Prosthesis design method and apparatus therefor

Abstract

A prosthesis design method and an apparatus therefor are disclosed. In the present invention, an occlusal surface shape of a prosthesis is provided after being generated on the basis of the occlusion relationship with the antagonist tooth during prosthesis design using dental software. Therefore, user intervention is minimized such that even if technical skill or clinical experience is insufficient, the prosthesis can be easily designed and working time can be shortened.

Description

Method for designing a prosthesis and its device

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

[0002] When designing prosthetics such as implants, crowns, inlays, onlays, and bridges, occlusion is a crucial task. The appearance and shape of the occlusal surface of the teeth are essential for maintaining oral function and health. Furthermore, proper occlusion ensures effective and harmonious masticatory function. Improper occlusion can lead to abnormal friction or pressure between teeth, resulting in tooth wear, muscle pain, jaw joint problems, and speech problems. A proper occlusal relationship between teeth is essential for healthy teeth and functional convenience in daily life.

[0003] When designing prosthetics, users manually design the prosthesis. They use sculpting tools to rotate, scale, and delete surfaces on the prosthesis object displayed on a 3D screen. This process requires considerable time and skill to achieve the desired shape.

[0004] In particular, designing a functionally and aesthetically satisfactory prosthesis requires a high level of clinical knowledge and software proficiency on the part of the user, and a considerable amount of work time is required.

[0005] According to one embodiment, the present invention proposes a method and device for designing a prosthesis using dental software, which can easily design a prosthesis even if a user lacks technical skills or clinical experience by minimizing user intervention and shortening the working time.

[0006] A method for designing a prosthesis according to one embodiment includes a step of dividing an occlusal surface of a prosthesis into a plurality of occlusal surfaces regions for a plurality of prosthesis stored in a prosthesis library, a step of loading 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 antagonist tooth for at least one occlusal surface region among the plurality of occlusal surfaces regions of the placed prosthesis, and a step of displaying the prosthesis for which the occlusal surface shape has been generated.

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

[0008] The plurality of major classification areas may include each cusp of the tooth, and the cusp tip of each cusp may be a central adjustment point when creating and modifying a shape, and the plurality of minor classification areas may include each ridge, which is a protruding portion observed on the inner surface of the cusp within the major classification area, and the central portion of each ridge may be a central adjustment point when creating and modifying a shape.

[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 setting a contact area between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth and a non-contact area between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth. At this time, in the step of generating the occlusal shape, the shape of the occlusal area or the contact strength 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 creating the occlusal surface shape, the height of the large classification area within the occlusal surface of the prosthesis can be adjusted so that the prosthesis comes into contact with the opposing teeth.

[0012] The step of generating the 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 teeth within the deformation limit range when deforming the occlusal surface shape of the prosthesis.

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

[0014] In the step of creating a shape including the height of the occlusal surface area, if the prosthesis comes into contact with the contact area between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth, the contact strength of the sub-area where contact with the opposing tooth occurs can be adjusted, and if the prosthesis comes into contact with the non-contact area between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth, the height of the sub-area where contact with the opposing tooth occurs can be adjusted so as not to come into contact with the opposing tooth.

[0015] The step of generating the occlusal surface shape may include 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 prosthesis contact strength, and limiting 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 displayed overlappingly to provide the contact state between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth, and the contact strength 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 a step of receiving a user manipulation signal for selecting an adjustment point for each occlusal area of ​​the prosthesis, activating an occlusal area including the selected adjustment point, and a step of modifying the occlusal area through a user interface capable of modifying a shape size, height, or contact strength of the activated occlusal area.

[0018] The user interface includes a numeric window that changes according to the height of the occlusal area, and an increase / decrease button. When a user operation signal for selecting the increase / decrease button is received at the step of modifying the occlusal area, the shape of the activated occlusal area can be modified by increasing or decreasing the numeric value in the numeric window.

