Method for determining the internal structure of an artificial tooth, method for producing an artificial tooth, artificial tooth, data-processing device, computer program, and computer-readable medium

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for determining the internal structure (30) of an artificial tooth (24). The method comprises obtaining external shell data which describe an external shell (28) of the artificial tooth (24). First reference-geometry information is also defined or obtained. This information describes a first reference geometry (BI) which divides the outer shell (28) of the artificial tooth (24) virtually into a first shell portion (28a) and a second shell portion (28b). In addition, a first compressive-strain shell (32) is generated by virtual compressive strain on the first shell portion (28a) in one direction with respect to the first reference geometry (BI). At least one subvolume (34, 36) of the artificial tooth (24) is also derived, which subvolume is delimited by the first compressive-strain shell (32). The invention also relates to a method for producing an artificial tooth (24) having a predetermined outer shell (28). The invention also relates to an artificial tooth (24), to a data-processing device, to a computer program, and to a computer-readable medium.

Description

[0001] Method for determining an internal structure of a replacement tooth, method for producing a replacement tooth, replacement tooth, data processing device, computer program and computer-readable medium

[0002] The invention relates to a method for determining an internal structure of a replacement tooth.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention is directed to a method for producing a replacement tooth with a predetermined outer shell.

[0004] The invention also relates to a replacement tooth, a data processing device, a computer program and a computer-readable medium.

[0005] In the field of manufacturing replacement teeth, or more generally, in the field of dental prosthesis, it is common practice to produce replacement teeth or partial or full dentures comprising them from prefabricated plastic teeth. Prefabricated teeth with different geometries, optical properties, and mechanical properties are available on the market. To achieve the most faithful reproduction possible, it is important to select the prefabricated tooth that most closely resembles the tooth to be replaced. The selected prefabricated tooth can then be adapted to the specific patient. This is done manually.

[0006] It is also known to use digital manufacturing technologies to produce replacement teeth or, more generally, dental prostheses. So-called CAD-CAM systems are used for this. The replacement tooth or a partial or full denture incorporating the replacement tooth is first created, i.e. designed, in digital space. For this purpose, so-called tooth libraries can be used which provide outer shell data describing an outer shell SE:TOP of a large number of different replacement teeth. The outer shell of the replacement tooth, the partial or full denture can be adapted virtually and three-dimensionally to a patient situation. This is done with the help of CAD software, i.e. in digital space. Such replacement teeth, partial dentures or full dentures can be manufactured using subtractive manufacturing processes, e.g. milling or grinding processes, or using additive manufacturing processes, e.g. 3D printing.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to further improve the authenticity of replacement teeth, i.e., the natural appearance of the replacement teeth. In other words, the aim is to create a way to produce replacement teeth that are as close as possible to natural teeth.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention, a method for determining the internal structure of a replacement tooth is provided. The method comprises:

[0009] - obtaining outer shell data describing an outer shell of the replacement tooth,

[0010] - defining or obtaining first reference geometry information describing a first reference geometry that virtually divides the outer shell of the replacement tooth into a first shell section and a second shell section,

[0011] - creating a first compression envelope by virtually compressing the first envelope section in a direction towards the first reference geometry by a first compression amount, wherein the first reference geometry represents a compression base, and

[0012] - deriving at least one subvolume of the replacement tooth as a volume delimited by the first compression envelope.

[0013] The method according to the invention is based on the observation that the authenticity of replacement teeth depends not only on an outer shell that is as lifelike as possible, but also on the internal structure of the replacement tooth. Similar to a natural tooth, whose internal structure can essentially be divided into a tooth root, a dentin nucleus, and an incisal edge, the natural appearance of a replacement tooth also depends on the interaction of various sections or layers that exhibit different optical properties, in particular different translucency. The totality of these various sections or layers forms the internal structure of the replacement tooth. The method according to the invention takes this insight into account, whereby this method can be used to determine an internal structure of the replacement tooth that leads to an extremely lifelike appearance.At the same time, the method according to the invention is comparatively simple and can be easily implemented, in particular, within CAD software or within CAM software. The method steps represent a set of rules that can be implemented automatically within the CAD software or CAM software. Outer shell data is used as input data, which, as already mentioned, can have its origin in a known tooth library and / or can be adapted or modeled within dental CAD software or dental CAM software. Furthermore, reference geometry information and an initial compression dimension are required as input data. In this context, the reference geometry information can optionally be derived from the outer shell data. The compression dimension can be specified absolutely, e.g., in mm, or relatively, e.g., in percent.A dimension of the outer shell or a dimension of a so-called bounding box of the replacement tooth, i.e. a cuboid that encloses the replacement tooth, can be used as a reference value. During upsetting, a distance of each point of the geometry to be upset from the reference geometry, measured along a compression direction, is reduced by a proportion that defines the compression. In other words, each of these distances is multiplied by a compression factor that is less than one. This results in peaks and valleys being smoothed during upsetting, which is what distinguishes upsetting in particular from parallel translation or proportional scaling of the outer shell. In a simple numerical example, a peak of the geometry to be upset lies 10 mm above a compression base, a central section of the geometry to be upset lies 5 mm above the compression base, and a depression of the geometry to be upset lies 3 mm above the compression base.A compression with a compression factor of 0.8 thus results in the peak being at 8 mm, the middle section at 4 mm, and the depression at 2.4 mm in the compressed geometry. In the context of the method according to the invention, a compression base is understood as a fixed geometry against which the compression takes place. The compression of the first shell section to create a compression shell, on the basis of which a sub-volume of the replacement tooth can be derived, has the particular advantage that sub-volumes, e.g. in the form of layers, can be created that have a thickness gradient. In other words, a sub-volume created in this way, e.g. in the form of a layer, can have a variable thickness. The thickness can be influenced by the selection of the compression dimension. The fact that the compression takes place virtually means that the first shell section of the outer shell described by the outer shell data is compressed in digital space.Therefore, no physical compression of a physical object takes place. By compressing the first shell section of the outer shell, which describes a three-dimensional geometry of the replacement tooth, another three-dimensional geometry is generated, which is referred to here as the compression shell. The compression base or reference geometry subdivides the outer shell into two outer shell sections. The compression base or reference geometry is selected in such a way that the compression shell lies inside the outer shell described by the outer shell data due to the compression in the direction of the reference geometry. In this way, various subvolumes of the replacement tooth can be defined using the compression shell and the sections of the outer shell. As will be explained below, a subvolume generated in this way can be used to replicate a tooth incisal or a dentin nucleus.

[0014] In particular, one sub-volume can be delimited by the first outer shell section and the first compression shell. Another sub-volume can be delimited by the second outer shell section and the first compression shell. The sub-volumes form an internal structure of the replacement tooth, which gives the replacement tooth a natural appearance. In one example, the first compression dimension is selected such that a maximum distance of 0.5 mm to 10 mm results between the first shell section and the first compression shell along the compression direction. This distance is preferably 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm. In another variant, this distance is 3.5 mm to 6 mm, e.g., 5 mm.

