Suprastructure, dental prosthesis, and method for producing a dental prosthesis

Abstract

The invention relates to a suprastructure (14) for a dental prosthesis (10), comprising: a tooth-crown main body (24) which carries at least one artificial tooth crown; a positioning body (26) having a through-opening for receiving a fastening means (16) for indirectly or directly fastening the suprastructure (14) to a dental implant (12); and a coupling device which captively couples the positioning body (26) to the tooth-crown main body (24) and is designed to allow for a relative movement of the positioning body (26) relative to the tooth-crown main body (24).

Description

Superstructure, dental prosthesis and procedures for manufacturing a dental prosthesis

[0001] The present invention relates to a superstructure for a dental prosthesis. The present invention further relates to a dental prosthesis comprising the superstructure according to the invention, a dental implant, and a fastening means. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing the dental prosthesis.

[0002] A "superstructure" refers to any type of abutment used as a dental prosthesis and attached to a dental implant. For example, a superstructure in this context is an artificial tooth restoration, such as an artificial crown or a bridge. The superstructure is typically made of ceramic or a similar material.

[0003] The term "dental implant" is often used colloquially, inconsistently, and incorrectly to refer to the entirety of a dental prosthesis. Therefore, it should be clarified here that in dental and prosthetic terminology, a "dental implant" refers to a prosthesis that is a dental prosthesis. In some contexts, the term "implant" refers only to the "implant body," meaning the artificial tooth root that is implanted into the patient's jaw. Therefore, the term "implant body" is often used instead of "dental implant." However, in the following text, the term "dental implant" will be used consistently to refer to this part of the dental prosthesis.

[0004] In conventional dentures, the superstructure is connected to the dental implant by means of an abutment or another type of mesostructure. The abutment forms the transition from the dental implant through the peri-implant soft tissue to the oral cavity and the superstructure. Such abutments are also referred to as "support pillars" or "implant posts." Typically, the abutment is manually ground down to the correct size and shape in order to then mount and bond the superstructure to it. Nowadays, denture designs are also used that allow the superstructure to be attached directly to the dental implant without the use of an abutment. Such a denture is known, for example, from DE 102018 113237 A1.

[0005] Nowadays, implant planning for such dental prostheses is usually carried out using a 3D model of the patient's oral cavity. Based on this 3D model, the position and spatial orientation of the dental implant and the superstructure, as well as the shape of the superstructure, are initially planned and determined. Simultaneously, the position, spatial orientation, size (diameter), and depth (length) of the borehole in the patient's jawbone, into which the dental implant will be inserted, are planned.

[0006] Traditionally, a 3D model is created using a plastic impression of the patient's oral cavity. Intraoral scans are increasingly replacing traditional plastic impressions. With this method, cameras create a digital 3D model of the oral cavity. The latter is significantly more comfortable for the patient and simplifies the automated planning and fabrication of the dental prosthesis.

[0007] It goes without saying that the drill hole in the jawbone, the dental implant inserted into it, and the superstructure must be precisely aligned. If multiple dental implants are used, the alignment of the corresponding drill holes relative to each other is also crucial.

[0008] Achieving precise positioning and alignment of dental implants, and consequently their superstructures, according to the plan is not always easy for a dentist or oral surgeon in practice. At least, the manual drilling into the gums and jawbone, into which the dental implant is inserted, almost always leads to deviations from the planned position and spatial orientation. While dental drilling guidance systems can be used as aids, an exemplary system and procedure for preparing and / or performing dental implant insertion is known from DE10 2022 134 517 A1. However, even with meticulous planning, preparation, and extensive experience on the part of the surgeon, undesirable deviations can still occur.

[0009] Such deviations negatively affect the alignment of the denture within the patient's mouth. This can result in the denture no longer fitting into the intended gap between the patient's natural teeth. Inaccurate alignment can also lead to visual and / or functional limitations for the patient. Particularly with superstructures designed as bridges and attached using multiple dental implants, difficulties in securing the superstructure can arise if the actual distances between the dental implants and / or their relative positions do not correspond to the planned position and / or alignment.

[0010] To a certain extent, such deviations can be corrected through adjustments during the operation. However, the possibilities for this are limited. Furthermore, such adjustments are time-consuming and expensive, and not very patient-friendly. In the worst case, excessive deviations may even necessitate a complete redesign of the dental prosthesis.

[0011] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a superstructure for a dental prosthesis, a dental prosthesis and a method for manufacturing the dental prosthesis, which facilitate user-friendly, time- and cost-efficient alignment of the dental prosthesis.

[0012] This problem is solved according to the invention by a superstructure according to claim 1, wherein the superstructure comprises: a crown base body which carries at least one artificial crown, a positioning body with a through-hole for receiving a fastening means for direct or indirect attachment of the superstructure to a dental implant, and a coupling device which couples the positioning body to the crown base body in a loss-proof manner and is configured to allow a limited relative movement of the positioning body relative to the crown base body.