[0019] According to another embodiment, a prosthesis design device includes a data acquisition unit that acquires dental image data, a display unit that displays a screen, and a control unit that divides an occlusal surface of a prosthesis stored in a prosthesis library into a plurality of occlusal surface areas, calls up a predetermined prosthesis from the prosthesis library, places it on a patient's dental image data through the display unit, generates an occlusal surface shape based on an occlusal relationship with an antagonist tooth for at least one occlusal surface area among the plurality of occlusal surface areas of the placed prosthesis, and displays the prosthesis for which the occlusal surface shape has been generated through the display unit.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the present invention minimizes the user's intervention when designing a prosthesis using dental software, thereby enabling the design of a prosthesis easily and reducing the work time even if the user lacks technical skills or clinical experience.

[0021] For example, the present invention can minimize user intervention by suggesting the occlusal surface shape of a prosthesis to the user so that an ideal occlusal relationship can be formed between the prosthesis and the opposing teeth. Accordingly, even users lacking technical proficiency or clinical experience can easily design prostheses and shorten the work time.

[0022] Modifications to the proposed prosthesis shape can also be easily made to the required area as desired, even if the user is not proficient in operating dental software.

[0023] Figure 1 is a drawing showing the configuration of a prosthesis design device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 is a drawing showing an example of dividing the occlusal surface area of ​​a prosthesis according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a screen for setting a contact area and a non-contact area between a prosthesis and a antagonist according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a screen for creating a contact area between a prosthesis and an antagonist tooth by adjusting a major classification area (Lv1) and a minor classification area (Lv2) of an occlusal surface of a prosthesis according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a screen for presenting the contact state between the opposing teeth of a prosthesis according to one embodiment of the present invention to a user and then correcting it if necessary.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a flow of a prosthesis design method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided only 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. Like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the specification.

[0030] In describing embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that a specific description of a known function or configuration may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, such detailed description will be omitted. The terms described below are terms defined to reflect functions in embodiments of the present invention, and these may vary depending on the intention or custom of the user or operator. Therefore, the definitions should be made based on the contents throughout this specification.

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments of the present invention exemplified below may be modified in various other 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 fully explain the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating the configuration of a prosthesis design device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Referring to Figure 1, the prosthesis design device (100) is an electronic device capable of executing a medical image processing program. Electronic devices include personal computers (PCs), laptops, tablets, smartphones, and the like. Medical image processing programs include guide design programs, scanning programs, and CAD programs.

[0034] A prosthesis 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).

[0035] 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. The dental image data may be scan data.

[0036] The scan data may be model scan data obtained by scanning a plaster model created based on the patient's oral cavity using a 3D scanner, or oral scan data obtained by scanning the inside of the patient's oral cavity using a 3D intra-oral scanner.

[0037] 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.

[0038] The display unit (105) displays information on the screen. For example, the display unit (105) can display dental image data on the screen. At this time, 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 a prosthesis and an opposing tooth. At this time, 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).

[0039] The storage unit (102) stores various data, such as information required for the operation of the prosthesis design device (100) and information generated according to the operation. For example, the storage unit (102) stores patient dental image data, and can provide this to the control unit (103) upon user request.

[0040] The control unit (103) divides the shape of a prosthesis stored in a prosthesis library into a plurality of occlusal areas. For example, the control unit (103) can divide the shape of the prosthesis into a plurality of major classification areas (Lv1) and a plurality of minor classification areas (Lv2) within the major classification area (Lv1).

[0041] The plurality of major classification areas (Lv1) may include each cusp of a tooth. The cusp tip of each cusp may be a central adjustment point when creating and modifying a shape. The plurality of minor classification areas (Lv2) may include each ridge, which is a protruding portion observed on the inner surface of the cusp within the major classification area (Lv1). The central portion of each ridge may be a central adjustment point when creating and modifying a shape. An example of dividing the occlusal surface area is described below with reference to Fig. 2.

[0042] The control unit (103) retrieves a specific prosthesis from the prosthesis library and places it on the patient's dental image data through the display unit (105). At this time, the prosthesis can be placed in the molar area.

[0043] Next, the control unit (103) generates an occlusal shape based on the occlusal relationship with the opposing teeth for at least one occlusal surface area among the plurality of occlusal surfaces areas of the placed prosthesis. At this time, the control unit (103) can generate an occlusal shape by adjusting at least one of the height and contact strength of the occlusal surface area. An example of generating an occlusal shape will be described below with reference to FIG. 4.