[0015] The method according to the invention is carried out in particular in an automated, semi-automated, and / or computer-aided manner. This means that the internal structure can be determined essentially without human intervention. In this context, the method steps represent a set of rules that are processed computer-aided.

[0016] The method according to the invention for determining an internal structure of a replacement tooth can thus be a computer-implemented method.

[0017] It is understood that in the context of the method according to the invention, terms such as “first” and “second” are for the purpose of simple explanation only and do not imply any quantities or numbers.

[0018] Even though the method according to the invention has been explained for a replacement tooth, it is understood that the method according to the invention can also be used for partial or complete dentures that include such replacement teeth.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0020] - creating a second compression envelope by virtually compressing the first envelope section or the first compression envelope in a direction relative to the first reference geometry by a second compression dimension, wherein the first reference geometry represents a compression base, and

[0021] - deriving at least one subvolume of the replacement tooth as a volume bounded by the second compression envelope. This means that two compressions take place which use the same compression basis. Optionally, a different compression dimension is used. Alternatively or additionally, a different initial geometry is used to create the second compression envelope than for the first compression envelope. In a first example, the first envelope section is compressed to different degrees in the two compressions. In another example, the first compression envelope, which was itself determined by a virtual compression, is compressed again. In this way, two compression envelopes can be determined very easily and efficiently. These each subdivide an outer envelope defined by the outer envelope data into subvolumes. For example, a subvolume is bounded by the second compression envelope and the first envelope section.Another subvolume can be defined by the second compression envelope and the second envelope section. Another subvolume can be defined by the first compression envelope and the second compression envelope. Consequently, a delicate internal structure of the replacement tooth can be determined in a simple and efficient manner, with subvolumes having the form of layers, for example. Such an internal structure is very similar to the structure of a natural tooth.

[0022] It is understood that the method according to the invention is not limited to two compressions, which use different compression dimensions but the same reference geometry. Of course, three, four, five, or even more compressions can also be performed using the same reference geometry, each with different compression dimensions.

[0023] The method may further comprise:

[0024] - defining or obtaining second reference geometry information describing a second reference geometry which is different from the first reference geometry and which virtually divides the outer shell of the replacement tooth into a third shell section and a fourth shell section, - creating a third compression shell by virtually compressing the third shell section or the first compression shell or the second compression shell in a direction towards the second reference geometry by a third compression amount, wherein the second reference geometry represents a compression base, and

[0025] - deriving at least one subvolume of the replacement tooth as a volume delimited by the third compression envelope.

[0026] According to this example, the method therefore comprises at least two virtual compressions, wherein a different reference geometry is used as the compression basis for each of the at least two virtual compressions. Furthermore, this example covers three alternatives that relate to different initial geometries for the virtual compression. The initial geometries comprise the third shell section, the first compression shell, and the second compression shell. In this way, at least two compression shells can be determined very simply and efficiently. These each subdivide an outer shell of the replacement tooth, defined by the outer shell data, into subvolumes. For example, one subvolume can be bounded by the third compression shell and the third shell section. Another subvolume can be bounded by the third compression shell and the fourth shell section.It is also conceivable for a subvolume to be delimited by the third compression envelope and the first compression envelope. It is also possible for a subvolume to be delimited by the third compression envelope and the second compression envelope, provided a second compression envelope is present. Consequently, a delicate internal structure of the replacement tooth can be determined in a simple and efficient manner. The subvolumes can be formed as layers. Such an internal structure is very similar to the structure of a natural tooth.

[0027] It is understood that the method according to the invention is not limited to the use of two reference geometries as compression bases. Of course, three, four, five or more reference geometries can also be used and a corresponding number of compressions can be carried out using these reference geometries. It is understood that in embodiments of the method according to the invention for determining the internal structure of the replacement tooth in which two or more subvolumes are derived, the derivation of subvolumes also comprises the application of Boolean operations to the subvolumes. Thus, two or more subvolumes can also be combined within the scope of deriving at least one subvolume. Alternatively or additionally, subvolumes can be intersected, i.e. common sections of two or more subvolumes can be defined as a new subvolume. In this way, a particularly lifelike internal structure for the replacement tooth can be determined.

[0028] The internal structure of the replacement tooth preferably comprises two to five subvolumes. In particular, the internal structure comprises three subvolumes. Such an internal structure represents a good compromise between a simple internal structure, i.e., as few subvolumes as possible, and a high degree of fidelity to the original of the replacement tooth, i.e., a most natural appearance.

[0029] In one variant, the method further comprises: assigning material information, color information, translucency information and / or anatomy information to one or more of the subvolumes. This means that each of the subvolumes can be assigned material information, color information, translucency information and anatomy information. In this way, the internal structure of the replacement tooth is defined in more detail. In this case, the same material information, the same color information, the same translucency information and / or the same anatomy information can also be assigned to several subvolumes. In one example, the anatomy information dentin core is assigned to one or more subvolumes. This one subvolume or these several subvolumes thus recreate the dentin core within the replacement tooth.In this example, all subvolumes to which the dentin nucleus anatomy information is assigned can be assigned the same material information, the same color information, and the same translucency information. This takes into account that the dentin nucleus within the replacement tooth is comparatively opaque and comparatively dark. In another example, one or more subvolumes are assigned the tooth neck anatomy information. This one subvolume or these multiple subvolumes therefore recreate the tooth neck within the replacement tooth. In this example, all subvolumes to which the tooth neck anatomy information is assigned can be assigned the same material information, the same color information, and the same translucency information. This takes into account that the tooth neck is comparatively opaque and dark within the replacement tooth.In another example, one or more subvolumes are assigned the anatomical information "cutting edge" or "tooth cutting edge." This one subvolume or these multiple subvolumes thus recreate the cutting edge within the replacement tooth. In this example, all subvolumes to which the anatomical information "cutting edge" is assigned can be assigned the same material information, the same color information, and the same translucency information. It can be taken into account that the cutting edge within the replacement tooth is comparatively light and translucent. It goes without saying that the aforementioned examples can also be combined. Overall, this allows the internal structure of the replacement tooth to be defined in detail, so that the replacement tooth has a lifelike appearance.

