Method for designing dental prosthesis and apparatus thereof

Abstract

A method for designing a prosthesis and an apparatus thereof are disclosed. The present invention provides an occlusal surface shape of a prosthesis based on the occlusal relationship with opposing teeth when designing a prosthesis using dental software. Accordingly, user intervention is minimized, allowing the prosthesis to be easily designed even by those lacking technical proficiency or clinical experience, and reducing working time.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dental image data processing technology, and more specifically, to a user interface technology for designing prosthetics based on dental image data. Background Technology

[0002] In the process of designing prosthetics such as implants, crowns, inlays, onlays, and bridges, the occlusion of the prosthesis is a critical task. This is because the external appearance and appearance of the occlusal surfaces of the teeth are essential for maintaining oral function and health. Furthermore, proper occlusion is necessary for the effective and harmonious functioning of the masticatory system. If the occlusion is incorrect, abnormal friction or pressure between teeth can cause tooth wear, muscle pain, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues, and speech problems. Only when a proper occlusal relationship is established between teeth can teeth remain healthy and functional convenience be enjoyed in daily life.

[0003] When designing prosthetics, the user performs the process manually. This involves using sculpting tools to rotate, extend, and delete prosthetic objects displayed on a 3D screen. Since this process requires a significant amount of time to adjust the shape as desired, it is a highly skilled task.

[0004] In particular, designing functionally and aesthetically satisfactory prosthetics requires a high level of clinical knowledge and proficiency in handling software, as well as a significant amount of work time. Prior art literature

[65535] Korean Registered Patent 10-2033250 (2019.10.10) The problem to be solved

[0005] According to one embodiment, the present invention proposes a method for designing a prosthesis and an apparatus thereof, which minimize user intervention when designing a prosthesis using dental software, thereby enabling easy design of a prosthesis even with insufficient technical proficiency or clinical experience, and reducing working time. means of solving the problem

[0006] A prosthesis design method according to one embodiment comprises the steps of: dividing the occlusal surface of a prosthesis into a plurality of occlusal surface regions for a plurality of prostheses stored in a prosthesis library; loading a predetermined prosthesis from the prosthesis library and placing it on a patient's tooth image data; generating an occlusal surface shape based on the occlusal relationship with an opposing tooth for at least one of the plurality of occlusal surface regions of the placed prosthesis; and displaying the prosthesis for which the occlusal surface shape has been generated.

[0007] In the step of dividing the occlusal surface of a prosthesis into multiple occlusal surface regions, multiple prosthesis shapes stored in the prosthesis library can be divided into multiple major classification regions and multiple minor classification regions within the major classification regions.

[0008] A plurality of major classification regions include each cusp of the tooth, and the cusp tip of each cusp is a control point that serves as the center during shape creation and modification, and a plurality of minor classification regions include each ridge, which is a protruding part observed on the inner slope of the cusp within the major classification region, and the center of each ridge may be a control point that serves as the center during shape creation and modification.

[0009] In the step of generating an occlusal surface shape, an occlusal surface shape can be generated by adjusting at least one of the height and contact strength of the occlusal surface area.

[0010] The prosthesis design method may further include a step of establishing a contact area between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth and a non-contact area between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth. In this case, during the step of generating the occlusal surface shape, the shape of the occlusal surface area or the contact intensity may be adjusted so that the prosthesis contacts the contact area between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth and does not contact the non-contact area between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth.

[0011] In the step of generating the occlusal surface shape, the height of the major classification area within the occlusal surface of the prosthesis can be adjusted so that the prosthesis contacts the opposing tooth.

[0012] The step of generating an occlusal surface shape may include a step of setting a predetermined deformation limit range and a step of deforming the occlusal surface shape of the prosthesis to contact the opposing tooth within the deformation limit range when the occlusal surface shape of the prosthesis is deformed.

[0013] In the step of generating the occlusal surface shape, after adjusting the height of the major classification area within the occlusal surface of the prosthesis, the height of the minor classification area or the contact intensity of the minor classification area can be adjusted.

