A dental scan aid

Abstract

A dental scan aid (12) is provided, comprising a scan substrate (14) having a unique random irregular surface (16) on the dental scan aid (12). There are connecting means to fix the scan substrate (14) to the patient's maxillary arch or mandibular arch (10a, 10b). Additionally, there is a regular structure (24) extending from the random irregular surface (16) to provide fixed position information to the maxillary arch or mandibular arch (10a, 10b) to improve dental scan accuracy when the dental scan aid (12) is in place.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dental scanning aid for improving the scanning of a patient's jaw. In particular, the present invention relates to an intraoral scanning aid used in dental procedures, and addresses challenges regarding scanner recognition, stability, reusability, and digital workflow efficiency for full arch and partial arch scanning on multi-unit support. Background Technology

[0002] Existing intraoral scanning aids often face the following problems:

[0003] 1. Scanner Confusion: Identical scan aids on multiple supports can confuse the scanner, leading to misaligned data stitching.

[0004] 2. Rotational instability: The long cantilever scan aid rotates under pressure, requiring a scan restart.

[0005] 3. CAD Workflow Complexity: Designing various scanned bodies requires multiple CAD libraries, increasing complexity and the risk of errors.

[0006] 4. Durability Issues: Worn screws often require the replacement of the entire scan body, increasing costs and waste.

[0007] The objective of the present invention is to eliminate or overcome the aforementioned difficulties.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a dental scanning aid is provided for improving the scanning accuracy of an upper or lower arch during a dental scanning procedure, wherein the dental scanning aid comprises: a scanning substrate having a random irregular surface unique to the dental scanning aid; a connecting means for fixing the scanning substrate to the upper or lower arch; and a regular structure extending over the random irregular surface of the scanning substrate, thereby providing fixed positional information for the upper or lower arch to improve the dental scanning accuracy during a dental scanning procedure.

[0009] Dental scanning aids are known to assist in scanning the patient's oral region and enable mapping of the maxillary and mandibular arches for subsequent dental work. However, there are difficulties in accurately referencing scan data in relation to dental scanning aids. Using a unique random irregular surface together with a fixed regular structure, where the orientation of the random irregular surface relative to the fixed regular structure can be determined, enables rapid modeling of the maxillary or mandibular arch in CAD software, thereby enabling the accurate creation of subsequent dental prostheses.

[0010] Optionally, the regular structure can be provided as a cylinder.

[0011] The cylinder is an easily registrable structure that provides a convenient fixing point for the fastener and can be easily recognized by image recognition software that enables the construction of a 3D model of the patient's maxillary or mandibular arch using CAD software or artificial intelligence.

[0012] In one preferred embodiment, the connecting means may be positioned together with a regular structure.

[0013] The position of the regular structure is designed as a fixed position of the dental scanning aid. This enables CAD software to quickly determine the orientation of the dental scanning aid based on the regular structure.

[0014] Optionally, the regular structure can be located at the geometric center of the scan substrate.

[0015] Placing a regular structure at the center of the dental scan aid can improve the speed and accuracy of orientation assignment in CAD software.

[0016] Preferably, the regular structure may include a reference marker.

[0017] Regular structures can have color contrast with random irregular surfaces to improve scan visibility.

[0018] There are several mechanisms to improve scan fidelity, and this

[0019] Optionally, the regular structure may include one or more reinforcing members.

[0020] Torque transmitted through screw fasteners can cause deformation in regular structures.

[0021] The regular structure can be releasedly coupled with the scan substrate.

[0022] The modularization of dental scanning aids allows different randomized parts to be combined with the same regular structure to scan specific areas within a patient's oral cavity more quickly and accurately.

[0023] The regular structure may include reflective material to improve scanner recognition.

[0024] Reflectance with respect to scanner wavelengths can be a desirable characteristic, particularly for regular structures, considering that this is a standard component of dental scanning aids.

[0025] A random irregular surface may include a random topography having different minimum and maximum heights with respect to the scan substrate.

[0026] Topographically altered random irregular surfaces have the following advantages

[0027] Preferably, the random irregular surface may include at least one channel extending to the edge of the scan substrate to facilitate saliva outflow.

[0028] Since the effectiveness of the scanning process may be reduced if saliva accumulates within the dental scanning aid, it is desirable to allow some form of drainage means to remove saliva during the dental procedure.

[0029] In one embodiment, the connecting means may include a screw fastener penetrating the scan substrate and a fastener receiving portion.

[0030] The fastener maintains the dental scan aid in a fixed position relative to the maxillary or mandibular arch for accurate scanning.

