Removable partial dentures

Abstract

The present invention relates to a removable partial denture assembly set having a framework with one or more replacement teeth and one or more retaining portions. Each retaining portion is configured to receive and retain one or more replacement teeth. Each replacement tooth has a bottom surface with a specific surface structure configured to engage an assigned complementary retaining structure provided by one of the retaining portions of the framework configured to receive each replacement tooth. Each surface structure, in combination with its assigned complementary retaining structure, provides a non-destructive, removable direct connection between the replacement tooth having its respective surface structure and the retaining portion having its assigned complementary retaining structure.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an assembly set of removable partial teeth, a removable partial denture, a computer system for constructing such an assembly set, a computer program product for constructing such an assembly set, as well as a method for constructing such an assembly set and a method for assembling such an assembly set. [Background technology]

[0002] A removable partial denture is a denture that is adapted to be placed in and removed from the oral cavity. It is intended to replace missing teeth for functional and / or aesthetic reasons. Such a partial denture usually has one or more replacement teeth attached to a base that provides artificial gums for the replacement teeth. The artificial gums are intended to be placed in and removed from the oral cavity, to conform to the natural geometry of the patient's oral cavity, and to provide sufficient stability and maintain structural integrity during use (e.g., during chewing). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved removable partial denture and computer systems, computer program products, and methods for such an improved removable partial denture. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] In one aspect, the invention relates to an assembly set for a patient's removable partial denture. The assembly set includes a framework having one or more replacement teeth as well as one or more retaining portions. Each retaining portion is configured to receive and retain one or more replacement teeth. Each replacement tooth has a bottom surface with a first surface structure configured to engage an assigned complementary first retaining structure provided by one of the retaining portions of the framework configured to receive each replacement tooth. Each first surface structure combines with the assigned complementary first retaining structure to provide a first non-destructive removable direct connection between the replacement tooth with the respective surface structure and the retaining portion with the respective assigned complementary retaining structure.

[0005] An embodiment may have the feature that the retaining parts of the framework can receive and retain replacement teeth through respective non-destructively removable direct connections. Thus, the replacement teeth may be attached to the framework (i.e., the retaining parts of the framework), which support and hold the replacement teeth in a predetermined position. The predetermined position may be defined relative to the framework. In the event that one of the replacement teeth becomes chipped or defective, it may be removed from the framework and replaced with another replacement tooth. Each retaining part may provide a denture base.

[0006] The framework may provide stability and ensure structural integrity for the removable partial denture. Thus, the framework may provide a denture base for the partial denture. For such purposes, the framework may be made of a material that provides sufficient stability to ensure structural integrity when the partial denture is placed, for example, in the patient's mouth. The framework may, for example, be made of metal.

[0007] The framework may be further configured to provide support for the artificial gingival portion in addition to receiving and retaining the replacement teeth. The framework may include a retention portion configured to receive and retain the artificial gingival portion.

[0008] Additionally, the framework may have one or more direct retainers for connecting the removable partial denture to the patient's remaining dentures, such as one or more remaining teeth, or to artificial abutments (e.g., an abutment attached to an implant). The direct retainers may have, for example, rests, clasps, or nests. The nested fittings may be configured to fit, for example, an abutment attached to an implant. The framework may be configured to fit a supporting dental bar. The framework may further have one or more major and / or minor connectors. The framework may further have offsets (e.g., risers and reliefs). Various components of the framework, such as offsets (e.g., risers and reliefs), connectors (e.g., major and / or minor connectors), and support components (e.g., guiding surfaces, rests, and clasps), may be connected to one or more retainers of the framework configured to receive and hold replacement teeth.

[0009] The major connector is an element of a removable partial denture that provides a link between the removable partial denture elements located on different sides of the patient's dental arch. Such a major connector may be provided in the form of, for example, a lingual bar, a sublingual bar, a prelingual bar, a lingual plate, a buccal bar, a continuous clasp, a palatal plate, a palatal spoon plate, a palatal bar, a U-shaped palatal bar, etc. The minor connector is an element of a removable partial denture that provides a link between the major connector or the denture base of the removable partial denture and other elements of the removable partial denture. The direct retainer or stabilizer is an element of a removable partial denture that connects the removable partial denture to the abutment teeth or other types of abutments. It may hold and stabilize the removable partial denture in the oral cavity. The direct retainer or stabilizer may partially surround or contact the abutment (e.g., the abutment teeth). The denture base is an element of a removable partial denture that provides a base for replacement teeth.

[0010] A removable partial denture is a denture for partially edentulous patients that provides one or more replacement teeth for missing teeth. Removable partial dentures may be used for functional and / or aesthetic reasons. Removable means that the patient can remove and reinsert a removable partial denture without the assistance of a professional.

[0011] The embodiment has the advantage that the structural integrity of the removable partial denture is provided by the framework, which further provides sufficient support to hold the replacement teeth in the desired position. For example, the additional artificial gingiva portion of the assembly set may not be required to contribute to the structural integrity of the removable partial denture or to the retention of the replacement teeth. Rather, the additional artificial gingiva portion may be configured to match the natural look, natural feel, and / or exact fit of the patient's oral cavity. Thus, a more natural material, e.g., a softer, more flexible material, may be used for the artificial gingiva portion.

[0012] An embodiment has the advantage that the surface structures and the supplemental retention structures help to find the correct fit position, i.e., the position where the replacement tooth fits correctly to the framework. When the replacement tooth is placed in the through-hole provided by the artificial gingival portion, the surface structures and the supplemental retention structures may help to find the correct position of the replacement tooth located in the through-hole. The surface structures and the supplemental retention structures may provide guidance to find the correct fit position. For example, the pair of surface structures and supplemental retention structures may be configured to match only when they are adjusted relative to a predetermined position and a non-destructive removable direct connection can be established.

[0013] The embodiment has the advantage that imperfections of a partial denture provided in the form of an assembly set can be easily addressed. If such a partial denture is defective, for example if the denture provided by the dentist to the patient matches the patient's jaw incorrectly or provides an insufficient occlusion, such defects may be easily corrected by replacing the parts showing the defects with replacement parts without defects. In contrast, a partial denture provided as a final product without non-destructive removable connections allowing non-destructive replacement of inaccurate parts may offer few possibilities for further adjustments, for example if all parts of a removable partial denture are already glued together and connections are established that cannot be removed without destruction. In such a case, for example, the final product provided by the dentist to the patient would have to be presumed to fit the patient perfectly without the need for further adjustments. If the fit is found to be insufficient, the partial denture would have to be replaced entirely by a new denture. Providing a new partial denture means that the scanning process of the patient's mouth and the taking and production of the partial denture must be repeated. An embodiment could avoid such drawbacks and provide the possibility to assemble and test the fit of a partial denture provided in the form of an assembly set using non-destructive removable connections before finally bonding the parts together by permanent connections, for example using an adhesive.

[0014] For example, the individual parts of the assembly set are provided, assembled and tested. If the tests are satisfactory, the parts will be permanently connected, for example by using an adhesive. Such an approach would have the advantage that it allows the generation and testing of the assembly set without the need for specific reproduction of the scan data of the patient's oral cavity, for example without the need for a dental cast / plaster model of the patient's jaw. The scan data of the patient's oral cavity may instead be provided to a computer system, which provides a digital model of the patient's jaw(s). Such a digital model of the patient's jaw(s) could be used to generate a digital model of the removable partial denture in the form of an assembly set. The different parts of the digital model of the removable partial denture could all be generated by a fully automatic process, for example 3D printing. The generated assembly set could be assembled and tested directly in the patient's oral cavity, without the need for an artificial reproduction of the patient's jaw for testing.

[0015] The parts of an assembly set may be connected for the purpose of testing the assembled removable partial denture in the patient's mouth, without permanently connecting the parts, for example by adhesives. The partial denture may be adjusted, for example by substituting one or more replacement teeth, to precisely match the patient's actual occlusal conditions. Thus, instead of requiring replacement of the entire partial denture, a partial replacement of the partial denture may be possible.

[0016] According to one embodiment, each of the one or more first surface structures has one or more first protrusions protruding from a bottom surface of a replacement tooth having the respective first surface structure. Each of the one or more first retention structures has one or more first receiving portions for receiving the one or more first protrusions. Each of the first protrusions is disposed in a position that aligns with a position of one of the first receiving portions configured to receive the respective first protrusion to establish a first non-destructive, removable direct connection.

[0017] The embodiment has the feature that the first non-destructively releasable direct connection between the replacement tooth and the framework can be established by inserting the first projection into the first storage portion, the retaining portion being capable of receiving the replacement tooth by receiving the first projection into the first storage portion.

[0018] According to one embodiment, each of the first projections has a peripheral shape that matches the shape of the aligned first storage portions. The first projections may have a circular, elliptical or polygonal (e.g. square, rectangular) cross section. The first storage portions may have a matching cross section. According to one embodiment, the projections may have an elongated ridge or rail shape and the storage portions may have a matching slot or slit shape. According to an embodiment, the first projections may have the same cross section. According to an embodiment, the cross sections of the first projections may vary in shape and / or size.

[0019] According to one embodiment, one or more first recesses in the form of elongated holes or slits may extend under a plurality of adjacent replacement teeth. The adjacent replacement teeth may be provided as a connected and bridged set of replacement teeth having one or more matching elongated ridge-like or rail-like first projections extending across the bottom surfaces of the adjacent replacement teeth. An embodiment has the advantage that the adjacent replacement teeth are attached as a unit allowing for increased strength and speed of assembly.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the first storage portion is provided in the form of a blind hole extending into the retaining portion. According to one embodiment, the first storage portion is provided in the form of a through hole extending through the retaining portion. According to one embodiment, the through holes extending through the retaining portion form a mesh structure with each through hole providing an individual mesh.

[0021] According to one embodiment, each of the one or more aligned first storage portions is configured to provide a free space at the tip of the aligned and stored first protrusions left to receive adhesive in order to provide an additional first permanent connection between the replacement tooth and the retainer when the first non-destructively removable direct connection is established. The embodiment has the feature that a permanent connection is provided between the replacement tooth and the retainer in addition to the non-destructively removable direct connection. By filling the free space at the tip of the aligned and stored first protrusions, the non-destructively removable direct connection is transformed into a permanent connection. The non-destructively removable direct connection can be used to connect the replacement tooth to the framework and test whether the fit is appropriate. If such a test is successful, a permanent connection may be established to strengthen the bond.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the bottom surface of the replacement tooth and / or the retaining structure has a number of additional recesses for receiving adhesive to provide an additional first permanent connection between the replacement tooth and the retaining part, with the advantage that the adhesive collects and hardens in the recesses to form an even stronger bond between the replacement tooth and the retaining part.

[0023] According to one embodiment, each of the one or more first retention structures has one or more first projections protruding from a retaining portion having a respective first retention structure, each of the one or more first surface structures has one or more first receiving portions for receiving the one or more first projections, each of the first projections being positioned at a position aligned with a respective position of one of the first receiving portions configured to receive a respective first projection to establish a first non-destructively removable direct connection.

[0024] An embodiment may have the feature that a first non-destructive, releasable direct connection can be established between the replacement tooth and the framework by inserting the first projection into the first storage portion, the retainer being capable of receiving the replacement tooth by inserting the first projection into the first storage portion.