[0013] The coupling device of the superstructure according to the invention allows the crown base to be moved and thus aligned relative to the positioning body, and vice versa. At the same time, the positioning body is securely attached to the crown base. Thus, the superstructure enables easy and flexible alignment of the crown base relative to the positioning body and vice versa.

[0014] The positioning body is designed to be attached to the dental implant using the fastening device. This allows the crown base to be held in a desired position and / or spatial orientation (e.g., relative to the patient's oral cavity), while simultaneously enabling the positioning body to be easily and flexibly positioned and / or aligned relative to the dental implant in order to secure it. In other words, the crown base, which is connected to the dental implant via the coupling device and the positioning body, can be easily and flexibly positioned and / or aligned relative to the dental implant. This advantageously allows for the correction of undesired positions. Inaccuracies in the drilling for the dental implant, which lead to deviations from the planned position and / or location of the dental implant in the patient's oral cavity, are compensated for.

[0015] Relative movement can be a change in the position and / or spatial orientation (also referred to as "position") of the positioning body and the crown base relative to each other. This potential relative movement therefore refers to translational and / or rotational degrees of freedom. The relative movement may be restricted in one or more of these translational and / or rotational degrees of freedom.

[0016] The base of the dental crown serves as a support structure for one or more artificial teeth. Dental crowns. These can be integrally connected to the crown base or attached to it. The crown base can thus be designed to be connected to one or more artificial crowns. The crown base comprises, for example, a dental crown or a dental bridge.

[0017] The inventive method for manufacturing a dental prosthesis comprises the following steps: Providing a superstructure comprising a crown base body supporting at least one artificial crown, a positioning body with a through-hole for receiving a fastening element for direct or indirect attachment of the superstructure to a dental implant, and a coupling device that securely couples the positioning body to the crown base body and is designed to allow relative movement of the positioning body relative to the crown base body. Providing a dental implant, Providing a fastening device designed to attach the superstructure directly or indirectly to the dental implant, and Attaching the superstructure to the dental implant using the fastening material.

[0018] The superstructure is therefore attached to the dental implant using a fastener, such as a screw or bolt. More precisely, the positioning element is attached to the dental implant using the fastener.

[0019] The crown base can still be moved relative to the positioning element, even when the dental prosthesis is fully assembled. This has the advantage that the crown base can be fine-tuned to the desired position and spatial orientation even after the superstructure or positioning element is already connected to the implanted dental implant. Likewise, the superstructure can still be easily and flexibly attached to the dental implant using the attachment, even if the implant's position and / or spatial orientation deviate from the planned position and / or location within the patient's jawbone.In other words, it is possible to easily and flexibly move or align the crown base relative to the positioning element, which is attached to the dental implant and thus spatially fixed, even in the assembled state of the dental prosthesis. This, in turn, makes it possible to fabricate the superstructure before the surgical procedure in which the dental implant(s) are implanted. Without the now available adjustment options, the superstructure could previously only be conventionally fabricated after the dental implant(s) had been implanted and a scan or impression taken. The superstructure according to the present invention therefore simplifies and accelerates the process many times over.

[0020] The fastening element can be positioned in the through-hole of the positioning body when the dental prosthesis is assembled and the superstructure is connected to the dental implant. For this purpose, the fastening element can be inserted through the through-hole of the positioning body into the dental implant to secure the positioning body to the implant.

[0021] The dental implant can, for example, have an opening extending along a longitudinal axis of the dental implant and an internal thread arranged in the opening. In this case, the fastening device can have an external thread that matches the internal thread of the dental implant.

[0022] Preferably, the provision of the superstructure includes positioning and / or spatially aligning the crown base body in a desired position or spatial orientation before and / or after attaching the superstructure to the dental implant using the fastening agent.

[0023] The above-mentioned task has therefore been completely solved.

[0024] The following section explains various optional embodiments, which can relate equally to both the dental implant and the method according to the invention.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the tooth crown base body has a second through-opening in which the positioning element is arranged.

[0026] The positioning body therefore extends into an opening in the base of the tooth crown, which is designed as a through-hole and is referred to here as the "second through-hole".

[0027] It is understood that the positioning element's placement within the opening assumes a force-free state of the superstructure (apart from the force of gravity). With relative movement, the positioning element can move within the opening and / or out of it.

[0028] Preferably, a longitudinal axis of the second through-opening is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the positioning body. Particularly preferably, the longitudinal axis of the second through-opening is identical to the longitudinal axis of the positioning body.

[0029] According to a further embodiment, the positioning body extends through the second through-opening and protrudes from it at least on one side.

[0030] The positioning body thus projects out of the second through-opening along a longitudinal axis of the second through-opening at least on one side, or stands away from it along the longitudinal axis.

