One-piece dental restoration mold with pivotably coupled facial mold portion and lingual mold portion

Abstract

In some implementations, one or more processors may receive three-dimensional (3D) scan data of a supragingival tooth structure of a patient. The one or more processors may design a dental restoration tool based on the 3D scan data of the supragingival tooth structure of the patient. The dental restoration tool may include a one-piece matrix including a facial matrix portion, a lingual matrix portion, and an integral hinge portion pivotably coupling, about an occlusal-gingival- extending axis, the facial matrix portion to the lingual matrix portion. The one-piece matrix may be configured to close, via the integral hinge portion, to form a mold cavity that encompasses one or more teeth of the patient during a dental restoration process.

Description

[0001] PA200092W003

[0002] ONE-PIECE DENTAL RESTORATION MOLD WITH PIVOTABLY COUPLED FACIAL MOLD PORTION AND LINGUAL MOLD PORTION

[0003] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0004] This Patent Application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 680,494, filed on August 7, 2024, and entitled “ONE-PIECE DENTAL RESTORATION MOLD WITH PIVOTABLY COUPLED FACIAL MOLD PORTION AND LINGUAL MOLD PORTION.” This Patent Application also claims priority to Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 705,834, filed on October 10, 2024, and entitled “ONE-PIECE DENTAL RESTORATION MOLD WITH PIVOTABLY COUPLED FACIAL MOLD PORTION AND LINGUAL MOLD PORTION.” The disclosure of the prior Applications are considered part of and are incorporated by reference into this Patent Application.

[0005] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0006] The present disclosure generally relates to dental restorations, and, for example, to a one-piece dental restoration mold with pivotably coupled facial mold portion and lingual mold portion.

[0007] BACKGROUND

[0008] A dental restoration, such as a dental filling, utilizes a restorative dental material to improve the function, integrity, and / or morphology of missing or irregular tooth structure. For example, a dental restoration may be used to restore missing tooth structure due to congenital discrepancies, following external trauma, as part of a restorative treatment for dental caries or tooth decay, and / or for aesthetic reasons, among other examples.

[0009] Restorative dentistry often includes drilling decay from an infected tooth (commonly referred to as “preparing” the tooth) and then using simple tools and a high level of craftsmanship to isolate, retract, fill, and / or contour the finished restoration. In some examples, quality isolation via a rubber dam may be used, but this is cumbersome and thus often skipped for less effective isolation via cotton rolls or a similar material, which may increase the risk of contamination and / or a reduction in the longevity of the restoration. Retraction of soft and hard tissue may include manipulation of cords, wedges, and / or matrix bands, and imperfect technique may result in contamination, difficulty in finishing and / or polishing in interproximal areas, and / orpoorly adapted contacts, among other issues. In some examples, certain restorative materials, such as materials known as “bulk fill” restorative materials, coupled with high intensity curing lights or similar devices, may enable relatively fast filling of deep cavities (e.g., cavities approximately 4-5 mm deep). However, many restorations using bulk fill restorative materials and / or curing lights may be completed in a single shade because practitioners may be uncertain of the correct layering protocol for multiple shades and / or types of restorative material. Moreover, with little geometrical guidance available on a prepared tooth, creation of the final fdling level and / or occlusal surface geometry may require a practitioner to overfill an area being restored with restorative dental material, followed by an iterative process of grinding and checking tooth contact and / or biting function on an anesthetized patient. This process may be the most time consuming for dental restorations and errors here may result in tooth sensitivity and return visits for adjustment, among other examples.

[0010] Commonly assigned patents and patent applications include United States Patent Nos. 10,722,331; 11,123,165; 11,185,392; United States Patent Application Publ. Nos. 2019 / 0298489; 2019 / 0083208; 2021 / 0290349; 2021 / 0298882; 2021 / 0378789; 2021 / 0386528; 2022 / 0047357; and 2022 / 0117699, all disclosing dental restoration techniques incorporating the molding of dental restorative material directly on a tooth located within the mouth of a patient.

[0011] SUMMARY

[0012] In some implementations, a custom tool for forming a dental restoration in a mouth of a patient includes a unitary mold body configured to provide a patient-specific, customized fit of one or more teeth of the patient, the unitary mold body including: a facial mold portion configured to provide a patient-specific, customized fit of a facial side of the one or more teeth of the patient; a lingual mold portion configured to provide a patient-specific, customized fit of a lingual side of the one or more teeth of the patient; and a hinge portion pivotably coupling, about an occlusal-gingival-extending axis, the facial mold portion to the lingual mold portion, wherein the unitary mold body is configured to close, via the hinge portion, around the one or more teeth of the patient to form a mold cavity encompassing missing tooth structure of the one or more teeth.

[0013] In some implementations, a dental restoration tool includes a one-piece, three-dimensional (3D)- printed matrix including: a facial matrix portion; a lingual matrix portion; and an integral hinge portion pivotably coupling, about an occlusal-gingival-extending axis, the facial matrix portion to the lingual matrix portion, wherein the one-piece, 3D-printed matrix is configmed to close, via the integral hinge portion, to form a mold cavity that encompasses one or more teeth of a patient during a dental restoration process.

[0014] In some implementations, a method of manufacturing a dental restoration tool includes receiving, by one or more processors, 3D scan data of a tooth structure of a patient; designing, by the one or more processors, the dental restoration tool based on at least the 3D scan data of the tooth structure of the patient, wherein the dental restoration tool includes: a one-piece matrix including: a facial matrix portion; a lingual matrix portion; and an integral hinge portion pivotably coupling, about an occlusal- gingival-extending axis, the facial matrix portion to the lingual matrix portion, wherein the one-piece matrix is configured is configured to close, via the integral hinge portion, to form a mold cavity that encompasses one or more teeth of the patient during a dental restoration process; and 3D printing, by a 3D printer in communication with the one or more processors, the one-piece matrix.

[0015] In some implementations, a method of forming a dental restoration includes positioning a lingual mold portion of a unitary mold body over one or more teeth to be restored, wherein the lingual mold portion is configured to provide a patient-specific, customized fit of a lingual side of the one or more teeth to be restored; pivotably moving, about an occlusal-gingival-extending axis, a facial mold portion of the unitary mold body toward the one or more teeth to be restored, wherein the facial mold portion is configured to provide a patient-specific, customized fit of a facial side of the one or more teeth to be restored; interlocking a first clamp portion that is integrally formed with the facial mold portion with a second clamp portion that is integrally formed with the lingual mold portion to form a mold cavity encompassing missing tooth structure of the one or more teeth to be restored; introducing restorative material in the mold cavity; curing the restorative material; and removing the unitary mold body from the one or more teeth to be restored.

[0016] In this application, terms such as “a”, “an”, and “the” are not intended to refer to only a singular entity but include the general class of which a specific example may be used for illustration. The terms “a”, “an”, and “the” are used interchangeably with the term “at least one.” The phrases “at least one of’ and “comprises at least one of’ followed by a list refers to any one of the items in the list and any combination of two or more items in the list.

[0017] As used herein, the term “or” is generally employed in its usual sense including “and / or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. The term “and / of’ means one or all of the listed elements or a combination of any two or more of the listed elements.

[0018] Also herein, all numbers are assumed to be modified by the term “about” and preferably by the term “exactly.” As used herein in connection with a measured quantity, the term “about” refers to that variation in the measured quantity as would be expected by the skilled artisan making the measurement and exercising a level of care commensurate with the objective of the measurement and the precision of the measuring equipment used. Also herein, the recitations of numerical ranges by endpoints include all numbers subsumed within that range as well as the endpoints (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, etc.).

[0019] As used herein as a modifier to a property or attribute, the term “generally”, unless otherwise specifically defined, means that the property or attribute would be readily recognizable by a person of ordinary skill but without requiring absolute precision or a perfect match (e.g., within + / - 20 % for quantifiable properties). The term “substantially”, unless otherwise specifically defined, means to a high degree of approximation (e.g., within + / - 10% for quantifiable properties) but again without requiring absolute precision or a perfect match. Terms such as same, equal, uniform, constant, strictly, and the like, are understood to be within the usual tolerances or measuring error applicable to the particular circumstance rather than requiring absolute precision or a perfect match.

[0020] As used herein, the term “occlusal surface” may refer to the chewing surface of any teeth, including the posterior teeth, as well as incisal surfaces (e.g., incisal edges) of anterior teeth. In this manner, as used herein, the term occlusal surface is not indicative of any particular tooth or teeth and is thus inclusive of incisal surface(s).

[0021] “Facial” as used herein, including the claims, refers to the direction directed toward the cheeks or lips (i.e., the buccal and labial) of the patient, and opposite the lingual direction. “Lingual” as used herein, including the claims, refers to the direction directed toward the tongue of the patient, and opposite the facial direction. “Supragingival” generally includes tooth tissue extending beyond the gingival margin, recognizing that in some cases the margin can be shifted during restoration by procedures such as retraction or surgical intervention (e.g. gingivectomy).

[0022] The above summary of the present disclosure is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. The description that follows more particularly exemplifies illustrative embodiments. In several places throughout the application, guidance is provided through lists of examples, which examples can be used in various combinations. In each instance, the recited list serves only as a representative group and should not be interpreted as an exclusive list.

[0023] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS SHOWING

[0024] SOME EXAMPLES OF THIS DISCLOSURE

[0025] Figs. 1A-1G show one example of a custom tool for forming a dental restoration in a mouth of a patient.

[0026] Fig. 2 shows another example of a custom tool for forming a dental restoration in a mouth of a patient.

[0027] Fig. 3 is an example of forming a dental restoration in a mouth of a patient using a custom tool.

[0028] Fig. 4 shows another example of a custom tool for forming a dental restoration in a mouth of a patient.

[0029] Fig. 5 shows another example of a custom tool for forming a dental restoration in a mouth of a patient. Fig. 6 shows another example of a custom tool for forming a dental restoration in a mouth of a patient.

[0030] Fig. 7 shows another example of a custom tool for forming a dental restoration in a mouth of a patient.

[0031] Fig. 8 is an example of a portion of a dental restoration that may be performed in a mouth of a patient using a custom tool.

[0032] Figs. 9A-9B show another example of a custom tool for forming a dental restoration in a mouth of a patient.

[0033] Figs. 10A-10B show another example of a custom tool for forming a dental restoration in a mouth of a patient.

[0034] Figs. 11 A-l IB show another example of a custom tool for forming a dental restoration in a mouth of a patient.

[0035] Figs. 12A-12B show another example of a custom tool for forming a dental restoration in a mouth of a patient.

[0036] Fig. 13 shows an example of a supragingival tooth structure that may be treated using a custom tool associated with orthodontic attachments and / or brackets.

[0037] Fig. 14 shows an example of a custom tool associated with orthodontic attachments and / or brackets.

[0038] Fig. 15 shows an example of a custom tool associated with orthodontic attachments.

[0039] Fig. 16 shows another example of a custom tool associated with orthodontic attachments and / or brackets.

[0040] Figs. 17A-17G show another example of a custom tool for forming a dental restoration in a mouth of a patient.

[0041] Fig. 18 is a flowchart of an example process associated with manufacturing a one-piece dental restoration mold with a pivotably coupled facial mold portion and lingual mold portion.

[0042] Fig. 19 is a flowchart of an example process associated with using a one-piece dental restoration mold with a pivotably coupled facial mold portion and lingual mold portion.