[0025] According to one embodiment, each of the first projections has a peripheral shape that matches the shape of the aligned first storage portions. The first projections may have a circular, elliptical or polygonal (e.g. square, rectangular) cross section. The first storage portions may have a matching cross section. According to one embodiment, the projections may have an elongated ridge or rail shape and the storage portions may have a matching slot or slit shape. According to an embodiment, the first projections may have the same cross section. According to an embodiment, the cross sections of the first projections may vary in shape and / or size.

[0026] According to one embodiment, one or more first protruding portions in the form of elongated ridges or rails may extend under a plurality of adjacent replacement teeth. The adjacent replacement teeth may be provided as a connected and bridged set of replacement teeth having one or more first receiving portions in the form of matching elongated slots or notches extending across the bottom surfaces of the adjacent replacement teeth. An embodiment has the advantage that the adjacent replacement teeth are attached as a unit allowing for increased strength and speed of assembly.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the first receiving portion is provided in the form of a blind hole extending towards the replacement tooth.

[0028] According to one embodiment, each of the one or more first surface structures has one or more first protrusions and one or more first recessed portions. According to one embodiment, each of the one or more first retainers has one or more first protrusions and one or more first recessed portions. An embodiment may have the feature that the first non-destructively removable direct connection between the first replacement tooth and the retainer is strengthened. When additional adhesive is applied, the surface area of ​​the bond where the adhesive is applied is increased, improving adhesion.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the one or more first protrusions have a cylindrical or polyhedral shape (e.g., a cube or a rectangular parallelepiped). According to one embodiment, the circumference of the one or more first protrusions decreases from the base of each first protrusion to the tip of each first protrusion. According to one embodiment, the one or more first protrusions taper from the base of each first protrusion to the tip of each first protrusion. According to one embodiment, the one or more first protrusions have a frustum shape (e.g., a truncated cone or a truncated pyramid). According to one embodiment, the perimeter shape of the base of each first protrusion matches the shape of the aligned first storage portion (i.e., the shape of the entrance of the aligned first storage portion).

[0030] According to one embodiment, the assembly set further comprises one or more upper artificial gingival parts, each of which is configured to be placed in one of the retainers and has one or more through holes. Each of the through holes is configured to receive one of the replacement teeth such that a surface structure on the bottom surface of each replacement tooth engages with an assigned complementary retainer structure of each retainer. An embodiment has the feature that the upper artificial gingival part provides an artificial gingival for the replacement teeth. Thus, the removable partial denture can, for example, be fitted to the patient's remaining dentures without obvious visual clutter.

[0031] The through-holes enable a first non-destructive, removable direct connection to be established between replacement teeth disposed within the through-holes of the upper artificial gingival portion and the framework. According to one embodiment, the one or more through-holes of the upper artificial gingival portion are each configured to accommodate a single replacement tooth. According to one embodiment, the one or more through-holes of the upper artificial gingival portion are each configured to accommodate multiple replacement teeth.

[0032] The upper artificial gingival part may cover at least a part of the framework while avoiding a retainer for holding a replacement tooth. For such purpose, the upper artificial gingival part may have a through-hole that allows a replacement tooth to be directly connected to the retainer when the replacement tooth is placed in the through-hole.

[0033] The upper artificial gingival portion may not be required to contribute to the structural integrity of the removable partial denture or to the retention of the replacement teeth. Structural integrity and retention may be provided by the framework. Thus, the upper artificial gingival portion may rather be optimized to match the natural look, natural feel, and / or exact fit of the patient's mouth. Thus, a more natural material, e.g., a softer, more flexible material, may be used for the upper artificial gingival portion.

[0034] According to one embodiment, each of the upper artificial gingival parts further comprises a bottom surface having a second surface structure configured to engage with an assigned complementary second retention structure provided by a retaining part of the framework on which each of the upper artificial gingival parts is configured to be placed. Each of the second surface structures in combination with the assigned complementary second retention structure provides a second non-destructively removable direct connection between the upper artificial gingival part with the respective second surface structure and the retaining part with the respective assigned complementary second retention structure.

[0035] The embodiment has the feature that the retaining part of the framework receives and holds the upper artificial gingival part through a respective non-destructively removable direct connection. The upper artificial gingival part may thus be attached to the framework (i.e. the retaining part of the framework), which supports and holds the upper artificial gingival part in a predetermined position. According to the embodiment, the structural integrity of the removable partial denture, and thus the upper artificial gingival part, is provided by the framework, which supports each upper artificial gingival part. The predetermined position may be defined relative to the framework. In case of a defect or defect in one of the upper artificial gingival parts, it may be removed from the framework and replaced by another upper artificial gingival part.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the one or more second surface structures have one or more second projections protruding from a bottom surface of the upper artificial gingival part having the respective second surface structures. Each of the one or more second retention structures has one or more second receiving portions for receiving the one or more second projections. Each of the second projections is disposed at a position aligned with a respective position of one of the second receiving portions configured to receive a respective second projection to establish a second non-destructively removable direct connection.

[0037] An embodiment has the feature that the second non-destructively removable direct connection between the upper artificial gingival part and the framework is established by inserting the second projection into the second receiving part. The retaining part may receive the upper artificial gingival part by receiving the second projection into the second receiving part.

[0038] According to one embodiment, each of the second projections has a peripheral shape that matches the shape of the aligned second storage portions. The second projections may have a circular, elliptical or polygonal (e.g. square, rectangular) cross section. The second storage portions may have a matching cross section. According to one embodiment, the projections may have an elongated ridge or rail shape and the storage portions may have a matching slot or slit shape. According to an embodiment, the first projections may have the same cross section. According to an embodiment, the cross sections of the first projections may vary in shape and / or size.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the second receiving portion is provided in the form of a blind hole extending towards the holding portion. According to one embodiment, the second receiving portion is provided in the form of a through hole extending through the holding portion.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the through-holes extending through the retainer form a mesh structure with each through-hole providing an individual mesh.

[0041] According to one embodiment, each of the one or more aligned second storage parts is configured to provide a free space at the tip of the aligned and stored second protrusions left to receive adhesive in order to provide an additional second permanent connection between the upper artificial gingival part and the retainer when the second non-destructively removable direct connection is established. The embodiment has the feature that in addition to the non-destructively removable direct connection, a permanent connection is provided between the upper artificial gingival part and the retainer. By filling the free space at the tip of the aligned and stored second protrusions, the non-destructively removable direct connection is converted into a permanent connection. The non-destructively removable direct connection can be used to connect the upper artificial gingival part to the framework and test whether the fit is appropriate. If such a test is successful, a permanent connection may be established to strengthen the bond.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the bottom surface of the upper artificial gingival part and / or the retaining structure has a number of additional recesses for receiving adhesive to provide an additional second permanent connection between the upper artificial gingival part and the retaining part, with the advantage that the adhesive collects and hardens in the recesses to form an even stronger bond between the upper artificial gingival part and the retaining part.

[0043] According to one embodiment, for each of the retainers, the one or more first retainer structures of each retainer and the one or more second retainer structures of each retainer are provided by a common retainer structure configured to be supported by each retainer under one or more replacement teeth and to extend to be placed on each retainer under one or more upper artificial gingival parts. The common retainer structure has the feature of providing first and second non-destructively releasable direct connections, i.e., direct connections of the replacement teeth and the upper artificial gingival parts to the framework.

[0044] According to one embodiment, for each of the retainers, the one or more first retainer structures of each retainer and the one or more second retainer structures of each retainer are provided by a common mesh structure configured to be supported by the respective retainer under one or more replacement teeth and to extend to be placed on the respective retainer under one or more upper artificial gingival parts. The common retainer structure in the form of a common mesh structure has the advantage that it provides the first and second non-destructively releasable direct connections, i.e., the replacement teeth and the upper artificial gingival parts to the framework.

[0045] According to one embodiment, each of the one or more second retention structures has one or more second projections protruding from a retaining portion having a respective second retention structure, and each of the one or more second surface structures has one or more second storage portions that house the one or more second projections, and each of the second projections is positioned in a position that aligns with a respective position of one of the second storage portions configured to house a respective second projection to establish a second non-destructively removable direct connection.

[0046] An embodiment has the feature that the second non-destructively removable direct connection between the upper artificial gingival part and the framework is established by inserting the second projection into the second receiving part. The retaining part may receive the upper artificial gingival part by inserting the second projection into the second receiving part.

[0047] According to one embodiment, each of the second projections has a peripheral shape that matches the shape of the aligned second storage portions. The second projections may have a circular, elliptical or polygonal (e.g. square, rectangular) cross section. The second storage portions may have a matching cross section. According to one embodiment, the projections may have an elongated ridge or rail shape and the storage portions may have a matching slot or slit shape. According to an embodiment, the second projections may have the same cross section. According to an embodiment, the cross sections of the second projections may vary in shape and / or size.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the second receiving portion is provided in the form of a blind hole extending towards the upper artificial gingival portion.

[0049] According to one embodiment, each of the one or more second surface structures has one or more second protrusions and one or more second recessed portions. According to one embodiment, each of the one or more second retaining portions has one or more second protrusions and one or more second recessed portions. The embodiment may have the feature that the mutual second non-destructively removable direct connection between the second upper artificial gingiva portion and the retaining portion is strengthened. When additional adhesive is applied, the surface area of ​​the bonded portion to which the adhesive is applied is increased, improving adhesion.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the one or more first protrusions have a cylindrical or polyhedral shape (e.g., a cube or a rectangular parallelepiped). According to one embodiment, the circumference of the one or more second protrusions decreases from the base of each second protrusion to the tip of each second protrusion. According to one embodiment, the one or more second protrusions taper from the base of each second protrusion to the tip of each second protrusion. According to one embodiment, the one or more second protrusions have a frustum shape (e.g., a truncated cone or a truncated pyramid). According to one embodiment, the perimeter shape of the base of each second protrusion matches the shape of the aligned second storage portion (i.e., the shape of the entrance of the aligned second storage portion).

[0051] According to one embodiment, the one or more upper artificial gingiva have one or more side parts extending laterally beyond the retaining part of the framework (on which each upper artificial gingiva part is configured to be placed). Each side part has a bottom surface formed to be placed on and match the surface of the patient's natural gingiva. An embodiment has the feature that the framework can extend laterally, i.e. in the direction of the patient's natural gingiva, ensuring lateral coverage of the framework without causing obvious visual confusion. 3D organic objects, such as the human oral cavity with its gingiva, have geometrically very complex surfaces. A side part having a bottom surface shaped to match the surface of the patient's natural gingiva ensures a precise and comfortable lateral fit of the removable partial denture. The side parts can provide a smooth transition between the upper artificial gingiva part and the patient's natural gingiva.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the sides extend anteriorly, e.g. labial or buccal, orally, e.g. palatally, in the case of a maxillary denture, lingually, in the case of a mandibular denture, and / or distally.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the assembly set further comprises one or more lower artificial gingival parts, each of which is configured to be placed between one of the retaining parts and the patient's natural gingiva. Each of the lower artificial gingival parts has an upper surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface is configured to be placed on and conform to the surface of the patient's natural gingiva. The upper surface has a third surface structure configured to engage with an assigned complementary third retention structure provided by a retaining part of the framework under which each of the lower artificial gingival parts is configured to be placed. Each of the third surface structures, in combination with the assigned complementary third retention structure, provides a third non-destructive removable direct connection between the lower artificial gingival part with the respective third surface structure and the retaining part with the respective complementary third retention structure.