[0044] The prosthesis having the occlusal surface shape created 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 below with reference to FIG. 5.

[0045] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an example of dividing an occlusal surface area of ​​a prosthesis according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the numerous patients that medical professionals encounter in clinical practice and their oral conditions vary. Although the occlusal relationship varies from patient to patient, the ultimate goal is to achieve a stable mandibular position, appropriate vertical dimension, and occlusal plane, with equally formed functional cusps on both posterior teeth and the opposing marginal ridges in centric occlusion, and to achieve an appropriate degree of diastema to the opposite side without excessive tension during lateral and anterior mandibular movement. Even if the occlusal relationship is not ideal, it does not pose a major problem as long as the contact points between the occlusal surfaces are wide and evenly distributed. If the above contents are considered when designing a prosthesis and an ideal occlusal surface is formed and provided, the user only needs to check the occlusal surface of the prosthesis without any additional manual work during the prosthesis design.

[0047] The prosthesis design device (100) divides the occlusal surface of a prosthesis (300) stored in a prosthesis library into a plurality of occlusal surface areas. At this time, the prosthesis design device (100) can divide the occlusal surface of the prosthesis into a plurality of major classification areas (Lv1) (301) and a plurality of minor classification areas (Lv2) (302) within each major classification area (Lv1) (301). The minor classification area (Lv2) (302) corresponds to a sub-area of ​​the major classification area (Lv1) (301).

[0048] When the prosthesis design device (100) divides the occlusal surface area into a major classification area (Lv1) (301) and a minor classification area (Lv2) (302), the division can be made based on the anatomical structure of the crown, which is the upper part of the tooth's alveolar line. The crown, which is surrounded by enamel, is composed of protruding and depressed areas such as the tooth surface, margin, ridge, and depression, and each part has a name.

[0049] Areas 1 to 4 corresponding to the major classification area (Lv1) (301) of the prosthesis can each include a tooth cusp. For example, in the case of maxillary tooth #16 (Mx #16), the occlusal surface is composed of four cusps: the mesiobuccal cusp, the distal buccal cusp, the mesiolingual cusp, and the distal lingual cusp. In addition, when observing each cusp, the highest part is called the cusp tip, and this cusp tip can be regarded as the central adjustment point when changing the shape.

[0050] Cuspids are classified as functional and non-functional. Functional cusps are those involved in actual masticatory movements. In the case of maxillary tooth #16, the buccal cusp is the "non-functional cusp," and the lingual cusp is the "functional cusp." In the case of mandibular tooth #46, the buccal cusp is the "functional cusp," and the lingual cusp is the "non-functional cusp."

[0051] The cusp can be divided into an outer surface and an inner surface. At this time, areas 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 2-1, 2-2, 2-3, 3-1, 3-2, 3-3, 4-1, 4-2, 4-3 corresponding to the sub-classification area (Lv2) (302) of the prosthesis may be areas including each ridge (marginal ridge, triangular ridge, transverse ridge, etc.) that is a protruding part observed on the inner surface of the cusp. The central part of each ridge can be regarded as an adjustment point that becomes the center when the shape is deformed.

[0052] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a screen for setting a contact area and a non-contact area between a prosthesis and a antagonist according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] More specifically, (a) of FIG. 3 is a drawing that organizes the contact area between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth in a table, and (b) is a drawing that illustrates the shape of the prosthesis including the contact area between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the prosthesis design device (100) can set a contact area and a non-contact area between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth after dividing the prosthesis into a major classification area (Lv1) and a minor classification area (Lv2). At this time, the contact area between the prosthesis 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), area 1, area 2, and area 3 correspond to the contact areas between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth. The contact areas between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth can be changed according to user settings.

[0055] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a screen for creating a contact area between a prosthesis and an antagonist tooth by adjusting a major classification area (Lv1) and a minor classification area (Lv2) of an occlusal surface of a prosthesis according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] The prosthesis design device (100) divides the shape of the prosthesis occlusal surface of the prosthesis stored in the prosthesis library into a plurality of major and minor classification areas, and then sets the contact area and non-contact area between the prosthesis and the opposing teeth.