[0043] Fig. 20 is a block diagram illustrating an example system for designing and manufacturing a dental appliance for restoring the dental anatomy of a patient, in accordance with various aspects of this disclosure.

[0044] While the above-identified figures set forth several embodiments of the disclosure, other embodiments are also contemplated, as noted in the description. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. In all cases, this disclosure presents the invention by way of representation and not limitation. It should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art, which fall within the scope and spirit of the principles of the invention.

[0045] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] While conventional dental restoration techniques often include iterative steps and benefit from significant practitioner skill and experience, this disclosure includes techniques that may utilize custom molds to facilitate forming dental restorations within the mouth of a patient more precisely and quickly than generally possible using conventional dental restoration techniques. In addition to benefits to the practitioner and patient, the disclosure also provides benefit to the manufacturers of the custom molds.

[0047] Disclosed techniques include capturing a three-dimensional (3D) dentition of a patient with an intraoral scanner or scanning of a conventional impression or model. The custom tool for a dental restoration may include a mold based on the 3D dentition of the patient. The disclosed techniques may facilitate high quality dental restorations with reduced time and skill requirements as compared to conventional dental restoration techniques.

[0048] In some examples, a tool described herein may be digitally designed. For example, a tool may be designed using a 3D model of the patient’s tooth structure (e.g., obtained from an intraoral scan of all or part of the patient’s dentition or scanning of a conventional impression or model). The tool may be, for example, manufactured using digital data using an additive manufacturing technique, such as 3D printing, or a subtractive manufacturing technique, such as computer-aided design (CAD) and / or computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) (CAD / CAM) milling. In some examples, the tool for a dental restoration may include a mold designed based on the 3D model of the patient’s tooth structure, and may include additional features to provide advantages over molds that are formed based simply on the 3D scan, a wax-up model, or other molds based simply on the shape of the anatomy and / or desired tooth structure of the patient.

[0049] The custom tools of the present disclosure can be digitally designed and fabricated, making them economical to use. By tailoring the specific design criteria and by optionally including additional criteria such as a dentist preference or tooth position, the custom tools of the disclosure enable highly predictable results across a wide range of clinical cases. Moreover, the tools described herein may reduce flash and / or allow increased control of the placement of restorative material compared to practitioners using more traditional skills, tools, and techniques.

[0050] Custom tools may be made from a range of 3D printed materials, molded polymeric material, or CAD / CAM shaped polymeric materials having certain desired strength, flexibility, translucency, and / or color. For example, mold material may comprise polymeric material that may be transparent, translucent, or opaque. In some embodiments, the mold material may be chosen from clear or substantially transparent polymeric material that may include, for example, one or more of amorphous thermoplastic polymers, semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymers and transparent thermoplastic polymers chosen from polycarbonate, thermoplastic polymethane, acrylic, polysulfone, polyprolylene, polypropylene / ethylene copolymer, cyclic olefin polymer / copolymer, poly-4-methyl-l -pentene or polyester / polycarbonate copolymer, styrenic polymeric materials, polyamide, polymethylpentene, polyetheretherketone, and combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the mold material may be chosen from clear or substantially transparent semicrystalline thermoplastic, crystalline thermoplastics and composites, such as polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyester / polycarbonate copolymer, polyolefin, cyclic olefin polymer, styrenic copolymer, polyetherimide, polyetheretherketone, polyethersulfone, polytrimethylene terephthalate, and mixtures and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the mold may be a polymeric material chosen from polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate glycol, poly cyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate glycol, and mixtures and combinations thereof. The custom tool may be formed from a wide range of thermoset polymers including acrylics, methacrylates, urethanes, epoxies, esters, thiolenes, cyclic olefins, silicones, and rubbers.

[0051] In some cases, custom tools may be used for quickly and predictably creating direct composite veneers or similar dental restorations at a lower cost for patients. For example, a custom tool may include a mold body and / or a matrix (e.g., a 3D-printed matrix) configured to surround the teeth of a patient to be restored (e.g., the 3D-printed matrix may be printed based on a model of the supragingival tooth structure to be restored), and may provide a cavity for injecting and / or applying composite material to restore missing tooth structure. The matrix may include one or more hinged doors configmed to cover respective apertures in the matrix. When a composite material is applied to a tooth to be restored, a corresponding door may be opened by a dental professional and the composite material may be applied through the aperture, shaped by closing the door, and set by light curing. Once the composite material has been fully applied, the matrix may be removed from the patient’s teeth and the veneers may undergo a finishing and polishing process. In some examples, this may require significant finishing due to flash that occurs around the door features of the custom tool. Moreover, due to the complex nature of the matrix with attached doors, the custom tool may be brittle and / or may commonly break upon removal of the custom tool from the tooth structure (e.g., the custom tool may not be well-suited for multiple uses). Accordingly, a custom tool that is used for training or demonstration purposes may require frequent replacement. Moreover, the matrix may be associated with multiple mold body pieces, such as a facial mold body piece (e.g., a portion of the mold body that is located proximate to the facial side of teeth to be restored when the matrix is installed in a mouth of a patient) and a lingual mold body piece (e.g., a portion of the mold body that is located proximate to the lingual side of teeth to be restored when the matrix is installed in a mouth of a patient). In such examples, it may not be intuitive to certain users how to correctly orient and / or install the facial mold body piece with respect to the lingual mold body piece, resulting in difficulty by a dental professional in orienting and / or assembling the custom tool in a patient’s mouth. Additionally, the custom tool may not provide feedback to a user as to an amount of composite fill in the cavity formed by the custom tool, leading to underfill or overfill in certain applications.

[0052] Some techniques and implementations described herein are related to an improved custom tool for forming a dental restoration in a mouth of a patient. In some implementations, the custom tool may include a single component mold body (e.g., a one-piece matrix) that has sufficient toughness (e.g., elongation at break) such that the single component mold body may flex for installation while also having sufficient rigidity (e.g., modulus) to withstand fill pressure without adversely deforming. This may improve the life of the custom tool, enabling multiple uses of the custom tool in a training and / or demonstration setting, among other examples. In some implementations, by eliminating doors and other components associated with traditional multi-component custom tools, the improved custom tool may result in reduction of flash and the associated finishing and polishing after matrix removal. That is, with no door assembly, there may be no excess material on the cosmetic facial surface of the tooth, saving considerable dental professional time and assuring critical anatomical features, such as line angles that are accurately transferred from the digital design into the mouth of the patient.

[0053] Additionally, or alternatively, by eliminating the door assemblies from the custom tool, a manufacturability of the custom tool may be improved because there may be no need to assemble the door assemblies in a manufacturing plant. This may result in improved yield of the custom tool as compared to custom tools associated with multiple door assemblies. Furthermore, the singlepiece mold body may improve the usability of the custom tool, because there may be no way to incorrectly orient the mold body portions (e.g., a facial mold body portion and a lingual mold body portion) with respect to one another within a patient’s mouth since the mold body portions are integrally formed with one another.

[0054] Moreover, eliminating the interlocking components associated with the door assemblies and apertures from the facial surface of the restoration allows for post-processing methods that leave the mold with improved clarity and a high gloss surface (achievable via spin-finishing, clear coating, and / or the like). This may allow a dental professional or other user to have better visibility into the mold cavity during filling, providing visual feedback to optimize the fill level. Additionally, or alternatively, this smooth mold surface may result in a glossy restoration upon demolding, reducing removal force and minimizing the amount of manual polishing required after removing the custom tool from the teeth of a patient. Moreover, the single-piece mold body may enable incorporation of higher levels of facial anatomy and detail into the mold, such as by enabling design, fabrication, and molding of secondary and even tertiary anatomy into the restoration, producing a more lifelike result upon demolding. Moreover, eliminating doors and associated apertures may result in a more structurally sound matrix, reducing the rate of breakage. That is, eliminating large fill apertures in the mold body may result in a more uniform mold body that better distributes bending stress, reducing the chance of breakage and / or enabling a thinner construction, further improving visibility. These and other benefits will become clearer with reference to the figures.

[0055] Figs. 1A-1G show one example of a custom tool for forming a dental restoration in a mouth of a patient. In some implementations, the custom tool may include a unitary mold body 100 (sometimes referred to herein as a one-piece mold body, a unitary matrix, a one-piece matrix, and / or a similar term) configured to provide a patient-specific, customized fit of one or more teeth of the patient. As described in more detail below in connection with Fig. 20, in some implementations the unitary mold body 100 may be formed using a 3D printing method, and thus, in such implementations, the unitary mold body 100 may be referred to as a one-piece, 3D-printed matrix.

[0056] As best seen in Figs. 1A-1D, the unitary mold body 100 may include a facial mold portion 102 (sometimes referred to herein as a facial matrix portion) configured to provide a patient-specific, customized fit of a facial side of the one or more teeth of the patient. The unitary mold body 100 may further include a lingual mold portion 104 (sometimes referred to herein as a lingual matrix portion) configured to provide a patient-specific, customized fit of a lingual side of the one or more teeth of the patient. The unitary mold body 100 may further include a hinge portion 106 pivotably coupling the facial mold portion 102 to the lingual mold portion 104. For example, as best seen in Figs. 1B-1D, the hinge portion 106 may pivotably couple the facial mold portion 102 to the lingual mold portion 104 such that the facial mold portion 102 and lingual mold portion 104 are configured to rotate away from one another and / or toward one another about an occlusal-gingival-extending axis, which is described in more detail below. In the implementation shown in Figs. 1A-1G, the hinge portion 106 pivotably couples a posterior end of the facial mold portion 102 to a posterior end of the lingual mold portion 104. However, in some other implementations, the hinge portion 106 may pivotably couple different portions of the facial mold portion 102 and the lingual mold portion 104, which is described in more detail below in connection with Figs. 9A-1 IB. In some implementations, the unitary mold body 100 may further include a clamp 108 configmed to clamp the unitary mold body 100 about a supragingival tooth structure of a patient (e.g., teeth to be restored in a patient’s mouth). For example, the clamp 108 may include a first clamp portion 110 integrally formed with the facial mold portion 102 and / or a second clamp portion 112 integrally formed with the lingual mold portion 104. In such implementations, the unitary mold body 100 may be configured to close, via the hinge portion 106, around one or more teeth of the patient, and clamp, via interaction of the first clamp portion 110 and the second clamp portion 112, around the one or more teeth of the patient, to form a mold cavity 132 encompassing missing tooth structure of the one or more teeth, which is described in more detail below.

[0057] In some implementations, the unitary mold body 100 may include one or more injection ports 114 in at least one of the facial mold portion 102 or the lingual mold portion 104. For example, in the example shown in Figs. 1 A-1G, the unitary mold body 100 includes four injection ports 114 (shown as a first injection port 114-1 through a fourth injection port 114-4), with each injection port 114 being configmed to be positioned proximate an occlusal surface of a tooth when the unitary mold body 100 is closed around the one or more teeth of a patient. However, in some other implementations, the unitary mold body 100 may include more or fewer injection ports 114 and / or differently located, sized, and / or shaped injection ports 114, which is described in more detail below. Each injection port 114 may be associated with an opening in the unitary mold body 100 when the unitary mold body 100 is in a clamped state (e.g., the state shown in Figs. 1A-1B) such that a composite material may be injected into the mold cavity 132 formed between the patient’s teeth and the unitary mold body 100 during use of the custom tool. In implementations in which the injection ports 114 are located proximate an occlusal surface of a tooth (as shown in Figs. 1A-1G), the injection ports 114 may enable easy injection access, mold release, and / or cleanup after curing, among other examples. Additionally, or alternatively, the injection ports 114 may be sized and / or shaped to accommodate a tip of a composite delivery mechanism, and / or the injection ports 114 may include a stopping feature to control a depth of a dispensing tip of the composite delivery mechanism relative to the target restoration surface. Aspects of various injection port locations and architectures are described in more detail below.

