Scan accessory system having a scan element for digital scanning of a tooth situation

Abstract

The invention relates to a scan element (30) for a digital scan and for releasable fastening to a scan post (20) fastened in an implant or an installation region (14) of a jaw, comprising a holding portion (32) serving to be received and fastened on a scan post (20), the holding portion (32) having a height in a height direction in the direction of longitudinal extent of the scan post (20), and a wing (34) adjoining the holding portion (32) and extending at an angle of 55° to 125° with respect to the height alignment of the holding portion (32), wherein the wing (34) at least sectionally has such a unique contour that two adjacent scanned portions (38) in a digital scan are uniquely distinguishable and assignable.

Description

[0001] Scanning accessory system with scanning element for digital scanning of a dental situation

[0002] The present invention relates to a scanning element for a digital scan and for detachably attaching it to a scanning post fixed in an implant, an abutment, or a scanning post in the installation area of ​​the jaw, as well as to a scanning accessory system for digitally scanning a dental situation with a scanning element and scanning post. The invention further relates to a method for using the scanning accessory system.

[0003] To capture a situation in the mouth, particularly the position of teeth or the position of implants in a dental arch, the current technology traditionally involves taking impressions using an impression tray. This is very uncomfortable for the patient. Therefore, digital scans of the dental arch of the lower or upper jaw have recently been used.

[0004] If only individual teeth in a dental arch are being replaced, a digital scan is usually unproblematic. An implant is placed in place of the missing tooth, into which a scan post (also called a scan body or scan post) is inserted for a scan to detect the position and orientation of the implant.

[0005] However, if a patient has a large number of teeth replaced with a bridge or full dentures, they are fixed in the jawbone with just a few implants. With a full denture, for example, four to six or more implants are placed throughout the jaw. A digital scan is performed to record the position of the implants and the oral situation of the corresponding jaw. Scan posts are inserted into the implants to mark their position and alignment. Digital scanning in the oral cavity is subject to problems, including the large distance between the scan posts and the reflective surface of the gums caused by saliva. The shape of the edentulous gums, which is a succession of curves, is often recorded inaccurately, and precisely aligning the images is difficult.The need to scan long distances where only gum tissue is present at a large distance also leads to reflections from moisture and saliva in the mouth, resulting in interruptions and misalignments in the scan images (so-called "stitching errors"). This impairs the accurate determination of the overall situation from the individual scan images. Consequently, a larger distance between the scan posts carries the risk of inaccurate merging and thus faulty restorations.

[0006] To solve this problem, US2023 / 0011481 A1, for example, discloses a system consisting of several scan abutments with elongated prismatic bodies. To perform a scan, several (for example, six) of these scan abutments are attached to existing implants in the patient's mouth in such a way that they cover essentially the entire area of ​​the dental arch. To minimize and simplify the merging of the scanned data, the scan abutments are positioned close to one another, whereby it is advantageous to achieve an overlapping transition from approximately the center point of one scan abutment to the center point of the next. In a subsequent scan, which can be performed with a conventional intraoral scanner, the scan is first made from one end of the arch to the other and then back to the starting point, preferably in a zigzag path. To improve accuracy, it is recommended to perform additional scans.

[0007] Based on this, there is a need to create a way to perform an error-free scan using existing intraoral or digital scanners and to accurately capture the oral and jaw situation. There is also a need for a simple, comfortable solution for the patient that requires as few auxiliary devices as possible in the patient's mouth and where one scan is sufficient to capture the oral and jaw situation.

[0008] The present object is achieved by a scanning element having the features of claim 1, by a scanning accessory system having the features of claim 11 and by a method having the features of claim 16.

[0009] The scanning element according to the invention, also called a scan wing, is used for digital scanning and is designed and suitable for detachable attachment to a scan post mounted in an implant, an abutment, or in the installation area of ​​the jaw. The scanning element according to the invention comprises a holding section for receiving and attaching it to a scan post. The holding section of the scanning element has a height in the vertical direction that points in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the scan post. When implementing a Cartesian coordinate system, the longitudinal extension of the scan post extends in the H-axis, as does the vertical direction of the holding section (see Figure 2).

[0010] The holding section of the scanning element is connected to a wing with a longitudinal extension and an angle a of 10° to 170° to the vertical direction of the holding section. The angle a is preferably between 55° and 125°. The angle a then spans between the longitudinal extension of the wing of the scanning element and the H-axis.

[0011] The wing of the scanning element has a unique contour, at least in sections, such that two adjacent scan sections of the wing can be clearly distinguished and assigned in a digital scan. The wing of the scanning element has a wing height that extends in the vertical direction. The wing height of the wing is preferably less than the height of the holding section.