[0030] According to one embodiment, at least one reference geometry is defined by an equator line of the outer shell of the replacement tooth. Alternatively, at least one reference geometry is defined by a plane that contains a center of mass and / or center of volume of the outer shell of the replacement tooth. Further alternatively, at least one reference geometry is defined by a plane that contains an extreme point of the outer shell of the replacement tooth. In this context, an equator line is understood to be a line that runs along the largest circumference of the replacement tooth. The reference line used for this purpose is a tooth axis that runs through a center of mass or center of volume of the replacement tooth and is oriented along a tooth height direction, i.e. in a direction from the tooth root to the tooth crown.The creation of the equator line can be imagined as a right circular cylinder, whose central axis runs parallel to the tooth axis, being rolled along the outside of the tooth. The line along which the circular cylinder touches the tooth as it rolls is the equator line. Such an equator line is also referred to as the anatomical tooth equator. In contrast, a prosthetic tooth equator is determined with reference to the insertion direction of the prosthesis. The prosthetic tooth equator can therefore be determined in the same way as the anatomical tooth equator, but the insertion direction is used instead of the tooth axis. The equator line is therefore not necessarily straight in either variant. Furthermore, an extreme point of the outer shell is understood to be, for example, the highest point or the lowest point of the outer shell of the replacement tooth.The equator line, the center of mass, the center of volume, and / or an extreme point can be determined using the method according to the invention. Such reference geometries can be determined easily and reliably. At the same time, they allow for virtual compressions that lead to realistic interior structures.

[0031] The method may further comprise ignoring sections of at least one compression envelope that lie outside the outer shell of the replacement tooth. In particular, all sections of compression envelopes that lie outside the outer shell of the replacement tooth are ignored. This can be done using simple Boolean operations. Thus, the outer shell of the replacement tooth is preserved during all compressions.

[0032] A compression direction can run along a tooth height direction of the replacement tooth, a tooth width direction of the replacement tooth, or a tooth depth direction of the replacement tooth. The compression direction thus coincides with the tooth height direction, the tooth width direction, or the tooth depth direction. Alternatively, the compression direction is oriented parallel to the tooth height direction, the tooth width direction, or the tooth depth direction.

[0033] For this purpose, a tooth-specific coordinate system can be used. The origin of this coordinate system is at the volume center of the outer shell of the replacement tooth. To determine the direction of the x-axis, the orientation and position of the replacement tooth in the human jaw are considered. If there are several teeth in the jaw, the corresponding volume center of the outer shell can be determined for each tooth. If all the volume centers of gravity of all the teeth in the jaw are connected, the result is a so-called dental arch. The shape of the dental arch resembles a parabola, with one vertex of the parabola lying between the central incisors. In this context, the x-axis runs tangential to the dental arch. It should be understood that, strictly speaking, the dental arch is only defined if the position and orientation of the teeth adjacent to the tooth in question are also known.However, the specialist can also determine the relevant section of the dental arch based on the outer shell of the replacement tooth alone. The X-axis runs parallel to the tooth width direction. The Z-axis runs perpendicular to the X-axis and is oriented towards the occlusion. This means that the Z-axis points towards the tooth apex or away from the tooth root. In other words, the Z-axis is oriented parallel to the tooth height direction. The Y-axis is perpendicular to both the X-axis and the Z-axis and is positive in the direction towards the tongue or the palate. The Y-axis is therefore oriented parallel to the tooth depth direction.

[0034] The method can also comprise: determining a tooth type of the replacement tooth based on the outer shell data or obtaining tooth type information that describes a tooth type of the replacement tooth, and selecting the compression dimension and / or the reference geometry depending on the tooth type. For example, tooth type information can be obtained in the form of metadata of the outer shell data. Alternatively or additionally, a tooth type can be determined based on the size of a bounding box around the relevant tooth. In doing so, both absolute dimensions of the bounding box in different dimensions and ratios of the dimensions of the bounding box in different dimensions can be taken into account. Thus, absolute values ​​of dimensions of the bounding box along the X-axis, the Y-axis and the Z-axis of a tooth-specific coordinate system and their relationships to one another can be taken into account.The edges of the bounding box are oriented along the axes of the tooth-specific coordinate system. Likewise, the position of the replacement tooth on a dental arch can provide an indication of a tooth type. Examples of tooth types are incisors, canines, and molars. The molars are also referred to as molars. The incisors and canines can also be combined into one tooth type for the method according to the invention. The incisors and canines are often referred to together as front teeth. If the compression dimension and / or the reference geometry are selected depending on the tooth type, the internal structures of replacement teeth of different types can be determined differently. In this way, a particularly lifelike structure of the replacement teeth is achieved.

[0035] In one variant, the method additionally comprises: determining a tooth property of the replacement tooth based on the outer shell data or obtaining tooth property information that describes a tooth property of the replacement tooth, and selecting the compression dimension and / or the reference geometry depending on the tooth property. In this context, a tooth property refers to any characteristic that describes the replacement tooth. In particular, replacement teeth of the same tooth type can be differentiated based on the tooth property. In other words, replacement teeth of the same tooth type can be individualized based on the tooth property. An example tooth property is a size of the replacement tooth. Both absolute dimensions in different dimensions and ratios of the dimensions of the replacement tooth in different dimensions can be taken into account.This means that absolute values ​​of dimensions of the replacement tooth along the X-axis, the Y-axis and the Z-axis of a tooth-specific coordinate system and their relationships to one another can be taken into account. As already explained, a bounding box can be used for this purpose. Consequently, the compression dimension and / or the reference geometry can be selected depending on the size of the replacement tooth. This means that different compression dimensions and / or reference geometries can also be used for replacement teeth of the same tooth type. Another example of a tooth property is the position of the replacement tooth on the jaw. Consequently, the compression dimension and / or the reference geometry can be selected depending on the position of the replacement tooth on the jaw. In this way, a particularly lifelike appearance of the replacement tooth can be achieved.

[0036] Furthermore, it is possible for the method to comprise providing internal structure information that describes at least one geometry and / or position of a subvolume. If multiple subvolumes are provided, the internal structure information naturally describes a geometry and / or position of all subvolumes within the outer shell of the replacement tooth. Such structure information is particularly important for machines and systems used to manufacture the replacement tooth. An example machine is a 3D printer. Thus, the replacement tooth with the specific internal structure can be manufactured efficiently and reliably.

[0037] In the event that a replacement tooth having an internal structure generated by the method according to the invention is to be manufactured using a generative manufacturing process, for example, 3D printing, a layered structure can be defined for the replacement tooth with the internal structure generated by the method according to the invention using known methods, so that this replacement tooth can be manufactured layer by layer. In this context, for example, materials with different properties are used for the different subvolumes of the internal structure. Accordingly, multi-material or multi-color 3D printing processes are particularly suitable for producing a replacement tooth with an internal structure defined by the method according to the invention.

[0038] According to a second aspect of the invention, a method for producing a replacement tooth with a predetermined outer shell is provided. The method comprises:

[0039] - determining an internal structure of the replacement tooth with at least one subvolume by means of the method according to the invention for determining an internal structure of a replacement tooth, and manufacturing the replacement tooth with the determined internal structure using materials that differ in at least one selected from material, color and translucency.

[0040] Different materials, in terms of material, color, and / or translucency, are used to create the internal structure of the replacement tooth. Such a replacement tooth is characterized by an extremely lifelike appearance. At the same time, the method according to the invention is comparatively simple and can be easily implemented, especially within a CAD / CAM workflow.