[0058] Additionally, or alternatively, the unitary mold body 100 may include a central registration feature (sometimes referred to herein as an alignment feature), such as for a purpose of limiting twisting or undesired deformation of the unitary mold body 100 while in use (e.g., such as for a purpose of limiting occlusal and / or gingival movement of the facial mold portion 102 and the lingual mold portion 104 relative to one another). For example, the unitary mold body 100 may include an alignment feature 116 that includes a first alignment protrusion 118 integrally formed with the facial mold portion 102, and a second alignment protrusion 120 integrally formed with the lingual mold portion 104. In such implementations, the first alignment protrusion 118 and the second alignment protrusion 120 may be configmed to interlock when the unitary mold body 100 is closed around one or more teeth of the patient, as shown in Figs. 1A and IB.

[0059] In some implementations, the unitary mold body 100 may include one or more features configured to provide a desired level of stiffness to the unitary mold body 100, such that the unitary mold body 100 does not deform under pressure when a composite is injected into the mold cavity 132. For example, in some implementations, the unitary mold body 100 may include a facial stiffener (e.g., a stiffening fin integrally formed with the facial mold portion 102, not shown in Figs. 1 A-1G but which may be substantially similar to the facial stiffener 221 shown in Fig. 2) and / or a lingual stiffener 122 (e.g., a stiffening fin integrally formed with the lingual mold portion 104). Additionally, or alternatively, a size, shape, and / or location of the facial stiffener 221 and / or the lingual stiffener 122 may be tailored to a specific application and / or patient, such that a stiffness of the unitary mold body 100 is tunable by a dental professional and / or designer of the unitary mold body 100.

[0060] As best seen in Fig. IB, in some implementations the hinge portion 106 may include a strain-relief cutout 124. In such implementations, the strain-relief cutout 124 has a substantially circular crosssection, with a center thereof corresponding to the occlusal-gingival -extending axis about which the facial mold portion 102 and the lingual mold portion 104 are pivotably coupled. In such implementations, the strain-relief cutout 124 may minimize stress concentrations when the unitary mold body 100 is opened and / or closed about a patient’s teeth, thereby reducing a likelihood of unintended breakage of the unitary mold body 100 during flexure.

[0061] As described above, in some implementations an injection port 114 may include a stop or other feature to control a depth of a composite delivery mechanism during use of the unitary mold body 100. For example, as shown in Fig. IB, each injection port 114 may include an integral shoulder 126, shown as a first shoulder 126-1 in connection with the first injection port 114-1 through a fourth shoulder 126-4 in connection the fourth injection port 114-4. In such implementations, the shoulder 126 may be configured to engage a dispensing tip during a dental restoration. For example, in some implementations the injection ports 114 may be designed to fit a universal composite tip, such as a tip associated with a 3M™ Filtek™ Supreme Ultra Universal Restorative composite dispensing tool, among other examples. In such implementations, the shoulder 126 of each injection port 114 may be configured to engage the universal composite tip during a dental restoration process, such as for a purpose of controlling a depth of insertion into the unitary mold body 100 during the dental restoration process. Controlling the depth of insertion of a dispensing tip during the dental restoration process (e.g., via the shoulder 126) may ensure that the tip is not inserted too far into the mold cavity 132, which could otherwise lead to voids in the dental restoration and / or underfilling in the dental restoration.

[0062] In some implementations, the unitary mold body 100 may have sufficient toughness (e.g., elongation at break) to flex for installation while also having sufficient rigidity (e.g., modulus) for the unitary mold body 100 and / or any associated interproximal fins (e.g., portions of the unitary mold body 100 that extend between adjacent teeth) to withstand fill pressure without adversely deforming. For example, as best seen in Figs. 1C-1G, and as depicted using arrow 128, the facial mold portion 102 may rotate (e.g., about an occlusal-gingival-extending axis) with respect to the lingual mold portion 104 in order to place the unitary mold body 100 about a supragingival tooth structure 130 and / or remove the unitary mold body 100 from the supragingival tooth structure 130. For example, a dental professional or other user of the unitary mold body 100 may open the unitary mold body 100, such as by separating the first clamp portion 110 from the second clamp portion 112 and pivotably moving, about an occlusal-gingival-extending axis (e.g., an axis extending through a center of the hinge portion and / or the strain-relief cutout 124), the facial mold portion 102 away from the lingual mold portion 104, as indicated by the arrow 128. The dental professional or other user may then position the lingual mold portion 104 over one or more teeth to be restored (e.g., the supragingival tooth structure 130 shown in Figs. 1C-1G), pivotably move, about the occlusal-gingival-extending axis, the facial mold portion 102 toward supragingival tooth structure 130 until the first clamp portion 110 engages the second clamp portion 112, and / or may interlock the first clamp portion 110 with the second clamp portion 112 to form a mold cavity 132 encompassing missing tooth structure of one or more teeth to be restored (e.g., one or more teeth of the supragingival tooth structure 130).

[0063] In some implementations, the unitary mold body 100 may include additional alignment and / or usability features not shown in Figs. 1A-1G. For example, as best seen in Fig. IE, the clamp 108 of the unitary mold body 100 may generally protrude, in a direction extending away from the occlusal surfaces of the supragingival tooth structure 130, from the facial mold portion 102 and / or the lingual mold portion 104 when the unitary mold body 100 is in a closed state around the supragingival tooth structure 130. In this way, a patient may rest teeth on the clamp 108 during a dental restoration procedure, such as by biting down on the clamp 108. This may create an asymmetric biting sensation for the patient, because there may be no corresponding clamp on an opposing side of the unitary mold body 100 (e.g., the side of the unitary mold body 100 that includes the hinge portion 106). Accordingly, in some implementations, the unitary mold body 100 may further comprise a bite block (not shown) proximate the hinge portion 106. The bite block may be a portion of the unitary mold body 100 that is sized and / or shaped in a similar manner as the clamp 108 and / or that provides the patient with a way to rest their jaw muscles during treatment, while providing balance in implementations which include only one posterior clamp (e.g., clamp 108) is utilized.

[0064] In this way, the unitary mold body 100 may be a one-piece, 3D-printed matrix or similar structure that is tough, rigid, smooth, and ultra clear. Additionally, or alternatively, the unitary mold body 100, when closed, may enable the injection of restorative composite for the formation of a direct restoration in a mouth of a patient. The unitary mold body 100 may be seamless in one portion, transitioning into one or more flexible portions that allow cavities (e.g., mold cavity 132) to be opened and closed. The unitary mold body 100 may include injection ports (e.g., injection ports 114) that are sized and / or shaped to control where and / or how a corresponding sprue (e.g., flash formed by an injection port during a restoration process) fractures upon demolding, which is described in more detail below in connection with Fig. 8. Additionally, or alternatively, the unitary mold body 100 may incorporate sealing ridges around the perimeter of the attachment cavity to create interference with a corresponding tooth or opposing mold surface. These ridges can limit the amount of flash created as well as establish a score line which assists in removal of any flash that is created. In some implementations, the excellent clarity of the unitary mold body 100 may enable the dental professional or other user to monitor a fill level during the dental restoration process and to monitor for voids and / or bubbles during the dental restoration process.

[0065] In some implementations, once the unitary mold body 100 is clamped about the supragingival tooth structure 130, a dental professional or other user may inject universal composite into the mold cavity 132, such as by using one or more of the injection ports 114. In some implementations, the universal composite may be injected at room temperature; in some other implementations, the universal composite may be warmed (e.g., heated to a temperature above room temperature) to lower a required injection pressure. This may reduce strain on the hands of the user and / or may enable the universal composite to more effectively reach the furthest extents of the mold cavity 132, thereby reducing a chance of underfill. Similarly, in some other implementations, such as in implementations in which a flowable composite is used for a dental restoration process, the flowable composite may be injected at room temperature or heated to achieve similar results.

[0066] In some aspects, the unitary mold body 100 may be used with multiple materials and / or composites. For example, a universal composite and a flowable composite may be used in combination, such as for a purpose of utilizing the benefits of both materials. For example, the mold cavity 132 may first be primed with a small quantity of flowable material, then subsequently filled with warmed universal composite, among other examples. In such implementations, the universal composite may displace the primed flowable material, pushing it to the most difficult-to-reach portions of the mold cavity 132, ensuring complete fill and adaptation of the dental restoration. Moreover, priming the mold cavity 132 with flowable composite and then subsequently filling the mold cavity 132 with universal composite may result in a restoration that is comprised almost entirely of universal composite. Aspects of priming a mold cavity with flowable composite and then subsequently filling the mold cavity with universal composite are described in more detail below in connection with Figs. 17A- 17G.

[0067] In some implementations, the unitary mold body 100 may enable multi-layer restoration. That is, because there are no mechanical features contacting the majority of the restoration (e.g., doors), there is limited opportunity for flash to build up on the restoration. Without this excess flash, there may be greater tolerance for repeated use of the unitary mold body 100, such as for a purpose of sequential use for additive designs (that is, excess flash may otherwise cause issues with removing a mold body, such as by increasing a likelihood of breakage during removal, and / or placing a mold body, such as by leaving excess build-up in certain areas that interfere with placement of the mold body). For example, in one implementation, a dental professional or other user of the unitary mold body 100 may fill the mold cavity 132 with a dentin shade material, cure the dentin shade material, and remove the unitary mold body 100 from the supragingival tooth structure 130. The dental professional or other user may then cut the dentin material back to sculpt in anatomical features, such as mamelons. The dental professional or other user may then reapply the unitary mold body 100 to the supragingival tooth structure 130, fill the mold cavity 132 with a more translucent, enamel shade material, and then cure the translucent, enamel shade material. This may result in a more aesthetic restoration that features multiple layers, allowing the user more control of color and translucency levels in the final result.

[0068] In another implementation, two injection style molds (e.g., two unitary mold bodies 100) may be designed to be used sequentially. In such implementations, a first unitary mold body 100 and associated mold cavity (e.g., mold cavity 132) may be designed to directly form the anatomical mamelon features, and thus may be filled with a dentin shade material. After removal, a second unitary mold body 100, whose mold cavity (e.g., mold cavity 132) is designed to correspond to the final geometry of the restoration, may be applied and filled with enamel shade material. While the end result of this procedure may be similar to the multi-layer restoration procedure described above (e.g., the restoration procedure that uses multiple applications of the same unitary mold body 100), using two unitary mold bodies 100 may be more prescriptive (e.g., digitally designed) and / or may rely less on the artisanship of the user, because the process relies more on direct molding and less on hand sculpting. Using two unitary mold bodies 100 may also save time and reduce skill requirements because there may be no need to cut the mamelons and subsequently clean and prepare teeth for the second layer of material. In some implementations, the unitary mold body 100 may have usability benefits over multi-piece matrix designs. For example, there may be little risk of the dental professional or other user placing the unitary mold body 100 improperly on the patient’s supragingival tooth structure 130, because the unitary mold body 100 may self-align the facial mold portion 102 and the lingual mold portion 104, resulting in the mold portions always being in the same orientation (e.g., the facial mold portion 102 cannot inadvertently be installed backwards as compared to the lingual mold portion 104). Moreover, the unitary mold body 100 may more closely resemble an archform as compared to multipiece matrix designs, making the unitary mold body 100 more intuitive to place and secure in a patient’s mouth.

