Dental prosthesis or teeth-straightening device continuous production process using 3D printer, and dental prosthesis or teeth-straightening device manufactured using continuous production process

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dental prosthesis or teeth-straightening device continuous production process using a 3D printer, and to a dental prosthesis or a teeth-straightening device manufactured using the continuous production process. The present invention is for manufacturing a patient-customized dental prosthesis or teeth-straightening device by using 3D data on the oral structure of a patient, wherein a teeth-straightening device is manufactured using 3D printing, supporter separation, washing, post-curing, and heat treatment processes are performed in a continuous process, and the steps proceed by means of a robot without manual handling by a person during proceeding of the steps, thereby improving production efficiency and enabling defective products to be sorted out without additional equipment.

Description

Continuous production process of dental prosthesis or orthodontic device using 3D printer and dental prosthesis or orthodontic device manufactured by the continuous production process thereof

[0001] The present invention relates to a continuous production process for a dental prosthesis or orthodontic device using a 3D printer and a dental prosthesis or orthodontic device manufactured by the continuous production process.

[0002] In general, to produce a molded product with a three-dimensional shape, there are two methods: a mock-up production method that relies on drawings and is done manually, and a numerically controlled automatic production method using a CNC machine tool.

[0003] However, the mock-up manufacturing method is manual, so it is difficult to process precise shapes and takes a lot of time, and the manufacturing method using CNC machine tools allows for precise numerical control, but there are limitations on the shapes that can be processed due to tool interference.

[0004] Recently, 3D printers have emerged that create three-dimensional molded products using a computer that stores 3D design drawing data designed by a product designer or designer using a 3D modeling tool.

[0005] Using the above 3D printer has the advantage of significantly reducing production costs, enabling customized manufacturing, and easily manufacturing complex three-dimensional shapes.

[0006] However, when using a 3D printer as described above, although there are advantages such as lower production costs and the possibility of manufacturing customized products for patients, a post-processing process must be added after printing with a 3D printer, and since this post-processing process cannot be integrated in the existing process, it must be individually performed by people once one process is completed, so it is impossible to shorten the production time.

[0007] To address these issues, it is necessary to develop a new process capable of continuously producing dental prosthetics or orthodontic appliances.

[0008] [Prior Art Literature]

[0009] [Patent Document

[0010] KR 10-2023-0032528 A1

[0011] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a continuous production process for a dental prosthesis or orthodontic device using a 3D printer and a dental prosthesis or orthodontic device manufactured by the continuous production process.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to manufacture a patient-customized dental prosthesis or orthodontic device using 3D data on the patient's oral structure, and to manufacture the orthodontic device by 3D printing, and to provide a continuous production method in which the cleaning, supporter separation, post-curing and heat treatment processes are performed as a continuous process, and when the above steps are performed, the steps are moved by a robot instead of a person directly performing the work, thereby increasing production efficiency and allowing for sorting out defective products without using separate equipment.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a continuous production method capable of continuously producing a plurality of dental prostheses or orthodontic devices by shortening the printing time and increasing the curing efficiency when manufacturing dental prostheses or orthodontic devices by 3D printing, and recognizing the patient's unique information when printing dental prostheses or orthodontic devices.

[0014] In order to achieve the above-described object, the present invention comprises: a 3D input step of receiving 3D information on a patient's oral structure; a 3D model generation step of creating a plurality of 3D models by dividing the oral structure into a plurality of regions by setting a range of interest using the 3D information and using a central axis of the oral structure as the x-axis; an output step of outputting a dental prosthesis or an orthodontic device using the plurality of 3D models using a 3D printer; a step of inserting the dental prosthesis or the orthodontic device into a rotating body and washing it; a step of separating a supporter of the washed dental prosthesis or the orthodontic device; a step of post-curing the dental prosthesis or the orthodontic device from which the supporter has been separated; And a step of heat-treating the post-cured dental prosthesis or orthodontic device, wherein the dental prosthesis or orthodontic device printed by the 3D printer is moved by a robot during the washing step, the supporter separation step, the post-curing step, and the heat-treating step, and the dental prosthesis or orthodontic device is printed including the supporter, and relates to a continuous production process for a dental prosthesis or orthodontic device using a 3D printer.

[0015] In addition, the 3D printed dental prosthesis or orthodontic device includes a main body, a supporter part, and a bottom part, and may include a barcode capable of identifying patient information in the supporter part and / or the bottom part.

[0016] Additionally, the supporter portion of the dental prosthesis or orthodontic device can be removed by a robot.

[0017] In addition, the supporter part may be configured such that the robot holds one side of the dental prosthesis or orthodontic device and pulls in a direction opposite to the bottom to separate the side supporter part from the main body, the robot moves to the other side to hold it and pulls in a direction opposite to the bottom to separate the side supporter part from the main body, and the robot holds the center of the dental prosthesis or orthodontic device and pulls in a direction opposite to the bottom to separate the side supporter part from the main body.

[0018] In addition, the step of placing it in the above-mentioned rotating body and washing it can remove the surface protrusions and residual resin of the printed orthodontic device.

[0019] In addition, the step of inserting into the above-mentioned rotating body and washing may be to remove and wash the supporter of the printed dental prosthesis or orthodontic device, or to wash the supporter of the printed dental prosthesis or orthodontic device while including it.

[0020] Additionally, the heat treatment step may be to place the post-cured orthodontic appliance in boiling water for 1 to 10 minutes.

[0021] Additionally, the heat treatment step may be to treat the post-cured orthodontic device with steam for 1 to 10 minutes.