[0012] In practical use, the scanning element is attached to a scanning post by its holding section. A wing with a longitudinally extended wing body extends from the holding section. This makes it possible to bridge the gaps between two adjacent scanning posts and to provide a structure with a clearly distinguishable and assignable contour for the digital scan. By detecting the scanning element, and in particular the wing of the scanning element, a digital scan of the overall situation of the mouth can be created, in which the positions and orientations of adjacent, but spaced, scanning posts can be clearly and accurately recognized and detected. This ensures that an overall digital image of the oral situation can be generated in order to fabricate a bridge or prosthesis that can be mounted on at least two spaced, but adjacent implants.

[0013] The scanning element according to the invention, also called a scan wing, has the advantage that it leads to a significant reduction or avoidance of stitching errors in scans with an intraoral scanner: Using the scanning element, it is possible to avoid the errors that otherwise occur when combining the individual images to create a 3D image, 3D model or 3D volume model, which can arise because the position of two consecutively created scan images is not clearly aligned with one another or is offset. With the aid of the scanning element, the edentulous segments in the mouth are bridged with the wing of the scanning element. This gives the intraoral scanner an auxiliary orientation. In other words: If the distance between two scanning elements of a edentulous jaw area is greater than the recording area orThe intraoral scanner's detection range lacks unambiguous assignment when "assembling" the individual images (stitching error), as the gum surface often has very similar shapes. The scan element provides the necessary auxiliary orientation by bridging the edentulous jaw area. Without the inventive scan element, the scan results are highly inaccurate simply due to gum images taken between scan posts attached to implants. This is because the gum images often have very similar round shapes and are partially covered by saliva, resulting in reflections. The individual images cannot be precisely and correctly aligned during the scan. The scan elements are therefore auxiliary parts or accessories that are attached to existing scan posts.The scanning element can be supplied in different sizes, diameters and shapes and is detachably connected to the scanning posts.

[0014] Since the height of the scanning element's wing is preferably lower than the height of the holding section, a relatively flat scanning element is created overall. This contour is very comfortable for the patient, as a relatively small foreign body or auxiliary body needs to be inserted into the patient's mouth. This also creates a larger volume within the space (oral cavity) in which the intraoral scanner can be moved. The scanner can be aligned more effectively. The resulting scans and the 3D models based on them are therefore of significantly higher quality.

[0015] According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a scanning accessory system for digitally scanning a dental situation or jaw situation in a patient's mouth. The scanning accessory system comprises a scanning post for attachment to an implant, an abutment attached to an implant, for example, or in an installation area of ​​a jaw, and a scanning element for releasably attaching it to the scanning post.

[0016] The scanning post has a longitudinally extending post body, which has a contact surface in a holding area for contacting the scanning element. The scanning element has a holding section for receiving the scanning post and for fastening it to the scanning post. Preferably, a connection between the scanning element and the scanning post is made such that the holding section of the scanning element corresponds to the holding area of ​​the scanning post, and contact is formed with the scanning element at the contact surface of the holding area of ​​the scanning post.

[0017] The holding section of the scanning element is preferably designed such that the scanning element can be detachably pushed, clipped, or clamped onto the scanning post. Sliding can occur from above or from the side if the holding section has a corresponding recess. The recess on the inside of the holding section enables reliable and secure clamping of the scanning element to the scanning post. It can be a channel. The recess or channel is preferably designed such that, for different diameters or sizes of the scanning element, a practically identical clipping or clamping force is applied to the scanning post by the holding section of the scanning element. Even with the same outer size or diameter of the holding section, the snap or clamping force, which are each holding forces, on the scanning post is thus independent of the size and contour of the scanning post and is preferably always the same.

[0018] The holding section of the scanning element has a height in the vertical direction that runs in the direction of the longitudinal extension (H-axis, Fig. 2) of the scanning post. The longitudinal extension of the scanning post is preferably generally aligned substantially vertically. A wing adjoining the holding section of the scanning element is connected or molded at an angle a of 10° to 170°, preferably 55° to 125°, to the vertical direction of the holding section, thus forming a one-piece scanning element.

[0019] If the implant is positioned at an angle in the jaw or the scan post or scan body is inclined, a scan element with one or two angled wings can be used to compensate for this so that the wing(s) are positioned essentially or almost horizontally and / or parallel to the jaw.