[0069] In some implementations, the engineered components (e.g., the unitary mold body 100 and associated components) may be tuned in order to simplify a manufacturing process associated with the unitary mold body 100 (e.g., a 3D-printing process or the like). For example, the various features of the unitary mold body 100 may be designed to be more self-supporting than multi-piece matrix designs and / or may be relieved in certain areas to avoid any pooling of liquid resin during the postprint spinning process. Such design adjustments can be made by the mold designer and / or informed by machine learning algorithms.

[0070] Additionally, or alternatively, the unitary mold body 100 may enable other manufacturing benefits, due to the fewer pieces as compared to the multi-piece matrix designs. More particularly, because the unitary mold body 100 has fewer features than a multi-piece matrix design, it may be easier to automate and execute the design process for the unitary mold body 100 as compared to a multi-piece matrix design. Additionally, or alternatively, because the unitary mold body 100 has fewer features than a multi-piece matrix design, it may be easier to support the unitary mold body 100 during printing and / or may reduce the burden on the operator by eliminating post-printing assembly of numerous parts. Additionally, or alternatively, the unitary mold body 100 may be more robust against print variability as compared to multi-piece matrix designs. Moreover, certain mating components, such as door snaps or the like associated with the multi-piece matrix designs, may have tight dimensional constraints, and / or the functionality of the mating components may be sensitive to small print variations and / or post-processing methods, which is eliminated in the unitary mold body 100 design. Being less sensitive to print variations may enable manufacturing to take place on a wider range of print platforms (e.g., a wider range of 3D-printing platforms) and through a wider range of post-processing methods. The reduced sensitivity may also facilitate printing at remote locations, such as dental laboratories or operatories of users.

[0071] In some implementations, the unitary mold body 100 may be designed to have enough flexibility to accommodate placement of the unitary mold body 100 about a supragingival tooth structure 130 without breakage, yet be stiff enough that thin, interproximal fins and / or other portions of the unitary mold body 100 do not deflect and / or distort significantly upon injection of a composite material into the mold cavity 132. For example, in some examples the unitary mold body 100 may be associated with an elastic modulus within a range of approximately 0.1 gigapascals (GPa) to 3.0 GPa, an ultimate tensile strength in the range of 10 to 100 megapascals (MPa), and an elongation at yield and / or break of appreciation 10%, and / or properties on aging such as elongation at 6 months of at least 50% of elongation at 1 week.

[0072] In some implementations, the unitary mold body 100 may be manufactured (e.g., 3D printed) from any suitable material resulting in the above mechanical properties and / or substantially similar mechanical properties. For example, in some implementations the unitary mold body may be manufactured (e.g., 3D printed) using a photopolymerizable composition. More particularly, in some embodiments, the photopolymerizable composition may be selected from the compositions described in co-owned applications US2022 / 0023007 (Chakraborty et al.), WO 2019 / 175716 (Abuelyaman et al.), and / or WO 2018 / 119026 (Parkar et al.) (which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety), among other examples.

[0073] Although some examples of the various portions of the unitary mold body 100 are described above in connection with Figs. 1A-1G, in some other implementations certain features may be configmed otherwise than as shown in Figs. 1 A-1G. For example, Fig. 2 shows another example of a custom tool for forming a dental restoration in a mouth of a patient. In this implementation, the custom tool includes a unitary mold body 200 having a facial mold portion 202 pivotably connected to a lingual mold portion 204 via a hinge portion 206, and which is clampable in a closed state via a clamp 208, which may be substantially similar to the like-named components described above in connection with Figs. 1A-1G. However, in this implementation, the unitary mold body 200 includes multiple injection ports 214 (e.g., four injection ports 214, shown as a first injection port 214-1 through a fourth injection port 214-4), which are elongated with respect to the injection ports 114 described above in connection with Figs. 1A-1G. Put another way, while the injection ports 114 described above in connection with Figs. 1A-1G have a substantially circular cross-sectional profile, the injection ports 214 in this implementation have a substantially rounded-rectangular cross-sectional profile.

[0074] In some implementations, the injection ports (e.g., injection ports 114 and / or injection ports 214) of a unitary mold body (e.g., unitary mold body 100 and / or unitary mold body 200) may be sized and / or shaped based on a composite to be used to fill the mold cavity and / or a composite dispensing tool to be used to fill the mold cavity. More particularly, as described above in connection with injection ports 114, certain injection ports may be sized and shaped to receive a composite tip, and / or may include certain features (e.g., shoulder 126) to act as a stop for the dispensing tip and / or to otherwise seal against the dispensing tip to allow the system to build back-pressure, pushing the composite to the tightest spaces of the unitary mold body 100. In other implementations, however, injection ports may be otherwise shaped (e.g., such as the rounded-rectangular cross-sectional shape of the injection ports 214 shown in connection with the unitary mold body 200 in Fig. 2) to tune an amount of backpressure that is applied when dispensing composite into the mold cavity. Put another way, the size and shape of the injection ports may be altered to tune the level of access to the mold cavity and / or the back-pressure applied during filling of the mold cavity. For example, the injection ports 214 shown in Fig. 2 may be elongated as compared to the injection ports 114 described above in connection with Figs. 1A-1G, such as for a purpose of providing access to more of the dental restoration when filling the mold cavity. For example, in some implementations, a cross-sectional area of the injection ports 214 may be at least two to three times larger than a cross-sectional area of a composite tip to be used for the dental restoration process, such as for a purpose of providing greater access to the mold cavity during the dental restoration process.

[0075] Moreover, and as described above, different types of composite dispensing tips and / or composite materials may be used to fill the mold cavity of the unitary mold body. For example, Fig. 3 is an example of forming a dental restoration in a mouth of a patient using a custom tool. In this example, a unitary mold body 300 includes a facial mold portion 302 pivotably coupled to a lingual mold portion (not shown, but which may be substantially similar to the lingual mold portion 104 and / or the lingual mold portion 204). Moreover, the unitary mold body 300 includes one or more injection ports proximate an occlusal edge of teeth to be restored using the custom tool, which are not shown in Fig. 3 but which may be substantially similar to the injection ports 114 and / or the injection ports 214. In this implementation, the injection ports may be configured for a dispensing tool 305 having a flowable tip, such as by being configmed to permit the flowable tip to penetrate relatively deeply into the mold cavity during a dental restoration process.

[0076] Moreover, in some implementations, the unitary mold body 300 may include one or more vent holes 303, such as one or more vent holes 303 located in the facial mold portion 302. A vent hole 303 may be a through-hole in the unitary mold body 300 that permits venting of air when the mold cavity is being filled with a composite material and / or that permits venting of excess composite material during the mold cavity filling process. In some implementations, one or more vent holes 303 may be strategically placed in the unitary mold body 300 (e.g., in the facial mold portion 302 of the unitary mold body 300) to aid flow mechanics during filling of the mold cavity and / or to provide visual feedback to the dental professional or other user of the unitary mold body 300, thereby indicating to the dental professional or other user when complete fdl of the mold cavity has been achieved. For example, as shown in Fig. 3, in some implementations the vent hole 303 may be located proximate the gingiva of the patient’s mouth to promote flow and / or to provide visual indication of fdl, among other examples.

[0077] In some implementations, injection ports (e.g., injection ports 114, injection ports 214, and / or similar injection ports) may be configured to cover any range of teeth and / or any quantity of teeth. For example, Fig. 4 shows another example of a custom tool for forming a dental restoration in a mouth of a patient. In this implementation, the custom tool (only a portion of which is depicted in Fig. 4 for ease of description) includes a unitary mold body 400 having a facial mold portion 402 pivotably connected to a lingual mold portion 404 via a hinge portion (not shown in Fig. 4, but which may be substantially similar to the hinge portions 106, 206 described above), and which is clampable in a closed state via a clamp (not shown in Fig. 4, but which may be substantially similar to the clamp 108, 208), which may be substantially similar to the like-named components described above in connection with Figs. 1A-3. In this implementation, however, the unitary mold body 400 includes more than four injection ports 414. More particularly, the unitary mold body 400 may include ten injection ports 414 (shown in Fig. 4 as a first injection port 414-1 through a tenth injection port 414- 10), which may each be located proximate a corresponding occlusal surface of a tooth in order to provide access to the corresponding tooth during the dental restoration process, among other examples.

[0078] Additionally, or alternatively, injection ports may be strategically positioned to correspond with the planned restoration volume, such as by being located facially, lingually, gingivally, and / or the like. For example, Fig. 5 shows another example of a custom tool for forming a dental restoration in a mouth of a patient. In this implementation, the custom tool includes a unitary mold body 500 having a facial mold portion 502 pivotably connected to a lingual mold portion 504 via a hinge portion (not shown), and which is clampable in a closed state via a clamp (not shown), which may be substantially similar to the like-named components described above in connection with Figs. 1 A-4. However, in this implementation, an injection port 514 is configured proximate a lingual surface of a tooth when the unitary mold body 500 is closed around the one or more teeth of the patient, thereby permitting access to the lingual surface of the tooth (e.g., for a lingual restoration process). Moreover, locating injection ports, such as the injection port 514, proximate the lingual surface of a tooth may minimize any cosmetic impacts from the sprue left by the filling process.

[0079] Similarly, Fig. 6 shows another example of a custom tool for forming a dental restoration in a mouth of a patient. In this implementation, the custom tool includes a unitary mold body 600 having a facial mold portion 602 pivotably connected to a lingual mold portion (not shown) via a hinge portion (not shown), and which is clampable in a closed state via a clamp 608, which may be substantially similar to the like-named components described above in connection with Figs. 1 A-5. However, in this implementation, the unitary mold body 600 includes injection ports 614 (shown in Fig. 6 as a first injection port 614-1 through a fourth injection port 614-4) that are configmed to be proximate to a facial surface of a corresponding tooth when the unitary mold body 600 is closed around the one or more teeth of the patient, thereby permitting access to the facial surface of the tooth for a facial restoration process. Moreover, the injection ports 614 shown in Fig. 6 are relatively large as compared to the size of the teeth to be restored, which may enable certain layering techniques, high- volume dental restorations, and / or better access to distant regions of the mold cavity, among other examples.

[0080] Other restoration scenarios may be achieved using injection ports otherwise located and / or configmed. For example, Fig. 7 shows another example of a custom tool for forming a dental restoration in a mouth of a patient. In this implementation, the custom tool includes a unitary mold body 700 having a facial mold portion 702 pivotably connected to a lingual mold portion (not shown) via a hinge portion (not shown), and which is clampable in a closed state via a clamp (not shown), which may be substantially similar to the like-named components described above in connection with Figs. 1A-6. However, in this implementation, the unitary mold body 700 includes injection ports 714 (shown in Fig. 7 as a first injection port 714-1 and a second injection port 714-4) that me configmed to be proximate to an area between two teeth when the unitary mold body 700 is closed around the one or more teeth of the patient. In that regard, the injection ports 714 may be used for restoration procedures such as diastema closmes in which the restoration is only on the proximal surfaces of the teeth, and / or a class 5 restoration that is only on the gingival half of the tooth, among other examples. In such implementations, the one or more injection ports 714 may be custom positioned to be most advantageous for filling.