[0014] In the step of generating a shape including the height of the occlusal surface area, if the prosthesis contacts the contact area between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth, the contact intensity with the opposing tooth in the sub-category area where contact with the opposing tooth occurs can be adjusted, and if the prosthesis contacts the non-contact area between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth, the height of the sub-category area where contact with the opposing tooth occurs can be adjusted so as not to make contact with the opposing tooth.

[0015] The step of generating an occlusal surface shape may include a step of setting a predetermined contact strength limit range, and, when adjusting the contact strength of a prosthesis, adjusting the contact strength within the contact strength limit range and restricting the contact strength adjustment when the contact strength limit range is exceeded.

[0016] In the step of displaying the prosthesis, the prosthesis and the opposing tooth are overlapped to provide the contact state between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth, and the contact intensity of the contact area between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth can be displayed as a color map.

[0017] A method for designing a prosthesis may include the steps of receiving a user operation signal for selecting an adjustment point for each occlusal surface area of ​​the prosthesis and activating an occlusal surface area including the selected adjustment point, and modifying the occlusal surface area through a user interface that can modify the shape, size, height, or contact strength of the activated occlusal surface area.

[0018] The user interface includes a numerical window that changes according to the height of the occlusal surface area and an increase / decrease button. In the step of modifying the occlusal surface area, when a user operation signal selecting the increase / decrease button is received, the shape of the activated occlusal surface area can be modified by raising or lowering the numerical value in the numerical window.

[0019] A prosthetic design device according to another embodiment includes a data acquisition unit for acquiring dental image data, a display unit for displaying a screen, and a control unit for dividing the occlusal surface of a prosthetic device into a plurality of occlusal surface regions for a plurality of prosthetic devices stored in a prosthetic library, retrieving a predetermined prosthetic device from the prosthetic library and placing it on the patient's dental image data through the display unit, generating an occlusal surface shape based on the occlusal relationship with the opposing tooth for at least one of the plurality of occlusal surface regions of the placed prosthetic device, and displaying the prosthetic device with the generated occlusal surface shape through the display unit. Effects of the invention

[0020] According to one embodiment, the present invention allows for the design of a prosthesis using dental software with minimal user intervention, thereby enabling easy design of the prosthesis even with a lack of technical proficiency or clinical experience, and reducing working time.

[0021] For example, the present invention proposes an occlusal surface shape of a prosthesis to the user so that an ideal occlusal relationship can be formed between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth, thereby minimizing user intervention. Accordingly, even if the user lacks technical proficiency or clinical experience, they can easily design the prosthesis and reduce working time.

[0022] Modifications to the prosthetic shape proposed to the user can also be easily made to the desired extent in the necessary areas, even if the user is not proficient in operating dental software. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0023] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating the configuration of a prosthetic design device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an example of dividing the occlusal surface area of ​​a prosthesis according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a screen for setting a contact area and a non-contact area between a prosthesis and an opposing tooth according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a screen for creating a contact area between a prosthesis and an opposing tooth by adjusting the major classification area (Lv1) and minor classification area (Lv2) of the occlusal surface of a prosthesis according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a screen that presents the contact state between opposing teeth of a prosthesis according to an embodiment of the present invention to a user and modifies it if necessary. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the flow of a prosthetic design method according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0024] The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but can be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components.

[0025] In describing the embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of known functions or configurations may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention, such detailed description will be omitted. Furthermore, the terms described below are defined to reflect the functions in the embodiments of the present invention, and these may vary depending on the intentions or conventions of the user or operator. Therefore, their definitions should be based on the content throughout this specification.

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, the embodiments of the present invention exemplified below may be modified in various different forms, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. The embodiments of the present invention are provided to more completely explain the present invention to those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating the configuration of a prosthetic design device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 1, the prosthetic design device (100) is an electronic device capable of running a medical image processing program. Electronic devices include PCs (Personal Computers), laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc. Medical image processing programs include guide design programs, scanning programs, CAD programs, etc.

[0029] A prosthetic design device (100) according to one embodiment includes a data acquisition unit (101), a storage unit (102), a control unit (103), an input unit (104), and a display unit (105).