[0022] Additionally, the robot may be a robotic arm including a gripper, which holds a dental prosthesis or an orthodontic device by the robotic arm and moves a step in a continuous production process of the dental prosthesis or the orthodontic device.

[0023] A dental prosthesis or transparent orthodontic device according to another embodiment of the present invention can be manufactured by the continuous production process.

[0024] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a continuous production process system for a dental prosthesis or orthodontic device using a 3D printer includes a 3D printer unit that outputs a dental prosthesis or orthodontic device using a 3D printer into which a plurality of 3D models are input; a rotating unit that washes the dental prosthesis or orthodontic device output using the 3D printer; a supporter separating unit that separates a supporter of the washed dental prosthesis or orthodontic device; a post-curing unit that post-cures the dental prosthesis or orthodontic device from which the supporter has been separated; and a heat treatment unit that heat-treats the post-cured dental prosthesis or orthodontic device, and may include a robot unit that moves the dental prosthesis or orthodontic device between the 3D printer unit, the rotating unit, the supporter separating unit, the post-curing unit, and the heat treatment unit.

[0025] Additionally, the robot section can be located at the center of the 3D printer section, the rotating section, the supporter separation section, the post-curing section, and the heat treatment section.

[0026] Additionally, the robot part may include a gripper capable of holding the dental prosthesis or orthodontic device so as to move the dental prosthesis or orthodontic device or to remove the supporter.

[0027] The present invention is for manufacturing a patient-customized dental prosthesis or orthodontic device using 3D data on the patient's oral structure, and the orthodontic device is manufactured by 3D printing, and the processes of washing, supporter separation, post-curing, and heat treatment are performed as a continuous process, and when the above steps are performed, the steps are moved by a robot instead of a person directly performing the work, so that production efficiency can be increased, and defective products can be sorted out without using separate equipment.

[0028] In addition, when manufacturing dental prosthetics or orthodontic devices using 3D printing, the printing time can be shortened, the curing efficiency can be increased, and when printing dental prosthetics or orthodontic devices, the patient's unique information can be recognized, so that a large number of dental prosthetics or orthodontic devices can be produced continuously.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a continuous production process for a dental prosthesis or transparent orthodontic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a drawing of a 3D printer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 3 is a 3D modeling of a transparent orthodontic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a diagram of a transparent orthodontic device including a barcode according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a drawing of a transparent orthodontic device positioned on a tray according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 6 is a drawing of a transparent orthodontic device within a post-curing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 7 is a captured photograph of an actual process image for a continuous production process of a transparent orthodontic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 8 is a captured photograph of an actual process image for a continuous production process of a transparent orthodontic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 9 is a captured photograph of an actual process image for a continuous production process of a transparent orthodontic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 10 is a captured photograph of an actual process image for a continuous production process of a transparent orthodontic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Fig. 11 is a captured photograph of an actual process image for a continuous production process of a transparent orthodontic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 12 is a captured photograph of an actual process image for a continuous production process of a transparent orthodontic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 13 is an image of a continuous production process system for a dental prosthesis or transparent orthodontic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] The present invention relates to a continuous production process for a dental prosthesis or orthodontic device using a 3D printer, comprising: a 3D input step of receiving 3D information on a patient's oral structure; a 3D model generation step of creating a plurality of 3D models by dividing the oral structure into a plurality of regions by setting a range of interest using the 3D information and taking the central axis of the oral structure as the x-axis; an output step of printing the plurality of 3D models as a dental prosthesis or orthodontic device using a 3D printer; a step of placing the dental prosthesis or orthodontic device in a rotating body and washing it; a step of post-curing the washed dental prosthesis or orthodontic device; and a step of heat-treating the post-cured dental prosthesis or orthodontic device, wherein the dental prosthesis or orthodontic device printed by the 3D printer is moved by a robot during the washing step, the post-curing step, and the heat-treating step, and the dental prosthesis or orthodontic device is printed including a supporter.

[0043] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0044] In the present invention, a dental prosthesis means a prosthesis that can artificially replace a tooth when the tooth is lost, and means a fixed prosthesis such as a crown for restoring a tooth, a bridge for restoring a missing tooth, a removable prosthesis such as a partial denture, a full denture, an implant, etc.

[0045] As previously explained, while 3D-printed, patient-specific dental prosthetics or transparent orthodontic devices can be tailored to individual patients, manufacturing them using 3D printers requires significant printing time, and the steps of removing residual resin, separating the support, and post-curing are difficult to perform as a continuous process. Furthermore, it is difficult to induce complete curing of the polymer during the post-curing process to enhance transparency and produce devices that exhibit properties suitable for use as orthodontic devices.

[0046] Furthermore, the tradeoff for customization is the difficulty in mass production. Specifically, the process of printing a single prosthesis or orthodontic device using a 3D printer and then manufacturing it as a complete product involves using information about multiple patients to print multiple prosthetics or orthodontic devices. During the post-processing process, it's difficult to distinguish between individual patients.

[0047] Accordingly, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a dental prosthesis or a transparent orthodontic device through a continuous process, and when printing a dental prosthesis or a orthodontic device using a 3D printer, the printing speed can be increased to shorten the time required for printing, the curing efficiency can be increased, and a method for increasing production efficiency through a continuous process can be provided.

[0048] In addition, as described below, when printing a prosthesis or transparent orthodontic device, a barcode capable of recognizing the patient's personal information is included, or the patient information can be recognized in the order in which it is printed by the 3D printer in a continuous process system, so that the patient information can be clearly recognized individually for multiple prosthesis or orthodontic devices produced. That is, when printing with a barcode included, the patient information can be confirmed by recognizing the barcode, and when the patient information is recognized in the order in which it is printed in the system, the position is distinguished by patient information on a tray for transporting the printed prosthesis or orthodontic device, and the tray is partitioned so that the patient information can be recognized, so that a post-processing process can be performed continuously for multiple prosthesis or orthodontic devices, and mass production is possible.