[0081] In some implementations, an injection port may be sized and shaped to facilitate a finishing process of any flash left at the injection port location (sometimes referred to herein as a “sprue”) following filling of the mold cavity and removal of the unitary mold body from the patient’s teeth. For example, Fig. 8 is an example of a portion of a dental restoration 800 that may be performed in a mouth of a patient using a custom tool. In this implementation, the dental restoration 800 may include a restored tooth 834 and an integrally formed sprue 836. The sprue 836 may be formed by excess composite material flowing into an injection port (e.g., injection port 114, 214, 414, 514, 614, and / or 714, among other examples) during a mold cavity filling process of the dental restoration procedure.

[0082] In some implementations, the interior geometry of the injection port may be designed in such a way as to result in controllable, engineered fracture of the sprue 836 that is at or near the restoration surface (e.g., the occlusal surface of the restored tooth 834, among other examples). For example, in some implementations, the injection port may be configmed to form, during the dental restoration process, the sprue 836 having a tapered portion 838 such that a portion of the sprue 836 having a smallest cross-sectional area is a portion of the sprue 836 that is coupled to the restored tooth 834, as shown in the close-up, broken line box in Fig. 8. In this way, following removal of the unitary mold body, the sprue 836 may be easily removed, such as by depressing the sprue 836 in the general direction shown by arrow 840, which may cause the spme 836 to fracture and / or break at the smallest cross-sectional portion thereof (e.g., the portion proximate the restored tooth 834), leaving a surface of the restored tooth 834 that may require only minimal finishing and / or polishing. In some other implementations, an injection port may be alternatively sized and shaped, yet may enable similar benefits (e.g., such that a resulting sprue enables a controllable, engineered fracture of the sprue that is at or near the restoration surface). For example, in some implementations injection ports may have non-circular cross-sectional geometries, but may nonetheless result in spmes that enable a controllable, engineered fracture of the sprue that is at or near the restoration surface, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0083] In some implementations, the unitary mold body may be configmed to be located in different regions of a patient’s mouth and / or along different areas of a patient’s archform during a dental restoration process, thereby creating different flex configurations, among other examples. These flex configmations may be based on what is advantageous for a treatment plan (e.g., only left or right side being restored, for example), but also may be based on a preference of a dental professional or other user of the unitary mold body. For example, a clamp (e.g., clamp 108, 208, 408, and / or 608, among other examples) may be optionally placed on the left side or right side to correspond with hand dominance and / or preference of the dental professional or other user of the unitary mold body. Moreover, the various features described above (e.g., the facial mold portion, the lingual mold portion, the clamp, the hinge portion, and / or other components) may be otherwise configured or located without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, Figs. 9A-9B show another example of a custom tool for forming a dental restoration in a mouth of a patient. In this implementation, the facial mold portion and lingual mold portion may be pivotably connected in a central and / or mesial portion of the unitary mold body and / or may be clamped and / or latched in a posterior portion of the unitary mold body. More particularly, as shown in Figs. 9A-9B, in some implementations a unitary mold body 900 may include a facial mold portion 902 pivotably coupled to a lingual mold portion 904 via a hinge portion 906. In this implementation, the hinge portion 906 pivotably couples a mesial portion of the facial mold portion 902 to a mesial portion of the lingual mold portion 904, and the unitary mold body 900 includes two clamps, one at each posterior end of the unitary mold body 900. That is, the unitary mold body 900 includes a first clamp 908 having a first clamp portion 910 coupled to the facial mold portion 902 and a second clamp portion 912 coupled to the lingual mold portion 904, and thus which may be substantially similar to the clamp described above in connection with Figs. 1 A-1G. Moreover, the unitary mold body 900 includes, at an opposing posterior end of the unitary mold body 900 from the first clamp 908, a second clamp 913 having a third clamp portion 915 coupled to the facial mold portion 902 and a fourth clamp portion 917 coupled to the lingual mold portion 904, and thus which may be substantially a mirror image of the first clamp 908.

[0084] In this way, to open the unitary mold body 900, a dental professional or other user of the unitary mold body 900 may separate the first clamp portion 910 from the second clamp portion 912 and rotate a first portion of the facial mold portion 902, about a first occlusal-gingival-extending axis located proximate the mesial portion of the unitary mold body 900 and / or a first side of the hinge portion 906 (e.g., a right side of the hinge portion 106 in the view shown in Figs. 9A-9B), away from the lingual mold portion 904 (as shown by arrow 919), as well as separate the third clamp portion 915 from the fourth clamp portion 917 and rotate a second portion of the facial mold portion 902, about a second occlusal-gingival-extending axis located proximate the mesial portion of the unitary mold body 900 and / or a second side the hinge portion 906 (e.g., a left side of the hinge portion 106 in the view shown in Figs. 9A-9B), away from the lingual mold portion 904 (as shown by arrow 921). To close the unitary mold body 900, the dental professional or other user may simply perform such steps in reverse (e.g., rotate the first portion of the facial mold portion 902, about the first occlusal-gingival-extending axis located proximate the mesial portion of the unitary mold body 900 and / or the first side of hinge portion 906, toward the lingual mold portion 904 in an opposing direction to that shown by arrow 919 and clamp the first clamp portion 910 to the second clamp portion 912, as well as rotate the second portion of the facial mold portion 902, about the second occlusal-gingival-extending axis located proximate the mesial portion of the unitary mold body 900 and / or the second side of the hinge portion 906, toward the lingual mold portion 904 in an opposing direction to that shown by arrow 921 and clamp the third clamp portion 915 to the fourth clamp portion 917).

[0085] Additionally, or alternatively, in some implementations, one or more strain-relief cutouts (which may operate in a manner substantially similar to that of the strain-relief cutout 124 described above in connection with Figs. 1A-1G) may be integrally formed with one or more injection ports. For example, in the implementation shown in Figs. 9A-9B, the unitary mold body 900 includes four injection ports 914 (shown in Figs. 9A-9B as a first injection port 914-1 through a fourth injection port 914-4), which may be configured similarly to any of the injection ports described herein. In this implementation, however, the two central injection ports 914 (e.g., the second injection port 914-2 and the third injection port 914-3) may also serve as strain-relief cutouts 924 for the hinge portion 906 of the unitary mold body 900. Put another way, a first strain-relief cutout 924-1 may be integrally formed with the second injection port 914-2, and / or a second strain-relief cutout 924-2 may be integrally formed with the third injection port 914-3. In that regard, a first occlusal-gingival- extending axis, about which the right-hand side (as viewed in Figs. 9 A-9B) of the facial mold portion 902 and the lingual mold portion 904 are pivotably coupled, may be generally located in the center of the third injection port 914-3 and / or the second strain-relief cutout 924-2, and / or a second occlusal-gingival-extending axis, about which the left-hand side (as viewed in Figs. 9A-9B) of the facial mold portion 902 and the lingual mold portion 904 are pivotably coupled, may be generally located in the center of the second injection port 914-3 and / or the first strain-relief cutout 924-2.

[0086] In some other implementations, a unitary mold body may be configured with a posterior connection (e.g., a posteriorly-located hinge portion) that latches in the anterior (e.g., an anteriorly located clamp). More particularly, Figs. 10A-10B show another example of a custom tool for forming a dental restoration in a mouth of a patient. In this implementation, a unitary mold body 1000 may include multiple facial mold portions 1002 (shownFigs. 10A-10B as a first facial mold portion 1002- 1 and a second facial mold portion 1002-2), each pivotably coupled to a lingual mold portion 1004 via a respective hinge portion 1006 (e.g., the first facial mold portion 1002-1 may be pivotably coupled to the lingual mold portion 1004 via a first hinge portion 1006-1 and the second facial mold portion 1002-2 may be pivotably coupled to the lingual mold portion 1004 via a second hinge portion 1006-2). In this implementation, a clamp 1008 is centrally located (e.g., proximate a mesial portion of the unitary mold body 1000), such that first clamp portions 1010 (shown in Figs. 10A-10B as a first clamp portion 1010-1 and another first clamp portion 1010-2) are located at mesial ends of the facial mold portions 1002, and / or such that a second clamp portion 1012 is located at a mesial portion of the lingual mold portion 1004.

[0087] In this way, to open the unitary mold body 1000, a dental professional or other user of the unitary mold body 1000 may separate the first clamp portion 1010-1 from the second clamp portion 1012 and rotate the first facial mold portion 1002-1, about a first occlusal-gingival-extending axis located proximate a first posterior end of the unitary mold body 1000 and / or the first hinge portion 1006-1, away from the lingual mold portion 1004 (as shown by arrow 1025), as well as separate the other first clamp portion 1010-2 from the second clamp portion 1012 and rotate the second facial mold portion 1002-2, about a second occlusal-gingival-extending axis located proximate a second posterior end of the unitary mold body 1000 and / or the second hinge portion 1006-2, away from the lingual mold portion 1004 (as shown by arrow 1027). To close the unitary mold body 1000, the dental professional or other user may perform such steps in reverse (e.g., rotate the first facial mold portion 1002-1 toward the lingual mold portion 1004 in a direction opposing that shown by arrow 1025 and clamp the first clamp portion 1010-1 to the second clamp portion 1012, as well as rotate the second facial mold portion 1002-2 toward the lingual mold portion 1004 in a direction opposing that shown by arrow 1027 and clamp the other first clamp portion 1010-2 to the second clamp portion 1012).

[0088] In some implementations, a unitary mold body may be configured to cover a smaller portion of a patent’s archform than what is shown in Figs. 1 A-10B. Put another way, the unitary mold body may be configured to cover any number of teeth during a dental restoration process, such as a single tooth, two teeth, or more than two teeth. For example, Figs. 11 A-l IB show another example of a custom tool for forming a dental restoration in a mouth of a patient. As shown in Figs. 11 A-l IB, in some implementations a unitary mold body 1100 may not need to cover an entire archform of a patient’s mouth (e.g., the unitary mold body 1100 may have a smaller form factor that that shown in Figs. 1 A- 1G, among other examples). In the implementation shown in Figs. 11 A-l IB, the unitary mold body 1100 may be configured to perform a dental restoration to two teeth, with the unitary mold body 1100 being configmed to be connected (e.g., via a hinge portion 1106 and an associated strain-relief cutout 1124) adjacent to the two target teeth and / or with the unitary mold body 1100 being configmed to be latched (e.g., via a clamp 1108) on an opposing end. More particularly, in the implementation shown in Figs. 11 A-l IB, the unitary mold body 1100 includes the hinge portion 1106 (and, optionally, a corresponding strain-relief cutout 1124) integrally formed at a mesial end of the facial mold portion 1102 and a mesial end of the lingual mold portion 1104, a first clamp portion 1110 integrally formed at a posterior end of the facial mold portion 1102, and a second clamp portion 1112 integrally formed at a posterior end of the lingual mold portion 1104.

