Hollow type implant bridge

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of planting bridge frame, specifically discloses a hollow planting bridge frame. The hollow planting bridge frame comprises: a planting bridge frame, which forms a hollow structure, the wall thickness of the outer wall of the planting bridge frame is greater than or equal to 1mm; a connecting base, which is arranged on the planting bridge frame and is used for connecting a restoration body; and a screw channel, which is arranged on the planting bridge frame and is used for allowing a planting abutment to pass through and be connected with a pre-set implant on alveolar bone, so as to fix the planting bridge frame on the alveolar bone. Therefore, the problem that the bridge frame is heavy and has a large burden on the implant in the prior art is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of planting bridge technology, specifically to a hollow planting bridge. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of dental implant restoration, implant bridges play a crucial role as the core component connecting multiple dental implants and supporting the superstructure. In the implant restoration procedure, the dental implants are first inserted into the alveolar bone. After the implants have integrated with the bone tissue, the implant bridge spans the area of ​​the missing tooth, firmly connecting the individual implants and providing solid support for the subsequent installation of the full crown restoration. This effectively restores the patient's chewing and aesthetic functions. Simultaneously, through a well-designed structure, the implant bridge can evenly distribute the forces generated during occlusion to each implant, reducing the peak pressure on individual implants and significantly extending their lifespan.

[0003] Currently, most implant frameworks used in clinical practice are solid structures, primarily made of metals (such as titanium alloys and cobalt-chromium alloys) or zirconia ceramics. However, these solid implant frameworks face significant weight control challenges in practical applications. Metal materials, due to their higher density, significantly increase the weight of the resulting frameworks; while zirconia ceramics have an even higher density than commonly used titanium alloys. Therefore, for the same volume, ceramic implant frameworks are heavier, making weight control a particularly prominent issue.

[0004] Excessive bridge weight leads to a series of technical problems. For example, regarding implant stability, an overly heavy bridge significantly increases the mechanical load on the implant, greatly increasing the risk of loosening, displacement, or even breakage, severely impacting the long-term stability of the implant restoration. For clinicians, a heavy bridge increases the difficulty and complexity of installation during surgery, affecting surgical efficiency and precision. From the patient's perspective, an overly heavy bridge can cause a strong foreign body sensation in the mouth in the early postoperative period, adversely affecting daily oral functions such as chewing and speech, reducing patient comfort and quality of life, and consequently affecting patient satisfaction and compliance with implant restoration treatment.

[0005] Therefore, given the heavy weight of existing cable trays and the significant burden they place on implants, improvements to the cable tray structure are needed to address these technical issues. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a hollow planting bridge to solve the problem that the existing bridges are too heavy and put a great burden on the implants.

[0007] This utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0008] A hollow planting frame includes:

[0009] The planting bridge has a hollow structure, and the outer wall thickness of the planting bridge is ≥1mm;

[0010] A connecting base, disposed on the implantation frame, is used to connect the prosthesis; and,

[0011] A screw channel is provided on the implant bridge to allow the implant abutment to pass through and connect with the implant pre-installed on the alveolar bone, so as to fix the implant bridge to the alveolar bone.

[0012] Alternatively, the planting frame is provided with a slag discharge port, which is connected to the hollow structure.

[0013] Alternatively, the slag discharge port may be provided with a sealing body for sealing the hollow structure.

[0014] Alternatively, the sealing body may be made of resin material.

[0015] Optionally, the slag discharge ports are configured as multiple ports spaced apart, wherein the slag discharge ports are located on the lingual, palatal, or bilateral free ends of the implant bridge, and the slag discharge ports are far away from the screw channels, the edge line of the prosthesis, and the tissue surface of the implant bridge.

[0016] Optionally, the hollow structure includes a plurality of regular polygonal reinforcing units, each reinforcing unit having two end faces and n axial wall faces, wherein, along a first direction of the planting frame, the end faces of adjacent reinforcing units are stacked sequentially; along a second direction of the planting frame, the axial wall faces of adjacent reinforcing units are stacked sequentially, where n is a natural number greater than or equal to 3, the first direction being the extension direction of the planting frame, and the second direction being the radial direction of the planting frame.

[0017] Alternatively, the reinforcing unit has an inner hole that extends through the end face; each axial wall of the reinforcing unit has a axial wall hole that communicates with the inner hole; wherein the inner holes of each reinforcing unit are interconnected, and the axial wall holes of each reinforcing unit are interconnected.

[0018] Alternatively, the inner hole is a regular polygonal hole, and the edge of the inner hole is parallel to the side of the reinforcing unit.

[0019] Optionally, the diameter of the shaft wall hole is a, the diameter of the inner hole is b, a≤1 / 2b; the shaft wall thickness of the reinforcing unit is h, h≥0.25mm.

[0020] Alternatively, the shaft wall holes may be configured in multiple ways, and the shaft wall holes may be spaced apart along a first direction.

[0021] The advantages of this utility model compared to the prior art are as follows:

[0022] By designing hollow structures within the implant bridge (such as honeycomb reinforcement units or fully hollow cavities), the amount of filler material is reduced, directly lowering the overall weight of the bridge. The hollow structure creates a mechanically efficient hollow environment that disperses occlusal forces to the implant. Screw channels that match the implant position ensure a rigid connection between the bridge and the implant abutment via the screws, forming a stable force transmission path and preventing stress concentration. The connecting base (prepared or complete tooth morphology) is bonded to the superstructure with adhesive, evenly transmitting chewing forces to the hollow structure of the bridge, and then dispersing them to the alveolar bone through the implant, reducing the load on any single area. The connecting base supports both prepared tooth morphology (adapted to full crown restorations by 0.5–1 mm back-cut) and complete tooth morphology, compatible with both traditional bonded and screw-retained restorations, adapting to diverse clinical needs. The debris removal port design (dispersed on the lingual / palatal sides) combined with resin sealing ensures cleanliness within the hollow structure and prevents post-restoration functional impairment. Additive manufacturing supports personalized topology optimization, allowing for the customization of hollow structures based on the patient's alveolar bone morphology and occlusal force distribution, further enhancing mechanical properties (such as increasing the density of support units in the posterior tooth region). This solves the problem of heavy bridges in existing technologies, which place a significant burden on the implant. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the exemplary embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly described below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be considered as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the hollow planting bridge provided by this utility model in one embodiment, wherein the connecting base of the upper repair body is a preparatory body;