[0049] Specifically, a continuous production process of a dental prosthesis or transparent orthodontic device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a 3D printing step (S100) of printing a prosthesis or orthodontic device using a 3D printer as shown in FIG. 1; a step (S200) of separating a supporter of the printed prosthesis or orthodontic device; a step (S300) of placing the prosthesis or orthodontic device with the supporter separated into a rotating body and washing it; a step (S400) of post-curing the washed prosthesis or orthodontic device; and a step (S500) of heat-treating the post-cured prosthesis or orthodontic device.

[0050] As an example to specifically explain the continuous production process of the above-described dental prosthesis or transparent orthodontic device, the continuous production process of the transparent orthodontic device will be explained.

[0051] The above 3D output step is a step of outputting a 3D model formed using 3D information about the patient's oral structure using a 3D printer.

[0052] The above 3D printer is as described above, and the steps for forming the 3D model are also as described above.

[0053] However, the 3D printer of the present invention is characterized by using a top-down 3D printer.

[0054] FIG. 2 is a drawing of a top-down 3D printer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] The top-down 3D printer according to the above-described FIG. 2 may include a resin tank section (10) in which a photocurable polymer composition is stored; an optical module section (20) installed on the upper portion of the resin tank section to irradiate a light source; a plate section (30) positioned within the resin tank section and capable of moving up and down; an inert gas injection section (50) for maintaining an inert gas environment in a portion where light generated from the optical module section is irradiated to the photocurable polymer composition within the resin tank section to be cured; and a heating section (70) for increasing a temperature within the resin tank section (10) to lower the viscosity of the photocurable polymer composition.

[0056] Specifically, the resin tank portion may include a photocurable polymer composition (60) for manufacturing a transparent orthodontic device of the present invention, which will be described later. In addition, the optical module portion may manufacture an output by irradiating and hardening the photocurable polymer composition (60) within the resin tank portion (10) with light generated from a light source.

[0057] The optical module unit (20) may be specifically configured to include a laser light source of the SLA method or a light source of a DLP (Digital Micromirror Device) of a mask projection image curing method. As long as it is a light source that hardens a photocurable polymer composition resin, not only a laser light but also a light source of a DLP (Digital Micromirror Device) of a mask projection image curing method can be applied.

[0058] The above plate portion (30) can move up and down within the resin tank portion (10). That is, the plate portion (30) is located within the resin tank portion (10) and can move downward when the photocurable polymer composition (60) begins to harden due to light generated from the optical module portion (20).

[0059] The above inert gas injection unit (50) enables the portion where the light generated by the optical module unit (20) comes into contact with the photocurable polymer composition (60) in the resin tank unit (10) to be cured under an inert gas atmosphere.

[0060] That is, the photocurable polymer composition (60) is cured by being irradiated with light generated from a light source in both the DLP method and the SLA method, but curing is commonly inhibited by oxygen.

[0061] At this time, by changing the part in contact with oxygen to an inert gas environment and blocking contact with oxygen, curing inhibition by oxygen does not occur, and the manufacturing speed of the output product is improved.

[0062] In addition, when the photocurable polymer composition (60) is cured by light in an inert gas environment, the hardness is improved by the inert gas, and the surface of the output is formed smoothly, so that the output speed is improved compared to the existing DLP or SLA 3D printer, and the hardness of the output and the product quality are improved.

[0063] More specifically, the inert gas injection unit (50) is formed on one side of the resin tank unit (10) and is connected to an inert gas storage unit (not shown) so that the inert gas can be continuously injected.

[0064] The above inert gas is selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, argon, helium, krypton, neon, and mixtures thereof, preferably selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, argon, helium, and mixtures thereof, and considering economic feasibility, nitrogen gas is most preferably used, but the inert gas is not limited to the above examples, and any gas that can be easily selected by a person skilled in the art can be used.

[0065] As described above, by blocking oxygen contact between the photocurable polymer composition (60) in the resin tank (10) and the surface where light comes into contact with the inert gas injection portion (50), not only can the effect of inhibiting curing be prevented, but the hardness of the output is increased by the inert gas, and due to the improvement in curing speed, precise output of a fine surface is also possible.

[0066] The above inert gas injection part (50) is formed on one side of the inside of the resin tank part (10), and the resin tank part (10) allows the entire inside to maintain an inert gas environment since the 3D printer is completely closed.

[0067] In another embodiment of the present invention, the inert gas injection unit (50) can be injected in the form of an air curtain so as to block contact with oxygen at a portion where light generated from the optical module unit (20) is irradiated to the photocurable polymer (60) in the resin tank unit (10).

[0068] As described above, the inert gas injection unit (50) that injects in the form of an air curtain is suitable for a large 3D printer, and can prevent external oxygen from entering the interior of a small 3D printer. However, in the case of a large 3D printer, it is practically impossible to prevent external oxygen from entering.

[0069] Considering these points, the inert gas injection unit (50) can inject the inert gas in the form of an air curtain. By injecting the inert gas in the form of an air curtain, oxygen is blocked at the surface where the light generated from the light source module unit (20) is irradiated and comes into contact with the photocurable polymer composition (60), thereby preventing inhibition of curing by oxygen.