[0031] Optionally, the screw fastener may include an inclined shank, and the fastener receiving portion may have a complementarily shaped receiving portion.

[0032] The bevel of the shank allows force to be transmitted more easily to the dental scan aid, thereby keeping the aid more secure and preventing movement within the oral cavity during the scan.

[0033] Preferably, the screw fastener may have self-locking threads to reduce the risk of loosening during use.

[0034] It is desirable to ensure that the fastener does not loosen during use; therefore, self-locking or tapping threads can reduce this risk and minimize scan artifacts.

[0035] Optionally, the screw fastener may have a tool-free joining means.

[0036] This can enable a more direct connection mechanism.

[0037] The scan substrate may include a support sheet configured to be coupled with a support element fixed to the patient's maxillary or mandibular arch.

[0038] Most dental procedures of this type will use a support element sometimes referred to as multi-unit support, and therefore the interfacing between the dental scanning aid and the support will simplify use.

[0039] Optionally, the support sheet may include an anti-rotation element.

[0040] Anti-rotation pins or similar devices can reduce the risk of movement of the dental scanning aid during the scanning process.

[0041] In one arrangement, the support sheet can be releasedly coupled to the scan substrate.

[0042] The modularization of dental scanning aids allows random irregular surfaces to be replaced for the most efficient scanning characteristics even during dental procedures.

[0043] Optionally, the support sheet can be formed integrally with the regular structure.

[0044] Regular structures and support sheets can be formed together for structural integrity while reducing the risk of movement relative to each other during use.

[0045] The scan substrate may include an anti-reflective coating.

[0046] Reducing glare or scan artifacts through the use of anti-reflective coatings can improve the efficiency of the scanning process.

[0047] A dental scanning aid comprising, in any one of the aforementioned claims, one or more pins or stabilizing elements coupled to a scanning substrate.

[0048] It is desirable to limit bending or flexing actions on the scan substrate that may generate scan artifacts, and this can be achieved by supporting the scan substrate against the patient's gums.

[0049] The dental scanning aid may further include an integrated RFID or NFC communication element embedded in the scanning substrate.

[0050] Wireless communication protocols enable the acquisition of additional metadata from dental scanning aids, thereby assisting in the post-scan generation of CAD models.

[0051] A random irregular surface may contain one or more notches.

[0052] The notch provides an additional unique surface structure to improve the identification of specific dental scan aids during scanning and processing.

[0053] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a dental scanning aid system comprising a plurality of dental scanning aids according to a first aspect of the present invention is provided, wherein the random irregular surface of each dental scanning aid is different.

[0054] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a method for improving the accuracy of interpretation of scan data of a maxillary arch or mandibular arch taken during a dental scan procedure is provided, the method comprising: a] acquiring scan data comprising a plurality of scans of a patient to whom at least one dental scan aid according to the first aspect of the present invention is attached to the maxillary arch or mandibular arch, wherein each of the plurality of scans comprises both a random irregular surface and a regular structure of said or each dental scan aid; and b] constructing a 3D model of said maxillary arch or mandibular arch based on said random irregular surfaces using computer software, using said regular structure as an alignment landmark. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0055] The present invention will now be described in more detail merely as an example with reference to the accompanying drawings: FIG. 1a illustrates a plan view of an exemplary maxillary arch of a patient with a plurality of dental scan aids attached according to a first aspect of the present invention; FIG. 1b illustrates a plan view of an exemplary mandibular arch of a patient with a plurality of dental scanning aids attached according to a first aspect of the present invention; FIG. 2 shows a plan view of one of the dental scanning aids of FIG. 1A; FIG. 3 shows a side view of the dental scanning aid of FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view through a dental scan aid according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 illustrates a plan view of an exemplary mandibular arch of a patient having a plurality of different dental scan aids according to a first aspect of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 1a and 1b, examples of a patient's maxillary arch and mandibular arch (10a, 10b) are shown, each having a plurality of dental scan aids (12) associated with it.

[0057] Each dental scan aid (12) has a scan substrate (14) having a unique random irregular surface (16), so the dental scan aid (12) can be easily identified from the library of dental scan aids (12). The random irregular surface (16) may extend only to the upper surface of the dental scan aid (12), that is, the surface furthest from the patient's gums during use.

[0058] The dental scan aid (12) is more clearly illustrated in FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3. The dental scan aid (12) includes a connecting means, wherein the connecting means is in the form of a fastener receiving portion (18) penetrating a scan substrate (14) to receive a screw fastener (20). This allows for direct connection into the maxillary arch and mandibular arch (10a, 10b), or more possibly, into a supporting element (22) that acts as an interface between the maxillary arch and mandibular arch (10a, 10b) and the dental scan aid (12).

