How to get dentures

Abstract

To provide an artificial tooth acquisition system and acquisition method which allow a user to simply and speedily acquire an artificial tooth.SOLUTION: An artificial tooth acquisition system 1 comprises: user terminal devices 3; and a server device 2 connected to the user terminal devices 3 via a network N. The server device 2 comprises: an acquisition unit for acquiring 3D printer data of a user's dental mold; a storage unit for storing the 3D printer data with user identification information; and an output unit for outputting the 3D printer data stored in the storage unit, in response to a user's request via the user terminal device. Each of the user terminal device 3 includes a 3D printer 3a which creates an artificial tooth based on the 3D printer data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an acquisition system and method for acquiring prosthetic teeth, such as dentures. [Background technology]

[0002] In general, dental treatment involves creating a dental impression of the patient, and then using that impression to manufacture dentures and other prosthetics. Dental impressions are created by pouring plaster into a concave mold created by taking an impression of the patient's teeth. These dental impressions are then stored at medical institutions along with their medical records and are used for future treatment of the patient. However, storing dental impressions can pose problems, such as space constraints.

[0003] In recent years, a technology has been proposed in which dental impression models are scanned and managed as three-dimensional data (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 describes a method in which a dental impression database in which three-dimensional data of treated dental impressions and an update flag for this dental impression data are registered in association with the dental impression data is searched for based on the dental impression data, and if the update flag is registered, the dental impression database is updated by overwriting the dental impression data with newly acquired dental impression data. In this way, managing dental impressions as three-dimensional data can avoid problems with storing dental impression models. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-72794 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, dentures need to be replaced periodically (for example, every 3 to 5 years) due to deterioration over time. At that time, patients have to visit a medical institution, but many patients find the consultation at a medical institution both time-wise and mentally stressful. In addition, dentures may need to be replaced suddenly, in which case users want to get new dentures as soon as possible. For this reason, there is a demand for systems that make it easier to obtain dentures.

[0006] In recent years, 3D printers have become more powerful, smaller, and cheaper, and not only are they used for business purposes but also for general use, rapidly increasing the popularity of these printers. As a result, it is becoming easier for users to obtain three-dimensional objects using 3D printers.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a denture acquisition system and method that allow users to easily and quickly obtain dentures. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The denture acquisition method of the present invention is characterized by comprising an acquisition step of acquiring 3D printer data of a user's tooth mold; a storage step of storing the 3D printer data in a server device together with the user's user identification information; a provision step of providing the 3D printer data of the user stored in the server device in response to a request from the user; and a modeling step of using a 3D printer to create a denture for the user to use, based on the 3D printer data.

[0009] In this invention, "denture" refers to a set of one or more artificial teeth arranged on a base that is the gum area. For example, a denture with all rows of teeth arranged is called a complete denture, and a denture with only a portion of the rows of teeth arranged is called a partial denture. In addition, in this invention, the data for a 3D printer of a dental mold refers to three-dimensional data that includes the coordinates (x coordinate, y coordinate, z coordinate) of each position on the surface of the dental mold and can reproduce the user's dental mold as a denture.

[0010] The acquisition step is characterized in that it is a step of acquiring data for a 3D printer obtained from a dental model made by the user.

[0011] The acquisition method includes an updating step of updating the 3D printer data of the user stored in the server device through an operation by the user. The updating step is characterized in that, when a shape of the denture is changed after the modeling step, the 3D printer data of the user stored in the server device is updated through an operation by the user based on the 3D printer data of the changed denture.

[0012] The molding step is characterized in that it is a step of molding the denture in which a metal member and a resin are integrated.