[0070] The heating unit (70) is intended to increase the temperature within the resin tank unit (10) in order to lower the viscosity of the photocurable polymer composition (60). When the resin tank unit (10) is heated to a temperature of 30 to 70°C by the heating unit (70), the viscosity of the photocurable polymer composition (60) within the resin tank unit (10) is lowered, and the curing speed can be increased.

[0071] As described above, when the temperature is increased by the heating unit (70), the curing speed can be increased to a height of 40 to 80 mm within 1 to 2 minutes, so that when printing an orthodontic device using a 3D printer, it can be manufactured at a high speed.

[0072] An image corresponding to the cross-sectional area of ​​the bottom part (3000) of the orthodontic device can be manufactured by curing the photocurable polymer (60) in the resin tank part (10) using a light source, and then sequentially curing the cross-sectional area of ​​the tooth part (1000) of the orthodontic device.

[0073] The above top-down 3D printer outputs a product by irradiating light, and may additionally include a position control unit (not shown) that can control the up and down movement of the plate unit (30) by recognizing the level of the photocurable polymer composition (60) in the resin tank unit (10).

[0074] Alternatively, the top-down 3D printer may additionally include a water level control sensor unit (not shown) to check the water level of the photocurable polymer composition (60) in the resin tank unit (10) and to alarm whether the photocurable polymer composition (60) needs to be replenished.

[0075] The above water level control sensor unit (not shown) can check whether the water level of the photocurable polymer composition in the resin tank unit (10) is insufficient. That is, in order to manufacture an orthodontic device in a top-down manner, the photocurable polymer composition (60) in the resin tank unit (10) must be filled to a certain level or higher, and this can be checked through the water level control sensor unit (not shown).

[0076] The above resin tank part (10) may include an internal resin tank part (40) and an external cover part (41) that can move up and down in a double structure. The internal resin tank part (40) has a structure that can move up and down, and when the water level of the photocurable polymer composition (60) is lowered by the water level control sensor part (not shown), the internal resin tank part (40) moves upward, enabling output of the orthodontic device even without filling the photocurable polymer composition (60).

[0077] The above plate section (30) allows a polymer cured product to be laminated upon exposure to light, and the next cross-sectional area to be laminated continuously to manufacture a final output.

[0078] At this time, the plate portion (30) must be configured to move downward within the resin tank portion (10) so that the polymer cured material can be laminated.

[0079] Additionally, after the final output is manufactured, the plate portion (30) can be moved upwards toward the resin tank portion (10) to smoothly separate the output from the plate portion (30).

[0080] At this time, the movement of the plate unit (30) can be controlled by the plate moving unit. The plate moving unit is coupled to the frame of the 3D printer and moves up and down by a power unit (not shown). At this time, the power unit uses a known method, and any method easily selectable by a person skilled in the art can be used.

[0081] In addition, the plate portion (30) is detachable, so that when the orthodontic device is completely printed, the plate portion (30) can be detached from the 3D printer, thereby moving the plate portion (30) itself.

[0082] The orthodontic device printed using the above 3D printer includes a tooth portion (1000); a support portion (2000) and a bottom portion (3000), and may include a barcode that can identify patient information on the support portion (2000) and / or the bottom portion (3000).

[0083] In addition to the top-down 3D printer exemplified in FIG. 2, a bottom-up 3D printer may also be used. That is, it is not limited to the top-down 3D printer exemplified in FIG. 2, and any 3D printer for printing orthodontic devices or prosthetics can be used without any limitations on the method.

[0084] FIG. 3 is a 3D modeling image of an orthodontic device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 may be an image in which a barcode is formed on the bottom portion (3000).

[0085] The above tooth portion (1000) is output in a shape that can move the teeth for orthodontic treatment according to the patient's tooth structure, and the support portion (2000) is output together with the tooth portion (1000) in order to output the tooth portion (1000) by a 3D printer. As described above, the 3D printer outputs the bottom portion (3000), the support portion (2000), and the tooth portion (1000) in that order, and when outputting, each cross-section of the bottom portion (3000), the support portion (2000), and the tooth portion (1000) can be output. At this time, when the tooth portion (1000) output last is output, in order to prevent the shape from being deformed due to gravity, the support portion (2000) can be formed between the bottom portion (3000) and serve to support it.

[0086] The above-mentioned bottom portion (3000) is characterized by having a barcode (3100) formed thereon that can recognize patient information. The barcode (3100) can be formed to enable recognition of patient information during the 3D modeling process.

[0087] In another way, as described above, even if a separate barcode is not included when printing the orthodontic device, the patient's information is recognized in the order in which it is printed by the 3D printer, as shown in FIG. 5, and the printed transparent orthodontic device is positioned in the plate portion (30) according to the patient information, so that the patient's information can be recognized through the position information within the plate portion (30).

[0088] The above-mentioned printed orthodontic device is connected to the plate portion (30), and then a process of separating it from the plate portion (30) is performed.

[0089] Specifically, the plate portion (30) is positioned so that the orthodontic device is output, and the output orthodontic device is connected to the plate portion (30) by a supporter. As described above, an orthodontic device output using a conventional 3D printer is connected to the plate portion (30) by a supporter, but in order to disconnect this connection and separate only the orthodontic device, a tool such as a blade must be used.

[0090] However, when using a separate tool such as a blade, it cannot be performed as a continuous process by a robot and human intervention is required.

[0091] Accordingly, in the present invention, the plate portion (30) is moved to the supporter separation portion by a robot, and the plate portion (30) located in the supporter separation portion can be fixed by the supporter separation portion.