[0041] According to a third aspect of the invention, a replacement tooth is provided with an outer shell and an inner structure. The inner structure is determined by means of the inventive method for determining the inner structure of a replacement tooth. As already mentioned, the authenticity of replacement teeth depends not only on an outer shell that is as true to nature as possible, but also on the inner structure of the replacement tooth. Similar to a natural tooth, whose inner structure can essentially be divided into a tooth root, a dentin nucleus, and an incisal section, the natural appearance of a replacement tooth also depends on the interplay of various sections or layers that have different optical properties, in particular different translucency. The totality of these various sections or layers forms the inner structure of the replacement tooth. Such a replacement tooth is thus characterized by an extremely natural appearance.

[0042] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a data processing device is provided. The data processing device comprises means for implementing the inventive method for determining the internal structure of a replacement tooth. As already mentioned, the inventive method for determining the internal structure of a replacement tooth can be used to determine an internal structure for a replacement tooth that gives the replacement tooth an extremely lifelike appearance. By using a data processing device according to the invention, such an internal structure for a replacement tooth can be determined easily and reliably.

[0043] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, a computer program is provided. The computer program comprises instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the inventive method for determining the internal structure of a replacement tooth. As already mentioned, the inventive method for determining the internal structure of a replacement tooth can be used to determine an internal structure for a replacement tooth that gives the replacement tooth an extremely lifelike appearance. By using a computer program according to the invention, such an internal structure for a replacement tooth can be determined easily and reliably.

[0044] According to a sixth aspect of the invention, a computer-readable medium is provided. The computer-readable medium comprises instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the inventive method for determining an internal structure of a replacement tooth. As already mentioned, the inventive method for determining an internal structure of a replacement tooth can be used to determine an internal structure for a replacement tooth that gives the replacement tooth an extremely lifelike appearance. By using a computer-readable medium according to the invention, such an internal structure for a replacement tooth can be determined easily and reliably.

[0045] It is understood that the above examples and embodiments can be combined independently of the aspect of the present invention in the context of which they were explained.

[0046] Please note that both the terms opacity and translucency have been used here. The term opacity is the reciprocal of the term translucency, and vice versa. High opacity is thus synonymous with low translucency, and low opacity with high translucency. Opacity and translucency can be converted into one another.

[0047] The invention is explained below using various embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. They show:

[0048] Figure 1 shows a data processing device according to the invention with a computer-readable medium according to the invention and a computer program according to the invention, wherein the data processing device is designed to carry out a method according to the invention for determining an internal structure of a replacement tooth and wherein the data processing device is coupled to a manufacturing device so that a replacement tooth according to the invention can be manufactured using a method according to the invention for manufacturing a replacement tooth,

[0049] Figure 2 shows a replacement tooth according to the invention according to a first

[0050] Embodiment and steps of a first embodiment of the method for determining an internal structure of a replacement tooth,

[0051] Figure 3 shows a replacement tooth according to the invention according to a second

[0052] Embodiment and steps of a second embodiment of the method for determining an internal structure of a replacement tooth,

[0053] Figures 4 to 8 show an internal structure of a replacement tooth according to the invention according to a third embodiment and steps of a third embodiment of the method for determining an internal structure of a replacement tooth,

[0054] Figures 9 and 10 show an internal structure of a replacement tooth according to the invention according to a fourth embodiment and steps of a fourth embodiment of the method for determining an internal structure of a replacement tooth,

[0055] Figure 1 shows a device 10 for data processing.

[0056] This comprises a storage unit 12 and a computing unit 14.

[0057] The storage unit 12 has a computer-readable medium 16.

[0058] A computer program 18 is stored on the computer-readable medium 16, ie also on the storage unit 12.

[0059] The computer program 18 and thus also the computer-readable medium 16 comprise instructions which, when the computer program 18 is executed by the computing unit 14 or, more generally, by a computer, cause the computing unit 14 or the computer to carry out a method for determining an internal structure of a replacement tooth.

[0060] Consequently, the storage unit 12 and the computing unit 14 represent means 20 for carrying out the method for determining an internal structure of a replacement tooth.

[0061] In the example of Figure 1, the data processing device 10 is further coupled for communication purposes to a manufacturing device 22. The manufacturing device 22 is configured to produce a replacement tooth 24 having an internal structure determined by the method for determining the internal structure of the replacement tooth 24.

[0062] For this reason, in the illustrated embodiment, the memory unit 12 additionally comprises a computer program 26 for controlling the manufacturing device 22. In other words, the computer program 26 comprises instructions which, when the computer program 26 is executed by the computing unit 14 or, more generally, by a computer, cause the computing unit 14 or the computer to control the manufacturing device 22.

[0063] In the example of Figure 1, the manufacturing device 22 is designed to produce the replacement tooth 24 additively or generatively. Simply put, the manufacturing device 22 can therefore be referred to as a 3D printer.

[0064] Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of the replacement tooth 24. In this example, the replacement tooth 24 is designed to replace a molar.

[0065] The replacement tooth 24 has an outer shell 28 and an inner structure 30.

[0066] The internal structure 30 was determined by means of the method for determining the internal structure 30 of the replacement tooth 24, as will be explained in detail below.

[0067] In order to be able to carry out the method by means of the data processing device 10 and also to simplify the explanation of the method, a tooth-specific coordinate system is first defined.

[0068] The origin of this coordinate system lies in the volume center of the outer shell 28 of the replacement tooth 24.

[0069] To determine the direction of the x-axis, the orientation and position of the replacement tooth 24 in the human jaw are considered. If multiple teeth are present in the jaw, the corresponding volume center of the outer shell can be determined for each tooth. If all volume centers of all teeth in the jaw are connected, a so-called dental arch is created. In this context, the x-axis runs tangentially to the dental arch.

[0070] It is understood that, strictly speaking, the dental arch is only defined if the position and orientation of the teeth adjacent to the tooth in question are also known. However, the person skilled in the art can also determine the relevant section of the dental arch based on the outer shell 28 of the replacement tooth 24 alone. This is because the person skilled in the art can infer the orientation and arrangement of the tooth in the jaw based on the geometric features of the outer shell 28.

[0071] The Z-axis is perpendicular to the X-axis and oriented toward the occlusion. This means that the Z-axis points toward the apex of the tooth or away from the root.

[0072] The Y-axis is perpendicular to both the X-axis and the Z-axis and is positive towards the tongue or palate.

[0073] Even if the origin of this coordinate system lies in the volume center of the outer shell 28, the coordinate systems are always shown outside the corresponding replacement tooth 24 in the figures for the sake of better clarity.

[0074] In a first step S1 of the method for determining the internal structure 30 of the replacement tooth 24, outer shell data are obtained which describe the outer shell 28 of the replacement tooth 24.