[0013] The denture acquisition system of the present invention is a denture acquisition system comprising a user terminal device and a server device connected to the user terminal device via a network, wherein the server device has an acquisition unit that acquires 3D printer data of a user's tooth impression, a storage unit that stores the 3D printer data together with the user's user identification information, and an output unit that outputs the 3D printer data stored in the storage unit in response to a request from the user via the user terminal device, and the user terminal device has a 3D printer that creates a denture based on the 3D printer data. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] The denture acquisition method of the present invention includes an acquisition step of acquiring 3D printer data of a user's tooth mold, a storage step of saving the 3D printer data together with user identification information in a server device, a provision step of providing the user's 3D printer data saved in the server device in response to a user request, and a modeling step of the user using a 3D printer to create a denture for their own use based on the 3D printer data.This allows the user to easily obtain the 3D printer data when needed and quickly obtain dentures by using a 3D printer based on that data.This allows the user to easily and quickly obtain dentures without having to go to a medical institution.

[0015] The above-mentioned acquisition process is a process of acquiring data for a 3D printer obtained from a dental model created by the user, so the user does not need to visit a medical institution to have a dental model created, and can easily use the method for obtaining the denture.

[0016] Furthermore, the acquisition method includes an update step of updating the user's 3D printer data stored in the server device through a user operation, allowing the user to easily update the 3D printer data at the time of the user's need. Furthermore, if the shape of the denture is changed after the modeling step, the update step is a step of updating the user's 3D printer data stored in the server device through a user operation based on the 3D printer data of the changed denture, allowing a denture that is more accurately suited to the user to be obtained when the denture is remanufactured.

[0017] The denture acquisition system of the present invention includes a user terminal device and a server device connected to the user terminal device via a network. The server device has an acquisition unit that acquires 3D printer data of a user's tooth impression, a storage unit that stores the 3D printer data together with user identification information, and an output unit that outputs the 3D printer data stored in the storage unit in response to a user request via the user terminal device. The user terminal device has a 3D printer that creates dentures based on the 3D printer data. By operating the terminal device, the user can easily acquire the 3D printer data at the desired time and quickly obtain dentures by using the 3D printer based on that data. This allows the user to easily and quickly obtain dentures without having to go to a medical institution. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a denture obtaining system of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the server device of FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for obtaining a denture according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] An example of a denture acquisition system of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, the acquisition system 1 includes a server device 2 and a plurality of user terminal devices 3. Each user terminal device 3 and the server device 2 are communicably connected via a network N. The network N is configured with a telecommunications line such as the Internet. The server device 2 is, for example, a server provided at a service business entity that provides each user with data for a 3D printer of a tooth impression. Note that this business entity may be a medical institution that provides dental treatment, or may be a third-party organization different from the medical institution.

[0020] Incidentally, dentures are worn directly on the human body and are designated as "medical devices" under the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law, with legal restrictions on their commercial manufacture and sale. In recent years, the scope of "medical devices" has also been expanded to include programs; for example, programs that process data obtained by medical devices and create indicators, images, graphs, etc. for use in diagnosis or treatment are considered to be "medical devices." On the other hand, programs that transfer, store, and display data obtained by medical devices for use as medical records are not considered medical devices and are therefore exempt from the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law. Furthermore, using a 3D printer to create dentures for personal use by users is not considered commercial manufacturing.

[0021] The acquisition system 1 shown in Figure 1 is a system in which, for example, when a person's teeth stop growing (for example, after the age of 20), the user deposits their dental impressions as 3D printer data with a service provider, and in the future, when they need dentures due to tooth decay, periodontal disease, or damage from an accident, they can use the deposited 3D printer data to obtain dentures themselves. This system is particularly excellent in terms of ease and convenience, as it eliminates the need to visit a medical institution multiple times.

[0022] First, the server device 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a server device. The server device 2 is mainly configured with a microcomputer including a known CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. In Fig. 2, the server device 2 has an acquisition unit 2a, a storage unit 2b, an output unit 2c, and a control unit 2d.

[0023] The acquisition unit 2a acquires 3D printer data of a user's dental impression. The means for acquiring the 3D printer data is not particularly limited. For example, if the server device 2 is equipped with a 3D data generation means such as a scanner or digital camera, the 3D data generation means can be used to scan a dental impression model of the user or to photograph the user's oral cavity, thereby acquiring the 3D printer data. The acquisition unit 2a may also acquire electronic data generated by a medical institution, dental laboratory, etc. as 3D printer data directly, or after processing or other processes.