[0092] As described above, the orthodontic device on the fixed plate portion (30) can be held by the robot and pulled in the opposite direction to the plate portion (30) to separate the orthodontic device from the supporter.

[0093] As described below, the orthodontic device of the present invention is printed using a polymer material, and not only can it exhibit an aesthetic effect when used as an orthodontic device due to its transparent color, but it is also made of an elastic material, so its shape is not easily deformed by a pulling force applied by a robot.

[0094] In addition, the supporter (2000) is formed with a thin thickness in the portion where it is connected to the tooth portion (1000) of the orthodontic device, so that the robot can easily detach the supporter (2000) by holding and pulling the tooth portion (1000) of the orthodontic device. The supporter (2000) becomes thinner in the portion where it is connected to the tooth portion (1000), and more specifically, the thickness of the portion where the supporter (2000) is connected to the tooth portion (1000) is less than 1 mm, and may be 0.3 to 0.5 mm. The thickness of the portion that is connected to the plate portion (30) and extends in the longitudinal direction is generally greater than 1 mm, so as to be able to support the tooth portion (1000).

[0095] As described above, the supporter (2000) is made thinner at the portion where it is joined to the tooth portion (1000), so that the tooth portion (1000) can be easily separated without the shape of the tooth portion (1000) being deformed by the pulling force of the robot.

[0096] In addition, the above-described plate portion (30) is positioned as a supporter removal portion, and at the same time as the process of removing the supporter is in progress, a separate plate portion (30) is coupled to a 3D printer and can be used to continuously output an orthodontic device.

[0097] Alternatively, the plate portion (30) from which the previously printed orthodontic device was separated may be reattached to a 3D printer and used to continuously print orthodontic devices.

[0098] As described above, the orthodontic device positioned on a tray divided according to patient information as shown in FIG. 5 can proceed with a cleaning step when the robot places the tray into a rotating body where a cleaning process is performed. The cleaning step can be performed within the rotating body. The rotating body operates on the same principle as a dehydrator, and by placing the printed orthodontic device within a cylindrical rotating body and rotating it, surface protrusions and residual resin unnecessarily formed during the printing process can be removed.

[0099] The above washing process may be performed by separating and washing the supporter, or the washing process may be performed while including the supporter, and then the supporter separation process may be performed.

[0100] Once the above cleaning process is completed, the robot can remove the tray from within the rotating body and then move it to the post-curing device to perform the post-curing process.

[0101] If the above orthodontic device is not subjected to a post-curing process, the photocurable polymer printed by the 3D printer may not fully cure, potentially resulting in deformation of the device. To prevent this deformation, a post-curing process is essential.

[0102] At this time, if curing is performed in a natural state or by sunlight, the orthodontic device may become deformed in size or may be easily damaged by external force due to its weak strength. Therefore, a UV curing device (7000) may be used for the post-curing process.

[0103] When using a UV curing device as described above, UV can be irradiated on a 3D printed output to promote curing, prevent deformation of the output, and improve strength to prevent damage caused by external force.

[0104] Additionally, the post-curing process may be performed in an inert gas environment. The inert gas is selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, argon, helium, krypton, neon, and mixtures thereof, and is preferably selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, argon, helium, and mixtures thereof.

[0105] When performing the post-curing process in an inert gas environment under UV irradiation, not only does the curing speed of the 3D printed orthodontic device increase, but its strength is also enhanced, making it less susceptible to deformation even under higher levels of impact.

[0106] That is, when the curing process is carried out by irradiating UV in an inert gas environment, the curing speed is accelerated by the inert gas, and the strength of the output can be improved, compared to when the curing process is carried out by simply irradiating UV.

[0107] Additionally, if the post-curing process is performed in an inert gas environment, the transparency of the transparent orthodontic device is further improved.

[0108] By using the photocurable polymer composition described below, a transparent orthodontic device can be manufactured by printing the orthodontic device using a 3D printer using the DLP or SLA method.

[0109] The above 3D printed orthodontic device may have a slightly yellowish tint if the photocurable polymer is not fully cured, making it difficult to manufacture a completely transparent orthodontic device.

[0110] When the above transparent orthodontic device is manufactured as a personalized output using 3D printing and used as an orthodontic device, if the transparency is not excellent and even a little yellowish light appears, there is a possibility that it may be mistaken for a poor dental condition, which may have a negative impact on the user's appearance.

[0111] To avoid these problems, 3D printed orthodontic appliances must be manufactured completely transparent so as not to affect aesthetics.

[0112] On the other hand, in the case of the present invention, when UV is irradiated in an inactive environment during the post-curing process, the UV irradiation not only improves the curing speed and strength, but also enhances the transparency of the orthodontic device. In other words, by utilizing the post-curing process of the present invention, a completely transparent orthodontic device can be manufactured.

[0113] When a post-curing process using UV light is used in an inert gas environment, the curing speed is improved, leading to faster production of the final product. Furthermore, the product boasts superior strength, making it less susceptible to deformation due to external forces. Furthermore, transparency is improved, ensuring superior product quality.

[0114] The above UV curing device (7000) may include a gas injection unit (7100) for injecting an inert gas into the interior and a UV lamp unit (7200).

[0115] Once the above post-curing process is completed, the robot can take the tray itself out of the post-curing device and move it to the heat treatment step, where the heat treatment step can be performed.

[0116] Specifically, the heat treatment step may be to place the post-cured orthodontic device in boiling water for 1 to 10 minutes or to treat it with steam for 1 to 10 minutes.

[0117] The above heat treatment step may be performed by a robot placing the tray in boiling water or treating the tray with steam.