[0075] In the illustrated embodiment, the outer shell data is obtained from a so-called tooth library, in which a plurality of outer shell data for different replacement teeth 24 is stored. The outer shell data for each replacement tooth 24 is stored in a separate file, which can also be referred to as a volume file.

[0076] The tooth library is stored on the storage unit 12.

[0077] In other words, the outer shell data is obtained from the tooth library on the storage unit 12. The outer shell data also contains so-called metadata, which in the illustrated example includes tooth type information describing a tooth type of the replacement tooth 24.

[0078] In this case, the tooth type is a molar or premolar. It should be emphasized that the outer shell data does not contain any information about the internal structure 30 of the replacement tooth 24.

[0079] In a second step S2, a first reference geometry information item is defined that describes a first reference geometry B1. The first reference geometry B1 virtually divides the outer shell 28 into a first shell section 28a and a second shell section 28b.

[0080] In the example from Figure 2, the first reference geometry Bl is a so-called equator line. The use of the equator line as the first reference geometry Bl is linked to the tooth type, which in this case is a molar. In other words, the reference geometry Bl is selected depending on the tooth type.

[0081] Subsequently, in a third step S3, a first compression envelope 32 is defined.

[0082] This is achieved by compressing the first shell section 28a by a first compression amount Ml in the direction of the first reference geometry B1, opposite to the direction defined by the positive Z axis, i.e., in the negative Z direction. The first reference geometry B1 represents a compression base that is immovable. The second shell section 28b also remains unchanged.

[0083] The first compression dimension Ml is also determined depending on the tooth type, i.e., for molars. In this context, a compression dimension indicates the degree of virtual compression. The compression dimension can be specified absolutely or relatively, e.g., as a percentage, i.e., in relation to the height or width of the tooth.

[0084] Consequently, on the basis of the first shell section 28a, the second shell section 28b and the first compression shell 32, a first sub-volume 34 and a second sub-volume 36 can be derived in a fourth step S4.

[0085] The first subvolume 34 is bounded by the first compression shell 32 and the first shell section 28a of the outer shell 28. The second subvolume 36 is bounded by the compression shell and the second shell section 28b of the outer shell 28.

[0086] Furthermore, in a fifth step S5, a second compression envelope 38 is generated.

[0087] For this purpose, the first reference geometry B1 is used again and the first shell section 28a is virtually compressed along the negative Z direction towards the first reference geometry B1.

[0088] Now a second compression dimension M2 is used, which in the example shown is smaller than the first compression dimension Ml.

[0089] The second compression dimension M2 is also determined depending on the tooth type, ie for molars.

[0090] Subvolumes can therefore be derived again in a sixth step S6.

[0091] A third subvolume 40 is delimited by the second compression shell 38 and the first shell section 28a.

[0092] A fourth subvolume 42 is bounded by the second compression shell 38 and the second shell section 28b.

[0093] A fifth subvolume 44 is bounded by the second compression envelope 38 and the first compression envelope 32.

[0094] Subsequently, in a seventh step S7, each of the subvolumes is assigned an item of anatomy information, a piece of material information, a piece of color information, and a piece of translucency information. This means that each of the first subvolume 34, the second subvolume 36, the third subvolume 40, the fourth subvolume 42, and the fifth subvolume 44 is assigned an item of anatomy information, a piece of material information, a piece of color information, and a piece of translucency information. It is understood that the defined subvolumes are not non-overlapping, and each volume element of the replacement tooth 24 can only be assigned a single item of anatomy information, a single item of material information, a single item of color information, and a single item of translucency information.

[0095] In the example shown, the anatomical information "tooth incisor" is assigned to the third subvolume 40. This means that the third subvolume 40 is intended to replicate a tooth incisor. Accordingly, the third subvolume 40 is assigned a tooth incisor material, a tooth incisor color, and a tooth incisor translucency.

[0096] In the example shown, the third subvolume 40 has a thickness of approximately 0.5 mm to approximately 2.5 mm, with the thickness being measured along the z-axis.

[0097] In this context, the tooth cutting material can be a zirconium oxide ceramic, which has a comparatively high yttrium content.

[0098] The tooth edge color is, for example, white or yellow-brown or a mixture of white and yellow-brown.

[0099] The incisal translucency is preferably high.

[0100] Alternatively, a filled photopolymer based on methacrylates and / or acrylates can be used as the tooth cutting material.

[0101] In this context, a mixture of a polymer with a light tooth color and low opacity, e.g., 55%, and a polymer with a dark tooth color and high opacity, e.g., 85%, can be used for the tooth incisal surface. The proportion of the polymer with a light tooth color is much larger than the proportion of the polymer with a dark tooth color. The fifth subvolume 44 is assigned the anatomical information dentin nucleus. This means that the fifth subvolume 44 is intended to replicate a dentin nucleus. Accordingly, the fifth subvolume 44 is assigned a dentin nucleus material, a dentin nucleus color, and a dentin nucleus translucency.

[0102] In this context, the dentin core material can be a zirconium oxide ceramic with a low or medium yttrium content. The yttrium content of the dentin core material is lower than the yttrium content of the incisal material.

[0103] The dentin nucleus color, for example, is a mixture of white, pink, gray, yellow, and yellow-brown.

[0104] Dentin core translucency is preferably low, especially lower than incisal translucency.

[0105] Alternatively, a filled photopolymer based on methacrylates and / or acrylates can be used as the dentin core material.

[0106] In this context, a mixture of a polymer with a light tooth color and high opacity, e.g., 85%, and a polymer with a dark tooth color and high opacity, e.g., 85%, can be used for the dentin core.

[0107] Furthermore, the anatomical information of the tooth neck is assigned to the second subvolume 36. Accordingly, the second subvolume 36 is intended to simulate a tooth neck.

[0108] Therefore, the second subvolume 36 is assigned a cervical material, a cervical color, and a cervical translucency.

[0109] In this context, the cervical material can be a zirconium oxide ceramic with a low or medium yttrium content. The yttrium content of the cervical material is lower than the yttrium content of the dentin nucleus material and consequently also lower than the yttrium content of the incisal material. The cervical color, for example, is a mixture of white, pink, gray, yellow, and yellow-brown. However, the cervical color is darker than the dentin nucleus color.

[0110] The cervical translucency is preferably low, especially lower than the dentin core translucency.

[0111] Alternatively, a filled photopolymer based on methacrylates and / or acrylates can be used as the tooth neck material.

[0112] In this context, a mixture of a light-tooth-colored polymer with high opacity (e.g., 85%) and a dark-tooth-colored polymer with high opacity (e.g., 85%) can be used for the tooth neck. The proportion of the light-tooth-colored polymer is lower than for the dentin core, and the proportion of the dark-tooth-colored polymer is higher than for the dentin core.

[0113] In simple terms, the method for determining the internal structure 30 of the replacement tooth 24 allows subvolumes to be defined within an outer shell 28 of the replacement tooth, each of which is intended to replicate an anatomical section of a tooth.