[0031] Advantageously, the positioning element protruding towards the jawbone or dental implant (referring to the state of the dental prosthesis mounted on the implant) allows for easy attachment of the superstructure or the positioning element to the dental implant. This provides an improved interface for the superstructure.

[0032] A protrusion of the positioning element towards the oral cavity (relative to the state of the dental prosthesis mounted on the dental implant) facilitates the fixation of the crown base to the positioning element. This can be achieved, for example, by means of a filling material that is poured between the positioning element and the crown base and, upon hardening, fixes the crown base and the positioning element together. In this case, the positioning element can provide a spatial boundary for the filling material, while simultaneously preventing the filling material from flowing into the positioning element. This has the advantage that the through-hole of the positioning element, and in particular any luting agent located in the through-hole of the positioning element, remain freely accessible.

[0033] The fact that the positioning element preferably protrudes from the through-hole, as mentioned, does not necessarily mean that it also protrudes from the base of the artificial crown, i.e., that it extends beyond the artificial crown. While the latter is possible, in such a case the positioning element is usually shortened, for example by grinding, after the superstructure has been fitted.

[0034] According to a further embodiment, an inner wall of the tooth crown base body defining the second through-opening surrounds the positioning body at least partially and is at least partially spaced away from an outer wall of the positioning body in such a way that the positioning body has play in the second through-opening.

[0035] A gap can thus be formed between the inner wall of the second passage opening and the outer wall of the positioning body, which allows play of the positioning body in the second passage opening.

[0036] This has the advantage that the relative movement of the positioning body relative to the crown base is restricted not only by the coupling device but also by the crown base itself. This allows, in particular, the play perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second through-hole to be limited. At the same time, relative movement is still possible, enabling positioning and / or spatial alignment of the crown base relative to the positioning body and vice versa.

[0037] Preferably, the inner wall of the tooth crown base body completely surrounds the positioning body along one circumference of the positioning body.

[0038] This has the advantage that a gap can be formed that is limited perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second through-opening. This can, for example, simplify the spatially defined introduction of the filling material.

[0039] It is understood that the positioning element can partially or section by section rest against the surrounding inner wall of the second through-opening. It is only required that the second through-opening allows at least one degree of freedom for the positioning element.

[0040] According to a further embodiment, a ring-shaped gap is formed between the inner wall and the outer wall.

[0041] This has the advantage of allowing for a uniform movement in directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second through-hole. This facilitates particularly flexible positioning and / or alignment of the positioning element relative to the crown base and vice versa.

[0042] Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the second passage opening runs through the center of the ring-shaped structure formed by the gap.

[0043] It is understood that the ring-shaped form of the gap refers to a state free of forces other than the force of gravity. In other words, in a desired alignment of the tooth crown base relative to the positioning body, the positioning body can be in contact with the inner wall of the tooth crown base.

[0044] According to a further embodiment, the positioning body has a hollow cylinder that defines the through-opening.

[0045] Thus, one longitudinal axis of the hollow cylinder corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the through-opening of the positioning body.

[0046] This has the advantage of simplifying the attachment of the positioning element to the dental implant. In particular, the hollow cylinder is especially suitable for accommodating rotationally symmetrical fasteners such as screws or bolts.

[0047] According to a further embodiment, the passage opening runs along a longitudinal axis and has a contact surface inside that runs transversely to the longitudinal axis.

[0048] The mounting surface is designed to serve as a contact surface for the fastener, such as a screw or bolt. For example, a screw head can rest against the mounting surface.

[0049] The contact surface preferably extends from the inner wall of the passage opening perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Particularly preferably, the contact surface runs in an annular shape inside the passage opening.

[0050] This has the advantage of allowing for easy attachment of the positioning element to the dental implant. The attachment can, for example, be screwed into the dental implant, thereby fixing the contact surface relative to the implant.

[0051] Preferably, the mounting surface is designed as part of a stepped bore. This can, for example, be manufactured using an additive manufacturing process.

[0052] According to a further embodiment, the coupling device has a coupling element that is integrally formed with the tooth crown base body and / or the positioning body.

[0053] The coupling element is thus integrally connected to the crown base and / or the positioning element. In other words, the coupling element is monolithically formed with the crown base and / or positioning element. This is also possible, for example, using an additive manufacturing process.

[0054] It is understood that the coupling device can also have a large number of coupling elements, such as 2, 3, 4 or more coupling elements.

[0055] According to a further embodiment, the coupling device has a first coupling element that connects the tooth crown base body and the positioning body in a spring-elastic manner.

[0056] Thus, the coupling element can deform elastically, i.e. reversibly, and the coupling element can have a linear or nonlinear spring characteristic.

[0057] In particular, the coupling element is designed to be more elastic or less rigid compared to the crown base and / or the positioning element. This means that the crown base and / or the positioning element are stiffer than the coupling element. This can be achieved, for example, by adjusting the component stiffness (i.e., the shape and / or cross-section of the coupling element) and / or by adjusting the material properties (especially the modulus of elasticity, also known as the "Young's modulus").