[0030] The data acquisition unit (101) acquires dental image data. The data acquisition unit (101) can acquire dental image data through a linked medical imaging device (not shown) or a separate database, etc. The dental image data may be scan data.

[0031] Scan data may be model scan data obtained by scanning a plaster model made by taking an impression of the patient's oral cavity with a 3D scanner, or oral scan data obtained by scanning the inside of the patient's oral cavity using a 3D intra-oral scanner.

[0032] The input unit (104) receives a user operation signal. At this time, the input unit (104) can receive a user operation signal for a user interface displayed on the screen.

[0033] The display unit (105) displays information on the screen. For example, the display unit (105) can display dental image data on the screen. In this case, the dental image data may be scan data acquired through the data acquisition unit (101). The display unit (105) can display the dental image data by overlapping the prosthesis and the opposing tooth. In this case, the prosthesis and the opposing tooth are virtual objects. The display unit (105) can display a user interface to facilitate user modification through the input unit (104).

[0034] Various data, such as information necessary for performing the operation of the prosthetic design device (100) and information generated according to the operation, are stored in the storage unit (102). For example, patient tooth image data is stored in the storage unit (102) and can be provided to the control unit (103) upon user request.

[0035] The control unit (103) divides the shape of a prosthesis into multiple occlusal surface regions for a plurality of prostheses stored in a prosthesis library. For example, the control unit (103) can divide the shape of a prosthesis into multiple major classification regions (Lv1) and multiple minor classification regions (Lv2) within the major classification regions (Lv1).

[0036] A plurality of major classification areas (Lv1) may include each cusp of a tooth. The cusp tip of each cusp may serve as a central control point during shape creation and modification. A plurality of minor classification areas (Lv2) may include each ridge, which is a protruding part observed on the inner surface of the cusp within the major classification area (Lv1). The central part of each ridge may serve as a central control point during shape creation and modification. An example of occlusal surface area division will be described later with reference to FIG. 2.

[0037] The control unit (103) retrieves a specific prosthesis from the prosthesis library and places it on the patient's tooth image data through the display unit (105). At this time, the prosthesis may be placed in the posterior tooth area.

[0038] Next, the control unit (103) generates an occlusal surface shape based on the occlusal relationship with the opposing tooth for at least one of the multiple occlusal surface regions of the placed prosthesis. At this time, the control unit (103) can generate an occlusal surface shape by adjusting at least one of the height and contact strength of the occlusal surface region. An example of generating an occlusal surface shape will be described later with reference to FIG. 4.

[0039] The prosthesis with the generated occlusal surface shape is displayed on the screen through the display unit (105), and the control unit (103) can modify the occlusal surface area of ​​the displayed prosthesis by a user operation signal. An example of modifying the occlusal surface area of ​​the prosthesis will be described later with reference to FIG. 5.

[0040] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an example of dividing the occlusal surface area of ​​a prosthesis according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the numerous patients encountered by medical professionals in clinical practice and their oral conditions vary widely. Although occlusal relationships differ from patient to patient, the ultimate goal is typically to achieve a stable mandibular position, appropriate vertical dimension, and occlusal plane; to ensure that functional cusps are evenly formed on both posterior teeth during centric occlusion, with contact points between the opposing marginal ridges; and to achieve a state where the mandible properly separates to the opposite side without excessive tension during lateral and anterior mandibular movements. Even if the occlusal relationship is not ideal, it is not a significant issue as long as the contact points between occlusal surfaces are wide and evenly distributed. If the above factors are considered during the prosthesis design to form and provide an ideal occlusal surface, the user only needs to verify the occlusal surface of the prosthesis without any additional manual work.

[0042] The prosthetic design device (100) divides the occlusal surface of a prosthetic device (300) stored in a prosthetic library into multiple occlusal surface regions. At this time, the prosthetic design device (100) can divide the occlusal surface of the prosthetic device into multiple major classification regions (Lv1) (301) and multiple minor classification regions (Lv2) (302) within each major classification region (Lv1) (301). The minor classification regions (Lv2) (302) correspond to sub-regions of the major classification regions (Lv1) (301).