[0089] In such implementations, the unitary mold body 1100 may include fewer injection ports than shown in connection with Figs. 1 A-10B. For example, in implementations in which the unitary mold body 1100 is configured to perform a dental restoration to two teeth, the unitary mold body 1100 may include two injection ports 1114 (shown as a first injection port 1114-1 and a second injection port 1114-2). In the implementation shown in Figs. 11 A-l IB, the injection ports 1114 may be disposed proximate an occlusal edge of a respective tooth to be restored, but, in some other implementations, the injection ports may be disposed elsewhere on the unitary mold body 1100, as described above in connection with Figs. 5-7.

[0090] In some implementations, a unitary mold body may be used in combination with large apertures or the like, such as in implementations in which having large apertures at one or more teeth is advantageous for the dental restoration process. For example, Figs. 12A-12B show another example of a custom tool for forming a dental restoration in a mouth of a patient. In this implementation, a unitary mold body 1200 may include a facial mold portion 1202 pivotably coupled to a lingual mold portion 1204 via a hinge portion 1206 disposed at one posterior end of the unitary mold body and which is clampable via a clamp 1208 (e.g., via interaction of a first clamp portion 1210 and a second clamp portion 1212) disposed at an opposing posterior end. Moreover, in some implementations, the unitary mold body 1200 may include a central alignment feature 1216, which may be substantially similar to the like-named component described above in connection with Figs. 1 A-1G. In this embodiment, however, the unitary mold body 1200 may be removably coupled to a hinged door 1242, which may be configured to selectively cover an aperture 1244 located proximate a facial surface of a tooth to be restored. Put another way, a custom tool may include, in addition to a unitary mold body 1200, one or more additional components, such as the hinged door 1242 removably coupled to the unitary mold body 1200, with the hinged door 1242 being configured to selectively cover the aperture 1244 (e.g., an aperture configmed to align with a facial surface of a tooth when the unitary mold body 1200 is closed around the one or more teeth of the patient) during the dental restoration. Additionally, or alternatively, the unitary mold body 1200 may include one or more injection ports 1214 (shown in Figs. 12A-12B as a first injection port 1214-1 through a third injection portion 1214-3). In this way, portions of a dental restoration may be performed in a substantially similar way as described above in connection with Figs. 1A-1G (e.g., by injecting a universal composite, a flowable composite, and / or a similar material into an injection port 1214 and thus into a mold cavity when the unitary mold body 1200 is closed around the teeth to be restored). However, the hinged door 1242 and / or aperture 1244 may be used for portions of the dental restoration requiring more extensive repair and / or greater access to a tooth. For example, the hinged door 1242 and / or aperture 1244 may be used when a restoration at a certain tooth needs to be built up in layers, due to a thickness of the restoration at the certain tooth exceeding recommended cure depths, among other examples.

[0091] In some implementations, a unitary mold body or similar custom tool may be used for certain orthodontic applications. For example, Fig. 13 shows an example of a supragingival tooth structure 1330 that may be treated using a custom tool associated with orthodontic attachments and / or brackets. As shown in Fig. 13, the supragingival tooth structure 1330 may include multiple orthodontic brackets and / or orthodontic attachments 1348 (shown in Fig. 13 as a first orthodontic attachment 1348-1 through a ninth orthodontic attachment 1348-9). In such implementations, the orthodontic attachment 1348 may be placed on the supragingival tooth structure using a custom template (e.g., a unitary mold body) that is designed to pivot at convenient locations in a similar manner as described above in connection with Figs. 1 A-12B. More particularly, Fig. 14 shows an example of a custom tool associated with orthodontic attachments and / or brackets. In this implementation, the custom tool may include a unitary mold body 1400 that includes a facial mold portion 1402 pivotably coupled to a lingual mold portion 1404 via a hinge portion 1406, which may be substantially similar to one or more of the like-named components described above in connection with Figs. 1A-12B. The unitary mold body 1400 may include one or more additional features described above in connection with Figs. 1A-12B, such as a clamp, an alignment feature, and / or similar components (not shown in Fig. 14 for ease of description). In this implementation, the unitary mold body 1400 further includes multiple orthodontic attachment pockets 1450 (shown in Fig. 14 as a first orthodontic attachment pocket 1450-1 through a ninth orthodontic attachment pocket 1450-9). Although the implementation shown and described in connection with Fig. 14 is described in the context of orthodontic attachments, in some other implementations a similar design may be employed for other orthodontic treatments, such as for placing orthodontic brackets, among other examples. Each orthodontic attachment pocket 1450 may correspond to a respective one of the orthodontic attachment 1348 described above in connection with Fig. 13. In this regard, a dental professional or other user of the unitary mold body 1400 may use the unitary mold body 1400 to precisely locate and / or place orthodontic brackets or attachments (e.g., orthodontic attachments 1348) on a supragingival tooth structure (e.g., supragingival tooth structure 1330) of a patient. For example, a corresponding orthodontic attachment may be placed in each orthodontic attachment pocket 1450, and an adhesive may be placed on each orthodontic attachment. In this way, when the unitary mold body 1400 is closed around the supragingival tooth structure of the patient, the orthodontic attachment may be precisely placed and / or adhered to respective teeth.

[0092] Fig. 15 shows an example of a custom tool associated with orthodontic attachments. In this implementation, a unitary mold body 1500 may be used for a purpose of forming orthodontic attachments in-place (e.g., within a mouth of a patient). In this implementation, the unitary mold body 1500 may include one or more orthodontic attachment mold portions 1552 (shown in Fig. 15 as a first orthodontic attachment mold portion 1552-1 through a ninth orthodontic attachment mold portion 1552-9), each including an integral mold cavity 1554 and injection port 1556. In some implementations, each injection port 1556 may be substantially similarto one or more of the injection ports described herein. In such implementations, the unitary mold body 1500 may be closed about a patient’s supragingival tooth structure (e.g., supragingival tooth structure 1330), and orthodontic attachment (e.g., orthodontic attachment 1348) may be formed in the patient’s mouth, directly on one or more teeth, such as by injecting an orthodontic-attachment compound through the injection ports 1556 and into a corresponding mold cavity 1554. In some implementations, the one or more injection ports 1556 may be sized and shaped such that a smallest cross section thereof is proximate a corresponding mold cavity 1554. In such implementations, the injection ports 1556 may be configmed to form a fracture location 1558 proximate the orthodontic attachment formed by the corresponding orthodontic attachment mold portion 1552, such as for easy removal of a sprue formed during the orthodontic attachment molding process (e.g., in a substantially similar manner as described above in connection with Fig. 8).

[0093] In some implementations, a unitary mold body may be used as a template for placing orthodontic brackets, preformed attachments, or the like. For example, Fig. 16 shows another example of a custom tool associated with orthodontic attachments and / or brackets. In this implementation, a unitary mold body 1600 may serve as an etch mask or similar feature that includes one or more apertures 1660 (shown in Fig. 16 as a first aperture 1660-1 through a ninth aperture 1660-9). In such implementations, the unitary mold body 1600 may be closed around a supragingival tooth structure (e.g., supragingival tooth structure 1330) of a patient, and a dental professional or other user of the unitary mold body 1600 may precisely place orthodontic brackets and / or attachments (e.g., orthodontic attachments 1348) on the patient’s teeth, such as by adhering the brackets and / or attachments to the portions of the supragingival tooth stmcture that are exposed by the apertures 1660.

[0094] In some implementations, a unitary mold body may incorporate differently configured injection ports and / or injection ports integrally formed with receptacles (sometimes referred to herein as “dosing cups” or simply “cups”) configured to measure a restorative material to be applied to a mold cavity. Additionally, or alternatively, a unitary mold body may include various sealing features or ridges configmed to limit flow of a restorative material outside of the unitary mold body during a dental restoration process, thus reducing an amount of post-processing or cleanup required after use of the unitary mold body.

[0095] For example, Figs. 17A-17G show another example of a custom tool for forming a dental restoration in a mouth of a patient. In this implementation, the custom tool includes a unitary mold body 1700 having a facial mold portion 1702 pivotably connected to a lingual mold portion 1704 via a hinge portion 1706, and which is clampable in a closed state via a clamp 1708, which may be substantially similar to the like-named components described above in connection with Figs. 1A-16. Moreover, the unitary mold body includes multiple injection ports 1714, shown as a first injection port 1714-1 through a fourth injection port 1714-4, but which may include fewer or more injection ports 1714 in some other implementations.

[0096] The injection ports 1714 may be elongated (in the occlusal-gingival direction), widened (in a direction substantially perpendicular to the occlusal-gingival direction), or otherwise enlarged as compared to other injection ports described herein (e.g., injection ports 114, 214, 414, 914, 1114, 1214), thereby forming a larger internal volume 1770 than formed by the other injection ports. In such implementations, the internal volume 1770 (shown in Fig. 17 A as a first internal volume 1770- 1 through a fourth internal volume 1770-4) may form a receptacle (e.g., a dosing cup) for holding a restorative material during a dental restoration process using the unitary mold body 1700. For example, in some implementations, each injection port 1714 may be specifically sized to contain a proper amount of flowable composite to coat the wavefront of high-viscosity, universal composite, such as in implementations in which the unitary mold body 1700 is used with multiple materials and / or composites (e.g., implementations in which a mold cavity is first primed with a quantity of flowable composite, then subsequently filled with universal composite that displaces the primed flowable composite). Put another way, a height of each injection port 1714 may be configured to increase or decrease a maximum volume of priming flowable material, among other examples.

[0097] In some implementations, a size of each injection port 1714 (and thus an internal volume 1770 of each port) may vary from port to port. For example, the first injection port 1714-1 may be sized to hold a first volume of restorative material for a first portion of a mold cavity that is proximate to the first injection port 1714-1, the second injection port 1714-2 may be sized to hold a second volume of restorative material (which differs from the first volume) for a second portion of the mold cavity that is proximate to the second injection port 1714-2, and so forth. In this way, internal volumes 1770 (e.g., the dosing port volumes) that are configmed to receive a flowable composite may be customized per tooth, clinician preference, desired final composition for gingival margin, or cervical color, among other examples. Put another way, varying the sizes of the injection ports 1714 (and thus internal volumes 1770 thereof) may enable a user (e.g., practitioner 2006) to use a prescriptive amount of priming flowable composite for different sizes of restorations (e.g., a small amount for small teeth, or a large amount for large teeth, among other examples).

[0098] In some other implementations, the injection ports 1714 (e.g., dosing cups) may be otherwise sized or shaped to properly position a dispensing tool during a dental restoration process using the unitary mold body 1700. For example, a height of an injection port 1714 along a central axis of the injection port 1714 may be configured to properly position a dispensing tool during the dental restoration process, or an angle of the central axis with respect to the occlusal-gingival-extending axis may be configmed to properly position the dispensing tool during the dental restoration process. Put another way, the injection ports 1714 may be designed to angularly position a dispensing tool for optimal injection direction. In some implementations, optimization of the height, angular position, or other aspect of the injection port 1714 may be influenced by a center of mass of restoration, a local cross section of restoration, a mold flow analysis for optimal fill while minimizing flash, or similar considerations.