[0058] For example, the elastic modulus of the coupling element is smaller than the elastic modulus of the crown base and / or the elastic modulus of the positioning element. This is also possible, for example, using an additive manufacturing process.

[0059] Preferably, the coupling element, the crown base body and the positioning body have the same modulus of elasticity, with the lower stiffness of the coupling element (relative to the crown base body and / or the positioning body) being achieved by means of the shape and / or the cross-section of the coupling element.

[0060] The coupling element is designed, for example, as a connecting element that attaches the positioning body to the base of the tooth crown.

[0061] The coupling device enables the relative movement of the positioning body to the tooth crown base through elastic deformation of the coupling element. It is understood that this deformation is not limited to purely elastic deformation, but can also include a plastic component (elastic-plastic deformation).

[0062] Instead of one coupling element, several such coupling elements, for example two, three, four, five or six coupling elements, can also be provided.

[0063] According to a further embodiment, the coupling device has a second coupling element and a third coupling element, wherein the second coupling element is formed on the positioning body and the third coupling element is formed on the tooth crown base body, wherein the second coupling element and the third coupling element cooperate to form a bearing by which the positioning body is movably mounted on the tooth crown base body.

[0064] The second coupling element can therefore be movably mounted in the third coupling element, or vice versa.

[0065] The second and third coupling elements can, for example, interact as a tongue and groove connection.

[0066] Preferably, the second coupling element is integrally formed with the positioning body and the third coupling element is integrally formed with the tooth crown base body.

[0067] Preferably, the second coupling element is configured to engage with the third coupling element. Alternatively, the third coupling element can be configured to engage with the second coupling element.

[0068] It is understood that the designation of a coupling element as "first coupling element," "second coupling element," or "third coupling element" merely follows a nomenclature that serves to conceptually distinguish the different coupling elements from one another. Therefore, the coupling device can, but does not necessarily have to, include the first, second, and third coupling elements simultaneously. For example, the coupling device may only include the second and third coupling elements, or only the first coupling element.

[0069] According to a further embodiment, the superstructure comprises a further positioning body which has a further through-opening for receiving a further fastening means for the indirect or direct attachment of the superstructure to the dental implant, and a further coupling device which couples the further positioning body to the crown base body in a loss-proof manner and is designed to allow relative movement of the further positioning body relative to the crown base body.

[0070] The through-hole and the subsequent through-hole are spaced apart from each other. Thus, the positioning body and the subsequent positioning body are spaced apart from each other.

[0071] The positioning element and the additional positioning element are each designed to be attached to a dental implant. This allows the superstructure to be attached at multiple points within the patient's oral cavity. This can be necessary or advantageous for relatively large crown bases or crown bases with multiple artificial crowns, such as bridges.

[0072] The positioning element and the additional positioning element can each be independently aligned relative to the crown base on the respective dental implant. This allows for simple and flexible positioning and / or spatial alignment of the crown base and / or the positioning element, even when the superstructure is attached at two different locations within the patient's oral cavity. This has the advantage of compensating for deviations between the drill holes, each containing a dental implant.

[0073] It is understood that the various optional embodiments, which have already been explained or will be explained, and which relate to the superstructure according to the invention with the (one) positioning body and the (one) coupling device, also relate in the same way to the superstructure with the further (second) positioning body and the further (second) coupling device.

[0074] It is further understood that the superstructure is not limited to two positioning bodies and two coupling devices. Rather, the superstructure can have a multitude of positioning bodies and a multitude of coupling devices. The various optional configurations apply equally to the superstructure with the multitude of positioning bodies and the multitude of coupling devices. It is also understood that the multitude of coupling devices can be configured differently, either individually or partially.

[0075] According to a further embodiment, the inventive method comprises the step of filling a filling mass into a space between the positioning body. and a second through-opening of the tooth crown base body, in which the positioning element is arranged.

[0076] This has the advantage that the crown base can be easily fixed in a desired position and / or spatial orientation relative to the positioning body. This prevents the relative movement of the positioning body relative to the crown base previously enabled by the coupling device.

[0077] The filling material is designed to harden and, as a result of this hardening, to bond the crown base to the positioning element in such a way that the crown base is fixed in its position and / or spatial orientation relative to the positioning element. Preferably, the hardening is induced by irradiation with UV light.

[0078] Preferably, the method according to the invention further comprises the removal of parts of the superstructure, in particular of at least a part of the coupling device and / or at least a part of the positioning element. The removal takes place after the filling compound has hardened and can be carried out, for example, by abrading and in particular by grinding.

[0079] This has the advantage that the superstructure can be adapted visually and functionally to the patient's needs.

[0080] For example, removing parts of the superstructure includes removing a coupling element of the coupling device and / or removing part of the positioning body that protrudes beyond the through-hole of the crown base.