[0057] Next, the prosthesis design device (100) retrieves a predetermined prosthesis (300) from the prosthesis library and places it on the dental image data. For example, the prosthesis design device (100) retrieves a prosthesis shape similar to the patient's oral environment from the prosthesis library. The prosthesis design device (100) may retrieve a copy of the shape of the cognate tooth, or retrieve a prosthesis shape in the order of a type similar to the shape of the cognate tooth or a type similar to the shapes of the surrounding teeth.

[0058] Next, the prosthesis design device (100) places the imported prosthesis on the dental image data. When placing the prosthesis, the position, direction, size, etc. of the prosthesis may be taken into consideration. For example, the prosthesis design device (100) places the prosthesis so that the size and direction of the prosthesis are aligned with the surrounding teeth, and so that the prosthesis is placed so that it makes one-point contact with the adjacent teeth and the opposing teeth.

[0059] Next, the prosthesis design device (100) creates the occlusal surface shape of the prosthesis (300).

[0060] At this time, the prosthesis design device (100) can change the shape of the occlusal surface of the prosthesis (300) so that it contacts the contact area between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth by adjusting the height of the large classification area (Lv1) of the occlusal surface of the prosthesis. As the large classification area (Lv1) of each prosthesis (300) increases or decreases in height based on the direction of the opposing tooth (310), the shape of the occlusal surface of the prosthesis is changed.

[0061] The prosthesis design device (100) can deform the occlusal surface shape of the prosthesis (300) to contact the opposing teeth (310) within the deformation limit range. To this end, the deformation limit range value is set in advance. As an example of the deformation limit range, it can be ±3 mm for the large classification area (Lv1) and ±1 mm for the small classification area (Lv2). If the deformation limit range is exceeded, the prosthesis design device (100) limits the deformation of the occlusal surface shape.

[0062] For example, the height of the major division area (Lv1) of the occlusal surface of the prosthesis is adjusted so that the mesiolingual cusp of tooth #16 comes into contact with the functional cusp, which is the inner slope of the distal buccal cusp of tooth #46.

[0063] After creating an occlusal surface shape by adjusting the height of a large-scale area within the occlusal surface of the prosthesis, the prosthesis design device (100) can adjust the height of a small-scale area (Lv2) within the large-scale area (Lv1) or adjust the contact strength of the small-scale area (Lv2).

[0064] For example, the prosthesis design device (100) can adjust the contact strength of the sub-region (Lv2) where contact with the antagonist (310) occurs when the prosthesis (300) comes into contact with the contact area between the prosthesis and the antagonist. When the prosthesis (300) comes into contact with the non-contact area between the prosthesis and the antagonist, the height of the sub-region (Lv2) where contact with the antagonist (310) occurs can be adjusted so as not to come into contact with the antagonist (310).

[0065] The contact strength can also be determined by the setting value, and the default is 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' means the degree to which the surfaces of each tooth overlap. If the prosthesis (300) comes into contact with the non-contact area between the prosthesis and the antagonist, the height of the sub-division area (Lv2) is lowered until there is no contact, thereby preventing contact between the prosthesis (300) and the antagonist (310). For example, if the prosthesis (300) comes into contact with the non-contact area between the prosthesis and the antagonist by 10㎛, the prosthesis design device (100) adjusts the contact strength so that the contact strength has a value of 0 to -10㎛, thereby preventing contact with the antagonist (310).

[0066] The prosthesis design device (100) can adjust the contact strength within a contact strength limit range. To this end, the contact strength limit range can be set in advance. As an example, the contact strength limit range can be ±50 μm for the sub-classification area (Lv2). If the contact strength limit range is exceeded, the prosthesis design device (100) can limit the contact strength adjustment.