[0118] The above heat treatment process is a process for sterilization, but it can also be used to check for defects in orthodontic devices manufactured through a continuous process.

[0119] Typically, FT-IR measurement is required to confirm the complete curing of photocurable polymers. As mentioned above, FT-IR measurement requires the purchase of separate measuring equipment and requires the hassle of measuring individual defects.

[0120] In contrast, in the case where the orthodontic device manufactured by the continuous process of the present invention undergoes the heat treatment process as described above, if there is a part where the photocurable polymer is not completely cured, haze is generated, making it easy to determine whether or not it is a defective product with the naked eye.

[0121] After the above heat treatment process, an additional polishing process can be performed to refine edges and surfaces. Specifically, the polishing process can be a barrel polishing process. While not a mandatory process, surface work can be performed through a polishing process as needed.

[0122] Finally, after the polishing process, an ultrasonic cleaning process can be performed, and the ultrasonic cleaning process can also be performed optionally.

[0123] The actual implementation video of the continuous manufacturing process of the orthodontic device described above is captured in major scenes as shown in Figs. 7 to 12. Specifically, Fig. 7 shows a scene where an orthodontic device located on a plate is taken out from a 3D printer. Fig. 8 shows a scene where the plate is positioned as a supporter removal part. Fig. 9 shows a scene where a robot grabs an orthodontic device and separates it from a supporter. Fig. 10 shows a scene where an orthodontic device with a supporter removed is placed on a tray. Fig. 11 shows a scene where a robot puts an orthodontic device in a tray into a rotating body and washes it. Fig. 12 shows a scene where a cleaned orthodontic device is put into a post-curing device and post-cured.

[0124] As shown in Figures 7 to 12, it can be confirmed that the entire process is carried out by a robot. Furthermore, it can be confirmed that the process of printing multiple orthodontic devices and post-processing them is carried out continuously.

[0125] Using the continuous manufacturing process for orthodontic devices described above, it is also possible to manufacture customized dental prosthetics. Since this process utilizes a 3D printer, the manufacturing process for dental prosthetics can be carried out using the same method as the example described above.

[0126] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a continuous production process system for a dental prosthesis or orthodontic device using a 3D printer includes a 3D printer unit that outputs a dental prosthesis or orthodontic device using a 3D printer into which a plurality of 3D models are input; a supporter separation unit for separating a supporter of the washed dental prosthesis or orthodontic device; a rotating unit for cleaning the dental prosthesis or orthodontic device output using the 3D printer; a post-curing unit for post-curing the dental prosthesis or orthodontic device from which the supporter has been separated; and a heat treatment unit for heat-treating the post-cured dental prosthesis or orthodontic device, and may include a robot unit for moving the dental prosthesis or orthodontic device between the 3D printer unit, the supporter separation unit, the rotating unit, the supporter separation unit, the post-curing unit, and the heat treatment unit.

[0127] The continuous production process system for dental prosthetics or orthodontic devices using the 3D printer of the present invention is as shown in Fig. 13. According to Fig. 13, it can be seen that a robot is positioned at the center, and a 3D printer section, a supporter separation section, a rotation section, a supporter separation section, a post-curing section, and a heat treatment section are positioned around the robot. By this system, the continuous production process for dental prosthetics or orthodontic devices using the 3D printer described above can be carried out.

[0128] The photocurable composition for manufacturing the dental prosthesis or orthodontic device of the present invention can be printed as a dental prosthesis or orthodontic device by a 3D printer as described above, and the printed dental prosthesis or orthodontic device not only has a shape memory property that allows it to be restored to its original shape by body temperature, but also is a material with appropriate elasticity, so that its shape is not deformed even when pulled by a robot.

[0129] Specifically, the photocurable polymer composition may include a photocurable oligomer for 3D printing represented by the following chemical formula 1; a monomer; a photoinitiator; and a stabilizer:

[0130] [Chemical Formula 1]

[0131] [Correction pursuant to Rule 91, September 2025]

[0132] [Chemical Formula 2]

[0133]

[0134] [Chemical Formula 3]

[0135]

[0136] [Chemical Formula 4]

[0137]

[0138] [Chemical Formula 5]

[0139]

[0140] [Chemical Formula 6]

[0141]

[0142] Here,

[0143] n is an integer from 1 to 100,

[0144] m is an integer from 1 to 50,

[0145] A, B, C and D are the same or different from each other and are repeating units each independently selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by chemical formulas 2 to 6,

[0146] a, b, c and d are the same or different and are each independently an integer from 1 to 30,

[0147] R1 and R2 are the same or different, and can each be independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, deuterium, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group having 6 to 30 carbon atoms, and a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms.

[0148] The above photocurable oligomer is characterized by including a urethane acrylate structure as a main chain, a photocurable functional group bonded to the urethane structure, and including a soft functional group and a hard functional group in the compound.

[0149] The output exhibits flexible properties due to the soft functional group included in the photocurable composition, and can also exhibit heat resistance due to the hard functional group.

[0150] That is, by combining a photocurable functional group with a photocurable oligomer and utilizing a soft functional group and a hard functional group, a flexible effect can be exhibited by utilizing a carbon skeleton having a soft property at room temperature, and heat-resistant properties can also be exhibited by utilizing a carbon skeleton having a hard property at room temperature.

[0151] Since the above photocurable oligomer includes a carbon skeleton having hard properties, it can produce a 3D printing output that has excellent physical properties such as thermal properties, strength, elastic modulus, and tensile elongation, and can be restored to its original shape by heat.

[0152] In addition, since the photocurable oligomer contains a carbon skeleton with soft properties, its shape can be deformed by an external force after heat is provided.