[0054] The embodiment has the advantage that the bottom surface of the lower artificial gingival portion, which is shaped to match the surface of the patient's natural gingival tissue, ensures an accurate and comfortable fit of the removable partial denture, even when a 3D organic object such as a human oral cavity with gingival tissue has a geometrically highly complex surface.

[0055] The embodiment may have the feature that the retaining part of the framework can receive and retain the lower artificial gingival parts through respective non-destructively removable direct connections. The lower artificial gingival parts may thus be attached to the framework (i.e. the retaining part of the framework), which in turn may place the lower artificial gingival parts and retain them in a predetermined position. According to the embodiment, the structural integrity of the removable partial denture and thus the lower artificial gingival parts is provided by the framework. The predetermined position may be defined relative to the framework. In case of a defect or defect in one of the lower artificial gingival parts, it may be removed from the framework and replaced by another lower artificial gingival part.

[0056] The lower artificial gingival portion may not be required to contribute to the structural integrity of the removable partial denture or to the retention of replacement teeth. Structural integrity and retention may be provided by the framework. Thus, the lower artificial gingival portion may rather be optimized to match the natural look, natural feel, and / or exact fit of the patient's mouth. Thus, a more natural material, e.g., a softer, more flexible material, may be used for the lower artificial gingival portion.

[0057] An embodiment has the advantage that each lower artificial gingival part provides a bottom surface with a shape that matches the surface of the patient's natural gingival. The shape of the bottom surface of the lower artificial gingival part may be defined, for example, using a 3D scan of the patient's natural gingival. The 3D scan may be used to provide a digital model of the patient's natural gingival. The model may be based on a voxel engine that allows mapping of geometrically very complex surfaces, such as the human oral cavity. Voxels may then be used for the digital representation of the geometry of the patient's natural gingival. For example, it may be based on a point cloud with points that provide a digital representation of the surface geometry of the patient's natural gingival. Other methods for digitally representing the surface of the patient's natural gingival may be used, for example a polygonal mesh with a collection of vertices, edges, faces, etc. that define each surface.

[0058] An embodiment has the advantage that no additional manual steps are required, such as filling the bottom side of the framework with artificial gingival material and modeling the artificial gingival material to match the patient's natural gingival surface. A physical model is required to manually model the artificial gingival material to match the patient's natural gingival surface. An embodiment has the advantage that no such physical model, such as a dental impression / plaster model, is required for the technician to manually fabricate the lower part of the removable partial denture under the framework. The lower part of the removable partial denture may be provided by the bottom surface of a lower artificial gingival part that is placed on the remaining gingival tissue in the patient's mouth. Each lower artificial gingival part may be digitally modeled using the scan data and generated based on the resulting digital model.

[0059] When using a physical model as a reference for modeling the artificial gingiva material on the bottom side of the framework, inaccuracies may occur due to differences between the physical reproduction of the patient's jaw and the patient's actual jaw, especially in the case of complex surfaces such as the natural gingiva of the remaining patient's mouth. For example, differences may occur when molding the physical model. Further differences may occur due to changes in the material used to create the physical model. Such changes may occur, for example, during hardening of the material. For example, the material may shrink. Such changes may also occur during the use of the physical model. Repeated adjustments of the artificial gingiva to match the surfaces provided by the physical model may result in wear of the respective surfaces.

[0060] Furthermore, manually filling missing gingival gaps, i.e. between the framework and the patient's remaining natural gingiva, with artificial gingival material such as acrylic resin is prone to error. Too much artificial gingival material can lead to general bias and filling problems. On the other hand, too little artificial gingival material can lead to unnecessary free space between the framework and the patient's remaining natural gingiva. Such free space can lead to local hemolysis of the partial denture support. Furthermore, such free space can lead to pockets where bacteria can accumulate and cause hygiene problems and discomfort.

[0061] Thus, the practice of manually shaping artificial gingiva for removable partial dentures to match the patient's natural gingiva often results in a lack of sufficient precision and therefore reduced patient comfort. Although such drawbacks are difficult to avoid using manual methods, attempts to minimize such drawbacks have led to the production of removable partial dentures, especially the bottom portion designed to be placed on the patient's remaining natural gingiva, being a time-consuming and complicated process that requires a high level of skill and experience to be performed properly.

[0062] Even a person with a low level of skill and experience could accomplish the task of providing replacement partial dentures by assembling the assembly set and testing the fit of each partial denture. Minor manual adjustments can be performed without requiring a high level of qualification.

[0063] The lower part of the replacement partial denture provided by the lower artificial gingiva section, which is digitally modeled using scan data of the patient's natural gingiva and configured to be placed over the remaining natural gingiva, is more accurate and provides a better fit because the bottom surface has a shape that accurately corresponds to the scanned remaining gingiva of the patient.

[0064] Furthermore, since the teeth are directly fitted into the framework and therefore the artificial gingival portion is not required to provide structural integration to the partial denture or to hold the replacement teeth in the desired position, natural materials, e.g. softer and more flexible materials, can be used for such gingival portion.

[0065] The embodiment has the advantage that imperfections of a partial denture provided in the form of an assembly set can be easily addressed. If such a partial denture is defective, for example if the denture provided by the dentist to the patient matches the patient's jaw incorrectly or provides an insufficient occlusion, such defects may be easily corrected by replacing the parts showing the defects with replacement parts without defects. In contrast, a partial denture provided as a final product without non-destructive removable connections that allow non-destructive replacement of inaccurate parts may offer few possibilities for further adjustments, for example if all parts of a removable partial denture are already glued together and connections are established that cannot be removed without destruction. In such a case, for example, the final product provided by the dentist to the patient would have to be presumed to fit the patient perfectly without the need for further adjustments. If the fit is found to be insufficient, the partial denture would have to be replaced entirely by a new denture. Providing a new partial denture means that the scanning process of the patient's mouth and the taking and production of the partial denture must be repeated. An embodiment could avoid such drawbacks and provide the possibility to assemble and test the fit of a partial denture provided in the form of an assembly set using non-destructive removable connections before finally bonding the parts together by permanent connections, for example using an adhesive.

[0066] According to one embodiment, each of the one or more third surface structures has one or more third projections protruding from a top surface of the lower artificial gingival part having the respective third surface structure. Each of the one or more third retention structures has one or more third receiving portions for receiving the one or more third projections. Each of the third projections is disposed at a position aligned with a respective position of one of the third receiving portions configured to receive a respective third projection to establish a third non-destructively removable direct connection.

[0067] An embodiment has the feature that a third non-destructively removable direct connection between the lower artificial gingival part and the framework can be established by inserting the third projection into the third receiving part. The retaining part can receive the lower artificial gingival part by receiving the third projection into the third receiving part.

[0068] According to one embodiment, each of the third projections has a peripheral shape that matches the shape of the aligned third storage portions. The third projections may have a circular, elliptical or polygonal (e.g. square, rectangular) cross section. The third storage portions may have a matching cross section. According to one embodiment, the projections may have an elongated ridge or rail shape and the storage portions may have a matching slot or slit shape. According to an embodiment, the third projections may have the same cross section. According to an embodiment, the cross sections of the third projections may vary in shape and / or size.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the third storage portion is provided in the form of a blind hole extending towards the retainer. According to one embodiment, the third storage portion is provided in the form of a through hole extending through the retainer. According to one embodiment, the through holes extending through the retainer form a mesh structure with each through hole providing an individual mesh.

[0070] According to one embodiment, each of the one or more aligned third recessed parts is configured to provide a free space left at the tip of the aligned and recessed third protrusion to receive adhesive, in order to provide an additional third permanent connection between the lower artificial gingival part and the retainer when the third non-destructively removable direct connection is established. The embodiment has the feature that a permanent connection is provided between the lower artificial gingival part and the retainer in addition to the non-destructively removable direct connection. By filling the free space at the tip of the aligned and recessed third protrusion, the non-destructively removable direct connection is converted into a permanent connection. The non-destructively removable direct connection can be used to connect the lower artificial gingival part to the framework and test whether the fit is adequate. If such a test is successful, a permanent connection may be established to strengthen the bond.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the bottom surface of the lower artificial gingival part and / or the retaining structure has a number of additional recesses for receiving adhesive to provide an additional, third permanent connection between the lower artificial gingival part and the retaining part, with the advantage that the adhesive collects and hardens in the recesses to form an even stronger bond between the lower artificial gingival part and the retaining part.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the one or more first protrusions have a cylindrical or polyhedral shape (e.g., a cube or a rectangular parallelepiped). According to one embodiment, the circumference of the one or more third protrusions decreases from the base of each third protrusion to the tip of each third protrusion. According to one embodiment, the one or more third protrusions taper from the base of each third protrusion to the tip of each third protrusion. According to one embodiment, the one or more third protrusions have a frustum shape (e.g., a truncated cone or a truncated pyramid). According to one embodiment, the perimeter shape of the base of each third protrusion matches the shape of the aligned third storage portion (i.e., the shape of the entrance of the aligned third storage portion).

[0073] According to one embodiment, for each of the retainers, the one or more first retainer structures of each retainer and the one or more third retainer structures of each retainer are provided by a same retainer structure configured to be received by each retainer under one or more replacement teeth and extend to be placed on one or more lower artificial gingival parts under each retainer. The embodiment has the feature that the same retainer structure provides the first and third non-destructively removable direct connections, i.e., the replacement teeth and the lower artificial gingival parts to the framework.

[0074] According to one embodiment, for each of the retainers, the one or more first retainer structures of each retainer and the one or more third retainer structures of each retainer are provided by a same mesh structure configured to be received by each retainer under one or more replacement teeth and extend to be placed on one or more lower artificial gingival parts under each retainer. The embodiment has the feature that the same retainer structure in the form of a same mesh structure provides the first and third non-destructively removable direct connections, i.e. the replacement teeth and the lower artificial gingival parts to the framework.

[0075] According to one embodiment, each of the one or more third retention structures has one or more third projections protruding from a retaining portion with a respective third retention structure, each of the one or more third surface structures has one or more third receiving portions for receiving the one or more third projections, each of the third projections being positioned in a position aligned with a respective position of one of the third receiving portions configured to receive a respective third projection to establish a third non-destructively removable direct connection.

[0076] An embodiment has the feature that a third non-destructively removable direct connection between the lower artificial gingival part and the framework is established by inserting a third projection into the third receiving part. The retaining part may receive the lower artificial gingival part by inserting the third projection into the third receiving part.

[0077] According to one embodiment, each of the third projections has a peripheral shape that matches the shape of the aligned third storage portions. The third projections may have a circular, elliptical or polygonal (e.g. square, rectangular) cross section. The third storage portions may have a matching cross section. According to one embodiment, the projections may have an elongated ridge or rail shape and the storage portions may have a matching slot or slit shape. According to an embodiment, the third projections may have the same cross section. According to an embodiment, the cross sections of the third projections may vary in shape and / or size.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the third receiving portion is provided in the form of a blind hole extending towards the upper artificial gingival portion.

[0079] According to one embodiment, each of the one or more third surface structures has one or more third protrusions and one or more third recessed portions. According to one embodiment, each of the one or more third retainers has one or more third protrusions and one or more third recessed portions. The embodiment may have the feature that the mutual third non-destructively removable direct connection between the third lower artificial gingiva part and the retainer is strengthened. When additional adhesive is applied, the surface area of ​​the bonded portion to which the adhesive is applied is increased, improving adhesion.