[0025] Figure 2 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the hollow implant bridge provided by this utility model in another embodiment, wherein the connecting base of the upper restoration is a preparatory body and the connecting base of the upper restoration is a tooth shape.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the reinforcing unit in the hollow planting bridge provided by this utility model, wherein the surface shape of the reinforcing unit is a regular hexagon;

[0027] Figure 4This is a partial structural diagram of a hollow structure composed of multiple stacked reinforcing units in a hollow planting bridge provided by this utility model, wherein the surface shape of the reinforcing unit is a regular hexagon.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the reinforcing unit in the hollow planting bridge provided by this utility model, wherein the surface shape of the reinforcing unit is a regular quadrilateral;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a partial structural diagram of a hollow structure composed of multiple stacked reinforcing units in a hollow planting bridge provided by this utility model, wherein the surface shape of the reinforcing unit is a regular quadrilateral.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the reinforcing unit in the hollow planting bridge provided by this utility model, wherein the surface shape of the reinforcing unit is an equilateral triangle;

[0031] Figure 8 This is a partial structural diagram of the hollow structure composed of multiple stacked reinforcing units in the hollow planting bridge provided by this utility model, wherein the surface shape of the reinforcing unit is an equilateral triangle.

[0032] The markings and corresponding component names in the attached diagram are as follows: 1-Planting bridge, 2-Connecting base, 3-Screw channel, 4-Edge line, 5-Base interface, 6-Slag discharge port, 7-Hollow structure, 71-Reinforcing unit, 72-Inner hole, 73-Shaft wall hole, 74-End face, 75-Shaft wall surface, h-Shaft wall thickness of reinforcing unit, a-Side hole diameter, b-Inner hole diameter, c-Side hole spacing. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that while the description of these embodiments is intended to aid in understanding the present invention, it does not constitute a limitation thereof. The specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are only for describing exemplary embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in many alternative forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0034] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a method for preparing a hollow planting bridge is provided.

[0035] The preparation method of this hollow planting bridge includes the following steps:

[0036] Obtain the initial model;

[0037] Import the initial model into Materialise Magics software and design the internal hollow structure 7;

[0038] Planting bridge 1 was prepared using additive manufacturing technology;

[0039] A slag discharge port 6 is provided on the lingual, palatal, or bilateral free ends of the implantation bridge 1, and the slag discharge port 6 is far away from the screw channel 3, the edge line 4, and the tissue surface;

[0040] After removing the internal support material, seal the slag discharge port 6 with resin.

[0041] Accurate data on the patient's oral anatomy (such as implant location, alveolar bone morphology, and adjacent tooth relationships) are obtained through intraoral scanning, CT scanning, or traditional impression taking, serving as the basis for subsequent design. It is crucial to ensure a perfect match between the implant bridge 1 and the implant interface (such as the abutment) and surrounding soft and hard tissues (gingiva, occlusal surface) to avoid difficulties in bridge placement or stress concentration due to model errors.

[0042] The design incorporates an internal hollow structure 7, which is formed as a three-dimensional hollow structure composed of hexagonal or polygonal grids. This structure can reduce weight while maintaining structural strength by reducing the proportion of solid material.

[0043] The hexagonal mesh possesses isotropic mechanical properties, which can evenly distribute occlusal forces and avoid stress concentration in traditional solid structures. The hollow structure 7 buffers stress through elastic deformation, reducing impact loads. By reducing the overall weight of the bridge, the lateral moment on the implant can be reduced. Through layer-by-layer deposition of metal powder (mainly titanium alloy) or ceramic powder, a complex honeycomb internal structure and external morphology are precisely shaped to adapt to different dental arch shapes.

[0044] During additive manufacturing, the honeycomb structure needs to be filled with support material (such as wax or soluble metal). The slag discharge port 6 serves as a channel to facilitate the removal of residual support material through high-pressure water rinsing, ultrasonic vibration, or chemical dissolution, preventing residual material from affecting the cleanliness of the cable tray or causing inflammation. Before sealing, the slag discharge port 6 can serve as a temporary channel for checking for residual debris or for disinfection, ensuring the hygiene of the cable tray. Additionally, the slag discharge port 6 can adjust the elasticity of the cable tray to some extent, especially in multi-span cable trays, mitigating thermal expansion stress (due to the difference in thermal expansion and contraction between metal and ceramic materials) through localized openings. Subsequently, the slag discharge port 6 is filled with light-cured resin or self-curing resin to form a smooth surface, preventing food residue and saliva from entering the hollow structure and avoiding bacterial growth that could lead to peri-implantitis.

[0045] In this disclosure, the method for preparing the initial model includes the following steps:

[0046] The EXOCAD software was used to digitally design a traditional implantation bridge 1, generating an initial model that includes the connection base 2 of the prosthesis, the screw channel 3, and the implantation abutment interface 5.

[0047] The connection base 2 of the restoration can be either a preparatory shape or a complete tooth shape. The preparatory shape is formed by re-cutting the complete tooth shape by 0.5 to 1 mm.

[0048] The number of screw channels 3 matches the number of implants in the patient's mouth, and their spatial position corresponds to the implant position.

[0049] EXOCAD software accurately constructs the 3D structure of the implant bridge 1 based on the patient's intraoral scan data (such as CBCT and intraoral scan models), ensuring that key components such as the connecting base 2, screw channel 3, and implant abutment interface 5 are perfectly matched with the patient's oral anatomy. This avoids the errors of traditional manual design, reduces the number of adjustments during trial fittings, improves the fit of the restoration, and can simulate occlusal and proximal relationships to ensure both chewing function and aesthetic results after restoration. The software supports parametric modeling, allowing for rapid replication and adjustment of structures corresponding to multiple implants (such as screw channel 3), making it particularly suitable for complex cases with multiple missing teeth.