[0067] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a screen for presenting the contact state between the opposing teeth of a prosthesis according to one embodiment of the present invention to a user and then correcting it if necessary.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, after the prosthesis design device (100) creates an occlusal surface shape, it finally displays the prosthesis (300) and the opposing tooth (310) by overlapping them on the screen, and displays the contact strength of the contact area between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth as a color map. The prosthesis design device (100) displays the prosthesis (300) opaquely so that the user can clearly check its shape, and displays the opposing tooth (310) translucently so that the user can easily check the area in contact with the prosthesis (300).

[0069] The prosthesis (300) has an adjustment point (501) for each area corresponding to the major category area (Lv1) and minor category area (Lv2). When a user operation signal for selection, such as moving the mouse to or clicking on a predetermined adjustment point (501), is received, the prosthesis design device (100) activates (e.g., highlights) the occlusal area (502) including the selected adjustment point (501), so that the user can easily check the occlusal area (502) on which he or she intends to work.

[0070] Next, the prosthesis design device (100) provides a user interface (503) that can modify the shape size, height, or contact strength of the activated occlusal area (502). The user interface (503) has a numerical window (504) in the center, so that the numerical value changes according to the height of the shape, and increase / decrease buttons with plus (+) and minus (-) signs are arranged on both sides of the numerical window (504). Accordingly, the user can adjust the shape of the activated occlusal area through the increase / decrease buttons. Examples of shape adjustment include a method of adjusting the position of the shape or increasing or decreasing the size of the shape.

[0071] For example, when receiving a user manipulation signal from the user to select a plus (+) button (505), the prosthesis design device (100) can adjust the shape of the activated occlusal area (502) in the direction of the opposing teeth while increasing the value in the numerical window (504). When receiving a user manipulation signal from the user to select a minus (-) button (506), the prosthesis design device (100) can adjust the shape of the activated occlusal area (502) in the direction opposite to the opposing teeth while decreasing the value in the numerical window (504).

[0072] As another example, the shape of the occlusal area (502) can be increased through the plus (+) button (505), and the shape of the occlusal area (502) can be decreased through the minus (-) button (506). (a) of Fig. 5 is a drawing showing an example of increasing the shape of the major category area (Lv1), and (b) is a drawing showing an example of decreasing the shape of the minor category area (Lv2).

[0073] Current dental CAD software relies on chisel tools to manipulate shapes, leaving the user completely free to adjust them. Users pan and rotate the 3D screen, inspecting every nook and cranny of the prosthesis they're designing. Consequently, the area of ​​adjustment varies depending on the viewing angle, and achieving desired height adjustments using chisel tools can be challenging. Inexperienced users are more likely to adjust undesirable areas, making it difficult to achieve the desired height and depth.

[0074] However, to improve this environment, the prosthesis design device (100) visualizes the segmented occlusal area so that the user can clearly check the shape of the occlusal area to be worked on. Furthermore, the prosthesis design device (100) allows the user to easily adjust the shape of the activated occlusal area as desired using increase / decrease buttons such as plus (+) and minus (-).

[0075] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a flow of a prosthesis design method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 6, the prosthesis design device (100) divides the occlusal surface of a plurality of prostheses stored in a prosthesis library into a plurality of occlusal surface areas (S610).

[0077] In the occlusal surface area division step (S610), the prosthesis design device (100) can divide a plurality of prosthesis shapes stored in the prosthesis library into a plurality of major classification areas (Lv1) and a plurality of minor classification areas (Lv2) within the major classification area (Lv1).

[0078] The plurality of large classification areas (Lv1) may include each cusp of the tooth, and the cusp tip of each cusp may be a central adjustment point when creating and modifying a shape.

[0079] The plurality of sub-categories (Lv2) may include each ridge, which is a protruding portion observed on the inner surface of the bridgehead within the major category region (Lv1), and the center portion of each ridge may be an adjustment point that serves as the center when creating and modifying a shape.

[0080] Next, the prosthesis design device (100) retrieves a specific prosthesis from the prosthesis library and places it on the patient's dental image data (S620).

[0081] Next, the prosthesis design device (100) generates an occlusal surface shape based on the occlusal relationship with the opposing teeth for at least one occlusal surface area among the plurality of occlusal surfaces of the placed prosthesis (S630).