[0153] In general, a composition for a 3D printer may include a photocurable oligomer for 3D printing; a monomer; a photoinitiator; and a stabilizer, as described below. The oligomer, monomer, photoinitiator, and stabilizer included in the composition all affect the physical properties of the output, but the oligomer has the greatest effect. Accordingly, in general, in order to improve the physical properties of a 3D output, only a carbon skeleton having a hard property is included, which can improve the physical properties of the output, but conversely, if the shape is deformed due to use, the shape cannot be restored, which is a problem in that it cannot be used multiple times.

[0154] The composition for a 3D printer of the present invention includes a carbon skeleton having a hard property and a carbon skeleton having a soft property, so that not only is it excellent in physical properties such as thermal properties, strength, elasticity, and tensile elongation, but also the flexible property of the soft functional group can be utilized together, so that when the shape is deformed by an external force in a state where heat is provided, it can be fixed in the deformed shape, and when heat is provided again, it can be restored to the original shape.

[0155] The above A, B and D are the same or different from each other, and may be repeating units independently selected from compounds represented by chemical formula 2 or 3.

[0156] The above C may be a repeating unit selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by chemical formulas 4 to 6.

[0157] Specifically, the photocurable oligomer represented by the above chemical formula 1 can be manufactured by a method for synthesizing a urethane acrylate series. Basically, it proceeds through a stepwise polymerization reaction of a diol and a diisocyanate, and in order to prevent gelation of the material due to an increase in molecular weight during the polymerization process of the material, an acrylic monomer without a reaction site is used as a suspension. The monomer used in the synthesis of the oligomer of the present invention as an available acrylic monomer may be Isobornyl acrylate, Cyclic Trimethylolpropane Formal Acrylate, Lauryl acrylate, Lauryl methacrylate, 3,5,3-trimethelhexyl acrylate, Tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate, Tetrahydrofurfuryl methacrylate, Benzyl methacrylate, etc.

[0158] More specifically, diol was pre-introduced into the monomer base used as the primary monomer to stabilize it, and then diisocyanate was added. As the urethane reaction progressed, heat of reaction was generated, the urethane chain lengthened, and the molecular weight increased.

[0159] As the molecular weight increases, the viscosity of the material may also increase. If the above-mentioned increase in molecular weight proceeds rapidly, the temperature rises rapidly, which also causes the urethane reaction to proceed more quickly, and as a result, the oligomer gels before reaching a sufficient molecular weight, making it unusable as a material. Therefore, in the present invention, in order to prevent this reaction, a solvent selected from the group consisting of Isobornyl acrylate, Cyclic Trimethylolpropane Formal Acrylate, Lauryl acrylate, Lauryl methacrylate, 3,5,3-trimethelhexyl acrylate, Tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate, Tetrahydrofurfuryl methacrylate, Benzyl methacrylate, and mixtures thereof is used as a solvent for introducing the diol. The solvent does not participate in the reaction, and is used to control the reaction speed of the material and prevent a rapid increase in viscosity due to an increase in molecular weight. Additionally, the monomers used to synthesize the oligomer of the present invention must be free of functional groups capable of reactive urethane reactions, such as hydroxyl groups or urethane groups. Under the above conditions, the present invention can produce oligomers with excellent mass production and process stability.

[0160] In addition, the equivalent ratio of diol and diisocyanate was set to a state where the equivalent of diisocyanate was higher than that of diol, so that the oligomer terminal exists as an isocyanate group. A reaction catalyst including a Zn-based catalyst can be used during the reaction process. The catalyst may or may not be included. The catalyst is included to proceed the reaction more quickly, and the reaction can proceed even if it is not necessarily included, but even if it is included, the reaction can proceed with a very small amount added.

[0161] After the temperature increase was stopped due to the completion of the urethane reaction, 2-hydroxy acrylate and 2-hydroxy methacrylate were added dropwise to end-cap the ends of the oligomers.

[0162] The diols used for the preparation of the above oligomers are as follows:

[0163]

[0164]

[0165] In addition, the diisocyanate for reacting with the above diol is as follows:

[0166]

[0167]

[0168] Additionally, monomers that may be included to terminate the urethane reaction or increase the molecular weight are as follows:

[0169]

[0170]

[0171]

[0172]

[0173] The compound represented by the above chemical formula 1 manufactured by the above manufacturing method can be selected from the group consisting of the following compounds:

[0174]

[0175] The photocurable oligomer may have a number average molecular weight (Mn) of 1,500 to 6,000, 1,500 to 5,500, or 1,600 to 5,000. The photocurable oligomer may have a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of 2,500 to 9,000, 3,000 to 8,500, or 3,500 to 8,000.

[0176] By using an oligomer having a number average molecular weight and a weight average molecular weight within the above range, a photocurable composition for 3D printing described below is manufactured, and by using the same, an orthodontic device customized to the oral structure of a patient can be printed, and by using the same, the convenience of use for the patient can be improved and the jaw expansion effect can be increased. Specifically, when the orthodontic device of the present invention is immersed in water at 50 to 100°C and then deformed, the shape changes to the deformed shape, but when used while being fitted to the upper or lower jaw, the orthodontic device, which has been deformed by body temperature, gradually returns to its original shape, thereby exhibiting the jaw expansion effect.

[0177] As described above, when various oligomers are selected according to the physical properties required for each product, such as tensile strength, flexural strength, flexural elasticity, and flexural strength, and a photocurable composition for 3D printing is manufactured using the same, the composition can exhibit characteristics as a shape memory polymer, and can be provided as a patient-tailored orthodontic device.