[0043] When the occlusal surface area is divided into a major classification area (Lv1) (301) and a minor classification area (Lv2) (302), the prosthetic design device (100) can be divided by the anatomical structure of the crown, which is the part above the cervical line of the tooth. The crown, which is surrounded by enamel, consists of protrusions and depressions such as the tooth surface, margin, ridge, and depression, and each part has a name.

[0044] Areas 1 through 4 corresponding to the major classification area (Lv1) (301) of the prosthesis may each include the cusps of the teeth. For example, in the case of the maxillary tooth #16 (Mx #16), the occlusal surface consists of a total of four cusps: the mesial buccal cusp, the distobuccal cusp, the mesial lingual cusp, and the distolingual cusp. Additionally, when observing each cusp, the highest part is called the cusp tip, and this cusp tip can be viewed as the central adjustment point for shape deformation.

[0045] Cubs are classified into functional cusps and non-functional cusps. Functional cusps are those involved in actual masticatory movements. In the case of maxillary tooth #16, the buccal cusp is a 'non-functional cusp,' and the lingual cusp is a 'functional cusp.' In the case of mandibular tooth #46, the buccal cusp is a 'functional cusp,' and the lingual cusp is a 'non-functional cusp.'

[0046] The cusp can be divided into an external surface and an internal surface. At this time, the areas 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 2-1, 2-2, 2-3, 3-1, 302, 3-3, 4-1, 4-2, 4-3 corresponding to the sub-classification area (Lv2) (302) of the prosthesis may be areas that include each ridge (marginal ridge, triangular ridge, transverse ridge, etc.), which is a protruding part observed on the internal surface of the cusp. The central part of each ridge can be viewed as a control point that serves as the center during shape deformation.

[0047] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a screen for setting a contact area and a non-contact area between a prosthesis and an opposing tooth according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] More specifically, (a) of FIG. 3 is a table showing the contact area between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth, and (b) is a drawing showing the shape of the prosthesis including the contact area between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the prosthetic design device (100) can be divided into a major classification area (Lv1) and a minor classification area (Lv2), and then a contact area and a non-contact area between the prosthetic and the opposing tooth can be set. At this time, the contact area between the prosthetic and the opposing tooth is an area required for normal occlusion in clinical practice. In the example of FIG. 3, for tooth number #17, among the major classification areas (area 1, area 2, area 3, area 4), areas 1, area 2, and area 3 correspond to the contact area between the prosthetic and the opposing tooth. The contact area between the prosthetic and the opposing tooth can be changed according to user settings.

[0050] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a screen that creates a contact area between a prosthesis and an opposing tooth by adjusting the major classification area (Lv1) and minor classification area (Lv2) of the occlusal surface of a prosthesis according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] The prosthetic design device (100) divides the occlusal surface shape of a prosthetic stored in a prosthetic library into a plurality of major classification areas and minor classification areas, and then sets a contact area and a non-contact area between the prosthetic and the opposing tooth.

[0052] Next, the prosthetic design device (100) retrieves a predetermined prosthetic (300) from the prosthetic library and places it on the tooth image data. For example, the prosthetic design device (100) retrieves a prosthetic shape similar to the patient's oral environment from the prosthetic library. The prosthetic design device (100) may retrieve the prosthetic shape by copying the shape of the same tooth, or in order of types similar to the shape of the same tooth or types similar to the shapes of surrounding teeth.

[0053] Next, the prosthetic design device (100) places the imported prosthetic onto the tooth image data. When placing the prosthetic, the position, orientation, and size of the prosthetic may be considered. For example, the prosthetic design device (100) places the prosthetic to match the size and orientation of the prosthetic to the surrounding teeth, and to make one-point contact with the adjacent teeth and the opposing teeth.

[0054] Next, the prosthetic design device (100) creates the occlusal surface shape of the prosthetic (300).

[0055] At this time, the prosthetic design device (100) can modify the occlusal surface shape of the prosthetic (300) by adjusting the height of the major classification area (Lv1) of the occlusal surface of the prosthetic so as to make contact with the contact area between the prosthetic and the opposing tooth. The occlusal surface shape of the prosthetic is modified as the height of the major classification area (Lv1) of each prosthetic (300) increases or decreases relative to the direction of the opposing tooth (310).