[0099] In some implementations, an injection port 1714 may be sized to accurately position a dispensing tool to direct injected material in a planned direction, among other examples. For example, in some implementations, the injection ports 1714 may be relatively large for capsule secmement purposes, among other examples. In such implementations, markings 1776 (e.g., horizontal lines) may be inscribed to indicate different priming volumes to the user (practitioner), as shown in connection with the third injection port 1714-3 in Fig. 17B. Put another way, an injection port 1714 (e.g., the third injection port 1714-3 in Fig. 17B) may include multiple markings 1776, with each marking corresponding to a respective volume of restorative material to be added to the injection port 1714 during the formation of the dental restoration. In such implementations, a user (e.g., practitioner 2006) may fill the injection port 1714 with a prescribed amount of flowable composite by filing the internal volume 1770 with the composite until the composite reaches a corresponding marking 1776 for the volume of composite to be used. This measurement feature allows the practitioner to measure the desired amount of flowable material to be applied while performing the restorative procedure.

[0100] Additionally, or alternatively, the unitary mold body 1700 may include a sealing or locking mechanism that may seal the unitary mold body 1700 during the dental restoration process and / or that may seal a dispensing system (e.g., a dispensing tool) to the unitary mold body 1700 during the dental restoration process. For example, in some implementations, the unitary mold body 1700 may include one or more elongated (e.g., in a substantially occlusal-gingival-extending direction) incisal sealing ridges (e.g., one or more sealing ridges disposed proximate incisal surfaces of the teeth when placed in a patient’s mouth), such as a facial sealing ridge 1772 or a lingual sealing ridge 1774. In such implementations, the facial sealing ridge 1772 and the lingual sealing ridge 1774 may be configmed to seal with each other when the unitary mold body 1700 is closed around the one or more teeth of the patient.

[0101] In such implementations, a height of the sealing ridges 1772, 1774 (e.g., a dimension of the sealing ridges 1772, 1774 in a substantially occlusal-gingival-extending direction) may be configured to inhibit a flow of restorative material out of the unitary mold body 1700 during a dental restoration process. Put another way, the height of the facial sealing ridge 1772 and / or the lingual sealing ridge 1774 may be configured to inhibit a flow of flash during the dental restoration process. More particularly, as shown in Fig. 17A, the facial sealing ridge 1772 and the lingual sealing ridge 1774 may be relatively tall (e.g., in the occlusal-gingival-extending direction) as compared to other unitary mold bodies described herein, thus creating a long distance that flash must flow to escape the unitaiy mold body 1700 during use. Moreover, any flash that exits the mold cavity during the dental restoration process and is displaced between the facial sealing ridge 1772 and the lingual sealing ridge 1774 may be pressed very thin, thereby making the flash easy to remove and thus reducing an amount of post-molding processing that needs to be completed by the user (e.g., practitioner 2006). In some implementations, the sealing surfaces of the sealing ridges 1772, 1774 (e.g., the surfaces that abut one another and contact when the unitary mold body 1700 is sealed around the teeth of a patient) may be post-processed following a 3D printing of the unitary mold body 1700, such as for a purpose of minimizing flash during use. For example, the sealing surfaces may be spun, sanded, machined, or coated, among other examples, following an initial manufacturing step (e.g., 3D printing) of the unitary mold body 1700. Additionally, or alternatively, the sealing surfaces may be oriented in a favorable direction to minimize artifacts from production process (e.g., support remnants from 3D printing, among other examples).

[0102] In some implementations, the sealing surfaces of the sealing ridges 1772, 1774 may create a tortuous path for escape of material from the mold cavity, such as for a purpose of further inhibiting restorative material from escaping the mold cavity during the dental restoration process and otherwise reducing an amount of post-molding processing of teeth to be restored. For example, the sealing ridges may form a step seal to create a tortuous path for flash material, making it more difficult for restorative material to escape the mold during the dental formation process. This step seal may be configured in different ways to increase or decrease the level of engagement, and / or may be designed to be isolated from the injection ports 1714 and / or flow path or the restorative material, or else may be configured to pass through the injection ports 1714 and / or flow path.

[0103] More particularly, as shown in Fig. 17C, the facial sealing ridge 1772 may include a first steppedsealing surface 1778, and the lingual sealing ridge 1774 may include a second stepped-sealing surface 1780 configmed to interlock with the first stepped-sealing surface 1778 when the unitary mold body 1700 is closed around the teeth of the patient. As shown in Fig. 17C, in this implementation the step seal is generally formed as a tongue-and-groove step seal, with the first stepped-sealing surface 1778 corresponding to the tongue and with the second stepped-sealing surface 1780 corresponding to the groove. However, in some other implementations, a different type of step seal may be employed, such as a sawtooth step seal, a rectangular step seal, or another suitable step seal. In some cases, the seal effect may be enhanced by application of a sealing and / or caulking agent (e.g., a dental adhesive or silicone sealant) prior to closure of the mold cavity.

[0104] In implementations including the sealing ridges 1772, 1774 and / orthe stepped-sealing surfaces 1778, 1780 thereof, the sealing surfaces may, in some implementations, extend through the injection ports 1714 (e.g., the sealing surfaces may extend to the internal volumes 1770 of the injection ports 1714), and, in some other implementations, the sealing surfaces may stop short of the injection ports 1714. More particularly, as shown in Fig. 17D, and as indicated by reference number 1782, the sealing surface of the lingual sealing ridge 1774 does not extend through an internal cavity of the second injection port 1714-2. Put another way, a groove formed in the second stepped-sealing surface 1780 stops short of the internal volume 1770-2 of the second injection port 1714-2. However, as indicated by reference number 1784, the sealing surface of the lingual sealing ridge 1774 does extend through an internal cavity of the third injection port 1714-3. Put another way, a groove formed in the second stepped-sealing surface 1780 extends to the internal volume 1770-3 of the third injection port 1714- 3.

[0105] In some other implementations, the injection ports 1714 (e.g., dosing cups) may be otherwise sized, shaped, or configmed, such as for a purpose of holding and / or positioning a dispensing tool (e.g., a composite tip) during use of the unitary mold body 1700 while still enabling adjusted levels of flowable composite to be prescribed. For example, as shown in Fig. 17E, and as indicated by reference number 1785 in connection with the first injection port 1714-1, an angle of an injection port (e.g., an angle of a central axis of the injection port 1714 with respect to the occlusal-gingival- extending axis, shown in Fig. 17E as 0) may be configured to control an amount of flowable used and / or a dispensing tool position with respect to a tooth during use of the unitary mold body 1700. Additionally, or alternatively, as indicated by reference number 1786 in connection with the second injection port 1714-2, an injection port 1714 may include one or more cutouts configmed to control an amount of flowable used and / or a dispensing tool position with respect to a tooth dming use of the unitary mold body 1700. Moreover, as indicated by reference number 1787 in connection with the third injection port 1714-3, an injection port 1714 may include one or more extensions configured to control an amount of flowable used and / or a dispensing tool position with respect to a tooth during use of the unitary mold body 1700. Additionally, or alternatively, as indicated by reference number 1788 in connection with the fourth injection port 1714-4, an injection port 1714 may be displaced laterally (e.g., in a direction substantially perpendicular to an occlusal-gingival-extending direction) in order to control an amount of flowable used and / or a dispensing tool position with respect to a tooth during use of the unitary mold body 1700.

[0106] Moreover, in some implementations, a portion of the unitary mold body 1700 may be trimmed (e.g., shortened), such as for a purpose of enabling easier flash clean-up during use of the unitary mold body 1700, among other examples. For example, as shown in Fig. 17F, and as indicated by reference number 1789, the lingual mold portion 1704 in this implementation is trimmed (e.g., shortened, in the occlusal-gingival -extending direction) as compared to the lingual mold portions shown in other implementations described above. Trimming the lingual mold portion 1704 in this manner may enable easier flash clean up prior to curing composite in areas on the lingual and / or gingival surfaces that are otherwise hard to remove. Moreover, although in the implementation shown in Fig. 17F the lingual mold potion 1704 includes a substantially straight lower edge, in some other implementations the lingual mold potion 1704 may be otherwise trimmed to enable easier flash clean up. For example, in some implementations, the lingual mold portion 1704 may include a substantially scalloped lower edge, such as by including a contour that follows the papilla between the teeth 1790 shown in Fig. 17F, among other examples. In some implementations, the specific trimming geometry employed may be based on cleaning tools to be used, protocols to be implemented, practitioner preference, or similar considerations.

[0107] Additionally, or alternatively, a cross-sectional contour of the unitary mold body 1700 may be sized, shaped, or otherwise configured to enable easier use of the unitary mold body 1700 by a practitioner. For example, Fig. 17G shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the unitary mold body 1700 on a tooth 1791 of a patient. In some implementations, the unitary mold body 1700 may have a substantially uniform cross-sectional geometry, as indicated by reference number 1792 (e.g., a substantially uniform thickness across the entire length of the tooth 1791). However, in some other implementations, the unitary mold body 1700 may have a tapering thickness and / or a chamfered edge near a gingival surface 1794 of the patient, as indicated by the dotted line shown by reference number 1793. The tapered thickness and / or chamfered edge near the gingival surface 1794 may enable easier flash clean up during use of the unitary mold body. In some implementations, the specific cross-sectional geometry employed may be based on cleaning tools to be used, protocols to be implemented, practitioner preference, or similar considerations.

[0108] In a similar manner as described above in connection with the unitary mold body 100 shown in Figs. 1A-1G, the unitary mold body 1700 may be used with multiple materials and / or composites. For example, a universal composite and a flowable composite may be used in combination, such as for a purpose of utilizing the benefits of both materials. In such implementations, an injection port 1714 (e.g., a dosing cup) may be filled with a prescribed amount of flowable composite. For example, in implementations in which the injection port 1714 is sized or configmed to hold a prescribed amount of flowable composite for a corresponding portion of the mold cavity, the injection port 1714 may be filled substantially to the top with the flowable composite. In implementations in which the injection port 1714 includes multiple markings 1776 corresponding to different volumes, the injection port 1714 may be filled to a prescribed marking for an amount of flowable composite to be delivered via that injection port 1714. A capsule tip of a universal composite may then be placed in the injection port 1714, and the universal composite (e.g., warmed universal composite) may be injected to fill the dental restoration. In such implementations, the universal composite may displace the flowable composite, pushing the flowable composite to the most difficult-to-reach portions of the mold cavity, ensuring complete fill and adaptation of the dental restoration. In this way, the injection port 1714 (e.g., the dosing cup) may contain a proper amount of flowable composition to coat the wavefront of high-viscosity universal composite, among other examples. In some implementations, a composite dispenser (e.g., a dispensing tool) may be a capsule or an injectionstyle syringe, among other examples. In some implementations, the materials placed in the cups and injected into the matrix may vary by flow properties, color, translucency, hydrophilicity, bioactivity, polishability, wear resistance and / or strength.

[0109] Fig. 18 is a flowchart of an example process 1800 associated with manufacturing a one-piece dental restoration mold with a pivotably coupled facial mold portion and lingual mold portion. In some implementations, one or more process blocks of Fig. 18 are performed by a dental tool manufacturing system (e.g., system 2000, described below in connection with Fig. 20). Additionally, or alternatively, one or more process blocks of Fig. 18 may be performed by one or more components of system 2000, such as computing device 2050 described below and / or one or more components thereof, operating system 2080 described below and / or one or more components thereof, storage devices 2078 described below and / or one or more components thereof, network 2014 described below and / or one or more components thereof, computing device 2092 described below and / or one or more components thereof, and / or manufacturing system 2094 described below and / or one or more components thereof.