[0081] According to a further embodiment, providing the superstructure includes manufacturing the superstructure using an additive manufacturing process.

[0082] Advantageously, the additive manufacturing process enables the simple production of a complex shape or structure of the superstructure, especially with regard to the coupling device.

[0083] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without leaving the scope of the present invention.

[0084] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description. They show: Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a dental prosthesis according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 shows a sectional view of the dental prosthesis shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 3a a perspective view of a superstructure according to a first Exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3b shows another perspective view of the superstructure shown in Fig. 3a; Fig. 3c shows a sectional view of the superstructure shown in Fig. 3a; Fig. 4a shows a perspective view of the superstructure according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4b shows a sectional view of the superstructure shown in Fig. 4a; Fig. 5a shows a perspective view of the superstructure according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5b shows a sectional view of the superstructure shown in Fig. 5a; Fig. 6 shows a sectional view of the superstructure according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] Figures 1 and 2 show a perspective view and a sectional view of an embodiment of a dental prosthesis according to the invention. The dental prosthesis as a whole is designated by reference numeral 10.

[0086] The dental prosthesis 10 serves as an artificial tooth replacement that can be inserted into the oral cavity of a patient (e.g. a human or an animal).

[0087] The dental prosthesis 10 comprises a dental implant 12, a superstructure 14, and a clasp 16. The superstructure 14 is attached to the dental implant 12 by means of the clasp 16.

[0088] The dental implant 12 is designed to be inserted into a hole in a patient's jawbone and serves as a type of artificial tooth root. The superstructure 14 is the actual artificial tooth structure and is connected to the dental implant 12 by means of the attachment 16.

[0089] The dental implant 12 has an external thread 17, which serves to secure the dental implant 12 in the patient's jawbone. The dental implant 12 also has a longitudinal axis 18, an opening 19 extending along the longitudinal axis 18 of the dental implant 12, and an internal thread 20 arranged in the opening 19.

[0090] The fastening element 16, which is designed here as a screw, has an external thread 22 that matches the internal thread 20 of the dental implant 12.

[0091] Figures 3a, 3b, and 3c show two different perspective views of the superstructure 14 as well as a sectional view of the same. The superstructure 14 comprises a crown base 24, a positioning body 26, and a coupling device 28.

[0092] The crown base 24 has an artificial crown 30 and a through-hole, which is referred to here as the second through-hole 32, extends along a longitudinal axis 34 and is designed as a through-bore. The crown base 24 also has an inner wall 36 defining the second through-hole 32.

[0093] The positioning body 26 has a hollow cylinder 38 that extends along a longitudinal axis 40 and defines a through-opening 42. The hollow cylinder 38 has an outer wall 44 and a contact surface 46.

[0094] The coupling device 28 has a first coupling element 48, which is integrally formed with the crown base body 24 and the positioning body 26 and connects the crown base body 24 to the positioning body 26. The first coupling element 48 is arranged on a side of the crown base body 24 facing away from the dental implant 12 (or facing the oral cavity). In the illustrated embodiment, the first coupling element 48 is L-shaped.

[0095] The first coupling element 48 attaches the positioning body 26 to the crown base body 24. Simultaneously, the first coupling element 48 allows relative movement of the positioning body 26 relative to the crown base body 24. The first coupling element 48 is spring-elastic and deformable. This allows the positioning body 26 to be moved and rotated relative to the crown base body 24.

[0096] This has the advantage that the superstructure 14 can be easily and flexibly aligned at two different reference points. The crown base 24 can be held in a desired position and spatial orientation relative to the patient's oral cavity. Simultaneously, the positioning body 26 can be aligned relative to the dental implant 12. Therefore, deviations in the actual position and spatial orientation of the dental implant 12 from a planned position and spatial orientation in the patient's jawbone can be compensated for, which may occur, for example, due to an imprecisely drilled hole for the dental implant.

[0097] The positioning body 26 is arranged in the second through-opening 32. Without the influence of external forces (apart from the force of gravity), the longitudinal axis 40 of the positioning body 26 and the longitudinal axis 34 of the second through-opening 32 run parallel to each other and coincide in the illustrated embodiment. In an aligned state of the superstructure 14, i.e., under the influence of external forces, the longitudinal axis 40 and the longitudinal axis 32 can run parallel or perpendicular to each other, offset from one another.

[0098] The term "transverse" here does not necessarily mean perpendicular or orthogonal. Instead, "transverse" encompasses any orientation at any angle.

[0099] The outer wall 44 of the positioning body 26 is recessed from the inner wall 34 of the crown base body 24 in such a way that a gap 49 is formed between the positioning body 26 and the crown base body 24, which is formed as an annular gap 50. The annular gap 50 allows uniform movement of the positioning body 26 in the second through-opening 32 in directions along and transverse to the longitudinal axis 34 of the crown base body 24. The inner wall 34 limits the movement of the positioning body 26 transversely to the longitudinal axis 34 of the crown base body 24.