[0178] The above photocurable oligomer may have a viscosity of 2,000 psi to 3,500 psi, 2,100 psi to 3,200 psi, or 2,200 psi to 3,000 psi. When a photocurable composition is manufactured using an oligomer having a viscosity within the above range, it can be provided with a viscosity suitable for use in a 3D printer.

[0179] The photoinitiator may be BP, TPO, DCP, BPO, DPPO, etc., and preferably DPPO (2-hydroxy-2-methylpropiophenone) may be used. However, the present invention is not limited to the above examples, and any photoinitiator capable of producing a photocurable composition may be used without limitation.

[0180] The above stabilizer may be selected from the group consisting of tertiary amines such as diethylethanolamine and trihexylamine, hindered amines, organic phosphates, and hindered phenols, but is not limited to the above examples, and any stabilizer capable of producing a photocurable composition may be used without limitation.

[0181] In addition to the above photoinitiator and stabilizer, other additives may be additionally included.

[0182] The above additives may include conventional additives such as leveling agents, slip agents or stabilizers to improve thermal and oxidation stability, storage stability, surface properties, flow properties and process properties.

[0183] A photocurable composition according to one embodiment of the present invention may contain 1 part by weight of a photoinitiator per 100 parts by weight of a UV resin. The UV resin includes the photocurable oligomer of the present invention and a monomer, and more specifically, may contain a compound represented by the following chemical formula 1, a compound represented by the following chemical formula 7, and a compound represented by the following chemical formula 8 in a weight ratio of 1:1:1 to 2:1:1.

[0184] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention defined in the following claims also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0185] The present invention relates to a continuous production process for a dental prosthesis or orthodontic device using a 3D printer and a dental prosthesis or orthodontic device manufactured by the continuous production process.

Claims

1. 3D input stage for receiving 3D information about the patient's oral structure; A 3D model generation step of creating multiple 3D models by dividing the central axis of the oral structure into multiple regions with the x-axis as the center axis by setting the range of interest using the above 3D information; An output step of outputting the above plurality of 3D models into a dental prosthesis or orthodontic device using a 3D printer; A step of placing the above dental prosthesis or orthodontic device into a rotating body and washing it; A step of post-curing the above-mentioned washed dental prosthesis or orthodontic device; and A step of heat treating the above-mentioned post-cured dental prosthesis or orthodontic device, The dental prosthesis or orthodontic device printed by the above 3D printer is moved by a robot during the washing, post-curing, and heat treatment stages. The above dental prosthesis or orthodontic device is output including a supporter. Continuous production process of dental prosthetics or orthodontic devices using 3D printers.

2. In paragraph 1, The above supporter is in a state where one side is connected to the plate portion when printing a dental prosthesis or orthodontic device using a 3D printer. The above robot holds the dental prosthesis or orthodontic device and pulls it in the opposite direction to the plate portion to separate the dental prosthesis or orthodontic device from the supporter. Continuous production process of dental prosthetics or orthodontic devices using 3D printers.

3. In paragraph 1, The step of putting it in the above rotating body and washing it is to remove the surface protrusions and residual resin of the printed dental prosthesis or orthodontic device. Continuous production process of dental prosthetics or orthodontic devices using 3D printers.

4. In paragraph 1, The step of putting it in the above rotating body and washing it is to remove and wash the supporter of the printed dental prosthesis or orthodontic device, or wash it while including the supporter of the printed dental prosthesis or orthodontic device. Continuous production process of dental prosthetics or orthodontic devices using 3D printers.

5. In paragraph 1, The above heat treatment step is to place the post-cured dental prosthesis or orthodontic appliance in boiling water for 1 to 10 minutes. Continuous production process of dental prosthetics or orthodontic devices using 3D printers.

6. In paragraph 1, The above heat treatment step is to treat the post-cured dental prosthesis or orthodontic device with steam for 1 to 10 minutes. Continuous production process of dental prosthetics or orthodontic devices using 3D printers.

7. In paragraph 1, The above robot is a robotic arm including a gripper, which holds a dental prosthesis or an orthodontic device by the robotic arm and moves a step in a continuous production process of the dental prosthesis or the orthodontic device. Continuous production process of dental prosthetics or orthodontic devices using 3D printers.

8. Manufactured by a continuous production process according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 7. Dental prosthetics or clear orthodontic appliances.

9. A 3D printer unit that outputs a dental prosthesis or orthodontic device using a 3D printer with multiple 3D models input; A supporter separator for separating the supporter of the above-mentioned washed dental prosthesis or orthodontic device; A rotating part for washing a dental prosthesis or orthodontic device printed using the above 3D printer; A post-curing unit for post-curing the dental prosthesis or orthodontic device from which the supporter is separated; and It includes a heat treatment unit for heat treating the above-mentioned post-cured dental prosthesis or orthodontic device, A robot unit for moving a dental prosthesis or orthodontic device between the 3D printer unit, supporter separation unit, rotating body unit, supporter separation unit, post-curing unit, and heat treatment unit. A continuous production process system for dental prosthetics or orthodontic devices using a 3D printer.

10. In paragraph 9, The above robot part is located at the center of the 3D printer part, supporter separation part, rotating body part, post-curing part and heat treatment part. A continuous production process system for dental prosthetics or orthodontic devices using a 3D printer.

11. In paragraph 9, The above robot part includes a gripper that can hold the dental prosthesis or orthodontic device so as to move the dental prosthesis or orthodontic device or remove the supporter. A continuous production process system for dental prosthetics or orthodontic devices using a 3D printer.

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