[0056] The prosthetic design device (100) can deform the occlusal surface shape of the prosthesis (300) to contact the opposing tooth (310) within a deformation limit range. To this end, a deformation limit range value is set in advance. As an example of the shape deformation limit range, it may be ±3 mm for the major classification area (Lv1) and ±1 mm for the minor classification area (Lv2). If the shape deformation limit range is exceeded, the prosthetic design device (100) limits the occlusal surface shape deformation.

[0057] For example, regarding shape deformation, the height of the major classification area (Lv1) of the occlusal surface of the prosthesis is adjusted so that the mesial-lingual cusp of tooth #16 contacts the functional cusp, which is the inner surface of the distobuccal cusp of tooth #46.

[0058] After creating an occlusal surface shape by adjusting the height of a major classification area within the occlusal surface of the prosthesis, the prosthesis design device (100) can adjust the height of a minor classification area (Lv2) within a major classification area (Lv1) or adjust the contact strength of the minor classification area (Lv2).

[0059] For example, when the prosthesis (300) comes into contact with the contact area between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth, the prosthesis design device (100) can adjust the contact intensity with the opposing tooth (310) in the sub-category area (Lv2) where contact with the opposing tooth (310) occurs. When the prosthesis (300) comes into contact with the non-contact area between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth, the height of the sub-category area (Lv2) where contact with the opposing tooth (310) occurs can be adjusted so that contact with the opposing tooth (310) does not occur.

[0060] The contact strength can also be determined by a set value, and the default is contact of about 10㎛, which is the thickness of one sheet of articulating paper. The contact strength can be set to an arbitrary value by the user. 'Contact strength' refers to the degree of overlap between the surfaces of each tooth. If the prosthesis (300) comes into contact with the non-contact area between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth, the height of the sub-classification area (Lv2) is lowered until there is no contact, thereby making the prosthesis (300) and the opposing tooth (310) non-contact. For example, if the prosthesis (300) comes into contact with the non-contact area between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth by 10㎛, the prosthesis design device (100) adjusts the contact strength so that the contact strength becomes a value of 0 to -10㎛, thereby preventing contact with the opposing tooth (310).

[0061] The prosthetic design device (100) can adjust the contact strength within a contact strength limit range. To do this, the contact strength limit range can be set in advance, and as an example of the contact strength limit range, for the sub-classification area (Lv2), it can be ±50 μm. If the contact strength limit range is exceeded, the prosthetic design device (100) can limit the adjustment of the contact strength.

[0062] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a screen that presents the contact state between opposing teeth of a prosthesis according to one embodiment of the present invention to the user and modifies it if necessary.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, the prosthetic design device (100) creates an occlusal surface shape and then finally displays the prosthetic (300) and the opposing tooth (310) overlapping on the screen, and displays the contact intensity of the contact area between the prosthetic and the opposing tooth as a color map. The prosthetic design device (100) displays the prosthetic (300) opaquely so that the user can clearly see its shape, and displays the opposing tooth (310) semi-transparently so that the user can easily see the area in contact with the prosthetic (300).

[0064] The prosthesis (300) has a control point (501) for each area corresponding to a major classification area (Lv1) and a minor classification area (Lv2). When the user receives a user operation signal for selection, such as moving a mouse over a predetermined control point (501) or clicking, the prosthesis design device (100) activates (e.g., highlights) the occlusal surface area (502) containing the selected control point (501) so that the user can easily identify the occlusal surface area (502) to be worked on.

[0065] Next, the prosthetic design device (100) provides a user interface (503) that can modify the shape size, height, or contact strength of an activated occlusal surface area (502). The user interface (503) has a numerical window (504) in the center, which changes according to the height of the shape, and increase / decrease buttons marked with plus (+) and minus (-) are placed on both sides of the numerical window (504). Thus, the user can adjust the shape of the activated occlusal surface area through the increase / decrease buttons. Examples of shape adjustment include adjusting the position of the shape or increasing or decreasing the size of the shape.