[0050] The preparatory body shape formed by backcutting (such as axial walls and shoulders) can increase the mechanical retention between the restoration and the substrate, preventing it from falling off under stress. It also leaves space for external restorative materials (such as all-ceramic crowns), ensuring uniform restoration thickness and avoiding stress concentration that could lead to porcelain chipping, thereby improving the overall strength of the restoration, which is especially suitable for high chewing force scenarios in the posterior teeth region.

[0051] Using natural tooth morphology directly as the connection base 2 is suitable for single-tooth implants or anterior teeth with extremely high aesthetic requirements, reducing the removal of surrounding tooth tissue. No additional backcutting design is needed; it directly serves as the base to support the superstructure, thus preserving more of the natural tooth structure or mimicking the natural tooth morphology to enhance aesthetics and naturalness.

[0052] Each implant has an independent screw channel 3. The bridge and implant abutment are rigidly connected by screws, forming a multi-point support structure, which can prevent a single implant from bearing excessive load. If a problem occurs in a certain area, the corresponding screw can be removed and adjusted without affecting the overall structure.

[0053] The screw channel 3 is aligned with the long axis of the implant, ensuring that the force line is transmitted along the axial direction of the implant when the screw is in place. This avoids lateral forces that could cause the implant to loosen or the bridge to deform, and helps to reduce the torque when the screw is under stress, thus reducing the probability of screw loosening.

[0054] Furthermore, in the digital design process, the preliminary body shape is obtained by directly sculpting or recutting the complete tooth shape using EXOCAD software, with the "shine thimble" database selected for the recutting.

[0055] EXOCAD software's 3D modeling tools allow for direct shaping of the prepared prosthesis morphology (such as axial wall inclination, shoulder position, and proximal contact area). This is suitable for cases with strong personalized needs or complex anatomical structures (such as abnormal abutment tooth morphology or special adjacent tooth positions). The angle and thickness of each surface can be precisely adjusted according to clinical needs to meet specific retention or aesthetic requirements (such as the concealed design of the subgingival shoulder in the anterior region). Furthermore, the software simulates the fit between the prepared prosthesis and the restoration in real time, avoiding the risks of over-grinding or insufficient retention associated with traditional manual preparation.

[0056] First, the complete tooth morphology is designed (simulating the anatomical morphology of natural teeth). Then, the software automatically back-cuts (removing 0.5-1mm of thickness) to generate the prepared body, which is suitable for standardized restorations or multi-unit bridge design. Multiple abutment teeth can be processed in batches using the software's preset back-cutting parameters, reducing the time spent on repetitive design. It is especially suitable for rapid modeling of fixed bridges or implant-supported bridges.

[0057] The “Shine Thimble” database is a pre-defined standardized preparation recut template library in the EXOCAD software. It is built based on anatomical data and prosthodontic principles for common clinical tooth positions (such as central incisors and first molars), and includes ideal recut paths, thicknesses, and morphological parameters for different tooth positions. By calling the pre-defined recut parameters in the database (e.g., 1.0mm recut on the labial surface of anterior teeth, 0.5mm recut on the lingual surface, and 1.5mm recut on the occlusal surface of posterior teeth), the morphology of the preparation for the same tooth position remains consistent across different cases.

[0058] The backcut parameters in the database have been verified by mechanical simulation. They can reserve reasonable space for restorative materials while preserving sufficient strength of the abutment / implant base. This is beneficial for the uniform transmission of occlusal force to the abutment / implant through the restoration, reducing the risk of microleakage at the restoration margin or fracture of the abutment.

[0059] In the embodiments provided in this disclosure, see Figures 1 to 8 As shown, the hollow structure 7 includes several reinforcing units 71. The bottom surface of the reinforcing unit 71 is a regular triangle, a regular square, or a regular hexagon, and they are connected by axial walls to form a through-hole structure. The axial wall of the reinforcing unit 71 is provided with axial wall holes 73, the axial wall thickness is ≥0.25mm, and the diameter a of the axial wall hole is ≤1 / 2 of the inner hole diameter b. The outer wall thickness of the planting bridge 1 is ≥1mm, and the weight reduction ratio is = volume after hollowing / volume before hollowing ×100%.

[0060] Based on the above structural design, the hollow structure possesses sufficient strength while enabling a lightweight implant bridge. Specifically, regular polygons (especially regular hexagons) possess natural mechanical stability, evenly distributing occlusal forces and reducing stress concentration. For example, the regular hexagonal structure resembles a honeycomb, maintaining high strength while being lightweight, making it suitable for transmitting chewing forces. Regular geometric shapes facilitate precise control of material distribution during digital design, avoiding local weaknesses or redundancy and improving overall load-bearing capacity. The hollow structure 7 significantly reduces the bridge weight by removing internal redundant material (weight reduction ratio quantified through volume calculations), reducing the load on the implant, making it particularly suitable for multi-unit bridge restorations. The reinforcing units 71 form through holes through axial wall connections, maintaining the bridge's rigidity through geometric structure while reducing weight, preventing deformation or breakage due to excessive weight reduction.

[0061] In this disclosure, the thicker outer wall acts as a "protective layer," bearing direct occlusal forces and friction, preventing exposure or damage to the internal hollow structure 7. Sufficient wall thickness ensures a tight fit at the bridge margins (such as at the contact points with the abutment or gingiva), reducing microleakage and improving the restoration's sealing performance and lifespan. Furthermore, based on the hollow structure 7, a "lightweight yet high-strength" structure can be achieved through regular geometric shape and dimensional control, meeting the functional requirements of oral restorations. This allows for multi-dimensional optimization of the implant bridge 1 in terms of mechanical properties, manufacturing process, and clinical outcomes, making it particularly suitable for complex implant restoration scenarios requiring a balance between strength and lightweight design.