[0082] In the occlusal surface shape generation step (S630), the prosthesis design device (100) can generate an occlusal surface shape in which at least one of the height and contact strength of the occlusal surface area is adjusted.

[0083] 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 strength 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.

[0084] In the occlusal surface shape creation step (S630), the prosthesis design device (100) can adjust the height of the large classification area (Lv1) within the occlusal surface of the prosthesis so that the prosthesis can contact the opposing teeth.

[0085] In the occlusal shape generation step (S630), the prosthesis design device (100) can set a predetermined deformation limit range. Then, when the occlusal shape of the prosthesis is deformed, the prosthesis design device (100) can deform the occlusal shape so as to contact the opposing tooth within the deformation limit range. For example, when forming the occlusal surface, the input range can be limited so that the prosthesis does not exceed the deformation limit range. As another example, if the prosthesis exceeds the deformation limit range for any reason, the contact area between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth can not be generated, or a warning window can be displayed.

[0086] In the occlusal surface shape generation step (S630), the prosthesis design device (100) can adjust the height of the sub-division area (Lv2) or the contact strength of the sub-division area (Lv2) after adjusting the height of the large-division area (Lv1) in the occlusal surface of the prosthesis. At this time, the prosthesis design device (100) can adjust the contact strength of the sub-division area where the prosthesis comes into contact with the antagonist tooth when the prosthesis comes into contact with the contact area between the prosthesis and the antagonist tooth. When the prosthesis comes into contact with the non-contact area between the prosthesis and the antagonist tooth, the prosthesis design device (100) can adjust the height of the sub-division area (Lv2) where the prosthesis comes into contact with the antagonist tooth so as not to come into contact with the antagonist tooth.

[0087] In the occlusal surface shape generation step (S630), the prosthesis design device (100) can set a predetermined contact strength limit range. Then, when adjusting the prosthesis contact strength, the prosthesis design device (100) can adjust the contact strength within the contact strength limit range, and limit the contact strength adjustment if the contact strength limit range is exceeded.

[0088] Next, the prosthesis design device (100) displays the prosthesis in which the occlusal surface shape has been created (S640).

[0089] In the prosthesis display step (S640), the prosthesis design device (100) can display the prosthesis and the opposing tooth by overlapping them to provide a contact state between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth, and can display the contact strength of the contact area between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth as a color map.

[0090] Furthermore, the prosthesis design device (100) can modify the displayed prosthesis occlusal surface area by a user operation signal (S650).

[0091] In the prosthesis occlusal area modification step (S650), the prosthesis design device (100) can receive a user manipulation signal for selecting an adjustment point for each occlusal area of ​​the prosthesis and activate the occlusal area including the selected adjustment point. Subsequently, the prosthesis design device (100) can modify the occlusal area through a user interface that can modify the shape size, height, or contact strength of the activated occlusal area.

[0092] The user interface may include a numerical window that changes according to the height of the occlusal area, and an increase / decrease button. In the occlusal area modification step (S650), when the prosthesis design device (100) receives a user operation signal for selecting the increase / decrease button, the shape of the activated occlusal area may be modified by increasing or decreasing the numerical value in the numerical window.

[0093] The present invention has been described above, focusing on specific embodiments thereof. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be implemented in modified forms without departing from its essential characteristics. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be considered illustrative rather than limiting. The scope of the present invention is set forth in the claims, not the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope equivalent thereto should be construed as being encompassed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A step of dividing the occlusal surface of a plurality of prostheses stored in a prosthetic library into a plurality of occlusal surface areas; A step of loading a predetermined prosthesis from the above prosthesis library and placing it on the patient's dental image data; A step of generating an occlusal shape based on an occlusal relationship with an opposing tooth for at least one occlusal area among a plurality of occlusal areas of a placed prosthesis; and A step of displaying a prosthesis in which an occlusal surface shape has been created; A method for designing a prosthesis, characterized in that it includes:

2. In paragraph 1, the step of dividing the occlusal surface of the prosthesis into a plurality of occlusal surface areas is A prosthesis design method characterized by dividing a plurality of prosthesis shapes stored in a prosthesis library into a plurality of major classification areas and a plurality of sub-classification areas within the major classification areas.