[0024] The storage unit 2b is a storage device that stores the 3D printer data acquired by the acquisition unit 2a together with the user's user identification information. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the 3D printer data and the user identification information are associated with each other, and data is stored for each user. The user identification information may be any information that can uniquely identify a user, such as the user's ID number, name, and date of birth. In addition to the 3D printer data and the user identification information, other information may be associated and stored. Examples of such information include the user's personal information (gender, age, address, contact information, etc.), information about medical institutions the user has visited, the registration date and time of the 3D printer data, and update history. These pieces of information may also be used as search items when searching for specific 3D printer data from the storage unit 2b.

[0025] The output unit 2c outputs the 3D printer data stored in the storage unit 2b in response to a user request via the user terminal device. Specifically, the output unit 2c searches the storage unit 2b based on user identification information, etc., acquires the 3D printer data stored for that user, and outputs it externally. The data output format is not particularly limited, and may be sent to the user terminal device or downloaded via the user terminal device.

[0026] The control unit 2d performs various controls in the server device 2. For example, the control unit 2d has a function for editing data for each user stored in the storage unit 2b. As a data editing function, the control unit 2d preferably has a function for updating the newly acquired 3D printer data as the 3D printer data for a specific user when new 3D printer data is acquired for that user. By overwriting and updating the 3D printer data originally stored in the storage unit 2b with the newly acquired 3D printer data, it becomes easier to obtain dentures that are more suited to the user.

[0027] The system also has a function that allows the user to modify and update some of the dimensions of the tooth shape and other parts of the 3D printer data. In this invention, the user may create their own dental model, which may result in a low accuracy model and dentures that do not fit properly. However, the update function allows for fine adjustments to the data and makes prototyping with a 3D printer easy, so by making adjustments and prototyping several times, the user can create highly accurate dentures with their own operation.

[0028] The configuration of the server device 2 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 2, and may further include other functions.

[0029] In FIG. 1, each user terminal device 3 is equipped with a 3D printer 3a. The 3D printer 3a is a stereoscopic printer that models a three-dimensional object based on 3D printer data such as 3D CAD or 3D CG. Any known 3D printer can be used, and no special functions are required. The 3D printer may be a fused deposition modeling (FDM) printer, an inkjet ultraviolet curing printer, a stereolithography printer, or a laser sintering printer. For example, an FDM 3D printer is a modeling method in which resin is heated and melted, then ejected and layered to obtain a three-dimensional object, and is preferred because of its low cost.

[0030] In the acquisition system 1, a denture is formed by a 3D printer 3a. In a denture, an artificial tooth is fixed to a base such that a part of the artificial tooth, the base, is embedded in the base and the remaining part protrudes from the base.

[0031] The artificial teeth can be made from synthetic resins or ceramics commonly used in dentistry. Specifically, dental hard resins, dental hybrid ceramics, polylactic acid, polylactic-co-glycolic acid copolymers, zirconia, feldspathic ceramics, and other materials can be used. Materials that have been pre-colored to match the color of natural teeth can also be used.

[0032] The base material can be synthetic resins commonly used as dental materials. Specifically, synthetic resins such as thermosetting acrylic resins and thermoplastic polycarbonate resins, polyamide resins, acrylic resins, and polyester resins can be used. Materials pre-colored to match the color of natural gums can also be used. The base can also be partially made of metal components. In this case, a portion of the base, called a metal base, is made of a metal plate, and the portion in contact with the artificial teeth is made of synthetic resin because the artificial teeth are embedded and fixed in place. For example, titanium or cobalt chrome is used for the metal plate.

[0033] It is preferable to use synthetic resins for both the artificial teeth and the base material. When different synthetic resins are used, for example, a 3D printer equipped with a first nozzle to which a first filament (synthetic resin for the base) is attached and a second nozzle to which a second filament (synthetic resin for the artificial teeth) is attached is used. Furthermore, when forming a resin denture, a metal component can be inserted into a portion to improve wear resistance. For example, a denture in which the metal component and resin are integrated can be formed by discharging the resin with the metal component in place.