[0080] In another aspect, the invention relates to a removable partial denture for a patient having one or more replacement teeth, a framework having one or more retention features, and one or more upper artificial gingival portions, and one or more lower artificial gingival portions.

[0081] Each of the retaining portions is configured to receive and retain one or more replacement teeth. Each of the upper artificial gingival portions is disposed in one of the retaining portions and has one or more through holes. One of the replacement teeth is disposed in each of the through holes. Each of the replacement teeth has a bottom surface having a first surface structure, which engages an assigned complementary first retention structure provided by one of the retaining portions of the framework configured to receive each replacement tooth. Each of the first surface structures combines with the engaged complementary first retention structure to form a non-destructive removable direct contact between the replacement tooth having the respective surface structure and the retaining portion having the engaged complementary retention structure.

[0082] Each of the lower artificial gingival parts is configured to be placed between one of the retaining parts and the patient's natural gingiva. Each of the lower artificial gingival parts has an upper surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface is configured to be placed on and conform to the surface of the patient's natural gingiva. The upper surface has a further surface structure that engages with an assigned complementary further retention structure provided by a retaining part of the framework under which each of the lower artificial gingival parts is placed. Each further surface structure combines with the engaged complementary further retention structure to form a further non-destructively removable direct connection between the lower artificial gingival part with the respective further surface structure and the retaining part with the respective engaged complementary further retention structure.

[0083] A removable partial denture can be made by assembling any of the above-mentioned embodiments of the assembly set. The removable partial denture may have any of the features of the above-mentioned embodiments of the assembly set.

[0084] An embodiment has the advantage that only parts of a partial denture are replaced, but not the entire partial denture, e.g., worn or broken parts are replaced. Since the structural integrity of the partial denture is provided only by the framework, other parts, such as artificial gingival parts, can be replaced separately without compromising the structural integrity of the partial denture.

[0085] According to one embodiment, each of the upper artificial gingival parts further comprises a bottom surface having a second surface structure configured to engage with an assigned complementary second retention structure provided by a retaining part of the framework on which each of the upper artificial gingival parts is placed. Each of the second surface structures combines with the assigned complementary second retention structure to form a second non-destructively removable direct connection between the upper artificial gingival part with the respective second surface structure and the retaining part with the respective assigned complementary second retention structure.

[0086] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a computer system for constructing an assembly set for a patient's removable partial denture. The computer system has a processor and a memory storing machine-executable program instructions. Upon execution of the program instructions by the processor, the processor controls the computer system to provide a digital model of one or more replacement teeth for the assembly set. Additionally, a digital model of one or more artificial gingival portions is provided. Each of the artificial gingival portions has a top surface and a bottom surface. Each of the bottom surfaces has a shape that is positioned to match the surface of the patient's natural gingival.

[0087] Each of the one or more artificial gingival portions is divided into a lower artificial gingival portion having at least a portion of a bottom surface of each artificial gingival portion and an upper artificial gingival portion having a top surface of each artificial gingival portion. Further, a digital model of a framework having one or more retaining portions is generated. The retaining portion has a retaining structure configured to provide a non-destructive removable direct connection to at least one or more replacement teeth and the lower artificial gingival portion. The digital model of the framework is subtracted from the digital models of the one or more replacement teeth and the lower artificial gingival portion to generate a surface structure on a bottom surface of each replacement tooth configured to engage one of the retaining structures provided by one of the retaining portions of the framework, and a further surface structure on a top surface of each lower artificial gingival portion configured to engage one of the retaining structures provided by one of the retaining portions of the framework.

[0088] The computer system can be configured to construct any of the above-described embodiments of an assembly set.

[0089] The digital model may for example be based on a 3D scan of the patient's oral cavity and / or jaw. The digital model may for example be provided using a voxel engine with voxels used for the digital representation of the geometry. Alternatively, other digital representations may be used, for example a point cloud or a polygonal mesh. Such a scan may be a direct scan of the patient. Alternatively, it may be a scan of a dental impression-based model of the jaw. To generate the dental impression-based model, the dental impression of the patient's oral cavity and / or jaw can be used as a negative. Such a model may for example be a dental cast or a plaster model.

[0090] An embodiment has the advantage that the digital model can be used to define the layout of the framework and to adjust the framework to fit the surfaces of a given geometry defined by the patient's mouth and jaw. Thus, the need to use a material that is easily deformed, such as wax, i.e., to form and adjust a positive of the framework model using an impression-based model of the patient's jaw, can be avoided. The digital model of the framework, generated and adjusted using a computer system, can be used directly as a blueprint to generate the framework. The framework can be, for example, metallic.

[0091] The digital model of the framework has the advantage that it can be designed on a computer system that graphically defines the various parts of the framework. The digital model of the framework may have offset definitions for areas of the patient's mouth where replacement teeth will be added. Retainers of the framework can be added on the offsets. An offset may be added so that the retainers do not contact the patient's mouth, i.e., the patient's natural gums. In a removable partial denture, the offset may be provided by the lower artificial gingival part. Additionally, the retainers provide a surface for contacting materials such as the artificial gingival part and / or the replacement teeth.

[0092] The digital models of the replacement teeth may, for example, define the geometry and positions of the replacement teeth, which may be defined relative to one another and / or relative to the digital model of the patient's mouth and / or jaws.

[0093] The digital model of the replacement tooth may have one or more teeth that fit the patient's oral cavity. Such teeth are selected to replace missing teeth in the patient's oral cavity. In providing the digital model of the replacement tooth, a scan of a previously existing previously extracted tooth may be used, or the existing tooth may be reflected, for example, as a remaining antagonist. Furthermore, a tooth model from a general tooth library may be used. The replacement tooth of the digital model may be modified and adjusted to accurately match the geometry of the patient's oral cavity. For example, the replacement tooth may be modified and adjusted to accurately match the opposing tooth (i.e., antagonist) in the patient's oral cavity. For example, the replacement tooth in the digital model may be repositioned to optimize the occlusion. Thus, for example, the relationship between the maxillary or upper teeth and the mandibular or lower teeth during chewing or at rest can be adjusted to fit the respective geometry of the patient's oral cavity.

[0094] The digital model of the artificial gingiva portion defines an artificial gingiva having a bottom surface shaped to be placed over and match the patient's natural gingiva. The artificial gingiva can be configured to house and / or surround one or more replacement teeth.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the various elements of the removable partial denture can be virtually assembled.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of manufacturing the assembly set. The elements of the assembly set of different types are manufactured separately. The replacement teeth may be provided in the form of generic pre-manufactured replacement teeth. Such generic replacement teeth may for example correspond to digital tooth models provided by a tooth library. The pre-manufactured replacement teeth may be used as is or may be modified to match the patient's individual denture (e.g. to match the antagonist).

[0097] According to an embodiment, the surface structure of the bottom surface of the replacement tooth may have a general geometric shape, and the retaining structure of the framework is configured to match the geometry of the surface structure to ensure a firm, non-destructive, removable direct connection between the replacement tooth and the framework.

[0098] According to an embodiment, the surface structure of the bottom surface of the replacement tooth is modified (e.g., machined) to match the geometry of the framework's retention structure to ensure a firm, non-destructive, removable direct connection between the replacement tooth and the framework. The retention structure may have an individual, patient-specific geometry, depending on the shape of the framework, and is tailored to the individual geometry of the patient's dentures to be added by the removable partial denture.

[0099] According to embodiments, replacement teeth may be manufactured for a patient using a digital model of the replacement teeth that is adjusted to the individual geometry of the patient's denture to be supplemented by the removable partial denture. The replacement teeth may be manufactured, for example, using a blank, which is then machined to be shaped based on the geometry defined by the digital model of the replacement teeth.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the framework may be manufactured based on a geometry defined by a digital model of the framework. The framework may for example be made of metal. According to an embodiment, the framework may be printed using a 3D printer. According to an embodiment, the framework may be manufactured using machining means. Furthermore, mixed manufacturing methods may be used. For example, the framework may be printed in metal and parts requiring more precision (e.g. nests and bars) may be machined.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the upper and lower artificial gingival parts may be manufactured according to a geometry defined by a segmented digital model of the artificial gingival parts (adjusted to the individual geometry of the patient's denture to be added by the removable partial denture). In particular, the lower artificial gingival part may be adapted to the patient's natural gingival parts. The upper and lower artificial gingival parts may be printed, for example, using a 3D printer.

[0102] According to one embodiment, different elements of an assembly set may be printed by different 3D printers that handle different types of materials. Furthermore, the colors of the materials handled may be different. According to an embodiment, different elements of an assembly set may be printed by the same 3D printer that can handle different materials (e.g., different colors).

[0103] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a computer program product having a non-volatile computer readable storage medium having computer readable program code embodied thereon for constructing an assembly set for a removable partial denture of a patient.

[0104] The construction process includes providing a digital model of one or more replacement teeth for the assembly set. A digital model of one or more artificial gingival portions is generated. Each of the artificial gingival portions has a top surface and a bottom surface. Each bottom surface is shaped to be positioned and matched to the surface of the patient's natural gingival.

[0105] Each of the one or more artificial gingival portions is divided into a lower artificial gingival portion having at least a portion of a bottom surface of each artificial gingival portion and an upper artificial gingival portion having a top surface of each artificial gingival portion. Further, a digital model of a framework having one or more retaining portions is generated, where the retaining portions have a retaining structure configured to provide a non-destructive removable direct connection to at least one or more replacement teeth and the lower artificial gingival portion. The digital model of the framework is subtracted from the digital models of the one or more replacement teeth and the lower artificial gingival portion, where a surface structure is generated on a bottom surface of each replacement tooth configured to engage one of the retaining structures provided by one of the retaining portions of the framework, and a further surface structure is generated on a top surface of each lower artificial gingival portion configured to engage one of the retaining structures provided by one of the retaining portions of the framework.

[0106] The computer readable program code of the computer program product may be executable by a processor of a computer system to construct an assembly set for a removable partial denture of a patient. The computer readable program code of the computer program product may be configured to construct any of the above-mentioned embodiments of the assembly set.

[0107] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of constructing an assembly set for a removable partial denture of a patient, the method comprising the steps of providing a digital model of one or more replacement teeth for the assembly set. A digital model of one or more artificial gingival portions is generated. Each of the artificial gingival portions has a top surface and a bottom surface. Each of the bottom surfaces is shaped to be placed over and match the surface of the patient's natural gingival.

[0108] Each of the one or more artificial gingival portions is divided into a lower artificial gingival portion having at least a portion of a bottom surface of each artificial gingival portion and an upper artificial gingival portion having a top surface of each artificial gingival portion. Further, a digital model of a framework having one or more retaining portions is generated. The retaining portion has a retaining structure configured to provide a non-destructive removable direct connection to at least one or more replacement teeth and the lower artificial gingival portion. The digital model of the framework is subtracted from the digital models of the one or more replacement teeth and the lower artificial gingival portion, whereby a surface structure is generated on a bottom surface of each replacement tooth configured to engage one of the retaining structures provided by one of the retaining portions of the framework, and a further surface structure is generated on a top surface of each lower artificial gingival portion configured to engage one of the retaining structures provided by one of the retaining portions of the framework.

[0109] The method includes constructing any of the above-described embodiments of an assembly set.