[0100] The hollow cylinder 38 of the positioning body 26 extends through the second through-opening 32 and protrudes from the second through- on both sides. The hollow cylinder 38 extends beyond the second through-opening 32. As can be seen in Figs. 3a, 3b and 3c, the hollow cylinder 38 projects along the longitudinal axis 34 of the crown base body 24 on one side of the second through-opening 32 beyond the artificial crown 30. On the opposite side of the second through-opening 32, the hollow cylinder 38 also projects from the second through-opening 32.

[0101] The contact surface 46 forms an annular bearing surface for the fastener 16 or for the screw head of a screw. The contact surface 46 is designed as a stepped bore and projects inside the hollow cylinder 38 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis 40 of the positioning body 26 from an inner wall 47 of the hollow cylinder 38.

[0102] Returning to Fig. 2, the superstructure 14 can be attached to the dental implant 12 by means of the fastening element 16, which is designed as a screw, as follows. The fastening element 16 can be inserted into the dental implant 12 through the through-opening 42 of the positioning body 26 and screwed to the dental implant 12. The positioning body 26 is attached to the dental implant 12 by the fastening element 16 pressing the contact surface 46 against the dental implant 12 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 18 of the dental implant 12. The position of the positioning body 26 transverse to the longitudinal axis 18 of the dental implant 12 is also determined by the fastening element 16.

[0103] In the first embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 3a, 3b, and 3c, the coupling device 28 has a first coupling element 48. Alternatively, the coupling device 28 can have a plurality of first coupling elements 48. For example, the coupling device 28 can have two, three, four, or more first coupling elements 48, i.e., a plurality of first coupling elements 48. These can, for example, be arranged symmetrically around the longitudinal axis 34 of the second through-opening 32 or around the longitudinal axis 40 of the positioning body 26.

[0104] Figures 4a and 4b show a second embodiment of the superstructure 14 according to the present invention, which differs from the one shown in Figures 3a, 3b and 3c. An exemplary embodiment comprises a plurality of positioning bodies 26, a plurality of coupling devices 28, and a plurality of artificial tooth crowns 30. The superstructure 14 shown in Figs. 4a and 4b is designed as a dental bridge and is therefore suitable for replacing a plurality of (natural) teeth.

[0105] While Fig. 4a shows a perspective view of the superstructure 14, Fig. 4b shows another perspective view of the superstructure in which the plurality of positioning bodies 26 and the plurality of coupling devices 28, as well as the tooth crown base body 24, are partially sectioned. The section lies in a plane of symmetry of the respective positioning body 26 or the respective hollow cylinder 38.

[0106] The superstructure 14 can be connected to a multitude of dental implants 12 by inserting a fastening element into each of the multiple positioning bodies 26 into a respective dental implant 12.

[0107] The plurality of positioning bodies 26 is each connected to the tooth crown base body 24 by means of one of the plurality of coupling devices 28. The plurality of coupling devices 28 are each configured with a first coupling element 48, as shown in the embodiment shown in Figures 3a, 3b and 3c.

[0108] Each of the multiple positioning bodies 26 can be moved relative to the crown base body 24 independently of the other positioning bodies 26. Thus, each of the multiple positioning bodies 26 can be positioned and spatially aligned on a respective dental implant 12 independently of the other positioning bodies 26. This has the advantage that deviations in the corresponding bores of the respective dental implants can be compensated for independently of one another.

[0109] In the illustrated embodiment, the superstructure 14 has a plurality of optional positioning holders 52. These are detachably connected to the crown base body 24 and serve as aids for positioning and spatial alignment. of the crown base body 24. The positioning holders 52 each have a through-hole 53 for attachment to a further auxiliary device (not shown). This allows the crown base body 24 to be fixed in space in such a way that unwanted displacement or rotation of the crown base body 24 is prevented and a user (e.g., a surgeon) has both hands free. When the positioning holders 52 are no longer needed, they can be detached from the crown base body 24.

[0110] The position of the first coupling element 48 can vary depending on the coupling device 28 or artificial tooth crown 30, as in the present embodiment.

[0111] As can be seen in Figs. 4a and 4b, the longitudinal axes 34 of the respective second through-opening 32 and the longitudinal axis 40 of the respective positioning bodies 26 run transversely to each other. Alternatively, the longitudinal axes 34, 40 of the plurality of positioning bodies 26 can run at least partially parallel to each other.

[0112] As can be seen in Figs. 4a and 4b, the crown base body 24 has a greater number of artificial crowns 30 than a greater number of positioning bodies 26. Alternatively, the number of artificial crowns 30 can correspond to the number of positioning bodies 26.

[0113] Figs. 5a and 5b show a third embodiment of the superstructure 14 according to the present invention, which differs from the embodiment shown in Figs. 3a, 3b and 3c with regard to the design of the coupling device 28.