[0066] For example, when a user operation signal is received from the user selecting the plus (+) button (505), the prosthetic design device (100) can adjust the shape of the activated occlusal surface area (502) toward the opposing tooth while increasing the value of the numerical window (504). When a user operation signal is received from the user selecting the minus (-) button (506), the prosthetic design device (100) can adjust the shape of the activated occlusal surface area (502) toward the opposite direction of the opposing tooth while decreasing the value of the numerical window (504).

[0067] As another example, the shape of the occlusal surface area (502) can be increased through the plus (+) button (505), and the shape of the occlusal surface area (502) can be decreased through the minus (-) button (506). Figure 5 (a) is an example of increasing the shape of the major classification area (Lv1), and (b) is a drawing illustrating an example of decreasing the shape of the minor classification area (Lv2).

[0068] Currently, dental CAD software relies entirely on user autonomy to adjust shapes using carving tools. Users pan and rotate the 3D view to meticulously examine and adjust the shape of the prosthesis they intend to design. Consequently, the area of ​​shape adjustment varies depending on the viewing angle, making it difficult to precisely adjust heights using carving tools. Users who are inexperienced are likely to adjust unintended areas, and raising or lowering the shape to the desired level is challenging.

[0069] However, to improve this environment, the prosthetic design device (100) visualizes the divided occlusal surface area so that the user can clearly see the shape of the occlusal surface area to be worked on. Furthermore, the prosthetic design device (100) allows the user to easily adjust the shape of the activated occlusal surface area as much as desired through increase / decrease buttons such as plus (+) and minus (-).

[0070] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the flow of a prosthetic design method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 6, the prosthetic design device (100) divides the occlusal surface of a prosthetic stored in a prosthetic library into a plurality of occlusal surface regions (S610).

[0072] In the occlusal surface area division step (S610), the prosthetic design device (100) can divide a plurality of prosthetic shapes stored in a prosthetic library into a plurality of major classification areas (Lv1) and a plurality of minor classification areas (Lv2) within the major classification area (Lv1).

[0073] Multiple major classification areas (Lv1) may include each cusp of the tooth, and the cusp tip of each cusp may be a control point that serves as the center during shape creation and modification.

[0074] A plurality of sub-classification regions (Lv2) may include each ridge, which is a protruding part observed on the inner slope of the cusp within the major classification region (Lv1), and the center part of each ridge may be a control point that serves as the center when creating and modifying the shape.

[0075] Next, the prosthetic design device (100) retrieves a predetermined prosthetic from the prosthetic library and places it on the patient's tooth image data (S620).

[0076] Next, the prosthetic design device (100) generates an occlusal surface shape based on the occlusal relationship with the opposing tooth for at least one occlusal surface area among a plurality of occlusal surface areas of the placed prosthetic (S630).

[0077] In the occlusal surface shape generation step (S630), the prosthetic design device (100) can generate an occlusal surface shape that adjusts at least one of the height and contact strength of the occlusal surface area.

[0078] In the occlusal surface shape generation step (S630), the prosthesis design device (100) can adjust the shape of the occlusal surface area or adjust the contact intensity so that the prosthesis contacts the contact area between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth, and does not contact the non-contact area between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth.

[0079] In the occlusal surface shape generation step (S630), the prosthesis design device (100) can adjust the height of the major classification area (Lv1) within the occlusal surface of the prosthesis so that the prosthesis contacts the opposing tooth.

[0080] In the occlusal surface shape generation step (S630), the prosthesis design device (100) may set a predetermined deformation limit range. Subsequently, when the occlusal surface shape of the prosthesis is deformed, the prosthesis design device (100) may deform the occlusal surface shape to contact the opposing tooth within the shape deformation limit range. For example, when forming the occlusal surface, the input range may be limited so that the prosthesis does not exceed the shape deformation limit range. As another example, if the prosthesis exceeds the shape deformation limit range for any reason, the contact area between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth may not be created, or a warning window may be displayed.