[0110] The method of subtracting the digital model of the framework from the digital model of one or more replacement teeth has the advantage of a reliable match between the surface structure of the bottom surface of the replacement tooth and the retention structure provided by one of the retention parts of the framework, thus enabling a non-destructive, removable direct connection between the replacement tooth and the retention part of the framework. The non-destructive, removable direct connection between the replacement tooth and the retention part of the framework allows the framework to hold the replacement tooth in a desired location and position based on the composite model of the replacement tooth and the framework.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the digital model of the framework is combined with a digital model of the lower artificial gingival portions having surface structures on a top surface of each lower artificial gingival portion and subtracted from the digital model of one or more replacement teeth, resulting in a bottom surface of the replacement tooth, combined with a surface structure on each bottom surface configured to engage one of the retention structures provided by one of the retaining portions of the framework.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the method further includes subtracting a digital model of the one or more replacement teeth from the digital model of the one or more upper artificial gingival portions, such that the artificial gingival portion is configured to house the one or more replacement teeth within an upper surface configured to provide the artificial gingival portion at least partially around the housed one or more replacement teeth.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of subtracting a free space from the one or more replacement teeth, upper and / or lower artificial gingival parts to accommodate an adhesive for providing an additional permanent connection between the retaining part of the framework and the one or more replacement teeth, upper and / or lower artificial gingival parts.

[0114] The framework may be subtracted from the replacement tooth to provide space for the adhesive while providing sufficient support to hold the replacement tooth in the desired location and position on the framework by the non-destructively removable direct connection. The adhesive may be applied to convert the non-destructively removable direct connection between the replacement tooth and the retainer into a permanent connection guaranteed by the adhesive. The non-destructively removable direct connection between the replacement tooth and the retainer adjusts the replacement tooth to fit the desired location and position on the framework in a stable state, and ensures that the replacement tooth will remain in each location and position when the permanent connection is established with the adhesive.

[0115] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of assembling an assembly set for a removable partial denture of a patient, the assembly set having one or more replacement teeth, a framework having one or more retention portions, and one or more upper artificial gingival portions, and one or more lower artificial gingival portions.

[0116] The method includes placing each of the upper artificial gingival portions in one of the retaining portions, each of the upper artificial gingival portions having one or more through holes, and placing in each of the through holes one of the replacement teeth having a surface structure at a bottom of each replacement tooth that engages an assigned complementary retention structure of one of the retaining portions of the framework configured to receive and retain each replacement tooth, each surface structure combining with the engaged complementary retention structure to form a non-destructive, removable direct connection between the replacement tooth having each surface structure and the retaining portion having each engaged complementary retention structure.

[0117] Each of the lower artificial gingival parts is placed under one of the retaining parts. Each of the lower artificial gingival parts has an upper surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface is configured to be placed on and conform to the surface of the patient's natural gingiva. The upper surface has a further surface structure that engages with an assigned complementary further retaining structure provided by a retaining part of the framework under which each of the lower artificial gingival parts is placed. Each further surface structure combines with the engaged complementary further retaining structure to provide a further non-destructively removable direct connection between the lower artificial gingival part with the respective further surface structure and the retaining part with the respective engaged complementary further retaining structure.

[0118] The assembly method may comprise assembling any of the above-mentioned embodiments of the assembly set.

[0119] An embodiment has the advantage that the removable partial denture can be checked for the correct position and form of the various elements. In case of deviation from the planned position, corrections can be made. The elements can for example be disassembled, corrected, replaced or reassembled. If the various elements of the assembled removable partial denture are correct, they can be disassembled again. The defined free space between the replacement teeth and the framework can be filled with adhesive and the removable partial denture can be reassembled. If performed correctly, the replacement teeth will fit into the planned space of the retaining part of the framework in the correct position (which may be fixed by adhesive).

[0120] The above-described examples and embodiments can be freely combined as long as they are not mutually exclusive. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0121] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with the aid of the following drawings.

[0122] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a set of assemblies for a removable partial denture. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows elements of an exemplary embodiment of a set of assemblies for a removable partial denture. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows elements of an exemplary embodiment of a set of assemblies for a removable partial denture. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows elements of an exemplary embodiment of a set of assemblies for a removable partial denture. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows elements of an exemplary embodiment of a set of assemblies for a removable partial denture. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows elements of an exemplary embodiment of a set of assemblies for a removable partial denture. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows elements of an exemplary embodiment of a set of assemblies for a removable partial denture. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 shows elements of an exemplary embodiment of a set of assemblies for a removable partial denture. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows elements of an exemplary embodiment of a set of assemblies for a removable partial denture. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a computer system for constructing a removable partial denture. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a computer system for constructing a removable partial denture. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a generating system for constructing a removable partial denture. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a generating system for constructing a removable partial denture. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method for constructing a removable partial denture. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method for assembling an assembly set of removable partial dentures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0123] In the following, similar features are designated with the same reference numerals.

[0124] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary assembly set 100 of a removable partial denture. The assembly set 100 has a framework 110 that provides stability and ensures structural integrity for the removable partial denture. The assembly set 100 further has a plurality of replacement teeth 102, a lower artificial gingiva 120, and an upper artificial gingiva part 130. The framework 110 has a retaining part 112 configured to receive and retain the replacement teeth 102. The retaining part 112 has a retaining structure 114. The exemplary retaining structure 114 has a plurality of storage parts 116 configured as through holes. Thus, the retaining structure 114 has the form of a mesh structure having a plurality of meshes each provided by the through holes 116. According to an alternative embodiment, the storage parts 116 may have the form of, for example, blind holes. Each of the replacement teeth 102 has a bottom surface having a surface structure 104 (e.g., having a plurality of protrusions 106). Each of the surface structures 104 is configured to engage with a complementary retention structure 114 provided by the retention portion 112 of the framework 110. Each of the surface structures 104 engages with the complementary retention structure 114, thereby providing in combination with the respective complementary retention structure 114 a non-destructively removable direct connection between one of the replacement teeth 102 and the framework 110 (more precisely the retention portion 112). To enable a non-destructively removable direct connection between one of the replacement teeth 102 and the framework 110, the upper artificial gingival part 130 has a through hole 132, in which the replacement tooth 102 is placed for direct connection with the retention portion 112. The upper artificial gingival part 130 may have a surface structure on its bottom surface, for example similar to the surface structure 104 of the replacement tooth 102, to establish a non-destructively removable direct connection with the retention structure 114 of the retention portion 112 extending below the upper artificial gingival part 130. A lower artificial gingival part 120 is placed below the retention portion 112. The lower artificial gingival part 120 has a bottom surface shaped to be placed on and match the surface of the patient's natural gingival part 120. The upper surface of the lower artificial gingival part 120 may have a surface structure 122 similar to the surface structure 104 of the replacement tooth 102, for example, to establish a non-destructive, removable direct connection with the retention structure 114 of the retention part 112.The surface structure 122 may have, for example, a plurality of protrusions 124 configured to be inserted into the receiving portion 116 of the retention structure to establish a non-destructive, removable direct connection between the lower artificial gum portion 120 and the framework 110.

[0125] FIG. 2 shows a digital model 140 of a jaw with a remaining denture of a partially edentulous patient. The digital model 140 may be created by a 3D scan of the patient's oral cavity and may have a surface of the patient's remaining natural gingiva 142. The lower artificial gingiva parts 120 are placed on the patient's natural gingiva 142. The lower artificial gingiva parts 120 may each have a bottom surface that is placed on the surface of and shaped to match the patient's natural gingiva 142. The lower artificial gingiva parts 120 may further have a surface structure 122 configured to establish a non-destructive, removable direct connection with a retention structure of a retention part of the framework. The surface structure 122 of the lower artificial gingiva parts 120 may have a plurality of protrusions 124, for example.

[0126] Fig. 3 shows the digital model 140 of Fig. 2 with the framework 110 placed on the lower artificial gingival part 120. The framework 110 has retention parts 112 configured to receive and hold replacement teeth. The retention parts 112 each have a retention structure 114 with a receiving portion 116, e.g., in the form of a through hole, for establishing a non-destructive, removable direct connection with the lower artificial gingival part 120.

[0127] Figure 4 shows the digital model 140 of Figure 3 with upper artificial gingival portions 130 positioned on the retaining portions 112 of the framework 110. The upper artificial gingival portions 130 may each have one or more through holes 132 configured to accommodate one or more replacement teeth and allow a direct connection between the replacement teeth and the retaining portions 112 of the framework 110. The upper artificial gingival portions 130 may have a surface structure on a bottom surface that is positioned on the retaining portions 112 to establish a non-destructive, removable direct connection with the retaining structures 114 of the retaining portions 112.

[0128] 5 shows the final assembled assembly set providing a removable partial denture 101. The replacement teeth 102 are placed in the through holes 132 of the upper artificial gingival part 130 to establish a non-destructive removable direct connection between the replacement teeth 102 and the framework 110 (more precisely, the retaining structures 114 of the retaining parts 112). For such purpose, each replacement tooth 102 has a bottom surface (e.g., having a plurality of protrusions 106) with a surface structure. The surface structures are each configured to engage with a complementary retaining structure 114 provided by the retaining parts 112 of the framework 110.

[0129] FIG 6 shows a bottom view of the removable partial denture 101 of FIG 5. Shown is the framework 110 as well as the lower artificial gingival portion 120 and the upper artificial gingival portion 130. The lower artificial gingival portion 120 is disposed below the retaining portion 112 of the framework 110. The upper artificial gingival portions 130 may each have a side portion 134 that extends laterally beyond the retaining portion 112 of the framework 110 on which the upper artificial gingival portion 130 is configured to be disposed. The lower artificial gingival portions 120 may each have a bottom surface 126 that is shaped to be positioned and matched to the surface of the patient's natural gingival. Additionally, the side portions 134 may each have a bottom surface 136 that is shaped to be positioned and matched to the surface of the patient's natural gingival.

[0130] Figure 7 shows the removable partial denture 101 of Figure 6 with the lower artificial gingival portion 120 removed. As shown in Figure 7, the lower artificial gingival portion 120 is positioned below the retaining portion 112 of the framework 110 and is configured to establish a non-destructive removable direct connection provided by the retaining portion 112.

[0131] 8 shows a bottom view of an upper artificial gingival portion 130 having through holes 132 in which replacement teeth 102 are disposed. The replacement teeth 102 extend through the through holes 132. Each of the replacement teeth 102 has a bottom surface having a surface structure 104 (e.g., having a plurality of protrusions 106). Each of the surface structures 104 is configured to engage a complementary retention structure 114 provided by a retaining portion 112 of the framework 110. Each of the surface structures 104 engages the complementary retention structure 114, thereby combining with each complementary retention structure to provide a non-destructive removable direct connection between one of the replacement teeth 102 and the framework 110 (more precisely, the retaining portion 112).

[0132] FIG. 9 finally shows a bottom view of a replacement tooth 102 having a surface structure 104 (eg, having a number of protrusions 106) on its bottom surface.

[0133] 10 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary computer system 10 for constructing an assembly set for a patient's removable partial denture. The computer system 10 may be capable of performing any set of functionality for constructing the above-described embodiments of the assembly set. The computer system 10 may be operated using numerous other general purpose or special purpose computer system environments or configurations.

[0134] Computer system 110 may be described in the general context of computer system executable instructions, such as program modules having program instructions executable by computer system 10. Generally, program modules may include routines, programs, objects, logic, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Computer system 10 may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote computer system storage media, including memory storage devices.