[0062] In this disclosure, the parameters of the reinforcing unit 71 in the hollow structure 7 design step are determined through the following steps:

[0063] Based on the mechanical performance requirements of the target material, the minimum weight reduction ratio threshold was determined through clinical trials.

[0064] The design of the reinforcing unit includes the coordinating of the shaft wall thickness h, diameter, shaft wall hole diameter a, and spacing parameters to ensure that the weight reduction ratio meets the threshold requirements.

[0065] By employing the logic of "setting thresholds based on material properties and coordinating parameters to meet those thresholds," the optimal solution between lightweighting goals and functional load-bearing requirements for the planting bridge 1 is ensured, avoiding structural failure due to blindly reducing weight or unnecessary load caused by excessive material retention. Different materials (such as titanium alloys, zirconium oxide, and resins) exhibit significant differences in strength and elastic modulus. Clinical trials are used to determine the minimum weight reduction ratio threshold (i.e., the maximum weight reduction the material can withstand) for the target material, thus establishing a safe range for subsequent parameter planning.

[0066] The shaft wall is the "load-bearing skeleton" of the reinforcing unit 71, and its thickness directly affects the compression and bending resistance of a single unit. A thickness of ≥0.25mm can prevent thin-wall fracture during 3D printing, and within the allowable threshold range, appropriately thinning the shaft wall can further reduce weight. The diameter determines the volume and arrangement density of a single reinforcing unit 71. The smaller the diameter, the more units per unit area (such as a regular hexagonal array), and the more "dense" the structure; conversely, the larger the diameter, the more "sparse" the structure.

[0067] In this disclosure, during the additive manufacturing step, a planting bridge is prepared using selective laser melting, electron beam melting, digital light processing, discontinuous inkjet technology, or discontinuous inkjet technology, with the hollow structure located in a non-hollow area.

[0068] Selective laser melting (SLM) uses a high-energy laser to melt metal powder (such as titanium alloys and cobalt-chromium alloys) layer by layer, with a layer thickness of 20–100 μm. It offers extremely high resolution and is suitable for forming micron-level fine structures. Electron beam melting (EBM) uses an electron beam to heat metal powder, completing the melting process in a vacuum environment. It is suitable for high-melting-point materials (such as titanium alloys) and exhibits minimal thermal deformation, making it suitable for the stable forming of large-size structures. Therefore, these methods ensure that the fine features such as the reinforcing unit 71, shaft wall, and shaft wall hole 73 in the hollow structure 7 can be precisely manufactured, avoiding the difficulty of machining complex internal cavities using traditional cutting processes and achieving a high degree of consistency between design and manufacturing. The high-energy beam can completely melt the metal powder, achieving a density close to 100%, avoiding defects such as porosity and shrinkage in traditional casting processes, and improving the mechanical strength (such as compressive strength and fatigue resistance) and biocompatibility of the implantation bridge 1.

[0069] By employing digital light processing (DLP) and inkjet technology (NCJ / ACJ) through different material manipulation methods, additive manufacturing fills the gaps in precision, speed, and versatility requirements in the non-metallic field.

[0070] Specifically, Digital Light Processing (DLP) uses a projection light source (ultraviolet light) to cure liquid photosensitive resin layer by layer, curing one complete cross-section at a time (surface exposure). The molding platform descends layer by layer to complete the stacking. The light source is usually a DLP projector or an LCD screen, and the resolution determines the accuracy (e.g., 2K / 4K screens correspond to micron-level accuracy). Non-metallic materials are applicable (such as photosensitive resins (acrylates, epoxy resins, etc.)), and some can be made into composite resins (such as zirconium oxide resins, titanium alloy resins) by adding ceramic / metal powders. DLP can provide high-fidelity non-metallic prototypes, shorten the traditional mold-making cycle, and can be used for dental models, surgical guides, and temporary crowns and bridges (utilizing biocompatible resins to directly contact the oral cavity).

[0071] Inkjet additive manufacturing involves layering materials (liquid or powder binders) by jetting them from a printhead. It primarily includes two types: non-continuous jetting (NCJ), which uses droplets to fall on demand (such as hot melt adhesives and resins); and continuous jetting (ACJ). Both non-continuous and continuous jetting technologies are suitable for thermoplastic polymers (such as ABS and PLA solutions), photosensitive resins, waxes, and biomaterials (such as collagen). NCJ enables nano / micron-level precision manufacturing, breaking through the limits of traditional processing; ACJ is suitable for large-scale customized production.

[0072] In this disclosure, the material of the planting bridge 1 is titanium alloy, zirconia ceramic, alumina, cobalt-chromium alloy, polyetheretherketone or polyetherketoneketone.

[0073] Titanium alloys (such as Ti6Al4V) readily form an oxide film (TiO2) on their surface, with no metal ion precipitation, and a density of approximately 4.5 g / cm³. 3 With a strength of up to 900 MPa and an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, it is suitable for withstanding high chewing forces (such as posterior implant bridges). It can be molded into complex structures using SLM laser melting, and its corrosion resistance is superior to cobalt-chromium alloys, making it suitable for full-mouth implant bridges, multi-unit bridges in the posterior region, and restorations requiring long-term stability.

[0074] Zirconia ceramics (ZrO2) have a light transmittance of 20%–40%, closely resembling natural tooth enamel, making them suitable for anterior tooth restorations (such as single crowns and three-unit bridges). They contain no metal components, avoiding allergic reactions, and have excellent gingival compatibility, making them suitable for anterior aesthetic implant bridges, patients with metal allergies, and for bio-based restorations of thin gingiva.

[0075] Alumina ceramics (Al2O3) have high chemical stability and no risk of degradation with long-term use. They are suitable for single-tooth implant bridges, temporary restorations, and simple bridges in non-aesthetic areas of posterior teeth.

[0076] Cobalt-chromium alloy (CoCrMo) is suitable for making thin and strong bridges. The chromium element forms a passivation film (Cr2O3), which is more resistant to corrosion in the acidic environment of the oral cavity than nickel-chromium alloy. Due to its non-ferromagnetic properties, it can be examined by MRI.