[0114] In principle, it is conceivable that the second subvolume 36, the third subvolume 40 and the fifth subvolume 44 differ in terms of their material, their color and their translucency.

[0115] The material, color, and translucency can thus be selected for each of the second subvolume 36, third subvolume 40, and fifth subvolume 44, resulting in a natural appearance for the replacement tooth 24.

[0116] In an eighth step S8, internal structure information is provided that describes a geometry and position for each of the subvolumes, at least for the second subvolume 36, the third subvolume 40, and the fifth subvolume 44. In the illustrated embodiment, the internal structure information is provided for the computer program 36, which serves to control the manufacturing device 22. Consequently, the replacement tooth 24 with the internal structure 30 defined by the method can be manufactured by means of the manufacturing device 22.

[0117] In summary, this can also be referred to as a method for producing the replacement tooth 24 with the predetermined outer shell 28. The method for producing the replacement tooth 24 comprises, on the one hand, determining the internal structure 30 of the replacement tooth 24 with at least one subvolume using the method explained. On the other hand, the method for producing the replacement tooth 24 with the determined internal structure 30 using materials that differ in at least one of material, color, and translucency. In the present case, the incisal material, the dentin core material, and the cervical material are used.

[0118] In detail, layer data describing the replacement tooth 24 are generated using the computer program 36. The replacement tooth 24 is thus virtually cut into layers that are oriented, for example, perpendicular to the Z-direction.

[0119] Each layer may comprise one or more sections from one or more of the second subvolume 36, the third subvolume 40 and the fifth subvolume 44.

[0120] In each layer, material information, color information and translucency information must be assigned to each of these sections.

[0121] This data is provided to the manufacturing device 22.

[0122] Two example data formats for providing this information are the 3MF format and the OBJ format.

[0123] Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of the replacement tooth 24. As usual, the

[0124] Replacement tooth 24 has an outer shell 28 and an inner structure 30. In this example, too, replacement tooth 24 is designed to replace a molar.

[0125] The internal structure 30 was determined using a second exemplary embodiment of the method for determining the internal structure 30 of the replacement tooth 24. In the following, only the differences compared to the first exemplary embodiment of the method for determining the internal structure 30 of the replacement tooth 24 will be discussed.

[0126] The difference lies in the first reference geometry Bl, which is used as the compression basis.

[0127] While in the first embodiment, the first reference geometry B1 is defined by the equator line, in the second embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the first reference geometry B1 is formed by a plane that runs parallel to the XY plane and includes the point on the equator line that has the highest horizontal tangent. A horizontal line means a line parallel to the XY plane. The height is measured along the Z axis.

[0128] For further information, please refer to the explanations for the first embodiment.

[0129] Figures 4 to 8 show a third embodiment of the replacement tooth 24. In this example, the replacement tooth 24 is designed to replace a front tooth, i.e. an incisor or a canine tooth.

[0130] As usual, the replacement tooth 24 has an outer shell 28 and an inner structure 30.

[0131] In addition, the tooth-specific coordinate system defined above is used.

[0132] Even though the origin of this coordinate system lies at the volume center of the outer shell 28, the coordinate systems in the figures are always shown outside the corresponding replacement tooth 24 for the sake of clarity. As in the examples already explained, in a first step S1, outer shell data are obtained that describe the outer shell 28 of the replacement tooth 24.

[0133] In the third exemplary embodiment, the outer shell data is also obtained from the tooth library stored on the storage unit 12. The outer shell data again includes so-called metadata, which includes tooth type information describing a tooth type of the replacement tooth 24.

[0134] In this case, the tooth type is an anterior tooth, meaning it could be an incisor or a canine.

[0135] In the second step S2, a first reference geometry information item is again defined, which describes a first reference geometry B1. The reference geometry virtually divides the outer shell 28 into a first shell section 28a and a second shell section 28b.

[0136] In the third embodiment, the first reference geometry Bl is defined by a plane formed by the YZ plane.

[0137] This plane also includes the volume center of gravity of the replacement tooth, ie the volume center of gravity of the outer shell 28. The volume center of gravity corresponds to the center of gravity if a uniform mass distribution is assumed.

[0138] In the third step S3, the first compression envelope 32 is defined by compressing both sides. The compressing both sides will be explained below as a single step. Strictly speaking, however, it consists of two sub-steps.

[0139] This means that the first shell section 28a shown on the right in Figure 4 and Figure 5 is compressed against the positive direction of the X-axis in the direction of the first reference geometry Bl.

[0140] In addition, the second shell section 28b shown on the left in Figures 4 and 5 is compressed along the positive X-axis relative to the first reference geometry Bl. Both compressions use the first compression dimension Ml, which is again determined depending on the tooth type, ie, in this case, for anterior teeth.

[0141] Consequently, on the basis of the first shell section 28a, the second shell section 28b and the first compression shell 32, a sixth subvolume 46, a seventh subvolume 48 and an eighth subvolume 50 can be derived in the fourth step S4.

[0142] It is understood that the designations of the subvolumes as sixth subvolume 46, seventh subvolume 48, and eighth subvolume 50 are for convenience only. A number of subvolumes is not implied by these designations.

[0143] The sixth subvolume 46 is bounded on all sides by the first compression shell 32.

[0144] The seventh subvolume 48 is bounded by the first compression shell 32 and by the first shell section 28a of the outer shell 28.

[0145] The eighth subvolume 50 is bounded by the first compression shell 32 and the second shell section 28b of the outer shell 28.

[0146] In a subsequent fifth step S5, a second reference geometry information is now defined, which describes a second reference geometry B2, which is different from the first reference geometry Bl.

[0147] The second reference geometry B2 virtually divides the outer shell 28 of the replacement tooth 24 into a third shell section 28c and a fourth shell section 28d.

[0148] In addition, the second reference geometry B2 divides the first compression shell 32 into a first compression shell section 32a and a second compression shell section 32b (see in particular Figure 5).

[0149] The second reference geometry B2 relates to a plane which runs plane-parallel to the X-axis and comprises a topmost point 52 of the outer shell 28 of the replacement tooth 24 and a bottommost point 54 of the outer shell 28 of the replacement tooth 24 (see in particular Figure 6).

[0150] Based on this, in a sixth step S6, a third compression envelope 56 is defined by virtually compressing the first compression envelope section 32a of the first compression envelope 32 in the direction of the second reference geometry B2. A third compression dimension M3 is used (see Figure 6).

[0151] The second compression shell section 32b and the second reference geometry B2 are fixed.

[0152] The compression therefore occurs along a positive direction of the Y-axis.

[0153] Optionally, it would also be possible, within the scope of the sixth step S6, to virtually compress the second compression shell section 32b toward the second reference geometry B2. However, this is not shown in the figures.

[0154] Consequently, in a seventh step, a ninth subvolume 58 and a tenth subvolume 60 can be derived on the basis of the first compression envelope section 32a, the second compression envelope section 32b and the third compression envelope 56.