[0020] The angle a to the vertical direction is preferably between 70° and 110°, particularly preferably between 80° and 100°. Other, different angles or a larger angle range, for example, 10° to 170°, are also possible. In a design with two wings adjoining the support area, the angles a can be different for each wing.

[0021] The wing has a distinct contour, at least in sections, designed in such a way that two adjacent scan sections of the wing can be clearly distinguished and assigned in a digital scan. This is the prerequisite for generating an exact scan model or 3D model based on the scan data, since the individual images of the 3D scan can be joined seamlessly and without offset.

[0022] The support area of ​​the scanning post is designed such that the scanning element can be attached to the scanning post or its post body at any desired height. The scanning element's height can thus be continuously adjusted along the longitudinal extent of the scanning post.

[0023] This has the great advantage that the height of the scanning element on the scan post is freely selectable and adjustable. Firstly, the height (or position) of the scanning element can be selected such that it does not come into contact with the gums. This makes it possible to capture the gums during a scan. Secondly, the position of the scanning element on the scan post can be adjusted such that sufficient space is created in the mouth to move the intraoral scanner comfortably and without collisions. Collisions with the scan posts or the scanning elements attached as auxiliary parts can thus be avoided.

[0024] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a corresponding method.

[0025] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims. It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the respective combinations specified, but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the present invention. In particular, the method and a computer program product can be implemented according to the embodiments described for the device in the dependent claims.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the scanning element, the wing has a plurality of positioning elements on its surface or on the surface of its wing body. The positioning elements are formed integrally with the wing body. The positioning elements are designed such that two adjacent positioning elements are different from one another and can be distinguished in a scan. In this way, the respective position can be clearly recorded for each acquired digital scan image during a scan. The positioning elements are therefore a good way to avoid stitching errors during scanning and to increase the quality of the scan. Adjacent positioning elements are preferably different so that individual images can be clearly identified and placed next to one another during the scan.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, at least one scanning section of the wing comprises at least one position element. All scanning sections of the wing can each comprise one position element. Alternatively, individual or all scanning sections can have multiple position elements.

[0028] Individual or multiple positioning elements can have a bore, preferably a through-hole. This reduces the volume and weight of the scanning element without significantly limiting its load-bearing capacity. Preferably, all positioning elements have a bore.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, all or individual positioning elements are conical in shape, particularly preferably inversely conical, i.e., undercutting or "undercutting." The base of the positioning element on the wing surface has a smaller surface area than the free end; in the case of round positioning elements, the base diameter is smaller than the diameter of the free end.

[0030] In a further preferred embodiment, two adjacent positioning elements are spaced apart from each other. This creates gaps in which the wing is formed by the original surface of the wing body. The positioning elements can certainly repeat at certain intervals in the geometries. Two adjacent positioning elements must differ in their geometry, i.e., shape, size, and / or height. Preferably, at least two of the positioning elements have a different height and / or a different cross-section. In particular, two adjacent positioning elements are different.

[0031] A similarly preferred embodiment of the scanning element has a wing whose contour changes toward a free end of the wing. The wing preferably has a wing body that changes or continuously changes from the holding section to its free end. For example, it is possible for the wing body to taper in height and / or width toward the free end. Of course, it is also possible for a taper to occur toward the holding section, but this is less preferred, as stability may suffer.

[0032] A preferred embodiment of the scanning element provides that two wings (in one piece) are connected to the holding section, which are preferably located opposite each other. In this way, it is possible to form scanning elements that have not just one wing, but two or even more wings. Preferably, two wings lie opposite each other, with the holding section being arranged between the two wings. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the two wings formed on the holding section enclose an angle ß of 180°. It has proven very advantageous if the angle ß between the two opposite wings lies in a range between 120° and 180°. The angle ß is the angle formed between the wings in a wing plane spanned by the wings; it is not the angle α to the height alignment H.

[0033] Special designs of the wings do not only have a wing body that extends straight in the longitudinal direction. The wings can have a wide variety of shapes or variants. For example, in addition to the straight shape, the wing body can also have a curved shape, preferably a shape that is curved in the horizontal plane. The different shapes serve to adapt to the predetermined jaw contour. Curved shapes with different bending radii are therefore possible. It is also possible for the wings to be arranged unilaterally, bilaterally, or even multilaterally. For this reason, it has proven advantageous if the scan elements can be adjusted vertically in the longitudinal direction of the scan posts. For example, it is possible to arrange two scan elements one above the other on a scan post.