[0081] In the occlusal surface shape generation step (S630), the prosthesis design device (100) can adjust the height of the sub-category area (Lv2) or adjust the contact intensity of the sub-category area (Lv2) after adjusting the height of the major category area (Lv1) within the occlusal surface of the prosthesis. At this time, if the prosthesis comes into contact with the contact area between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth, the prosthesis design device (100) can adjust the contact intensity with the opposing tooth in the sub-category area where contact with the opposing tooth occurred. If the prosthesis comes into contact with the non-contact area between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth, the prosthesis design device (100) can adjust the height of the sub-category area (Lv2) where contact with the opposing tooth occurred so that contact with the opposing tooth does not occur.

[0082] In the occlusal surface shape generation step (S630), the prosthetic design device (100) can set a predetermined contact strength limit range. Subsequently, when adjusting the contact strength of the prosthetic, the prosthetic design device (100) can adjust the contact strength within the contact strength limit range and limit the contact strength adjustment when it exceeds the contact strength limit range.

[0083] Next, the prosthesis design device (100) displays a prosthesis with an occlusal surface shape created (S640).

[0084] In the prosthesis display step (S640), the prosthesis design device (100) displays the prosthesis and the opposing tooth overlapping to provide a contact state between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth, and can display the contact intensity of the contact area between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth as a color map.

[0085] Furthermore, the prosthetic design device (100) can modify the indicated occlusal surface area of ​​the prosthetic by a user operation signal (S650).

[0086] In the step of modifying the occlusal surface area of ​​a prosthesis (S650), the prosthesis design device (100) can receive a user operation signal to select an adjustment point for each occlusal surface area of ​​the prosthesis and activate the occlusal surface area including the selected adjustment point. Subsequently, the prosthesis design device (100) can modify the occlusal surface area through a user interface that can modify the shape, size, height, or contact strength of the activated occlusal surface area.

[0087] The user interface may include a numerical window that changes according to the height of the occlusal surface area and an increase / decrease button. In the occlusal surface area modification step (S650), when the prosthetic design device (100) receives a user operation signal selecting the increase / decrease button, it can modify the shape of the activated occlusal surface area by raising or lowering the numerical value in the numerical window.

[0088] The present invention has been described above with reference to its embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be implemented in modified forms without departing from the essential characteristics of the invention. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims, not by the foregoing description, and all variations within the scope of the claims should be interpreted as being included in the invention.