[0077] Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a non-metallic material that is radiolucent (its X-ray rejection rate is close to that of bone tissue), facilitating postoperative imaging assessment. It is suitable for temporary implant bridges, stress-sensitive patients (such as those with osteoporosis), and full-mouth edentulous restoration.

[0078] Polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) has improved flexural strength compared to polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and can be used for short-term functional repairs. It is suitable for transitional prostheses during infection control and as an auxiliary tool in implant surgery that requires frequent disinfection.

[0079] The following section will describe in detail the preparation method of the planting bridge with specific data.

[0080] First, using EXOCAD digital design software, a new order is created based on the patient's basic information. The corresponding tooth position is selected as the digital wax model according to the patient's intraoral condition, and "zirconia" is chosen as the material. "No, design digital wax model" is selected if a scanning wax model is required. Then, the design process begins. Following the prompts, the scanning model and scanning rod model are imported. The implant system is selected and the corresponding scanning rod is matched. The shape of the implant's transgingival portion is defined. After loading the default tooth shape, the tooth position and freeform tooth shape are adjusted to obtain the shape and position of the target restoration crown. The bottom of the virtual wax model is selected, and the crown wax model is back-cut. The back-cut database is selected as "shine thimble," and the back-cut size is set to 0.8mm. This structure corresponds to the "superstructure (full crown) connection base" in the future implant framework. Next, gingival design is performed. After drawing the gingival bottom edge line, the gingival shape automatically generated by the freeform modeling system ensures a natural connection between the gingival shape and the crown, simulating a normal human gingival shape. After generating the virtual wax model, overall shaping and detail processing are performed. Merge and save the restorations. The system will automatically merge the crown resection portion and the gingival portion to form a screw channel and implant abutment interface. Export the file in STL format.

[0081] Weight reduction ratio calculation: To eliminate the weight difference between zirconia ceramic implant bridges and titanium alloy implant bridges in the patient's mouth, a weight reduction ratio of ≤76.92% is required. The calculation process is as follows: The average density value of existing zirconia ceramic materials is taken as 5.85 g / cm³. 3 denoted as ρ1; the average density of existing titanium alloy materials is 4.5 g / cm³. 3 Let ρ2 be the mass of the zirconia ceramic planting bridge. The ideal hollow design aims to achieve a mass m1 ≤ m2 of the titanium alloy planting bridge. Numerically, let v1 be the volume of the planting bridge after the hollow structure design, and v2 be the volume of the planting bridge before the hollow structure design (traditional zirconia ceramic / titanium alloy planting bridge). Then v1ρ1 ≤ v2ρ2. Calculations show that v1 / v2 ≤ ρ2 / ρ1 = 77%, meaning the weight reduction ratio needs to be ≤ 77%. When the wall thickness (a) of the reinforcing unit is set to 0, the weight reduction ratio is approximately 45%. Therefore, the weight reduction ratio of the zirconia ceramic planting bridge should range from 45% to 77%.

[0082] participate Figures 3 to 8As shown, the internal honeycomb hollow structure is designed as follows: The exported implantation bridge STL file is imported into Materialise Magics engineering design software for internal honeycomb hollow structure design. The outer wall thickness of the implantation bridge is set to 1mm; the thickness (h) of the reinforcing unit shaft wall is set to 0.7mm, the diameter (b) of the reinforcing unit is set to 1.6mm, the diameter (a) of the shaft wall hole is set to 0.5mm, and the spacing (c) of the shaft wall hole is set to 0.5mm. Then, five slag discharge ports are set on the palatal side away from the edge line, screw channel, and tissue surface. After the design is completed, the volume of the hollow structure before design needs to be calculated using software, which is 6.627cm³. 3 The volume after the hollow structure design is 5.47 cm³. 3 The calculated weight loss ratio is 76.11%, which falls within the range of 45% to 77%.

[0083] It should be noted that the directional terms used, such as "inner" and "outer," refer to "inner" and "outer" relative to the outline of the planting cable tray, facing the planting cable tray (which can be combined with...). Figure 1 (For clarification) The direction inside is "inside," and vice versa. Furthermore, it should be noted that terms such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish one element from another and do not indicate sequence or importance. Moreover, in the following descriptions with accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals in different drawings represent the same element.

[0084] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a hollow planting bridge is provided, which is prepared by the above-described preparation method.

[0085] See Figures 1 to 8 As shown, the hollow implant bridge includes: an implant bridge 1 with a hollow structure 7, the outer wall thickness of the implant bridge 1 being ≥1mm; a connecting base 2, disposed on the implant bridge 1 for connecting the prosthesis; and a screw channel 3, disposed on the implant bridge 1 for allowing the implant abutment to pass through and connect with the implant pre-installed on the alveolar bone, thereby fixing the implant bridge 1 to the alveolar bone. The hollow structure 7 reduces material usage (weight reduction ratio = volume after hollowing / volume before hollowing × 100%), while the geometric characteristics of the reinforcing unit 71 maintain mechanical strength, meeting the load-bearing capacity requirements of dental implants.

[0086] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the connecting base 2 is in the form of a prepared or complete tooth, used to connect restorations (such as crowns, bridges, etc.). This allows for design based on the patient's actual oral anatomy, ensuring precise alignment with the restoration and restoring chewing function and aesthetics.

[0087] The number of screw channels 3 and implant abutment interfaces 5 matches the number of implants, ensuring that each implant has an independent connection channel. Screw channels 3 guide the prosthesis to a precise connection with the implant abutment, preventing mechanical imbalance caused by misalignment; abutment interfaces 5 enhance retention through mechanical locking, preventing loosening of the prosthesis. Drainage ports 6 are located on the lingual, palatal, or bilateral free ends and are sealed with resin. Resin sealing of drainage ports 6 prevents food debris and bacteria from entering the hollow structure 7, avoiding internal infection or inflammation, while maintaining structural integrity.