[0034] Preferably, the length of one wing of the scanning element can vary, resulting in scanning elements with wings of different lengths. The lengths can range from a few millimeters to several centimeters. Typically, a scanning element with two opposing wings is selected for a total wing length of more than 4 cm or more than 3 cm.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment of a scanning element with two wings, the two wings are of equal length. The wings can also preferably have different lengths. They can have the same or substantially the same width. With a suitable choice of material for the scanning elements (e.g., plastic), the wings can also be manually shortened before being mounted on a scanning post.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the scanning element is made of a non-toxic material. The scanning element is preferably made of a material that can be detected by a digital scanner. A scanning element made of plastic, metal, or a composite material is preferred.

[0037] The scanning element can be manufactured in various ways, for example, by printing, 3D printing, or milling. A scanning element made of plastic, which can be produced using an injection molding process, is particularly preferred. Suitable materials are therefore easily scannable materials, such as plastics, that have sufficient roughness or a suitable surface.

[0038] Preferably, a scanning element has a surface such that detection of the scanning element during a digital scan occurs with an error rate that is negligible in practical applications. The material must be of such a nature, or, for example, have such a roughness, that it does not lead to reflections that could cause errors during a digital scan. For this reason, matte plastics or matte metals are particularly suitable. In particular, the surface of the material is designed such that reflections of a light beam or laser beam are avoided as far as possible, preferably when the scanning element is moistened or wet.

[0039] A preferred embodiment of the one-piece scanning element provides that the holding section has an opening, preferably a lateral opening. The holding section is preferably designed in the form of a claw, a clip, or a clamp, so that it can particularly preferably be clipped or clamped onto a scanning post. The lateral opening of the holding section is preferably designed such that the scanning post can be received through the opening. The scanning post can therefore be clipped or clamped onto the scanning element through the opening. The contour of the holding section briefly gives way, causing the opening to widen and return to its original shape after the scanning post has passed. The opening is preferably smaller in width than the diameter of the scanning post. In this way, a positive or non-positive connection is formed between the scanning element and the scanning post.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment of a scanning accessory system with a scanning element and a scanning post, the scanning element can be arranged on the scanning post in such a way that the scanning element is spaced from the patient's gums, particularly when the scanning post is attached in a patient's mouth. Preferably, the distance to the gums is large enough that, in a digital scan, not only the scanning element but also the gums below the scanning element can be captured.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment of the scanning accessory system, the scanning element can be attached to the scanning post in such a way that the scanning element is rotatable about the scanning post, i.e., about the longitudinal alignment of the scanning post or the H-axis of the aforementioned coordinate system. It can therefore be rotated or pivoted in its angular position about the scanning post. Preferably, pivoting or twisting at an angle of at least 90° is enabled. More preferably, the scanning accessory system allows the scanning element to be pivoted on the scanning post by at least 135°, more preferably by at least 180°. In another preferred embodiment, the scanning element can be pivoted about the scanning post by at least 270°. In this way, the positioning of the scanning element relative to the scanning post can be adapted to the current oral situation of a patient.

[0042] Further adaptation to current oral situations can be achieved by using scanning elements whose wings are different, for example, having a different length or longitudinal extension of the wing body.

[0043] A further preferred embodiment of the scanning accessory system is designed such that when multiple scan posts are placed, for example in a patient's mouth, at least one of the scan posts carries a scan element. To enable reliable scanning within the mouth, the scan element of one scan post is aligned such that it is connected to one of the other scan posts. In this case, the wing body of the scan element comes into contact with an adjacent scan post to which the scan element is not attached, clipped, or clamped. The connection to the adjacent scan post can preferably be fixed by adhesive bonding. Adhesives suitable for the dental field can be used, which can also be cured, for example, using ultraviolet light.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment of the scanning accessory system, the body of the scan post is partially, preferably substantially completely, rotationally symmetrical. Alternatively or additionally, the body of the scan post can have a recess extending at least partially longitudinally along the body, wherein the recess is preferably flat. This flattening of a partial region of the scan post can serve as an orientation for the scan post in the implant or on an abutment attached to the implant.

[0045] The invention is described and explained in more detail below using selected embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. They show:

[0046] Figure 1 shows a jaw model with a scanning accessory system comprising a scanning element and a scanning post;

[0047] Figure 2 a jaw model with scanning accessory system;

[0048] Figure 3 shows a scanning element with a straight wing body;

[0049] Figure 4 shows a scanning element with a curved wing body;

[0050] Figure 5 shows a scanning element with two short wings;

[0051] Figure 6 shows a scanning element with two straight wings;

[0052] Figure 7 shows a scanning element with two curved wings;

[0053] Figure 8 is a schematic representation of a manufactured prosthesis with scan element and scan post; and

[0054] Figure 9 is a schematic drawing of a flow chart of the method according to the invention.