[0059] The scan substrate (14) further comprises a regular structure (24) extending from the random irregular surface (16), preferably in the form of a cylinder or generally a cylindrical object. Here, the term regular structure (24) refers to an easily identifiable geometric three-dimensional object, most preferably having clearly defined symmetry, particularly rotational symmetry. This stands in stark contrast to the random irregular surface (16), which is almost certainly asymmetric in shape.

[0060] The purpose of the regular structure (24) is to act as an alignment landmark during the scanning process so that the scanning can quickly identify the location of the dental scan aid (12), and the random irregular surface (16) provides an easily identifiable orientation identifier of the dental scan aid (12).

[0061] The fastener receiving portion (18) is positioned together with the regular structure (24). This enables the fixation of the dental scan aid (12) and ensures that the position of the regular structure (24) does not shift during scanning. This improves the accuracy of the alignment process when the scan images are stitched together to form a complete 3D model at the appropriate time. It is preferable that this be located at the geometric center of the scan substrate (14) to further simplify the recognition of the dental scan aid (12) during use. In the illustrated embodiment, the dental scan aid (12) has a scan substrate (14) that is straight or substantially straight, which simplifies the identification of the geometric center. However, alternative scan substrate (14) shapes are feasible.

[0062] There are various additional features that may be desirable to provide as part of the regular structure (24). For example, the regular structure (24) may have color contrast with random irregular surfaces (16) to improve scan visibility. Texture or material contrast may also provide such differentiation. On the surface of the regular structure (24), there may be one or more reference markers that are easily identifiable but do not or substantially affect the shape of the regular structure (24) and thus its recognizability. This improves photogrammetry compatibility. Additionally, if applicable, a reinforcing member may be present to help prevent damage to the regular structure (24) when torque is applied through the screw fastener (20).

[0063] The regular structure (24) may be modular and interchangeable to accommodate different arrangements. This may appear as a releaseable connection with the scan substrate (14) itself.

[0064] Fine indentations or perforations on the surface of the regular structure (24) can improve the ability to enhance scanner light reflection and improve scan accuracy. Additionally, or alternatively, these fine indentations or perforations may be provided on the random irregular surface (16).

[0065] To further improve the scanning characteristics of the scanner (12), it may be desirable to embed a regular structure with a reflective material to improve the scanner's recognition. Another possibility may be to extend a random irregular surface (16) onto the outer surface (26) of the regular structure (24) to provide its improved scanner recognition from multiple angles. Additionally, or alternatively, there may be additional markings or grooves on the regular structure (24) for improved scanner accuracy during alignment.

[0066] Random irregular surfaces (16) may be applied to one or more surfaces of a dental scan aid (12) and, similar to a topographical landscape, have major and minor surface irregularities, i.e., varying degrees. The scale of the irregularities varies throughout the system (50), and each dental scan aid (12) is unique. Random irregular surfaces (16) can minimize shading effects and improve overall scan accuracy.

[0067] The random irregular surface (16) may include one or more embedded geometric shapes (28), such as the hemispheres shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, to improve scanner recognition. In particular, the asymmetric features of the random irregular surface (16) may enable identification of the dental scanning aid (12) during a scan that is only partially completed. Other features that can achieve a similar goal may be the integration of symbols or characters for automatic scanner recognition. In practice, the random irregular surface (16) may include specific features to reduce glare or reflection artifacts during the scanning process.

[0068] The random irregular surface (16) may include one or more grooves or channels (30) thereon, which preferably extend to the edge of the scan substrate (14). This is designed to improve saliva outflow from the random irregular surface (16), otherwise saliva tends to accumulate, which can impair scan accuracy.

[0069] The surface of the random irregular surface (16) may have tactile indicators to help the dentist manually align it in the patient's oral cavity.

[0070] A skilled practitioner can also correct random irregular surfaces (16) most commonly by drilling during the dental procedure to improve the scanning ability of the selected dental scanning aid (12).

[0071] One or more additional secondary alignment features may be provided, such as ridges or notches, which provide redundancy during CAD alignment during the rotation adjustment process.

[0072] FIG. 4 illustrates the assembly of a dental scan aid (12) with a support element (22) and a screw fastener (20) mounted on the maxillary arch or mandibular arch (10a, 10b).

[0073] The screw fastener (20) is formed complementarily to the corresponding fastener receiving portion (18) of the scan substrate (14). In this case, the screw fastener (20) has an inclined shank (32), and the fastener receiving portion (18) has a corresponding inclined portion (34) on which the inclined shank (32) is seated. This enables a double contact locking system of both the scan substrate (14) and the support element (22) and the screw fastener (20) for secure locking.