[0135] In Figure 10, computer system 110 is shown in the form of a general purpose computing device. Components of computer system 110 include, but are not limited to, one or more processors or processing units 16, a system memory 28, and a bus 18 that couples various system components including system memory 28 to processor 16. Bus 18 represents any one or more of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. For example, but not limited to, such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, Video Electronics Standards Accordance (VESA) local bus, and Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus.

[0136] Computer system 10 may include a variety of computer system readable storage media, which may be any storage media accessible by computer system 10, including volatile and non-volatile storage media, removable and non-removable storage media.

[0137] The system memory 28 may include computer system readable storage media in the form of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) 30 and / or cache memory 32. The computer system 10 may further include other removable / non-removable, volatile / non-volatile computer system storage media. For example, the storage system 34 may be provided for reading from and writing to a non-removable non-volatile magnetic medium, also referred to as a hard drive. For example, a magnetic disk drive for reading from and writing to a removable non-volatile magnetic disk (e.g., a floppy disk), and a removable non-volatile optical disk drive, such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or other optical storage medium, may be provided. In such a case, each storage medium may be connected to the bus 18 by one or more data media interfaces. The memory 28 may include at least one program product having at least one program module configured to execute a set of program modules, e.g., construct an assembly set.

[0138] The program 40 may include a set of one or more program modules 42, which may be stored, for example, in the memory 28. The program modules 42 may include an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and / or program data. Each of the operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, or a combination thereof may include an implementation of a networking environment. One or more of the program modules 42 may perform the construction of an assembly set.

[0139] Computer system 10 may further communicate with one or more external devices that enable a user to interact with computer system 10, such as a keyboard, a pointing device (such as a mouse), and a display 24. Such communication may occur through an input / output (I / O) interface 22. Computer system 10 may further communicate with one or more networks, such as a local area network (LAN), a general wide area network (WAN), and / or a public network such as the Internet, through a network adapter 20. Network adapter 20 may communicate with other components of computer system 10 through bus 18. Although not shown, it is understood that other hardware and / or software components may be used in conjunction with computer system 10.

[0140] The computer system 10 shown in Fig. 10 may be configured to build an assembly set of removable partial dentures. The computer system 10 may be a stand-alone computer without a network connection that can receive data to be processed, such as scan data of a patient's oral cavity and / or digital models of the removable partial denture components (replacement teeth, artificial gums, etc.) through a local interface. However, such operations may also be performed using a computer system that is connected to a network, such as a communications network and / or a computing network.

[0141] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary computer system 10 for constructing a digital model 103 of an assembly set for a patient's removable partial denture. The computer system 10 may be configured, for example, as shown in FIG. 10. The computer system 10 may have a hardware component 54 having one or more processors as well as a memory for storing machine-executable program instructions. Execution of the program instructions by the one or more processors may cause the one or more processors to control the computer system 10 to construct the digital model 103 of the assembly set. The computer system 10 may further have external devices such as a keyboard 58, a mouse 56, etc., that allow a user to interact with the computer system 10. Furthermore, the computer system 10 may have a display 24 that provides a user interface 50, which may have control elements 52 that allow a user to control the construction of the digital model 103 of the assembly set using the computer system 10. The constructed computer system 10 may be displayed in the user interface 50.

[0142] FIG. 12 shows a manufacturing system 105 for constructing and manufacturing an assembly set for a removable partial denture of a patient. The manufacturing system 105 may comprise the computer system 10 of FIG. 11. The computer system 10 may further be configured to control a 3D printer to manufacture one or more components of the assembly set according to a digital model 103 constructed on the computer system 10. The 3D printer 60 may comprise a printing component 62 configured to print the components of the assembly set, such as the replacement teeth 102, in layers. If the 3D printer 60 is capable of printing different materials, it may be used to print multiple components of the assembly set, such as the replacement teeth 102, the framework, the lower artificial gingival part, and / or the upper artificial gingival part. If the 3D printer 60 is capable of printing, for example, only a single material, multiple 3D printers 60 may be used to print different components of the assembly set.

[0143] FIG. 13 shows a further manufacturing system 105 for constructing and manufacturing an assembly set for a removable partial denture of a patient. The manufacturing system 105 may comprise the computer system 10 of FIG. 11. The computer system 10 may further be configured to control a processing device 70 configured to process a blank 76 using one or more processing tools 72. A blank 76 of raw material 78 is provided using a holding device 74 and cut into a desired final shape and size of a component to be manufactured (such as a replacement tooth 102) by using one or more processing tools 72 for performing a controlled material removal process. The processing tool 72 may be, for example, a milling tool. The processing device 70 may be used to manufacture other components of the removable partial denture (such as a framework). According to an embodiment, the computer system 10 may be configured to control one or more 3D printers 60 in addition to one or more processing devices 70.

[0144] FIG. 14 shows a flow chart of an exemplary method for constructing an assembly set for a patient's removable partial denture. In block 200, a digital model of one or more replacement teeth of the assembly set is provided. In block 202, a digital model of one or more artificial gingival sections is provided. The artificial gingival sections each have a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surfaces may each be shaped to be positioned on and match the surface of the patient's natural gingival. In block 204, each artificial gingival section is divided into a lower artificial gingival section having at least a portion of the bottom surface of each artificial gingival section and an upper artificial gingival section having a top surface of each artificial gingival section.

[0145] In block 206, a digital model of a framework having one or more retaining portions is generated. The framework is configured to provide stability to the removable partial denture and ensure its structural integrity. The retaining portion of the framework may have a retaining structure configured to provide a non-destructive removable direct connection to at least the replacement teeth and the lower artificial gingival portion. For example, the retaining structure may be further configured to provide a non-destructive removable direct connection to the upper artificial gingival portion. In block 208, the digital model of the framework is subtracted from the digital model of the replacement teeth and the digital model of the lower artificial gingival portion to generate a surface structure on the bottom surface of each replacement tooth configured to engage with one of the retaining structures provided by one of the retaining portions of the framework, and generate a further surface structure on the top surface of each lower artificial gingival portion configured to engage with one of the retaining structures provided by one of the retaining portions of the framework. In addition, the framework is also subtracted from the upper artificial gingival portion to generate a surface structure on the bottom surface of the upper artificial gingival portion configured to engage with the retaining structure provided by the retaining portion of the framework.

[0146] FIG. 15 shows a flow chart of an exemplary method for assembling an assembly set for a patient's removable partial denture. The assembly set may include one or more replacement teeth, a framework having one or more retainers, and one or more upper artificial gingival portions and one or more lower artificial gingival portions. In block 300, the upper artificial gingival portions are placed in the retainers. Each of the upper artificial gingival portions may have one or more through holes. In block 302, the replacement teeth are placed in the through holes. The replacement teeth extend through the through holes of the upper artificial gingival portions such that a surface structure on the bottom surface of the replacement teeth engages a complementary retainer structure of the framework retainer. The surface structure is configured to receive and retain the replacement teeth. Each surface structure of the replacement teeth may combine with the engaged complementary retainer structure to form a non-destructive removable direct connection between each replacement tooth and each retainer.

[0147] In block 304, the lower artificial gingival portion is placed under one of the retainers. Each lower artificial gingival portion may have a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface may be shaped to be positioned and match the surface of the patient's natural gingival. The top surface may have additional surface structures that engage complementary retention structures provided by the retainer of the framework under which each lower artificial gingival portion is placed. Each additional surface structure may combine with the engaged complementary retention structure to provide an additional non-destructive removable direct connection between the lower artificial gingival portion and the retainer of the framework. According to alternative embodiments, block 304 may be performed before block 302 and / or block 300.

[0148] The assembled removable partial denture may be further inspected for a proper fit in the patient's oral cavity. If the fit is proper, the removable partial denture may be disassembled and reassembled using an adhesive to make the direct connection permanent. If the fit is insufficient, the removable partial denture is disassembled, the insufficient components are adjusted or replaced with new components, and the removable partial denture is reassembled. The reassembled removable partial denture may be inspected for a proper fit in the patient's oral cavity.

[0149] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, it is to be understood that such illustration and description are exemplary and illustrative only and are not restrictive. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.

[0150] Other variations of the disclosed embodiments may be understood from the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, and may be realized by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention. In the claims, the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, nor does it exclude the indefinite article "a" or "an" or the plural. The fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of such measures cannot be utilized. Any reference signs in the claims shall not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the patent.

[0151] A single processor or other device may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The computer program may be stored or distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium provided together with or as part of other hardware, or may be distributed in other forms, for example through the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems.

[0152] Potentially advantageous embodiments may have any combination of the following features.

[0153] 1. An assembly set for a removable partial denture for a patient, the assembly set having a framework having one or more replacement teeth and one or more retainers; Each of the retaining portions is configured to receive and retain one or more replacement teeth; Each of the replacement teeth has a bottom surface having a first surface structure configured to engage an assigned complementary first retention structure provided by one of the retention portions of the framework configured to receive each replacement tooth; Each of the first surface structures is combined with an assigned complementary first retention structure to provide a first non-destructive removable direct contact between a replacement tooth having the respective surface structure and a retainer having the respective assigned complementary retention structure.

[0154] 2. In the assembly set according to item 1, each of the one or more first surface structures has one or more first protrusions protruding from a bottom surface of a replacement tooth having the respective first surface structure; each of the one or more first retention structures has one or more first receiving portions that receive the one or more first protrusions; Each of the first projections is positioned at a position that aligns with a respective position of one of the first receiving portions configured to receive each of the first projections to establish a first non-destructive removable direct connection.

[0155] 3. In the assembly set according to any one of items 1 and 2, each of the one or more first holding structures has one or more first projections protruding from a holding portion having each of the first holding structures, each of the one or more first surface structures has one or more first receiving portions for receiving the one or more first protrusions; Each of the first protrusions is positioned at a position that aligns with a respective position of one of the first receiving portions configured to receive each first protrusion to establish a first non-destructive removable direct connection.

[0156] 4. In the assembly set described in any one of items 2 to 3, each of the one or more aligned first storage portions is configured to provide a free space left at a tip of the aligned and stored first protrusion to receive an adhesive to provide an additional first permanent connection between the replacement tooth and the retainer when the first non-destructive removable direct connection is established.

[0157] 5. The assembly set according to any one of items 1 to 4, further comprising one or more upper artificial gingiva parts, each of which is configured to be placed in one of the retaining parts and has one or more through holes; Each of the through holes is configured to receive one of the replacement teeth such that surface structures on the bottom surface of each replacement tooth engage assigned complementary retention structures on each retention portion.

[0158] 6. The assembly set according to item 5, wherein each of the upper artificial gingival parts further has a bottom surface having a second surface structure configured to engage with an assigned complementary second retention structure, the assigned complementary second retention structure being provided by a retaining portion of the framework on which each upper artificial gingival part is configured to be placed; Each second surface structure is combined with an assigned complementary second retention structure to provide a second non-destructive removable direct connection between an upper artificial gingival portion having each second surface structure and a retaining portion having each assigned complementary second retention structure.

[0159] 7. In the assembly set according to item 6, the one or more second surface structures have one or more second projections protruding from a bottom surface of the upper artificial gingiva part having each of the second surface structures; each of the one or more second retention structures has one or more second receiving portions for receiving the one or more second projections; Each of the second projections is positioned at a position that aligns with a respective position of one of the second receiving portions configured to receive each of the second projections to establish a second non-destructively removable direct connection.