[0055] Figure 1 shows, by way of example, a model of a jaw 12 with a scanning accessory system 10 according to the invention, which comprises a plurality of scanning posts 20 and a plurality of one-piece scanning elements 30. The scanning accessory system 10 is arranged in the model of the jaw 12, with the scanning posts 20 positioned in an installation area 14 of the jaw. The scanning posts are fastened in implants (not shown) in the jaw 12. The scanning posts 20 comprise a post body 22 with a holding area 24 for receiving and holding the scanning element 30. The holding area 24 has a contact surface 26 that comes into contact with the scanning element 30 or a holding section 32 of the scanning element.

[0056] In the preferred embodiment shown here, the post body 22 comprises a recess 28 in the form of a flat post surface 29, which has proven advantageous for a digital scan in order to clearly and easily detect the position and orientation of the scan post 20 in the mouth and jaw.

[0057] To attach the scan post 20 to the implant (not shown) in the installation area 14, the scan post 20 has a bore 21 (through-bore) extending in the longitudinal direction of the scan post. The scan post 20 can be screwed into the implant using a screw (not shown) that extends through the bore 21 of the scan post 20.

[0058] The scanning elements 30 shown here have, in addition to the holding section 32 with which the scanning element 30 is attached to the scanning post 20, a wing 34 with a wing body 36. The wing body 36 extends from the holding section 32 and has a plurality of scanning sections 38. On its surface 37, the wing body 36 has a plurality of positioning elements 40. The positioning elements 40 are preferably spaced apart from one another. They are designed such that two adjacent positioning elements 40 have a different shape, different height, and / or different diameter. Thus, two adjacent positioning elements 40 can be clearly distinguished from one another; the same applies to the two corresponding, adjacent scanning sections 38.

[0059] Figure 1 shows that the scanning accessory system 10 comprises four scanning posts 20 and three scanning elements 30. The scanning elements 30 are aligned in the direction of the adjacent scanning post 20, so that a scanning element 30 preferably touches the adjacent scanning post or the adjacent scanning element 30 arranged on the adjacent scanning post 20. A longitudinal direction of the scanning elements therefore points in the direction of the adjacent scanning post 20. By aligning the scanning elements 30, the distance between two adjacent scanning posts 20 is bridged, so that in a digital scan, the mouth area can be scanned and clearly recognized and identified due to the presence of the scanning accessory system 10.

[0060] Preferably, the scanning elements 30 are aligned such that they are in contact with the adjacent scanning post 20 or with the scanning elements 30 arranged on the adjacent scanning post 20. To create an overall stable arrangement, the free ends 42 of the scanning elements 30 can be fixed, for example, glued, to the adjacent scanning element, for example, at a free end 42.

[0061] Preferably, the positioning elements 40 are conical such that their base, which is connected to the wing body 36 of the wing 34, has a smaller footprint than the free end. Such a shape is advantageous when interlocking several scan elements 30 and scan posts 20 with one another. During bonding, the adhesive cures, forming a connecting element that connects two adjacent scan elements. Due to the "inverted conical" shape of the positioning elements 40, the scan elements 30 cannot slip out downward when the entire scan accessory system 10 is removed. This becomes possible after the scan posts 20 have been detached from the implants or abutments.

[0062] The locking of the scan elements 30 to each other or to the scan post 20 serves, on the one hand, to prevent the patient or practitioner from changing the scan element position during the scanning process. On the other hand, the locked overall configuration of the scan accessory system 10 can be used as a control key for a subsequent model created from the scan.

[0063] To facilitate alignment of the scanning elements 30, it is advantageous if the scanning post 20 is at least partially rotationally symmetrical, at least in the region of the holding area 24, and the holding section 32 of the scanning element 30 is designed in the form of a corresponding opening or recess or a collar. The holding section 32 can also be clamp-like.

[0064] Figure 1 shows that the scanning elements 30 are each arranged on the scanning posts 20 such that the scanning elements 30 are spaced apart from the jaw 12 and the gums. In this way, the scanning elements 30 preferably do not rest against the gums, so that the gums located beneath the scanning element 30 can also be captured by the digital scan. The scanning element 30 provides an optical guide for the digital scanner so that the individual scanned images, which are generally created from multiple slices or scans, can later be combined seamlessly and without offset or errors. In this way, a flawless 3D image or 3D model of the oral situation and / or the jaw 12 can be generated.