3. In paragraph 2, The multiple major classification areas include each cusp of the tooth, and the cusp tip of each cusp is the central adjustment point when creating and modifying the shape. A method for designing a prosthesis, wherein each of the plurality of sub-categories includes a ridge, which is a protruding portion observed on the inner surface of a cusp within a major category region, and the central portion of each ridge is an adjustment point that serves as a center when creating and modifying a shape.

4. In the first paragraph, the step of creating the occlusal surface shape is A method for designing a prosthesis characterized by generating an occlusal surface shape in which at least one of the height and contact strength of the occlusal surface area is adjusted.

5. In paragraph 1, the method for designing a prosthesis A step of setting a contact area between the prosthesis and the antagonist and a non-contact area between the prosthesis and the antagonist; further comprising, The steps to create the occlusal surface shape are A method for designing a prosthesis characterized in that the shape of the occlusal surface area is adjusted or the contact strength is 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.

6. In the second paragraph, the step of creating the occlusal surface shape is A method for designing a prosthesis characterized by adjusting the height of a large classification area within the occlusal surface of the prosthesis so that the prosthesis contacts the opposing teeth.

7. In paragraph 6, the step of creating the occlusal surface shape is a step of setting a predetermined deformation limit range; and When the shape of the occlusal surface of the prosthesis is deformed, a step of deforming the shape of the occlusal surface of the prosthesis for contact with the opposing teeth within the deformation limit range; A method for designing a prosthesis, characterized in that it includes:

8. In the second paragraph, the step of creating the occlusal surface shape is A method for designing a prosthesis characterized by adjusting the height of a large-scale area within the occlusal surface of the prosthesis, and then adjusting the height of a small-scale area or adjusting the contact strength of the small-scale area.

9. In paragraph 8, the step of creating a shape including the height of the occlusal surface area When the prosthesis comes into contact with the contact area between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth, the contact strength with the opposing tooth in the small area where contact occurred is adjusted. A method for designing a prosthesis characterized in that, when a prosthesis comes into contact with a non-contact area between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth, the height of the small area where contact occurs with the opposing tooth is adjusted so as not to come into contact with the opposing tooth.

10. In paragraph 8, the step of creating the occlusal surface shape is a step of setting a predetermined contact strength limit range; and When adjusting the contact strength of a prosthesis, a step of adjusting the contact strength within the contact strength limit range and limiting the contact strength adjustment when the contact strength limit range is exceeded; A method for designing a prosthesis, characterized in that it includes:

11. In paragraph 1, the step of displaying the prosthesis is A method for designing a prosthesis characterized by providing a contact state between a prosthesis and an opposing tooth by overlapping the prosthesis and the opposing tooth, and displaying the contact strength of the contact area between the prosthesis and the opposing tooth as a color map.

12. In the first paragraph, the method for designing a prosthesis A step of receiving a user operation signal for selecting an adjustment point for each occlusal area of a prosthesis and activating an occlusal area including the selected adjustment point; and A step of modifying the occlusal area through a user interface that allows modification of the shape size, height or contact strength of the activated occlusal area; A method for designing a prosthesis, characterized in that it includes:

13. In paragraph 12, the user interface is Includes a numeric window and increase / decrease buttons that change according to the height of the occlusal surface area, Steps to correct the occlusal area A method for designing a prosthesis characterized in that, when a user operation signal for selecting an increase or decrease button is received, the shape of an activated occlusal surface area is modified by increasing or decreasing a numerical value in a numerical window.

14. Data acquisition unit for acquiring dental image data; a display section for displaying a screen; and A control unit that divides the occlusal surface of a prosthesis stored in a prosthesis library into a plurality of occlusal surface areas, calls up a predetermined prosthesis from the prosthesis library, places it on a patient's tooth image data through the display unit, generates an occlusal surface shape based on an occlusal relationship with an opposing tooth for at least one occlusal surface area among the plurality of occlusal surface areas of the placed prosthesis, and displays the prosthesis for which the occlusal surface shape has been generated through the display unit; A prosthetic design device characterized by including:

Images