[0155] The ninth subvolume 58 is bounded by the first compression shell section 32a and the third compression shell 56.

[0156] The tenth subvolume 60 is bounded by the second compression shell section 32b and the third compression shell 56.

[0157] For better illustration, the third compression envelope 56 is shown in Figure 5 with a dashed line, although in the illustration according to Figure 5, no compression of the first compression envelope 32 has actually yet taken place. In a subsequent eighth step S8, a third reference geometry information item is defined, which describes a third reference geometry B3, which is different from the first reference geometry B1 and the second reference geometry B2.

[0158] The third reference geometry B3 virtually divides the outer shell 28 of the replacement tooth 24 into a fifth shell section 28e and a sixth shell section 28f.

[0159] Furthermore, the third reference geometry B3 divides the third compression envelope 56 into a first compression envelope section 56a and a second compression envelope section 56b. Likewise, the second compression envelope section 32b is divided into two parts.

[0160] In other words, the third reference geometry B3 divides the tenth subvolume 60 into two parts.

[0161] The third reference geometry B3 relates to a plane that runs parallel to the XY plane and encompasses a largest circumference of the outer shell 28 around the Z axis.

[0162] In an alternative not shown in detail, an equator line can be used as the third reference geometry B3.

[0163] Based on this, in a ninth step S9, a fourth compression shell 62 is defined by virtually compressing the first compression shell section 56a of the third compression shell and the section of the first compression shell 32 located above the third reference geometry in Figure 6.

[0164] The compression therefore occurs along a negative direction of the Z-axis.

[0165] A fourth compression dimension M4 is used (see especially Figures 7 and 8).

[0166] Thereafter, in a tenth step S9, a fifth compression envelope 64 is defined by virtually compressing the first compression envelope section 56a of the third compression envelope and the section of the first compression envelope 32 located above the third reference geometry in Figure 6. In contrast to the previous step, however, a fifth

[0167] Compression dimension M5 is used, which is larger than the fourth compression dimension M4.

[0168] This compression also occurs along a negative direction of the Z-axis.

[0169] Thus, an eleventh subvolume 66 can be derived, which is limited by the fifth compression envelope 64 and by the sections of the first compression envelope 32 lying below the third reference geometry.

[0170] Furthermore, a twelfth subvolume 68 can be derived, which is bounded by the fifth compression envelope 64 and the fourth compression envelope 62.

[0171] In addition, a thirteenth subvolume 70 can be derived, which is defined as the difference between a volume enclosed by the outer shell 28 and the eleventh subvolume 66 and the twelfth subvolume 68. In other words, those portions of the volume enclosed by the outer shell 28 that belong neither to the eleventh subvolume 66 nor to the twelfth subvolume 68 form the thirteenth subvolume 70.

[0172] Subsequently, in an eleventh step SI 1, as already explained, each of the subvolumes is assigned anatomy information, material information, color information, and translucency information.

[0173] In the example shown, the anatomical information "tooth incisor" is assigned to the thirteenth subvolume 70. This means that the thirteenth subvolume 70 is intended to replicate a tooth incisor. Accordingly, the thirteenth subvolume 70 is assigned a tooth incisor material, a tooth incisor color, and a tooth incisor translucency.

[0174] The anatomical information dentin nucleus is assigned to the twelfth subvolume 68. This means that the twelfth subvolume 68 is intended to replicate a dentin nucleus. Accordingly, a dentin nucleus material, a dentin nucleus color, and a dentin nucleus translucency are assigned to the twelfth subvolume 68.

[0175] Furthermore, the anatomical information "neck of a tooth" is assigned to the eleventh subvolume 66. Accordingly, the eleventh subvolume is intended to replicate a neck of a tooth. Therefore, the eleventh subvolume 66 is assigned a neck material, a neck color, and a neck translucency.

[0176] In simple terms, the method for determining the internal structure 30 of the replacement tooth 24 allows subvolumes to be defined within an outer shell 28 of the replacement tooth, each of which is intended to replicate an anatomical section of a tooth.

[0177] In principle, it is conceivable that the eleventh subvolume 66, the twelfth subvolume 68 and the thirteenth subvolume 70 differ in terms of their material, their color and their translucency.

[0178] The material, color, and translucency can thus be selected for each of the eleventh subvolume 66, the twelfth subvolume 68, and the thirteenth subvolume 70, resulting in a natural appearance for the replacement tooth 24.

[0179] With regard to the provision of the internal structure information and the method for producing the replacement tooth, reference can be made to the explanations of the previous examples.

[0180] Figures 9 and 10 show a fourth embodiment of the replacement tooth 24.

[0181] Again, replacement tooth 24 is designed to replace a front tooth, i.e. an incisor or a canine.

[0182] As usual, the replacement tooth 24 has an outer shell 28 and an inner structure 30. Furthermore, the tooth-specific coordinate system defined above is used.

[0183] Even if the origin of this coordinate system lies in the volume center of the outer shell 28, the coordinate systems are again shown in the figures outside the corresponding replacement tooth 24 for the sake of better clarity.

[0184] As in the examples already explained, in a first step S1 outer shell data are obtained which describe the outer shell 28 of the replacement tooth 24.

[0185] In the fourth exemplary embodiment, the outer shell data is also obtained from the tooth library stored on the storage unit 12. The outer shell data again includes so-called metadata, which includes tooth type information describing a tooth type of the replacement tooth 24.

[0186] In this case, the tooth type is again an anterior tooth. The tooth type therefore refers to an incisor or a canine. In the illustrated embodiment, the replacement tooth according to the fourth embodiment is similar to the replacement tooth according to the third embodiment with regard to its outer shell 28.

[0187] In the second step S2, a first reference geometry B1 is again defined, and in the third step S3, a virtual compression is performed. These steps correspond to the second step S2 and the third step S3 according to the third exemplary embodiment, which was already explained with reference to Figures 4 to 8. In particular, reference can be made in this context to Figures 4 and 5.

[0188] Compared to the third embodiment, however, no compression takes place using the second reference geometry B2. In the fourth embodiment, these steps are omitted.

[0189] The subsequent steps of the fourth embodiment then correspond again to the third embodiment. In a fifth, simplified embodiment, outer shell data are obtained as before in a first step S1.

[0190] In the second step S2, a bounding box is placed around the outer shell 28 to define at least one first reference geometry B1. The bounding box can have two parallel boundary surfaces that run parallel to the XY plane, two parallel boundary surfaces that run parallel to the XZ plane, and two parallel boundary surfaces that run parallel to the Y-Z plane.

[0191] For subsequent virtual compressions, one or more of the interfaces can be used as reference geometry. As already explained, multiple virtual compressions can also be performed using the same reference geometry, i.e., the same interface, but with different compression dimensions.

[0192] In this context, it may happen that part of the compressed section of the outer shell penetrates the original outer shell to the outside.