[0065] Figure 2 shows a jaw model with the scanning accessory system 10, which includes four spaced-apart scanning posts 20. Scanning elements 30 are attached to three of the four scanning posts 20, in this case clamped or clipped on. The scanning elements 30 each have two wings 34 of different lengths. The scanning elements 30 bridge the gaps formed between the scanning posts 20, allowing a precise scan of the entire model situation.

[0066] Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a scanning element 30, such as that used in Figure 1. The scanning element 30 has a holding section 32 and an adjoining wing 34 with a wing body 36. The wing has a plurality of scanning sections 38, in the embodiment shown, three scanning sections 38. In each scanning section, the wing body 36 has a positioning element 40, which is arranged on the surface 37 of the wing body 36. The positioning elements 40 have different contours. They are essentially cylindrical. Other shapes are also possible. Preferably, as shown in Figure 3, at least one of the positioning elements 40 has a bore. If necessary, the scanning element 30 can thus be secured using a thread to prevent the patient from swallowing the scanning element 30.The positioning elements 40 with bore also reduce the overall volume and weight of the scanning element 30 as well as the material usage and reduce the shrinkage of the positioning element 40 during the injection molding process.

[0067] Figure 3 shows that the wing body 36 of the wing 34 is straight and directly adjoins the holding section 32.

[0068] The holding section 32 is claw-shaped and has a lateral opening so that the scanning element can be clipped or clamped to a scanning post 20. The inner side 33 of the holding section 32 is preferably smooth and not curved, i.e., flat. Therefore, the scanning element 30 can be adjusted in height as desired on a corresponding scanning post 20, as long as the contact surface 26 of such a scanning post 20 is also flat.

[0069] A holding section 32 preferably has an optional recess extending vertically, e.g., in the form of a slot or a flat channel 39. This allows the scanning element 30 to be more easily attached and moved to the scanning post 20 and, if necessary, also easily released using an engaging tool. The channel 39 preferably enables a holding force of the scanning element 30 that is independent of the contour of the scanning post 20.

[0070] Figure 4 shows a scanning element 30 that differs from the scanning element according to Figure 3 in that the wing 34 is slightly curved. The wing body 36 of the scanning wing has a slight bend in the horizontal plane, optionally in the plane spanned by the wing (LW plane), so that the underside of the scanning element 30 and thus the underside of the wing body 36 is flat. As shown here, the underside of the wing body 36 is preferably flush with the underside of the holding section 32, i.e., runs in a straight line. While Figures 3 and 4 show a scanning element with a holding section 32 and a single wing 34, Figure 5 shows a scanning element with two wings 34a, 34b that are formed on different, preferably opposite sides of the holding section 32.

[0071] In contrast to the embodiments according to Figures 3 and 4, the wing body 36 is shortened in the embodiment according to Figure 5. It has two scanning sections 38, each with a positioning element 40, on each wing 34. The two positioning elements are designed differently so that they can be clearly distinguished from one another. Of course, the individual wings 34 can be longer and have more than two scanning sections 38 and / or positioning elements 40.

[0072] The two wings 34a, 34b according to Figure 5 are arranged on the holding section 32 such that they form an angle ß to each other that differs from 180°. The angle ß is approximately 160°.

[0073] Figure 6, on the other hand, shows a scanning element 30 with two straight wings 34a, 34b. The two wings 34 each have an elongated, straight wing body 36. However, the wings 34 are arranged such that they enclose an angle ß of 180°. Both wings 34 thus extend in opposite directions away from the holding section 32. Angles other than 180° are also possible in various embodiments.

[0074] The wings 34 shown here with wing bodies 36 are significantly longer than the wings shown as examples in Figures 3 to 5 and each have a total of four scanning sections 38. Each scanning section 38 comprises a positioning element 40. Multiple positioning elements 40 per scanning section 38 are generally possible for all scanning elements 30.

[0075] The positioning elements 40 are designed such that any two adjacent positioning elements 40 are different. However, non-adjacent positioning elements can be identical. This can be seen in the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 6: the positioning element 40 arranged closest to the holding section 32 on the right wing 34b has the same shape as the positioning element 40 at the free end of the wing. However, two directly adjacent positioning elements 40 should be distinguishable from one another to increase scanning accuracy, which is achieved in the present embodiment.

[0076] Figure 7 shows an embodiment of a scanning element 30 with two wings 34a, 34b, each having a curved wing body and forming a curved scanning element.