[0074] The screw fastener (20) may advantageously have self-locking threads (36) to reduce the risk of loosening during use and may be joined to the abutment element (22) in a tool-free manner, for example, via a snap-fit ​​mechanism. The screw fastener (20) may include a torque limiting feature to prevent or reduce excessive tightening into the abutment element (22) and / or the maxillary or mandibular arch (10a, 10b).

[0075] Since the system (50) is configured modularly, the screw fastener (20) can be removed, sterilized, and reused with different components.

[0076] The screw fastener (20) is formed or coated with a wear-resistant material so that it can be autoclaved when sterilization is required. The screw fastener (20) must be sufficiently robust to withstand multiple autoclave cycles.

[0077] The support sheet (38) is formed so as to extend downward from the scan substrate (14) where the abutment element (22) is coupled with the dental scan aid (12). The abutment element (22) may have a tapered head (40) and / or one or more anti-rotation elements on it that are coupled with a complementary receiver (42) of the support sheet (38). The complementary receiver (42) may have a groove or channel therein that is coupled with the abutment element (22) to aid in alignment.

[0078] The support sheet (38) may be formed to be detachably coupled with the scan substrate (14). The support sheet (38) may be formed integrally with, for example, the regular structure (24).

[0079] The support sheet (38) and / or the scan substrate (14) may be provided with additional stabilizing members, such as pins or extensions, intended to limit or prevent lateral movement of 12 during the procedure.

[0080] The support sheet (38) is ergonomically designed to minimize patient discomfort when combined with the support element (22).

[0081] There is a method for improving the accuracy of interpretation of scan data of the maxillary or mandibular arch (10a, 10b) captured during a dental scan procedure by using a dental scan aid (12) as described above. The method comprises the step of acquiring scan data including a plurality of scans of a patient having at least one dental scan aid (12) attached to the maxillary or mandibular arch (10a, 10b), wherein each of the plurality of scans includes both a random irregular surface (16) and a regular structure (24) of the dental scan aid (12). The regular structure (24) can be used as alignment landmarks, and computer software is used to construct a 3D model of the maxillary or mandibular arch (10a, 10b) based on the random irregular surface (16).

[0082] A system comprising a plurality of dental scanning aids (12), each having a unique random irregular surface (16), enables stitching images together to form a representation of the patient's maxillary or mandibular arch (10a, 10b).

[0083] Each of the multiple dental scan aids (12) has a common central structure, which is preferably in the form of a cylinder.

[0084] The regular structure (24) extends above the level of the random irregular surface (16). Specifically, the apex of the cylinder protrudes significantly and decisively above the highest point of the surrounding irregular surface (16) to provide a sufficient amount of material to have a common reference cylinder portion. The dimensional tolerances (height, diameter, concentricity) of the cylinder are constant across the entire family of scan bodies (10).

[0085] The irregular surface of the scan substrate (14) provides uniqueness and ease of identification of specific scan aids (12) within the system, and the common geometric shape of the cylindrical regular structure (24) extending upward and far from the irregular surface (14) enables improved CAD library matching. The present invention introduces an integrated cylindrical reference (24) within each irregular body (12), which means that the CAD software only needs to recognize the common shape, and solves both the cross-arch stitching problem and the library complexity problem.

[0086] A second embodiment of the dental scan aid (112) is shown in the mandibular arch (110b) of FIG. 5. Identical or similar components will be referenced using identical or similar reference numbers, and additional detailed descriptions are omitted for brevity.

[0087] Each dental scan aid (112) includes a substantially straight scan substrate (114) and a cylindrical regular structure (124) extending upward over the entire upper surface of the scan substrate (114). A random irregular surface (116) is provided on the upper surface of the scan substrate (114).

[0088] The random irregular surface (116) is formed here as a series of indentations of the scan substrate (114) in a regular pattern, but has irregular and / or random coverage of the upper surface area of ​​the scan substrate (114). This provides improved unique identifiability of the dental scan aid (112) within the set.

[0089] Each dental scan aid (112) has a different embedded geometric shape (128) and can typically make at least partial contact with the non-indented portion (160) of a random irregular surface (116).

[0090] Additionally, the random irregular surface (116) may be further made unique by including one or more notches (162) or recesses. These may include a notch (162a) extending a portion of the depth into the scan substrate (114), a notch (162b) extending through the entire depth of the scan substrate (114), a notch (162c) extending a portion of the width into the scan substrate (114), and a notch (162d) spanning the entire width of the scan substrate (114).