[0160] 8. In the assembly set according to any one of items 6 to 7, each of the one or more second holding structures has one or more second projections protruding from a holding portion having each of the second holding structures, each of the one or more second surface structures has one or more second receiving portions that receive the one or more second protrusions; Each of the second projections is positioned at a position that aligns with a respective position of one of the second receiving portions configured to receive each of the second projections to establish a second non-destructively removable direct connection.

[0161] 9. In the assembly set according to any one of items 7-8, for each of the retaining parts, the one or more first retaining structures of each retaining part and the one or more second retaining structures of each retaining part are provided by a common retaining structure configured to be supported by the respective retaining part under the one or more replacement teeth and to extend onto the respective retaining part under the one or more upper artificial gingival portions.

[0162] 10. In the assembly set according to any one of items 7-8, for each of the retaining parts, the one or more first retaining structures of each retaining part and the one or more second retaining structures of each retaining part are provided by a common retaining structure configured to be supported by each retaining part under one or more replacement teeth and to extend onto each retaining part under one or more upper artificial gingival portions.

[0163] 11. The assembly set according to any one of items 5 to 10, wherein the one or more upper artificial gingiva has one or more side portions extending laterally beyond a retaining portion of the framework on which each upper artificial gingiva portion is configured to be placed; Each of the sides has a bottom surface that is configured to place and conform to the surface of the patient's natural gums.

[0164] 12. The assembly set according to any one of items 1 to 11, further comprising one or more lower artificial gingiva parts, each of the lower artificial gingiva parts being configured to be positioned between one of the retaining parts and the patient's natural gingiva; Each of the lower artificial gingival portions has a top surface and a bottom surface; the bottom surface is configured to be placed on and conform to the surface of the patient's natural gingiva; the upper surface has a third surface structure configured to engage an assigned complementary third retention structure provided by a retaining portion of the framework under which each lower artificial gingival portion is configured to be positioned; Each third surface structure is combined with an assigned complementary third retention structure to provide a third non-destructive removable direct connection between a lower artificial gingival portion having the respective third surface structure and a retention portion having the respective assigned complementary third retention structure.

[0165] 13. The assembly set according to item 12, wherein each of the one or more third surface structures has one or more third projections protruding from an upper surface of the lower artificial gingiva part having the respective third surface structures; each of the one or more third retention structures has one or more third receiving portions that receive the one or more third protrusions; Each of the third projections is disposed at a position aligned with a respective position of one of the third receiving portions configured to receive each of the third projections to establish a third non-destructively removable direct connection.

[0166] 14. In the assembly set according to any one of items 12 to 13, each of the one or more third holding structures has one or more third projections protruding from the holding portion having each of the third holding structures; each of the one or more third surface structures has one or more third receiving portions that receive the one or more third protrusions; Each of the third projections is positioned at a position that aligns with a respective position of one of the third receiving portions configured to receive each of the third projections to establish a third non-destructively removable direct connection.

[0167] 15. In the assembly set described in any one of items 13 to 14, each of the one or more aligned third storage portions is configured to provide a free space left at the tip of the aligned and stored third protrusion to receive an adhesive to provide an additional third permanent connection between the lower artificial gingival portion and the retainer when the third non-destructive removable direct connection is established.

[0168] 16. The assembly set according to any one of items 12 to 15, wherein, for each of the retaining parts, the one or more first retention structures of each retaining part and the one or more third retention structures of each retaining part are provided by identical retention structures configured to be received by each retaining part under the one or more replacement teeth and to extend for placement over the one or more lower artificial gingival portions under each retaining part.

[0169] 17. A removable partial denture for a patient, the partial denture having one or more replacement teeth, a framework having one or more retention portions, and one or more upper artificial gingival portions and one or more lower artificial gingival portions; Each of the retaining portions is configured to receive and retain one or more replacement teeth; Each of the upper artificial gingival portions has one or more through holes disposed in one of the retainers; One of the replacement teeth is disposed in each of the through holes; Each of the replacement teeth has a bottom surface having a first surface structure, the first surface structure engaging an assigned complementary first retention structure provided by one of the retention portions of the framework configured to receive each replacement tooth; each of the first surface structures in combination with an engaged complementary first retention structure to form a non-destructive, removable direct contact between a replacement tooth having the respective surface structure and a retention portion having an engaged complementary retention structure; each of the lower artificial gingiva portions is configured to be positioned between one of the retainers and the patient's natural gingiva; Each of the lower artificial gingival portions has a top surface and a bottom surface; the bottom surface is configured to be placed on and conform to the surface of the patient's natural gingiva; the upper surface has further surface structures which engage with the assigned complementary further retention structures provided by the retaining parts of the framework under which the respective lower artificial gingival parts are placed, Each further surface structure is combined with an engaged complementary further retention structure to form a further non-destructive removable direct connection between the lower artificial gingival part having the respective further surface structure and the retention part having the respective engaged complementary further retention structure.

[0170] 18. A computer system for constructing an assembly set for a patient's removable partial denture, the computer system having a processor and a memory storing machine-executable program instructions, the execution of the program instructions by the processor causing the processor to: providing a digital model of one or more replacement teeth for the assembly set; providing a digital model of one or more artificial gingival portions, each having a top surface and a bottom surface, each bottom surface having a shape adapted to be placed on and match the surface of the patient's natural gingival; Dividing each of the one or more artificial gingival portions into a lower artificial gingival portion having at least a portion of a bottom surface of each artificial gingival portion and an upper artificial gingival portion having a top surface of each artificial gingival portion; generating a digital model of a framework having one or more retention portions, the retention portions having retention structures configured to provide a non-destructive removable direct connection to at least one or more replacement teeth and a lower artificial gingival portion; The computer system is controlled to perform the steps of subtracting the digital model of the framework from the digital model of the one or more replacement teeth and the digital model of the lower artificial gingival portion, generating a surface structure on a bottom surface of each replacement tooth configured to engage with one of the retention structures provided by one of the retaining portions of the framework, and generating a further surface structure on a top surface of each lower artificial gingival portion configured to engage with one of the retention structures provided by one of the retaining portions of the framework.

[0171] 19. A computer program product having a non-volatile computer readable storage medium embodied with computer readable program code for constructing an assembly set for a removable partial denture of a patient, the constructing step comprising: providing a digital model of one or more replacement teeth for the assembly set; providing a digital model of one or more artificial gingival portions, each having a top surface and a bottom surface, each bottom surface having a shape adapted to be placed on and match the surface of the patient's natural gingival; Dividing each of the one or more artificial gingival portions into a lower artificial gingival portion having at least a portion of a bottom surface of each artificial gingival portion and an upper artificial gingival portion having a top surface of each artificial gingival portion; generating a digital model of a framework having one or more retention portions, the retention portions having retention structures configured to provide a non-destructive removable direct connection to at least one or more replacement teeth and a lower artificial gingival portion; The method includes a step of subtracting the digital model of the framework from the digital model of the one or more replacement teeth and the digital model of the lower artificial gingival portion, generating a surface structure on a bottom surface of each replacement tooth configured to engage with one of the retention structures provided by one of the retention portions of the framework, and generating a further surface structure on a top surface of each lower artificial gingival portion configured to engage with one of the retention structures provided by one of the retention portions of the framework.

[0172] 20. A method of constructing an assembly set for a removable partial denture of a patient, the method comprising: providing a digital model of one or more replacement teeth for the assembly set; providing a digital model of one or more artificial gingival portions, each having a top surface and a bottom surface, each bottom surface having a shape adapted to be placed on and match the surface of the patient's natural gingival; Dividing each of the one or more artificial gingival portions into a lower artificial gingival portion having at least a portion of a bottom surface of each artificial gingival portion and an upper artificial gingival portion having a top surface of each artificial gingival portion; generating a digital model of a framework having one or more retention portions, the retention portions having retention structures configured to provide a non-destructive removable direct connection to at least one or more replacement teeth and a lower artificial gingival portion; The method includes a step of subtracting the digital model of the framework from the digital model of the one or more replacement teeth and the digital model of the lower artificial gingival portion, generating a surface structure on a bottom surface of each replacement tooth configured to engage with one of the retention structures provided by one of the retention portions of the framework, and generating a further surface structure on a top surface of each lower artificial gingival portion configured to engage with one of the retention structures provided by one of the retention portions of the framework.

[0173] 21. A method of assembling an assembly set for a removable partial denture of a patient, the assembly set having one or more replacement teeth, a framework having one or more retainers, and one or more upper artificial gingival portions and one or more lower artificial gingival portions; The method comprises: placing each of the upper artificial gingiva parts in one of the retainers, each of the upper artificial gingiva parts having one or more through holes; placing in each of the through holes one of the replacement teeth having a surface structure at a bottom of each replacement tooth that engages with an assigned complementary retention structure of one of the retention parts of the framework configured to receive and retain each replacement tooth, each surface structure combining with the engaged complementary retention structure to form a non-destructive, removable direct connection between the replacement tooth having each surface structure and the retention part having each engaged complementary retention structure; The method includes the steps of: positioning each of the lower artificial gingival parts under one of the retaining parts, each of the lower artificial gingival parts having an upper surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface being configured to be positioned on and conform to the surface of the patient's natural gingiva, and the upper surface having a further surface structure that engages with the assigned complementary further retention structure, the assigned complementary further retention structure being provided by the retaining part of the framework (under which each of the lower artificial gingival parts is positioned), and each further surface structure combining with the engaged complementary further retention structure providing a further non-destructive removable direct connection between the lower artificial gingival part having each further surface structure and the retaining part having each engaged complementary further retention structure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0174] 10: Computer Systems 14: External device 16: Processing device 18: Bus 20: Network adapter 22: I / O interface 24: Display 28: Memory 30:RAM 32: Cache 34: Memory System 40: Program 42: Program module 50: User Interface 52: Control elements 54: Hardware device 56: External device 58: External device 60:3D printer 62: Printing elements 70: Processing equipment 72: Processing tools 74: Holding device 76: Blank 78: Material 100: Assembly set 101: Removable partial dentures 102: Replacement teeth 103: Digital model 104:Surface structure 105: Generation system 106: Protrusion 110: Framework 112: Holding part 114: Holding structure 116: Storage area 120: Lower artificial gum part 122:Surface structure 124: Protrusion 126: Bottom 130: Upper artificial gum part 132:Through hole 134: Side 136: Bottom 140: Digital denture model 142: Natural gums

Claims

1. a set of assemblies for a removable partial denture for a patient, the set having one or more replacement teeth as well as a framework having one or more retainers; each of the retaining portions is configured to receive and retain one or more of the replacement teeth; each of the replacement teeth has a bottom surface with a first surface structure configured to engage an assigned complementary first retention structure provided by one of the retention portions of the framework configured to receive each replacement tooth; each of the first surface structures in combination with an assigned complementary first retaining structure provides a first non-destructive removable direct contact between the replacement tooth having the respective surface structure and the retainer having the respective assigned complementary first retaining structure; The assembly set further includes one or more artificial gingival parts, including one or more upper artificial gingival parts; the one or more retention portions of the framework are further configured to receive and retain the one or more upper artificial gingival portions; Each of the upper artificial gingival portions is configured to be disposed in one of the retaining portions and has one or more through holes, each of the through holes configured to receive one of the replacement teeth such that a surface structure on a bottom surface of each replacement tooth engages an assigned complementary first retaining structure of each retaining portion. Assembly set.