[0193] This is not desired, so such sections of compression envelopes, also called extruding sections, are ignored.

[0194] In the present exemplary embodiments, fixed compression dimensions M1, M2, M3, M4, M5 were always used. This is advantageous because the virtual compressions can be performed completely automatically. In this context, the compression dimensions M1, M2, M3, M4, M5 can be fixed, for example, for specific tooth types or tooth groups. The compression dimensions M1, M2, M3, M4, M5 can also be determined depending on the external dimensions of the outer shell 28.

[0195] The outer dimensions can be described, for example, by a so-called bounding box. This means that a virtual cuboid is placed around the outer shell 28, which is just large enough to accommodate the outer shell 28. The edges of the bounding box are oriented parallel to the axes of the tooth-specific coordinate system.

[0196] Optionally, however, an additional option can be provided for a user of the data processing device 10 to manually enter and / or change one or more of the compression dimensions M1, M2, M3, M4, M5. In this way, the user can specifically influence the derived subvolumes.

[0197] List of reference symbols

[0198] 10 Data processing device

[0199] 12 storage units

[0200] 14 Computing unit

[0201] 16 computer-readable medium

[0202] 18 computer program

[0203] 20 Means for carrying out a method for determining an internal structure of a

[0204] replacement tooth

[0205] 22 Manufacturing device

[0206] 24 replacement teeth

[0207] 26 computer program

[0208] 28 outer shell

[0209] 28a first hull section

[0210] 28b second shell section

[0211] 28c third hull section

[0212] 28d fourth hull section

[0213] 28e fifth hull section

[0214] 28f sixth hull section

[0215] 30 Interior structure

[0216] 32 first compression shell

[0217] 32a first compression shell section

[0218] 32b second compression shell section

[0219] 34 first subvolume

[0220] 36 second subvolume

[0221] 38 second compression shell

[0222] 40 third subvolume

[0223] 42 fourth subvolume

[0224] 44 fifth subvolume

[0225] 46 sixth subvolume

[0226] 48 sieved subvolumes

[0227] 50 eighth subvolume

[0228] 52 top point

[0229] 54 lowest point

[0230] 56 third compression envelope

[0231] 58 ninth subvolume

[0232] 60 tenth subvolume

[0233] 62 fourth compression envelope

[0234] 64 fifth compression envelope

[0235] 66 eleventh subvolume

[0236] 68 twelfth subvolume

[0237] 70 thirteenth sub-volume Bl first reference geometry

[0238] B2 second reference geometry

[0239] B3 third reference geometry

[0240] Ml first compression dimension

[0241] M2 second compression dimension

[0242] M3 third compression dimension

[0243] M4 fourth compression dimension

[0244] M5 fifth compression dimension

[0245] 51 first step

[0246] 52 second step

[0247] 53 third step

[0248] 54 fourth step

[0249] 55 fifth step

[0250] 56 sixth step

[0251] 57 seventh step

[0252] 58 eighth step

[0253] 59 ninth step

[0254] 510 tenth step

[0255] 511 eleventh step

Claims

Patent claims 1. A method for determining an internal structure (30) of a replacement tooth (24), comprising: - obtaining outer shell data describing an outer shell (28) of the replacement tooth (24), - defining or obtaining a first reference geometry information describing a first reference geometry (B1) which virtually divides the outer shell (28) of the replacement tooth (24) into a first shell section (28a) and a second shell section (28b), - creating a first compression shell (32) by virtually compressing the first shell section (28a) in a direction towards the first reference geometry (Bl) by a first compression dimension (Ml), wherein the first reference geometry (Bl) represents a compression base, and - deriving at least one sub-volume (34, 36) of the replacement tooth (24) as a volume delimited by the first compression envelope (32).

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: - creating a second compression envelope (38) by virtually compressing the first envelope section (28a) or the first compression envelope (32) in a direction towards the first reference geometry (Bl) by a second compression dimension (M2), wherein the first reference geometry (Bl) represents a compression base, and - deriving at least one sub-volume (40, 42, 44) of the replacement tooth as a volume delimited by the second compression envelope (38).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: - defining or obtaining a second reference geometry information describing a second reference geometry (B2) which is different from the first reference geometry (B1) and which virtually divides the outer shell (28) of the replacement tooth (24) into a third shell section (28c) and a fourth shell section (28d), - creating a third compression envelope (56) by virtually compressing the third envelope section (28c) or the first compression envelope (32) or the second compression envelope (38) in a direction towards the second reference geometry (B2) by a third compression dimension (M3), wherein the second reference geometry (B2) represents a compression base, and - deriving at least one sub-volume (58, 60) of the replacement tooth (24) as a volume delimited by the third compression envelope (56).

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: assigning material information, color information, translucency information and / or anatomy information to one or more of the subvolumes (34, 36, 40, 42, 44, 58, 60).

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one reference geometry (Bl, B2, B3) is defined by an equator line of the outer shell (28) of the replacement tooth (24) or wherein at least one reference geometry (Bl, B2, B3) is defined by a plane which contains a center of mass and / or center of volume of the outer shell (28) of the replacement tooth (24) or wherein at least one reference geometry (Bl, B2, B3) is defined by a plane which contains an extreme point (52, 54) of the outer shell (28) of the replacement tooth (24).

6. The method of any preceding claim, further comprising: ignoring portions of at least one compression sleeve (32, 38, 56) that lie outside the outer sleeve (28) of the replacement tooth (24).

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a compression direction runs along a tooth height direction of the replacement tooth (24), a tooth width direction of the replacement tooth (24) or a tooth depth direction of the replacement tooth (24).

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: determining a tooth type of the replacement tooth (24) based on the outer shell data or obtaining tooth type information describing a tooth type of the replacement tooth (24), and Select the compression dimension (Ml, M2, M3) and / or the reference geometry (Bl, B2, B3) depending on the tooth type.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: determining a tooth property of the replacement tooth (24) based on the outer shell data or obtaining tooth property information describing a tooth property of the replacement tooth (24), and selecting the compression dimension (Ml, M2, M3) and / or the reference geometry (Bl, B2, B3) depending on the tooth property.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: providing internal structure information describing at least one geometry and / or position of a subvolume (34, 36, 40, 42, 44, 58, 60).

11. A method for producing a replacement tooth (24) with a predetermined outer shell (28), comprising: - determining an internal structure (30) of the replacement tooth (24) with at least one subvolume by means of the method according to one of the preceding claims, and - manufacturing the replacement tooth (24) with the specific internal structure (30) using materials which differ in at least one selected from material, colour and translucency.

12. Replacement tooth (24) with an outer shell (28) and an inner structure (30), wherein the inner structure (30) is determined by means of the method according to one of claims 1 to 10.

13. Device (10) for data processing, comprising means (20) for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 10.

14. A computer program (18) comprising instructions which, when the computer program (18) is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to one of claims 1 to 10.

15. A computer-readable medium (16) comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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