[0091] The irregularity of the notch (162) provides an improved means of uniquely identifying which dental scan aid (112) was scanned during the scanning procedure. This prevents the problem of confusing the scanning processor due to repeating geometric features on the dental scan aid (112).

[0092] Any or all of the components of the system may be provided with an anti-reflective coating designed to reduce glare and artifacts during the scanning process.

[0093] Dental scanning aids may be provided with an integrated radio frequency (RFID) or near-field communication (NFC) chip embedded within the scanning substrate, particularly within a regular structure, which can provide additional metadata for CAD alignment when preparing a 3D model.

[0094] Therefore, by using a dental scanning aid that has both regular parts that can act as landmarks and uniquely identifiable random irregular surfaces, it is possible to provide a means to improve the accuracy with which dental scanning procedures can be performed, particularly for the maxillary or mandibular arches.

[0095] As used herein in connection with the invention, the words “comprising / comprising” and “having / comprising” are used to specify the presence of the mentioned features, integers, steps, or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof.

[0096] For clarity, it is understood that specific features of the invention described in the context of separate embodiments may be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, for brevity, various features of the invention described in the context of a single embodiment may be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0097] The embodiments described above are provided merely as examples, and various other variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.

Claims

Claim 1 A dental scan aid for improving the scan accuracy of an upper or lower arch (10a, 10b; 110b) during a dental scan procedure, wherein the dental scan aid (12; 112) comprises: a scan substrate (14; 114) having a random irregular surface (16; 116) unique to the dental scan aid (12; 112); and a connecting means to enable the scan substrate (14; 114) to be fixed to the upper or lower arch (10a, 10b; 110b), wherein the scan substrate (14; 114) further comprises a regular structure (24; 124) extending over the random irregular surface (16; 116), thereby providing fixed position information to the upper or lower arch (10a, 10b; 110b) to improve the dental scan accuracy during a dental scan procedure. Claim 2 A dental scan aid (12; 112) according to claim 1, characterized in that a regular structure (24; 124) is provided as a cylinder. Claim 3 A dental scan aid (12; 112) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connecting means is positioned together with the regular structure (24; 124). Claim 4 A dental scan aid (12; 112) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a regular structure (24; 124) is located at the geometric center of a scan substrate (14; 114). Claim 5 A dental scan aid (12; 112) characterized in that, in any one of claims 1 to 4, the regular structure (24; 124) includes a reference marker. Claim 6 A dental scan aid (12; 112) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the regular structure (24; 124) has color contrast with respect to the random irregular surface (16; 116) to improve scan visibility. Claim 7 A dental scan aid (12; 112) characterized in that, in any one of claims 1 to 6, the regular structure (24; 124) is detachably coupled to the scan substrate. Claim 8 In any one of claims 1 to 7, the regular structure (24; 124) comprises a reflective material for improving scanner recognition, a dental scan aid (12; 112). Claim 9 A dental scan aid (12; 112) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the random irregular surface (16; 116) comprises a random topography having different minimum and maximum heights with respect to the scan substrate (14; 114). Claim 10 A dental scan aid (12; 112) characterized in that, in any one of claims 1 to 9, the connecting means comprises a screw fastener (20) penetrating the scan substrate (14; 114) and a fastener receiving portion (18). Claim 11 A dental scan aid (12; 112) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the scan substrate (14; 114) comprises a support sheet (38) configured to be coupled with a support element (22) fixed within the patient's maxillary arch or mandibular arch (10a, 10b; 110b). Claim 12 A dental scan aid (12; 112) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the scan substrate (14; 114) comprises an anti-reflective coating. Claim 13 In any one of claims 1 to 12, the random irregular surface (16; 116) comprises one or more notches (162), a dental scan aid (12; 112). Claim 14 A dental scan aid system comprising a plurality of dental scan aids (12; 112) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the random irregular surface (16; 116) of each dental scan aid (12; 112) is different. Claim 15 A method for improving the accuracy of interpretation of scan data of a maxillary or mandibular arch taken during a dental scan procedure, comprising: a] acquiring scan data comprising a plurality of scans of a patient having at least one dental scan aid (12; 112) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 attached to the maxillary or mandibular arch (10a, 10b; 110b), wherein each of the plurality of scans comprises both a random irregular surface (16; 116) and a regular structure (24; 124) of said or each dental scan aid (12; 112); and b] constructing a 3D model of the maxillary or mandibular arch (10a, 10b; 110b) using computer software based on the random irregular surface (16; 116), using the regular structure (24; 124) as an alignment landmark.

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