[0077] Figure 8 shows a prosthesis 50 with a scanning accessory system 10 consisting of two scanning posts 20 and two scanning elements 30. The prosthesis 50 is essentially U-shaped and manufactured based on data acquired during an intraoral scan. The scanning accessory system 10 is used here to detect possible deviations when checking the prosthesis using a scan. Even with such a scan, the two free prosthesis ends 52 of the U-shaped prosthesis 50 are difficult for a scanner to detect because they are too far apart. Due to the lack of connection between the two free ends, deviations can occur when aligning the individual scan images. The scanning accessory system with scanning post and scanning element forms a connecting element and reduces the distance between scannable elements, thus making a verification scan more reliable.

[0078] In addition, scanning the prosthesis 50 with the scanning accessory system 10 enables precise spatial alignment of an opposing jaw to the scanned jaw with the aid of the prosthesis 50 and simultaneous transfer of the scan positions to the entire model. Thus, before inserting the prosthesis 50 into a patient's mouth, it is possible to check whether, on the one hand, the opposing bite of the prosthesis 50 matches the opposing jaw and, on the other hand, whether the position of the prosthesis 50 is correct and flawless in relation to the implants arranged in the jaw. This ensures a trouble-free and perfect fit of the prosthesis 50 in the mouth. Figure 9 shows a schematic representation of the individual method steps of a method for using a scanning accessory system 10, as shown by way of example in Figure 1. The scanning accessory system 10 comprises a scanning element 30 and a scanning post 20.

[0079] In a first optional step S10, the scan post 20 is secured in an implant, an abutment, or in an installation area 14 in a jaw or oral cavity. S12 involves attaching the scan element 30 to the scan post 20, preferably from the side or from above. For this purpose, the scan element 30 has a holding section 32 that at least partially extends around or encloses the scan post. Attaching the scan element 30 can involve clipping or clamping the scan element 30 to the scan post 20.

[0080] In a step S14, the scanning element 30 is aligned such that a gap between the scanning post 20 and an adjacent scanning post 20 or an adjacent tooth is at least partially bridged. For example, the scanning element 30 can be aligned by rotating or pivoting it around the scanning post 20. It can also be moved along the vertical direction of the scanning post 20, thus adjusting its height relative to the scanning post 20.

[0081] In a further optional step S16, the scanning element 30 can be contacted with its free end 42 on the adjacent scanning post 20 or a tooth spaced apart from the first scanning post 20.

[0082] In an optional further step S18, the free end 42 of the scanning element 30 can be attached to the adjacent scanning post 20, for example, by gluing the two together. This step can also alternatively include gluing the holding section 32 to the scanning post 20.

[0083] In an optional step S20, a digital scan is performed. This is preferably done using a digital scanner. For this purpose, for example, the digital scanner is moved near the scanning element 30 in such a way that the entire scanning element 30, including its wing 34 and the holding section 32, is captured. The current oral situation is also captured. The scanning element 30 thus serves as a guide or guiding element for the digital scanner.

[0084] In an optional step S22, the scanning element 30 is detached from the scanning post 20. If necessary, the scanning element 30 is further detached from adjacent scanning posts 20. The removal of the scanning element 30, for example, from the oral cavity, may also be included in this step S22.

[0085] In an equally optional step S24, the scan post 20 is removed from the implant or the installation area 14. This completely removes the scan accessory system 10, allowing further treatment steps to be performed on the patient.

[0086] The invention has been comprehensively described and explained with reference to the drawings and the description. The description and explanation are to be understood as exemplary and not restrictive. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other embodiments or variations will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon use of the present invention and upon careful analysis of the drawings, the disclosure, and the following claims.

[0087] In the claims, the words "comprising" and "having" do not exclude the presence of further elements or steps. The undefined article "a" or "an" does not exclude the presence of a plurality. A single element or unit can perform the functions of several of the units recited in the claims. The mere mention of some measures in several different dependent claims should not be understood to mean that a combination of these measures cannot also be used advantageously. Reference signs in the claims are not to be understood as limiting. Reference signs

[0088] 10 Scanning accessory system

[0089] 12 pine

[0090] 14 Installation area

[0091] 20 scan posts

[0092] 21 Hole

[0093] 22 post body

[0094] 24 holding area

[0095] 26 Contact surface

[0096] 28 recess

[0097] 29 post area

[0098] 30 scan elements

[0099] 32 stopping section

[0100] 33 Inside

[0101] 34 wings

[0102] 36 wing bodies

[0103] 37 Surface (of 36)

[0104] 38 Scan section

[0105] 39 Channel

[0106] 40 Position element

[0107] 42 free ends (of 34)

[0108] 50 prosthesis

[0109] 52 prosthesis end

Claims

Patent claims 1. A scanning element (30) for a digital scan and for detachably fastening to a scanning post (20) fastened in an implant, abutment or an installation area (14) of a jaw, comprising a holding section (32) for receiving a scanning post (20) and for fastening to a scanning post (20), wherein the holding section (32) has a height in the vertical direction in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the scanning post (20), a wing (34) adjoining the holding section (32) and extending at an angle of 10° to 170° to the vertical orientation of the holding section (32), wherein the wing (34) has a unique contour at least in sections such that two adjacent scanning sections (38) can be clearly distinguished and assigned in a digital scan.