[0034] 1, when the user terminal device 3 receives the 3D printer data from the server device 2, the user terminal device 3 uses the 3D printer 3a to create a denture based on the 3D printer data. The resulting denture may be colored or processed as needed.

[0035] The acquisition system of the present invention is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 1. The acquisition system only needs to include a server device, and the user terminal device can be omitted. The 3D printer data stored in the server device can be provided to those who need the data, such as police officers or researchers, and can be used for criminal investigations and the creation of official statistical data.

[0036] An example of the denture acquisition method of the present invention is shown in Figure 3. The acquisition method of the present invention may include at least four steps (a) to (d). The example of Figure 3 includes (a) an acquisition step of acquiring 3D printer data of a user's tooth mold, (b) a storage step of saving the 3D printer data, (c) a provision step of providing the 3D printer data, (d) a modeling step of modeling a denture based on the 3D printer data, and (e) an update step of updating the 3D printer data. The series of steps in the acquisition method shown in Figure 3 will now be described in detail.

[0037] First, when the user's teeth have stopped growing, the user creates a dental impression model by themselves using a dental impression kit or by visiting a medical institution to have one created (step (a1)). The dental impression model is made from materials such as EVA resin or plaster. The user then brings the created dental impression model to a service provider, which digitizes the dental impression model using a 3D scanner (step (a2)). This acquires data for a 3D printer. The acquired 3D printer data is then stored in the server device described above along with the user's identification information (step (b)). From the user's perspective, the server device of the service provider stores the 3D printer data of the user's teeth impression for future use. When the user needs dentures, the service provider contacts the service provider, and the service provider selects the user's 3D printer data from the data stored in the server device in response to the request and provides it to the user (step (c)).

[0038] The user who receives the data uses the 3D printer data to select resin and other materials to create their own dentures (step (d)). The created dentures can be used as is, but if necessary, they can also be processed (fine-tuned) at a medical institution and used after their shape has been altered.

[0039] The acquisition method shown in Figure 3 includes an update process for updating the 3D printer data if the shape of the denture is changed after the modeling process. In this case, the denture whose shape has been changed is scanned to acquire new 3D printer data. The newly acquired 3D printer data is then overwritten onto the 3D printer data stored in the server device to update the data, allowing feedback such as fine adjustments by the doctor after modeling. This minimizes the need for fine adjustments at a medical institution the next time the denture is modeled, further improving user convenience. [Industrial Applicability]

[0040] The denture acquisition system of the present invention is a system that allows users to easily and quickly obtain dentures, allowing users to easily obtain dentures when they need them, eliminating the need to visit a medical institution multiple times, and making it a highly convenient system that can be widely used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0041] 1 Acquisition System 2. Server device 2a Acquisition part 2b Storage section 2c Output section 2d control section 3 User terminal equipment 3a 3D printer N Network

Claims

[Claim 1] The method includes an acquisition step in which a server device acquires 3D printer data of a tooth impression of the user based on an initiative of the user other than a dentist or a dental technician, a storage step in which the server device stores the 3D printer data together with user identification information of the user, a provision step in which the server device provides the 3D printer data of the user stored in the server device in response to a request from the user, and a modeling step in which the user uses a 3D printer to model a denture for his or her own use based on the 3D printer data, The server device is a device of a service entity other than a medical institution or a dental laboratory that performs dental treatment, and in addition to the 3D printer data and the user identification information, the registration date and time and update history of the 3D printer data are stored in association with these, The acquisition step is a step of acquiring 3D printer data obtained from a dental model made by the user after tooth growth has stopped and before dentures become necessary due to tooth decay, periodontal disease, or damage caused by an accident, an updating step of updating the 3D printer data of the user stored in the server device by an operation of the user; In the updating step, when the shape of the denture is changed after the modeling step, the 3D printer data of the user stored in the server device is updated based on the 3D printer data of the changed denture by an operation of the user. A method for obtaining dentures.

Images