Claims

Claim 1 A method for designing a prosthesis, comprising: a step of dividing the occlusal surface of a prosthesis into a plurality of occlusal surface regions for a plurality of prostheses stored in a prosthesis library; a step of retrieving a predetermined prosthesis from the prosthesis library and placing it on a patient's dental image data; a step of generating an occlusal surface shape based on an occlusal relationship with an opposing tooth for at least one occlusal surface region among the plurality of occlusal surface regions of the placed prosthesis; and a step of displaying the prosthesis for which the occlusal surface shape has been generated; wherein the step of dividing the occlusal surface of a prosthesis into a plurality of occlusal surface regions comprises dividing the plurality of prosthesis shapes stored in the prosthesis library into a plurality of major classification regions and a plurality of minor classification regions within the major classification regions, wherein the plurality of major classification regions include each cusp of a tooth, and the cusp tip of each cusp is a control point that serves as the center during shape generation and modification, and the plurality of minor classification regions include each ridge, which is a protruding part observed on the inner surface of the cusp within the major classification region, and the center part of each ridge is a control point that serves as the center during shape generation and modification. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 A method for designing a prosthesis according to claim 1, wherein the step of generating an occlusal surface shape is characterized by generating an occlusal surface shape that adjusts at least one of the height of the occlusal surface area and the contact strength. Claim 5 The method for designing a prosthesis according to claim 1 further comprises the step of setting a contact area between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth and a non-contact area between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth; wherein the step of creating an occlusal surface shape is characterized by adjusting the shape of the occlusal surface area or adjusting the contact intensity so that the prosthesis contacts the contact area between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth and does not contact the non-contact area between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth. Claim 6 delete Claim 7 A method for designing a prosthesis, comprising: a step of dividing the occlusal surface of a prosthesis into a plurality of occlusal surface regions for a plurality of prostheses stored in a prosthesis library; a step of retrieving a predetermined prosthesis from the prosthesis library and placing it on a patient's dental image data; a step of generating an occlusal surface shape based on an occlusal relationship with an opposing tooth for at least one occlusal surface region among the plurality of occlusal surface regions of the placed prosthesis; and a step of displaying the prosthesis for which the occlusal surface shape has been generated; wherein the step of dividing the occlusal surface of the prosthesis into a plurality of occlusal surface regions divides the plurality of prosthesis shapes stored in the prosthesis library into a plurality of major classification regions and a plurality of minor classification regions within the major classification regions; and the step of generating the occlusal surface shape comprises: a step of setting a predetermined deformation limit range; and a step of adjusting the height of the major classification region within the occlusal surface of the prosthesis so that the prosthesis contacts the opposing tooth, wherein when the occlusal surface shape of the prosthesis is deformed, the occlusal surface shape of the prosthesis is deformed within the shape deformation limit range to contact the opposing tooth. Claim 8 A method for designing a prosthesis according to claim 1, wherein the step of generating an occlusal surface shape is characterized by adjusting the height of a sub-classification area or adjusting the contact intensity of a sub-classification area after adjusting the height of a major classification area within the occlusal surface of the prosthesis. Claim 9 A method for designing a prosthesis according to claim 8, wherein the step of generating an occlusal surface shape is characterized by adjusting the contact intensity with the opposing tooth in the sub-category area where contact with the opposing tooth occurs when the prosthesis contacts the contact area between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth, and adjusting the height of the sub-category area where contact with the opposing tooth occurs so as not to contact the opposing tooth when the prosthesis contacts the non-contact area between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth. Claim 10 A method for designing a prosthesis according to claim 8, wherein the step of generating an occlusal surface shape comprises: a step of setting a predetermined contact strength limit range; and a step of adjusting the contact strength within the contact strength limit range when adjusting the contact strength of the prosthesis, and restricting the adjustment of contact strength when it exceeds the contact strength limit range. Claim 11 A method for designing a prosthesis according to claim 1, wherein the step of displaying the prosthesis involves overlapping the prosthesis with the opposing tooth to provide a contact state between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth, and displaying the contact intensity of the contact area between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth as a color map. Claim 12 The prosthesis design method according to claim 1 is characterized by comprising: a step of receiving a user operation signal for selecting an adjustment point for each occlusal surface area of ​​the prosthesis and activating an occlusal surface area including the selected adjustment point; and a step of modifying the occlusal surface area through a user interface capable of modifying the shape, size, height, or contact strength of the activated occlusal surface area. Claim 13 A method for designing a prosthesis according to claim 12, wherein the user interface includes a numerical window that changes according to the height of the occlusal surface area and an increase / decrease button, and the step of modifying the occlusal surface area is characterized by modifying the shape of the activated occlusal surface area by raising or lowering the numerical value of the numerical window when a user operation signal selecting the increase / decrease button is received. Claim 14 A data acquisition unit for acquiring dental image data; a display unit for displaying a screen; A prosthetic design device comprising: a control unit that divides the occlusal surface of a prosthetic into a plurality of occlusal surface regions for a plurality of prosthetics stored in a prosthetic library, retrieves a predetermined prosthetic from the prosthetic library and places it on a patient's tooth image data through a display unit, generates an occlusal surface shape based on the occlusal relationship with an opposing tooth for at least one of the plurality of occlusal surface regions of the placed prosthetic, and displays the prosthetic with the generated occlusal surface shape through a display unit; wherein the control unit divides the plurality of prosthetic shapes stored in the prosthetic library into a plurality of major classification regions and a plurality of minor classification regions within the major classification regions, wherein the plurality of major classification regions include each cusp of a tooth, and the cusp tip of each cusp is a control point that serves as the center during shape generation and modification, and the plurality of minor classification regions include each ridge, which is a protruding part observed on the inner slope of a cusp within the major classification region, and the center of each ridge is a control point that serves as the center during shape generation and modification.

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