[0088] The enhanced geometric design and material properties of Unit 71 work synergistically to evenly transmit occlusal forces to the implant and bone tissue, reducing stress concentration at the bone interface around the implant and extending the implant's lifespan. The hollow structure 7, through reasonable weight reduction (based on mechanical threshold design), avoids excessive rigidity or weight imbalance caused by excessive material accumulation, reducing the risk of fatigue fracture under long-term cyclic loading. The smooth inner wall and closed slag outlet 6 reduce irritation to the surrounding mucosa, lowering the incidence of inflammatory responses.

[0089] This hollow implant bridge achieves a balance between lightweight and high strength through the deep integration of geometric structural innovation (regular polygonal reinforcing unit 71, hollow through-hole), material selection (biocompatible materials), and advanced manufacturing process (additive manufacturing). It meets functional requirements while reducing material consumption, providing a safer, more efficient, and more comfortable restoration solution for patients with complex tooth loss or missing teeth.

[0090] The planting bridge 1 is equipped with a slag discharge port 6, which connects to the hollow structure 7. The slag discharge port 6 forms an opening that directly penetrates the hollow structure 7, allowing residual support material (such as temporary supports used to fix the structure during 3D printing) or metal / resin powder to be directly discharged through mechanical force (such as high-pressure airflow or ultrasonic cleaning) or manual operation (such as tweezers or probes). This slag discharge port 6, serving as a channel connecting the hollow structure 7 of the planting bridge 1, can thoroughly remove residual material in one go, avoiding rework (such as reprinting or manual trimming) due to incomplete cleaning, thus reducing production and time costs.

[0091] The planting bridge 1 is provided with a base interface 5 for connecting the planting base to the implant.

[0092] Furthermore, the waste disposal port 6 is equipped with a sealing element for sealing the hollow structure 7. During oral chewing, food debris can easily enter the interior of the hollow structure 7 through the open waste disposal port 6, creating hard-to-clean dead corners. The sealing element fills or covers the waste disposal port 6, forming a closed barrier to the hollow structure 7 of the implant bridge 1, preventing food debris, saliva, and microorganisms in the oral cavity from entering the hollow area. This eliminates the physical channel for foreign body retention at the source, reduces bacterial growth, odor, and periodontal tissue irritation caused by food impaction, and lowers the risk of complications such as peri-implantitis.

[0093] During the treatment, the sealant can be color-matched or surface-treated to make it consistent with the appearance of the implantation bridge 1 and the surrounding restorations, thus avoiding visual defects caused by open holes.

[0094] Furthermore, the seal is made of resin material. The resin material forms a micromechanical bond or chemical bond (e.g., the resin bonds to the titanium oxide layer on the surface of the titanium alloy) with the implant bridge 1 substrate material, ensuring a durable bond between the seal and the edge of the drainage port 6. The liquid resin cures after being injected into the drainage port 6, precisely filling irregular pores and forming a continuous, smooth interface with the surrounding structure through surface polishing, while avoiding toxic or allergic reactions to oral tissues.

[0095] Furthermore, multiple drainage ports 6 are spaced apart. These ports are located on the lingual, palatal, or bilateral free ends of the implant bridge 1, and are far from the screw channels 3, the restoration margin 4, and the tissue surface of the implant bridge 1. The multiple drainage ports 6 spaced apart form a three-dimensional cleaning path, covering different areas of the hollow structure 7, ensuring that residual material is discharged without any blind spots. The lingual / palatal drainage ports 6 avoid the occlusal force area, reducing the risk of external impact during chewing. For long-span bridges (such as those for continuous posterior tooth loss restorations), the bilateral free ends of the drainage ports 6 can form convection channels at both ends, improving cleaning efficiency. By positioning the drainage ports 6 away from the screw channels 3, the restoration margin 4, and the tissue surface, mechanical damage to critical functional areas by cleaning tools is avoided.

[0096] In this disclosure, the spacing between adjacent slag discharge ports 6 is controlled at 8–15 mm (adjusted according to the length of the cable tray) to ensure maximum cleaning coverage while avoiding structural weakening. The inner diameter of the slag discharge port 6 is 1.0–2.5 mm, which can accommodate cleaning tools (such as a 0.8 mm diameter probe) and maintain structural strength through subsequent sealing.

[0097] In the embodiment, the hollow structure 7 includes a plurality of regular polygonal reinforcing units 71. Each reinforcing unit 71 includes two end faces 74 and n axial wall surfaces 75. Along the first direction of the planting bridge 1, the end faces 74 of adjacent reinforcing units 71 are stacked sequentially. Along the second direction of the planting bridge 1, the axial wall surfaces 75 of adjacent reinforcing units 71 are stacked sequentially. n is a natural number greater than or equal to 3. The first direction is the extension direction of the planting bridge 1, and the second direction is the radial direction of the planting bridge 1.

[0098] Specifically, the regular polygon can be a regular triangle, quadrilateral, hexagon, etc., with equal interior angles, ensuring uniform stress transfer and avoiding stress concentration. Adjacent units are connected by axial wall surfaces 75° to form a continuous support network, distributing local loads to the overall structure.

[0099] A through-hole structure is formed by connecting regular polygonal (triangular, quadrilateral, and hexagonal) reinforcing units 71 through their axial walls. Each reinforcing unit 71 has an axial wall hole 73, with a wall thickness ≥ 0.25 mm and a hole diameter a ≤ 1 / 2 of the inner hole diameter b. The regular polygonal structure possesses symmetry and stability. The regular hexagon is closest to a honeycomb structure, uniformly distributing stress and improving overall strength. The regular quadrilateral (square) is easy to process and arrange, suitable for regular areas. The regular triangular (triangle) structure offers the strongest stability, suitable for areas of stress concentration. The axial walls provide structural support, while the axial wall holes 73 reduce weight and increase internal space, facilitating tissue growth or fluid flow.

[0100] The reinforcing unit 71 is arranged along the first direction (extension direction), with its end faces 74 stacked to form a "column-like" support to resist bending loads (such as deflection caused by chewing force) along the length of the cable tray. The reinforcing unit 71 is arranged along the second direction (radial direction), with its axial wall surfaces 75 stacked to enhance lateral stiffness and prevent the cable tray from undergoing lateral deformation or torsion under stress.