2. Scanning element (30) according to claim 1, characterized in that the wing (34) has a wing height which extends in the height direction and which is at most as large as the height of the holding section (32).

3. Scanning element (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wing (34) has a plurality of positioning elements (40) on its surface (37), wherein two adjacent positioning elements (40) are different from one another and can be distinguished in a scan, and wherein the positioning elements (40) are preferably spaced apart from one another.

4. Scanning element (30) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least two of the positioning elements (40) have a different height and / or a different cross-section.

5. Scanning element (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wing (34) has a wing body (36) whose contour changes in the direction of a free end of the wing (42), preferably a wing body (36) tapering in height or width.

6. Scanning element (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two wings (34) are connected to the holding section (32), which wings are preferably opposite one another and particularly preferably enclose an angle of 180°, further preferably an angle between 120° and 180°.

7. Scanning element (30) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the two wings (34) have a different length and preferably have the same or substantially the same width.

8. Scanning element (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the scanning element (30) consists of a non-toxic material that can be detected by a digital scanner, preferably of plastic or metal, very preferably of plastic.

9. Scanning element (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the scanning element (30) has a surface such that recognition of the scanning element (30) in a digital scan occurs with an error rate that is negligible in practical application.

10. Scanning element (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding section (32) has a lateral opening and the holding section (32) is preferably designed in the form of a claw or a clamp and more preferably the scanning post (20) can be received through the opening.

11. Scan accessory system (10) for digitally scanning a dental situation in the mouth of a patient, comprising a scan post (20) for attachment to an implant, abutment or an installation area (14) of a jaw and a scan element (30) for detachable attachment to the scan post (20), wherein the scan post (20) has a longitudinally extending post body (22) which has a holding area (24) with a contact surface (26) for contacting the scan element (30), the scan element (30) has a holding section (32) for receiving and attaching a scan post (20), and the holding section (32) has a height in the vertical direction in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the scan post (20), the scan element (30) has a wing (34) adjoining the holding section (32) which extends at an angle of 10° to 170° to Height direction of the holding section (32),wherein the wing (34) has at least in sections a unique contour such that in a digital scan two adjacent scan sections (38) can be clearly distinguished and assigned, the holding area (24) is designed such that the scanning element (30) can be fastened in the vertical direction at any position on the scanning post (20) and its height is continuously adjustable in the longitudinal extent of the scanning post (20).

12. Scanning accessory system (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the wing (34) has a wing height which extends in the height direction and which is at most as large as the height of the holding section (32).

13. Scan accessory system (10) according to one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that the scanning element (30) can be arranged on the scanning post (20) arranged in the mouth of a patient in such a way that the scanning element (30) is spaced from the patient's gums and the gums can preferably be detected in a digital scan.

14. Scanning accessory system (10) according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the scanning element (30) can be fastened to the scanning post (20) in such a way that it can be pivoted about the scanning post (20), preferably at an angle of at least 90°, more preferably of at least 135°, more preferably of at least 180° and particularly preferably of at least 270°.

15. Scan accessory system (10) according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that several scan posts (20) are placed in the mouth of a patient and at least one of the scan posts (20) carries a scan element (30) and the scan element (30) is connected, preferably glued, to one of the other scan posts (20).

16. A method for using a scanning accessory system (10) according to any one of claims 11 to 15 with a scanning element (30) and a scanning post (20), characterized by the following steps: - optionally fixing the scan post (20) in an implant or an installation area (14) in an oral cavity; - Attaching the scanning element (30) to the scanning post (20) from the side or from above; - aligning the scanning element (30) such that a gap between the scanning post (20) and an adjacent scanning post (20) or tooth is at least partially bridged; optionally contacting the scanning element (30) with its free end to the adjacent scanning post (20) or tooth; - optionally fastening or gluing the free end of the scanning element (30) to the adjacent scanning post (20); - optionally performing a digital scan, preferably by means of a digital scanners; - optional detachment of the scanning element (30) and removal from the oral cavity; - optional removal of the scan post (20) from the implant or the installation area (14).

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