / or a plurality of mating connection structures (250, 250', 2500).

9. The kit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Each of the arm components (30, 30', 30'') includes a single complementary connection structure (210, 210', 2100) and multiple identical matching connection structures (250, 250', 2500).

10. The kit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, A connecting structure (60, 60', 60'') is located at the coronal end (46, 46', 46'') of the at least one scanning body (20, 20', 20'') and extends coaxially with the longitudinal axis (42, 42', 42'') of the body.

11. The kit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The at least one scanning body (20, 20', 20'') includes a body (40, 40', 40'') extending from the root tip (44, 44', 44'') to the coronal end (46, 46', 46'') along the longitudinal axis (42, 42', 42'') of the body. The body includes the fixation device and the reference structure (50, 50', 50''). The scanning body also includes at least one support (70, 70', 70'') extending radially outward from the body, and at least one connecting structure (60, 60', 60'') located on the support.

12. The kit (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The at least one support column (70, 70', 70'') is integrally formed with the main body (40, 40', 40'').

13. The kit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The kit includes multiple scanning bodies (20, 20', 20''), each of which is identical to the others.

14. The kit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The plurality of arm components (30, 30', 30'') are identical to each other.

15. The kit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that, The at least one scanning body (20, 20', 20'') includes a fixation device (43a) for connecting to a dental implant component, the kit being adapted for determining the position of the dental implant in the patient's mouth.

16. The kit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that, The at least one scanning body (20, 20', 20'') includes a fixation device (43a) for attaching to a biometric feature inside the patient's mouth.

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