[0114] The coupling device 28 additionally comprises a second coupling element 54 and a third coupling element 56. The second coupling element 54 and the third coupling element 56 are designed as tongue-and-groove connections. The second coupling element 54 is integrally formed with the positioning body 26 and projects from the outer wall 44 of the positioning body 26 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis 40 of the positioning body 26. The second coupling element 54 is rod-shaped. The third coupling element 56 is integrally formed in the crown body 24 as a receptacle 58 for the second coupling element 54, with the second coupling element 54 engaging in the receptacle 58. The receptacle 58 surrounds the second coupling element 54 on five sides. The second coupling element 54 is supported by the receptacle 58 in such a way that it has play within the receptacle 58. This play allows for limited translation and rotation of the positioning body 26 relative to the crown body 24.

[0115] Thus, in comparison to the embodiment shown in Fig. 3a, 3b and 3c, the relative movement of the positioning body 26 relative to the tooth crown base body 24 is restricted not only by means of the first coupling element of the 28, but also by means of the second coupling element 54 and the third coupling element 56.

[0116] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 5a and 5b, the second coupling element 54 and the third coupling element 56 prevent excessive twisting of the positioning body 26 in the second through-opening 32 of the tooth crown base body 24. This prevents unintentional tearing off of the first coupling element 28 due to excessive (external) forces or stresses in the coupling element 28.

[0117] In the third embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 5a and 5b, the coupling device 28 comprises a first coupling element 48, a second coupling element 54, and a third coupling element 56. Alternatively, the superstructure 14 according to the invention can have a coupling device 28 with a plurality of first coupling elements 48 and / or a plurality of second coupling elements 54 and a corresponding number of third coupling elements 56. The number of first coupling elements 48 need not correspond to the number of second coupling elements 54 or the number of third coupling elements 56.

[0118] The multitude of first coupling elements 48 and / or second coupling elements 54 and the corresponding multitude of third coupling elements 56 can be exemplified by They should be arranged symmetrically around the longitudinal axis 34 of the second passage opening 32.

[0119] Alternatively, the coupling device 28 can be designed without a first coupling element 48 and may only have the second coupling element 54 and the third coupling element 56, or a corresponding plurality thereof.

[0120] Fig. 6 shows a fourth embodiment of the superstructure 14 according to the present invention, which, in contrast to the embodiment shown in Figs. 5a and 5b, has a plurality of positioning bodies 26, a plurality of coupling devices 28, and a plurality of artificial tooth crowns 30. Each of the plurality of positioning bodies 26 is connected to the tooth crown base body 24 by means of one of the plurality of coupling devices 28.

[0121] The fourth embodiment differs from the second embodiment shown in Figs. 4a and 4b with regard to the design of the coupling devices 28. The plurality of coupling devices 28 is each designed as in the third embodiment shown in Figs. 5a and 5b.

[0122] As in the second embodiment shown in Figs. 4a and 4b, each of the plurality of positioning bodies 26 can be positioned and spatially aligned independently of the other positioning bodies 26 relative to the crown base bodies 24. This has the advantage that deviations of the corresponding bores of the respective dental implants can be compensated for.

[0123] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the method 60 according to the invention. In a first step (i), second step (ii), and third step (iii), the superstructure 14, the dental implant 12, and the fastening element 16 are provided. Subsequently, in a fourth step (iv), the superstructure 14 is attached to the dental implant 12 using the fastening element 16. For this purpose, the fastening element 16 is screwed through the through-opening 42 of the positioning body 26 into the internal thread 20 of the dental implant 12. The positioning body 26 is aligned with and attached to the dental implant 12.

[0124] The crown base 24 is then moved and held in the desired position and spatial orientation relative to the positioning body 26. This can be done, for example, with the aid of the positioning holders 52 (see Figs. 4a and 6). In a fifth step (v), a filling material is injected into a space 49 between the positioning body 26 and the second through-opening 32 of the crown base 24. The filling material bonds the crown base 24 to the positioning body 26. In the subsequent sixth step (vi), the filling material is cured. This can be done, for example, by applying UV radiation. In the cured state, the filling material permanently fixes the crown base 24 to the positioning body 26. Since the positioning body 26 is attached to the dental implant 12, the crown base 24 is also fixed in space relative to the dental implant 12.

[0125] In a further subsequent optional seventh step (vii), a part of the superstructure 14 is removed that the patient does not need for the function of the dental prosthesis or that would interfere with its use as a dental prosthesis. For example, the first coupling element 28, the part of the positioning body 26 that projects towards the oral cavity from the second through-opening 32 of the crown base body 24, and / or the positioning retainer 52 are removed.

[0126] Removal can be achieved, for example, through a machining process such as milling, sawing, or grinding.