[0101] By adjusting the unit size, wall thickness, and arrangement density, the hollow space ratio can be increased, significantly reducing material usage. In high-stress areas (such as near the implant connection point), increasing unit density or decreasing wall thickness achieves "local reinforcement and overall weight reduction." This maximizes hollow space while maintaining strength. Furthermore, by adjusting the side length, wall thickness, and arrangement angle of the reinforcing unit 71 (such as alternating 0° / 60° hexagonal arrangements), mechanical properties can be customized for the occlusal force distribution of different patients.

[0102] In this disclosure, the reinforcing unit 71 is provided with an inner hole 72, which extends through the end face 74; each shaft wall surface 75 of the reinforcing unit 71 is provided with a shaft wall hole 73, which is connected to the inner hole 72; wherein, the inner holes 72 of each reinforcing unit 71 are connected, and the shaft wall holes 73 of each reinforcing unit 71 are connected.

[0103] The inner hole 72 extends along the end face 74 of the reinforcing unit 71 (i.e., the extension direction of the planting bridge 1, as described in the first direction), forming a continuous longitudinal channel (along the length of the bridge). The inner holes 72 of adjacent reinforcing units 71 are connected by stacking the end faces 74, forming a longitudinal hollow network that runs through the entire planting bridge 1. Each axial wall surface 75 (radial direction, second direction) is provided with an axial wall hole 73, connecting the inner hole 72 with the axial wall hole 73 of the external hollow area or adjacent units. The axial wall hole 73 forms a transverse connecting path in the radial direction, so that the axial wall hole 73 of adjacent reinforcing units 71 and the inner hole 72 together form a three-dimensional grid-like hollow structure 7. The through-hole design of the inner hole 72 allows longitudinal loads (such as chewing pressure) to be evenly distributed to adjacent units through the "columnar walls" around the inner hole 72, avoiding single-point overload. After the axial wall holes 73 are connected, transverse loads (such as lateral biting force) can be quickly transmitted to the entire structure through the "ring-shaped support chain" formed by the axial wall holes 73, reducing local stress concentration. The grid-like structure formed by the inner hole 72 and the shaft wall hole 73 is similar to a "space truss". Each reinforcing unit 71 becomes a truss node, and a rigid connection is formed through the inner hole 72 (longitudinal bar) and the shaft wall hole 73 (transverse bar), which significantly improves the overall bending and torsional stiffness.

[0104] Specifically, the inner hole 72 is a regular polygonal hole, and the edge of the inner hole 72 is parallel to the side of the reinforcing unit 71.

[0105] The shape of the inner hole 72 (such as an equilateral triangle, square, or regular hexagon) is geometrically similar to the outer contour (regular n-gon) of the reinforcing unit 71. The parallelism between the hole edge and the unit side means that the principal stress direction is orthogonal to the structural boundary. For example, when a regular hexagonal reinforcing unit 71 is paired with a regular hexagonal inner hole 72, both the hole edge and the unit side are distributed along the six principal stress directions (0°, 60°, 120°, etc.), allowing the chewing force to be directly transmitted along the vertical direction of the hole wall unit wall, reducing stress refraction loss. When the angle between the inner hole 72 and the unit side is 0° (parallel), the stress transmission efficiency is higher than when the angle is 30°, which helps reduce energy loss.

[0106] Because the inner hole 72 is parallel to the side of the unit, when adjacent reinforcing units 71 are stacked, the edges of the inner hole 72 can form a collinear contact interface (such as the side of the square inner hole 72 being completely aligned with the side of the square unit), avoiding stress transmission discontinuity caused by angular deviation. The parallel hole edge design makes each reinforcing unit 71 a standardized structural module, and the stacking of end faces 74 forms a continuous "stress transmission chain", improving the shear resistance of the overall structure.

[0107] In this embodiment, the diameter of the shaft wall hole 73 is *a*, and the diameter of the inner hole 72 is *b*, where *a* ≤ 1 / 2 *b*. This ensures that the shaft wall surface 75 retains sufficient solid material to maintain the overall strength of the unit. The shaft wall thickness *h* of the reinforcing unit is *h*, where *h* ≥ 0.25 mm. This increases the material volume, delays the development of fatigue damage, and ensures the structure remains stable during long-term use. As the "hole wall" of the inner hole 72 and the shaft wall hole 73, the shaft wall needs to have sufficient thickness to prevent hole collapse or deformation. For example, when the inner hole 72 is a regular polygon, insufficient shaft wall thickness may cause wear and rounding of the polygon's corners, affecting the geometric matching degree when adjacent units are stacked (e.g., the end faces 74 do not fit tightly, leading to uneven stress distribution).

[0108] By limiting a≤1 / 2b and h≥0.25mm, the reinforcing unit 71 structure of the implant bridge 1 can maintain high strength, deformation resistance and fatigue resistance through a reasonable ratio of pore size and wall thickness while being lightweight (hollow structure 7), thus meeting the load requirements of the dental prosthesis.

[0109] Furthermore, the shaft wall thickness h of the reinforcing unit is 0.25–0.5 mm, the shaft wall hole diameter a is 0.3–0.8 mm, and the weight reduction ratio is 30%–60%.

[0110] The thickness of the axial wall is carefully designed to prevent structural collapse or fracture caused by excessive thinness. The axial wall hole 73 acts as a "stress buffer point," dispersing localized stress concentration and preventing stress-induced cracking due to rigid connections. For example, during chewing, the material around the axial wall hole 73 undergoes slight elastic deformation, absorbing some of the impact energy. This overcomes the limitations of traditional solid implants and, through parameter adjustability, adapts to diverse clinical needs, propelling dental implantology towards higher dimensions of "precise mechanical fitting" and "biological functional reconstruction."