2. 2. The assembly set of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more first surface structures has one or more first protrusions protruding from a bottom surface of the replacement tooth having a respective first surface structure, and each of the one or more first retention structures has one or more first storage portions for accommodating the one or more first protrusions, and each of the first protrusions is positioned at a position aligned with a respective position of one of the first storage portions configured to accommodate a respective first protrusion to establish the first non-destructive, removable direct connection.

3. 3. The assembly set of claim 2, wherein each of the one or more aligned first storage portions is configured to provide a free space left at a tip of the aligned and stored first protrusion to receive an adhesive to provide an additional first permanent connection between the replacement tooth and the retainer when the first non-destructive removable direct connection is established.

4. 2. The assembly set of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more first retaining structures has one or more first projections protruding from the retaining portion having a respective first retaining structure, and each of the one or more first surface structures has one or more first storage portions for accommodating the one or more first projections, and each of the first projections is positioned in a position aligned with a respective position of one of the first storage portions configured to accommodate a respective first projection to establish the first non-destructively removable direct connection.

5. 2. The assembly set of claim 1, wherein each of the upper artificial gingival parts further has a bottom surface having a second surface structure configured to engage with an assigned complementary second retention structure, the assigned complementary second retention structure being provided by a retaining portion of the framework on which each upper artificial gingival part is configured to be placed, and each second surface structure combines with the assigned complementary second retention structure to provide a second non-destructive removable direct connection between the upper artificial gingival part having each second surface structure and the retaining portion having each assigned complementary second retention structure.

6. 6. The assembly set of claim 5, wherein the one or more second surface structures have one or more second protrusions protruding from a bottom surface of the upper artificial gingival portion having each second surface structure, and each of the one or more second retention structures has one or more second storage portions for accommodating the one or more second protrusions, and each of the second protrusions is positioned at a position aligned with a respective position of one of the second storage portions configured to accommodate each second protrusion to establish the second non-destructive removable direct connection.

7. 7. The assembly set of claim 6, wherein each of the one or more aligned second storage portions is configured to provide a free space left at the tip of the aligned and stored second protrusion to receive adhesive to provide an additional second permanent connection between the upper artificial gingival portion and the retainer when the second non-destructive removable direct connection is established.

8. 7. The assembly set of claim 6, wherein for each of the retaining portions, the one or more first retaining structures of each retaining portion and the one or more second retaining structures of each retaining portion are provided by a common retaining structure configured to be supported by each retaining portion under the one or more replacement teeth and to extend onto each retaining portion under the one or more upper artificial gingival portions.

9. 6. The assembly set of claim 5, wherein each of the one or more second retaining structures has one or more second projections protruding from the retaining portion having a respective second retaining structure, and each of the one or more second surface structures has one or more second storage portions for accommodating the one or more second projections, and each of the second projections is positioned in a position aligned with a respective position of one of the second storage portions configured to accommodate a respective second projection to establish the second non-destructively removable direct connection.

10. 2. The assembly set of claim 1, wherein the one or more upper artificial gingiva sections have one or more sides extending laterally beyond the retaining portion of the framework on which each upper artificial gingiva section is configured to be placed, each of the sides having a bottom surface configured to be placed against and conform to the surface of the patient's natural gingiva.

11. 2. The assembly set of claim 1, wherein the one or more artificial gingival portions further include one or more lower artificial gingival portions, each of the lower artificial gingival portions configured to be positioned between one of the retaining portions and the patient's natural gingiva, each of the lower artificial gingival portions having an upper surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface being configured to be positioned on and conform to a surface of the patient's natural gingiva, and the upper surface having a third surface structure configured to engage with an assigned complementary third retention structure, the assigned complementary third retention structure being provided by a retaining portion of the framework under which each of the lower artificial gingival portions is configured to be positioned, and each of the third surface structures in combination with the assigned complementary third retention structure provides a third non-destructive removable direct connection between the lower artificial gingival portion having its respective third surface structure and the retaining portion having its respective complementary third retention structure.

12. 12. The assembly set of claim 11, wherein each of the one or more third surface structures has one or more third protrusions protruding from an upper surface of the lower artificial gingival part having the respective third surface structure, and each of the one or more third retention structures has one or more third storage portions for accommodating the one or more third protrusions, and each of the third protrusions is disposed at a position aligned with a respective position of one of the third storage portions configured to accommodate a respective third protrusion to establish the third non-destructive, removable direct connection.

13. 13. The assembly set of claim 12, wherein each of the one or more aligned third storage portions is configured to provide free space left at the tip of the aligned and stored third protrusion to receive adhesive to provide an additional third permanent connection between the lower artificial gum portion and the retainer when the third non-destructive removable direct connection is established.

14. 14. The assembly set of claim 13, wherein for each of the retainers, the one or more first retention structures of each retainer and the one or more third retention structures of each retainer are provided by identical retention structures configured to be received by each retainer under the one or more replacement teeth and to extend to be positioned over the one or more lower artificial gingival portions under each retainer.

15. 12. The assembly set of claim 11, wherein each of the one or more third retention structures has one or more third projections protruding from the retaining portion having a respective third retention structure, and each of the one or more third surface structures has one or more third storage portions for accommodating the one or more third projections, and each of the third projections is positioned in a position aligned with a respective position of one of the third storage portions configured to accommodate a respective third projection to establish the third non-destructively removable direct connection.

16. A removable partial denture for a patient, the removable partial denture having one or more replacement teeth, a framework having one or more retention portions, and one or more upper artificial gingival portions, and one or more lower artificial gingival portions; each of the retaining portions is configured to receive and retain one or more of the replacement teeth; Each of the upper artificial gingiva parts has one or more through holes disposed in one of the retaining parts, one of the replacement teeth is disposed in each of the through holes; each of the replacement teeth has a bottom surface with a first surface structure that engages an assigned complementary first retention structure provided by one of the retention portions of the framework configured to receive each replacement tooth; each of the first surface structures is combined with an assigned complementary first retaining structure to form a non-destructive, removable direct contact between the replacement tooth having the respective surface structure and the retainer having the assigned complementary first retaining structure; each of the lower artificial gingiva portions is configured to be positioned between one of the retainers and the patient's natural gingiva; Each of the lower artificial gingival portions has a top surface and a bottom surface; the bottom surface is configured to be placed on and conform to the surface of the patient's natural gingiva; said upper surface having further surface structures for engaging with assigned complementary further retention structures, said assigned complementary further retention structures being provided by retention parts of said framework, under which each lower artificial gingival part is placed, Each further surface structure is combined with an assigned complementary further retention structure to form a further non-destructive removable direct connection between the lower artificial gingival part having the respective further surface structure and the retention part having the respective assigned complementary further retention structure. Removable partial dentures.

17. 1. A computer system for constructing an assembly set for a removable partial denture of a patient, the computer system having a processor and a memory storing machine executable program instructions, the execution of the program instructions by the processor causing the processor to: providing a digital model of one or more replacement teeth for the assembly set; providing a digital model of one or more artificial gingival sections, each of said artificial gingival sections having a top surface and a bottom surface, each of said bottom surfaces having a shape adapted to be positioned and matched to the surface of the patient's natural gingival; Dividing each of the one or more artificial gingival portions into a lower artificial gingival portion having at least a portion of a bottom surface of each artificial gingival portion and an upper artificial gingival portion having a top surface of each artificial gingival portion; generating a digital model of a framework having one or more retention portions, the retention portions having retention structures configured to provide a non-destructive, removable direct connection to at least the one or more replacement teeth and the lower artificial gingival portion; subtracting the digital model of the framework from the digital model of the one or more replacement teeth and from the digital model of the lower artificial gingival portion, generating a surface structure on a bottom surface of each replacement tooth configured to engage with one of the retention structures provided by one of the retention parts of the framework, and generating a further surface structure on a top surface of each lower artificial gingival portion configured to engage with one of the retention structures provided by one of the retention parts of the framework. Computer system.

18. A computer program product having a non-volatile computer readable storage medium embodied with computer readable program code for constructing an assembly set for a removable partial denture of a patient, said constructing comprising: providing a digital model of one or more replacement teeth for the assembly set; providing a digital model of one or more artificial gingival sections, each of said artificial gingival sections having a top surface and a bottom surface, each of said bottom surfaces having a shape adapted to be positioned and matched to the surface of the patient's natural gingival; Dividing each of the one or more artificial gingival portions into a lower artificial gingival portion having at least a portion of a bottom surface of each artificial gingival portion and an upper artificial gingival portion having a top surface of each artificial gingival portion; generating a digital model of a framework having one or more retention portions, the retention portions having retention structures configured to provide a non-destructive, removable direct connection to at least the one or more replacement teeth and the lower artificial gingival portion; subtracting the digital model of the framework from the digital model of the one or more replacement teeth and the digital model of the lower artificial gingival portion, generating a surface structure on a bottom surface of each replacement tooth configured to engage one of the retention structures provided by one of the retention parts of the framework, and generating a further surface structure on a top surface of each lower artificial gingival portion configured to engage one of the retention structures provided by one of the retention parts of the framework. Computer program products.

19. 1. A method of constructing an assembly set for a removable partial denture of a patient, comprising: providing a digital model of one or more replacement teeth for the assembly set; providing a digital model of one or more artificial gingival sections, each of said artificial gingival sections having a top surface and a bottom surface, each of said bottom surfaces having a shape adapted to be positioned and matched to the surface of the patient's natural gingival; Dividing each of the one or more artificial gingival portions into a lower artificial gingival portion having at least a portion of a bottom surface of each artificial gingival portion and an upper artificial gingival portion having a top surface of each artificial gingival portion; generating a digital model of a framework having one or more retention portions, the retention portions having retention structures configured to provide a non-destructive, removable direct connection to at least the one or more replacement teeth and the lower artificial gingival portion; subtracting the digital model of the framework from the digital model of the one or more replacement teeth and the digital model of the lower artificial gingival portion, generating a surface structure on a bottom surface of each replacement tooth configured to engage one of the retention structures provided by one of the retention parts of the framework, and generating a further surface structure on a top surface of each lower artificial gingival portion configured to engage one of the retention structures provided by one of the retention parts of the framework. method.

20. 1. A method of assembling an assembly set for a removable partial denture of a patient, the assembly set having one or more replacement teeth, a framework having one or more retention portions, and one or more upper artificial gingival portions, and one or more lower artificial gingival portions; The method comprises: placing each of said upper artificial gingiva parts in one of said retainers, each of said upper artificial gingiva parts having one or more through holes; placing in each of the through holes one of the replacement teeth having a surface structure at a bottom of each replacement tooth that engages with an assigned complementary retention structure of one of the retention parts of a framework configured to receive and retain each replacement tooth, each surface structure combining with the assigned complementary retention structure to form a non-destructive, removable direct connection between the replacement tooth having the respective surface structure and the retention part having the respective assigned complementary retention structure; placing each of the lower artificial gingival parts under one of the retaining parts, each of the lower artificial gingival parts having an upper surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface being configured to be placed on and conform to a surface of the patient's natural gingiva, and the upper surface having a further surface structure which engages with an assigned complementary further retaining structure, the assigned complementary further retaining structure being provided by a retaining part of the framework under which each lower artificial gingival part is placed, each further surface structure combining with the assigned complementary further retaining structure to provide a further non-destructive removable direct connection between the lower artificial gingival part with its respective further surface structure and the retaining part with its respective assigned complementary further retaining structure. method.

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