[0127] It is understood that the embodiments shown in the figures merely represent exemplary configurations of the inventive superstructure, the inventive dental prosthesis and the inventive method for manufacturing the dental prosthesis, which illustrate the advantages of the inventive superstructure, the inventive dental prosthesis and the inventive method. Various modifications can be made to these exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0128] For example, the coupling device can have a plurality of first coupling elements and / or a plurality of second coupling elements with a corresponding plurality of third coupling elements. The number of first coupling elements can be independent of the number of second coupling elements or the number of third coupling elements. For example, a coupling device can have four first coupling elements, one second coupling element, and one corresponding third coupling element.

[0129] One or more of the coupling devices can be designed differently. For example, the coupling devices can differ in terms of the type and number of coupling elements and / or their arrangement.

[0130] It is understood that the shape and size of the coupling elements, as well as their position on the positioning body or on the tooth crown base, can be varied. This allows, for example, the component stiffness of the first coupling element, the second coupling element, and / or the third coupling element to be varied.

[0131] The arrangement of the first coupling element can be dependent on or independent of the arrangement of the second or third coupling element. For example, the first and second coupling elements, or the third coupling element, can be arranged one above the other along the longitudinal axis of the positioning body, or offset from each other in the circumferential direction of the positioning body.

[0132] Furthermore, the first coupling element, the second coupling element and / or the third coupling element can also be attached to the positioning body or in the tooth crown base body instead of being integrally designed with the positioning body or the tooth crown base body.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Superstructure (14) for a dental prosthesis (10), comprising: a crown base body (24) which carries at least one artificial crown (30), a positioning body (26) with a through-hole (42) for receiving a fastening element (16) for direct or indirect attachment of the superstructure (14) to a dental implant (12), and a coupling device which couples the positioning body (26) to the crown base body (24) in a loss-proof manner and is designed to allow relative movement of the positioning body (26) relative to the crown base body (24).

2. Superstructure (14) according to claim 1, wherein the crown base body (24) has a second through-opening (32) in which the positioning body (26) is arranged.

3. Superstructure (14) according to claim 2, wherein the positioning body (26) extends through the second through-opening (32) and projects out of it at least on one side.

4. Superstructure (14) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein an inner wall (36) of the tooth crown base body (24) defining the second through-opening (32) at least partially surrounds the positioning body (26) and is spaced apart from an outer wall (44) of the positioning body (26) such that the positioning body (26) has play in the second through-opening (32).

5. Superstructure (14) according to claim 4, wherein an annular gap is formed between the inner wall (36) and the outer wall (44).

6. Superstructure (14) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the positioning body (26) has a hollow cylinder (38) that defines the through-opening (42).

7. Superstructure (14) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the through-opening (42) extends along a longitudinal axis (40) and has a contact surface (46) extending transversely to the longitudinal axis (40) inside it.

8. Superstructure (14) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling device (28) has a coupling element (48) which is integrally formed with the tooth crown base body (24) and / or the positioning body (26).

9. Superstructure (14) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling device (28) has a first coupling element (48) which connects the tooth crown base body (24) and the positioning body (26) in a spring-elastic manner.

10. Superstructure (14) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling device (28) has a second coupling element (54) and a third coupling element (56), wherein the second coupling element (54) is formed on the positioning body (26) and the third coupling element (56) is formed on the crown base body (24), wherein the second coupling element (54) and the third coupling element (56) cooperate to form a bearing by which the positioning body (26) is movably mounted on the crown base body (24).

11. Superstructure (14) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: a further positioning body (26) which has a further through-opening (32) for receiving a further fastening means (16) for directly or indirectly fastening the superstructure (14) to the dental implant (12), and a further coupling device (28) which couples the further positioning body (26) to the tooth crown base body (24) in a loss-proof manner and is designed to allow a relative movement of the further positioning body (26) relative to the tooth crown base body (24).

12. Dental prosthesis (10) comprising: the superstructure (14) according to one of claims 1-11, a dental implant (12), and a fastening means (16) which is designed to be inserted through the through-hole into the dental implant (12) in order to connect the superstructure (14) to the dental implant (12).

13. Method (60) for manufacturing a dental prosthesis (10), comprising: Providing a superstructure (14) with a crown base body (24) which carries at least one artificial crown (30), a positioning body (26) with a through-hole (42) for receiving a fastening element (16) for directly or indirectly fastening the superstructure (14) to a dental implant (12), and a coupling device (28) which couples the positioning body (26) to the crown base body (24) in a loss-proof manner and is designed to allow relative movement of the positioning body (26) relative to the crown base body (24), Provision of a dental implant (12), Providing a fastening device (16) designed to attach the superstructure (14) directly or indirectly to the dental implant (12), and Attaching the superstructure (14) to the dental implant (12) using the fastening device (16).

14. Method (60) according to claim 13, comprising: Filling a filling material into a space (49) between the positioning body (26) and a second through-opening (32) of the crown base body (24) in which the positioning body (26) is located.

15. Method (60) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein providing the superstructure (14) comprises manufacturing the superstructure (14) using an additive manufacturing process.

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