[0111] In this disclosure, the outer wall thickness of the implant bridge 1 is 1–2 mm, and the inner diameter of the screw channel 3 is 1.5–3 mm. A wall thickness of 1–2 mm ensures that the implant bridge 1 is not easily deformed or broken under occlusal pressure. For example, in the posterior tooth region where chewing force is greater, appropriately increasing the wall thickness (e.g., 1.8 mm) can prevent structural damage caused by concentrated stress. A reasonable wall thickness ensures that stress is evenly distributed throughout the structure, reducing localized stress concentrations (such as at edges or joints) and extending the lifespan of the implant. When the screw channel 3 connects to the debris removal port 6 (e.g., the lingual debris removal port 6), a larger inner diameter can promote the drainage of secretions or food debris around the implant, reducing the risk of infection. Through the optimized design of the above parameters, the implant bridge 1 achieves a balance between "mechanical strength, lightweight design, and ease of operation," making it particularly suitable for complex dentition defects or full-mouth implant restoration scenarios, improving clinical efficacy and long-term patient prognosis.

[0112] In this disclosure, multiple shaft wall holes 73 are provided, and the shaft wall holes 73 are spaced apart along the first direction. This arrangement can further reduce the weight of the planting bridge 1 while ensuring its overall strength.

[0113] It should be noted that the "weight reduction ratio" defined in this invention is the ratio of the weight of the hollow planting frame to the weight of the traditional planting frame (a solid hollow frame without a honeycomb hollow design). It can measure the extent to which the weight of the planting frame can be reduced through the honeycomb hollow design, and proposes a suitable manufacturing method for planting frames with this honeycomb hollow design.

[0114] The honeycomb hollow design of planting bridges should, while ensuring basic mechanical performance requirements, result in a smaller weight reduction ratio. The smaller the weight reduction ratio, the smaller the overall weight of the planting bridge, and the better the long-term stability of the planting restoration.

[0115] In terms of calculation, the weight reduction ratio = (volume of the planting bridge after the hollow structure design / volume of the planting bridge before the hollow structure design) × 100%.

[0116] In one application scenario, it is necessary to eliminate the weight difference between implant bridges made of zirconia ceramic material and those made of titanium alloy within the patient's mouth. In this case, a weight reduction ratio of ≤76.92% is required. The calculation process is as follows: The average density value of existing zirconia ceramic materials is taken as 5.85 g / cm³. 3 denoted as ρ1; the average density of existing titanium alloy materials is 4.5 g / cm³. 3 Let ρ2 be the mass of the zirconia ceramic implant scaffold, and m1 be the mass of the titanium alloy implant scaffold. Numerically, let v1 be the volume of the implant scaffold after the hollow structure design, and v2 be the volume of the implant scaffold before the hollow structure design (traditional zirconia / titanium alloy implant scaffold). Then v1ρ1 ≤ v2ρ2, and by calculation, v1 / v2 ≤ ρ2 / ρ1 = 76.92%, meaning a weight reduction ratio ≤ 76.92%. Similar weight reduction ratio calculations can be performed for implant scaffolds made of other materials to measure the degree to which the hollow design reduces the weight of the implant scaffold. More broadly, the minimum weight reduction ratio for each material can be obtained through clinical trials based on the relevant mechanical properties of each material, guiding the weight reduction design of implant scaffolds made of more materials, thereby improving patient comfort.

[0117] The above specific embodiments further illustrate the purpose, technical solution and beneficial effects of this utility model. It should be understood that the above are only specific embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0118] Finally, it should be noted that this utility model is not limited to the above-described optional embodiments, and anyone can derive other various forms of products under the guidance of this utility model. The above specific embodiments should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model, which should be determined by the claims, and the description can be used to interpret the claims.

Claims

1. A hollow planting frame, characterized in that, include: The planting bridge has a hollow structure, and the outer wall thickness of the planting bridge is ≥1mm; A connecting base, disposed on the implantation frame, is used to connect the prosthesis; and, A screw channel is provided on the implant bridge to allow the implant abutment to pass through and connect with the implant pre-installed on the alveolar bone, so as to fix the implant bridge to the alveolar bone.

2. The hollow planting frame according to claim 1, characterized in that, The planting bridge is equipped with a slag discharge port, which is connected to the hollow structure.

3. The hollow planting frame according to claim 2, characterized in that, The slag discharge port is equipped with a sealing body for sealing the hollow structure.

4. The hollow planting frame according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sealing body is made of resin material.

5. The hollow planting frame according to claim 2, characterized in that, The slag discharge ports are configured in multiple spaced-apart configurations, wherein the slag discharge ports are located on the lingual, palatal, or bilateral free ends of the implantation frame, and the slag discharge ports are far away from the screw channels, the edge line of the prosthesis, and the tissue surface of the implantation frame.

6. The hollow planting frame according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hollow structure includes multiple reinforcing units in the shape of regular polygons. Each reinforcing unit includes two end faces and n axial wall faces. Along the first direction of the planting frame, the end faces of adjacent reinforcing units are stacked sequentially. Along the second direction of the planting frame, the axial wall faces of adjacent reinforcing units are stacked sequentially. n is a natural number greater than or equal to 3. The first direction is the extension direction of the planting frame, and the second direction is the radial direction of the planting frame.

7. The hollow planting frame according to claim 6, characterized in that, The reinforcing unit has an inner hole that extends through the end face; each shaft wall of the reinforcing unit has a shaft wall hole that communicates with the inner hole; wherein, the inner holes of each reinforcing unit are interconnected, and the shaft wall holes of each reinforcing unit are interconnected.

8. The hollow planting frame according to claim 7, characterized in that, The inner hole is a regular polygonal hole, and the edge of the inner hole is parallel to the side of the reinforcing unit.

9. The hollow planting frame according to claim 7, characterized in that, The diameter of the shaft wall hole is a, the diameter of the inner hole is b, and a≤1 / 2b; the shaft wall thickness of the reinforcing unit is h, and h≥0.25mm.

10. The hollow planting frame according to claim 7, characterized in that, The shaft wall holes are configured in multiple ways and are spaced apart along a first direction.

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