[0110] As shown in Fig. 18, process 1800 may include receiving 3D scan data of a tooth structure of a patient (block 1810). For example, the dental tool manufacturing system (e.g., one or more processors of the dental tool manufacturing system) may receive 3D scan data of a tooth structure of a patient.

[0111] As further shown in Fig. 18, process 1800 may include designing a dental restoration tool based on at least the 3D scan data of the tooth structure of the patient, wherein the dental restoration tool includes a one-piece matrix including: a facial matrix portion; a lingual matrix portion; and an integral hinge portion pivotably coupling, about an occlusal-gingival-extending axis, the facial matrix portion to the lingual matrix portion, wherein the one-piece matrix is configmed is configured to close, via the integral hinge portion, to form a mold cavity that encompasses one or more teeth of the patient during a dental restoration process (block 1820). For example, the dental tool manufacturing system (e.g., one or more processors of the dental tool manufacturing system) may design the dental restoration tool based on at least the 3D scan data of the tooth structure of the patient, wherein the dental restoration tool includes a one-piece matrix including: a facial matrix portion; a lingual matrix portion; and an integral hinge portion pivotably coupling, about an occlusal- gingival-extending axis, the facial matrix portion to the lingual matrix portion, wherein the one-piece matrix is configured is configured to close, via the integral hinge portion, to form a mold cavity that encompasses one or more teeth of the patient during a dental restoration process.

[0112] As further shown in Fig. 18, process 1800 may include 3D printing the one-piece matrix (block 1830). For example, the dental tool manufacturing system (e.g., a 3D printer of the dental tool manufacturing system) may 3D print the one-piece matrix.

[0113] Process 1800 may include additional implementations, such as any single implementation or any combination of implementations described below and / or in connection with one or more other processes described elsewhere herein.

[0114] In a second implementation, alone or in combination with the first implementation, designing the dental restoration tool further includes designing the integral hinge portion to include a strain-relief cutout.

[0115] In a third implementation, alone or in combination with one or more of the first and second implementations, designing the dental restoration tool further includes designing the one-piece matrix to further include one or more injection ports in at least one of the facial matrix portion or the lingual matrix portion, wherein the strain-relief cutout is integrally formed with an injection port, of the one or more injection ports.

[0116] In a fourth implementation, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through third implementations, designing the dental restoration tool further includes designing the one-piece matrix to further include a first alignment portion integrally formed with the facial matrix portion, and a second alignment portion integrally formed with the lingual matrix portion, wherein the first alignment portion and the second alignment portion are configured to interlock when the one-piece matrix is closed.

[0117] In a fifth implementation, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through fourth implementations, designing the dental restoration tool further includes designing the one-piece matrix to further include one or more injection port portions in at least one of the facial matrix portion or the lingual matrix portion.

[0118] In a sixth implementation, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through fifth implementations, an injection port, of the one or more injection ports, includes an integral shoulder configmed to engage a dispensing tip during the dental restoration process.

[0119] In a seventh implementation, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through sixth implementations, an injection port, of the one or more injection ports, is configured to be proximate an occlusal surface of a tooth, of the one or more teeth, during the dental restoration process. In an eighth implementation, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through seventh implementations, an injection port, of the one or more injection ports, is configured to be proximate to a facial surface of a tooth, of the one or more teeth, during the dental restoration process.

[0120] In a ninth implementation, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through eighth implementations, an injection port, of the one or more injection ports, is configured to be proximate a lingual surface of a tooth, of the one or more teeth, during the dental restoration process.

[0121] In a tenth implementation, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through ninth implementations, an injection port, of the one or more injection ports, is configured to be proximate a gingival edge of a tooth, of the one or more teeth, during the dental restoration process.

[0122] In an eleventh implementation, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through tenth implementations, an injection port, of the one or more injection ports, is configured to form, during the dental restoration process, a sprue having a tapered cross-sectional area, and a portion of the sprue having a smallest cross-sectional area is a portion of the sprue that is coupled to a tooth, of the one or more teeth, following the dental restoration process.

[0123] In a twelfth implementation, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through eleventh implementations, a first injection port, of the one or more injection ports, is sized to hold a first volume of restorative material for a first portion of the mold cavity that is proximate to the first injection port.

[0124] In a thirteenth implementation, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through twelfth implementations, a second injection port, of the one or more injection ports, is sized to hold a second volume of restorative material for a second portion of the mold cavity that is proximate to the second injection port, and the first volume differs from the second volume.

[0125] In a fourteenth implementation, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through thirteenth implementations, an injection port, of the one or more injection ports, includes one or more markings, and each marking, of the one or more markings, corresponds to a respective volume of restorative material to be added to the injection port during the dental restoration process.

[0126] In a fifteenth implementation, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through fourteenth implementations, at least one of: a height of an injection port, of the one or more injection ports, along a central axis of the injection port is configured to properly position a dispensing tool during the dental restoration process, or an angle of the central axis with respect to the occlusal- gingival-extending axis is configured to properly position the dispensing tool during the dental restoration process. In a sixteenth implementation, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through fifteenth implementations, the integral hinge portion pivotably couples a posterior end of the facial matrix portion to a posterior end of the lingual matrix portion.

[0127] In a seventeenth implementation, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through sixteenth implementations, the integral hinge portion pivotably couples a mesial portion of the facial matrix portion to a mesial portion of the lingual matrix portion.

[0128] In an eighteenth implementation, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through seventeenth implementations, designing the dental restoration tool further includes designing the one-piece matrix to further include a first integral clamp portion, a second integral clamp portion, a third integral clamp portion, and a fourth integral clamp portion, wherein the one-piece matrix is further configmed to clamp, via interaction of the first integral clamp portion and the second integral clamp portion and via interaction of the third integral clamp portion and the fourth integral clamp portion, to form the mold cavity that encompasses the one or more teeth of the patient during the dental restoration process.

[0129] In a nineteenth implementation, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through eighteenth implementations, the first integral clamp portion is integrally formed at a first posterior end of the facial matrix portion, the second integral clamp portion is integrally formed at a first posterior end of the lingual matrix portion, the third integral clamp portion is integrally formed at a second posterior end of the facial matrix portion, and the fourth integral clamp portion is integrally formed at a second posterior end of the lingual matrix portion.

[0130] In a twentieth implementation, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through nineteenth implementations, designing the dental restoration tool further includes designing the one- piece matrix to further include a first integral clamp portion and a second integral clamp portion, wherein the first integral clamp portion is disposed at a mesial portion of the facial matrix portion, and wherein the second integral clamp portion is disposed at a mesial portion of the lingual matrix portion.

[0131] In a twenty-first implementation, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through twentieth implementations, designing the dental restoration tool further includes designing the one- piece matrix to further include another integral hinge portion pivotably coupling, about another occlusal-gingival-extending axis, the facial matrix portion to the lingual matrix portion, and the one- piece matrix is further configured to close, via the other integral hinge portion, to form the mold cavity that encompasses the one or more teeth of the patient during the dental restoration process.

[0132] In a twenty-second implementation, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through twenty -first implementations, the integral hinge portion is integrally formed at a first posterior end of the facial matrix portion and a first posterior end of the lingual matrix portion, and the other integral hinge portion is integrally formed at a second posterior end of the facial matrix portion and a second posterior end of the lingual matrix portion.

[0133] In a twenty-third implementation, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through twenty -second implementations, designing the dental restoration tool further includes designing the one-piece matrix to further include a first integral clamp portion and a second integral clamp portion, wherein the integral hinge portion is integrally formed at a mesial end of the facial matrix portion and a mesial end of the lingual matrix portion, wherein the first integral clamp portion is integrally formed at a posterior end of the facial matrix portion, and wherein the second integral clamp portion is integrally formed at a posterior end of the lingual matrix portion.

[0134] In a twenty -fourth implementation, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through twenty -third implementations, process 1800 includes removably coupling a hinged door to the one- piece matrix, wherein the facial matrix portion includes an aperture configmed to align with a tooth, of the one or more teeth, during the dental restoration process, and wherein the hinged door is configured to selectively cover the aperture during the dental restoration process.

[0135] In a twenty-fifth implementation, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through twenty -fourth implementations, designing the dental restoration tool further includes designing the one-piece matrix to further include one or more vent holes in the facial matrix portion.

[0136] In a twenty-sixth implementation, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through twenty-fifth implementations, designing the dental restoration tool further includes designing the one-piece matrix to further include a bite block proximate the integral hinge portion.

[0137] In a twenty-seventh implementation, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through twenty -sixth implementations, the facial matrix portion includes a first incisal sealing ridge, and the lingual matrix portion includes a second incisal sealing ridge configmed to seal with the first incisal sealing ridge during the dental restoration process.

[0138] In a twenty -eighth implementation, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through twenty-sixth implementations, a first height of the first incisal sealing ridge, along the occlusal- gingival-extending axis, and a second height of the second incisal sealing ridge, along the occlusal- gingival-extending axis, are configured to inhibit a flow of flash during the dental restoration process. In a twenty-ninth implementation, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through twenty -eighth implementations, the first incisal sealing ridge includes a first stepped-sealing surface, and the second incisal sealing ridge includes a second stepped-sealing surface configured to interlock with the first stepped-sealing surface during the dental restoration process. In a thirtieth implementation, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through twentyninth implementations, designing the dental restoration tool further includes designing the one-piece matrix to further include one or more injection ports formed within the first incisal sealing ridge and the second incisal sealing ridge, and the first stepped-sealing surface and the second stepped-sealing surface extend to one or more internal cavities of the one or more injection ports.

[0139] In a thirty -first implementation, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through thirtieth implementations, designing the dental restoration tool further includes designing the one-piece matrix to further include one or more injection ports formed within the first incisal-sealing surface and the second incisal-sealing surface, and the first stepped-sealing surface and the second steppedsealing surface do not extend to one or more internal cavities of the one or more injection ports.

[0140] Although Fig. 18 shows example blocks of process 1800, in some implementations, process 1800 includes additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or differently arranged blocks than those depicted in Fig. 18. Additionally, or alternatively, two or more of the blocks of process 1800 may be performed in parallel.

[0141] Fig. 19 is a flowchart of an example process 1900 associated with using a one-piece dental restoration mold with a pivotably coupled facial mold portion and lingual mold portion. In some implementations, one or more process blocks of Fig. 19 are performed by a dental restoration professional (e.g., practitioner 2006), such as a dentist, a dental assistant (including an extended- function dental assistant), a hygienist, and / or a similar dental restoration professional.

[0142] As shown in Fig. 19, process 1900 may include positioning a lingual mold portion of a unitary mold body over one or more teeth to be restored, wherein the lingual mold portion is configured to provide a patient-specific, customized fit of a lingual side of the one or more teeth to be restored (block 1910). For example, the dental restoration professional may position a lingual mold portion of a unitary mold body over one or more teeth to be restored, wherein the lingual mold portion is configmed to provide a patient-specific, customized fit of a lingual side of the one or more teeth to be restored, as described above.

[0143] As further shown in Fig. 19, process 1900 may include pivotably moving, about an occlusal-gingival- extending axis, a facial mold portion of the unitary mold body toward the one or more teeth to be restored, wherein the facial mold portion is configured to provide a patient-specific, customized fit of a facial side of the one or more teeth to be restored (block 1920). For example, the dental restoration professional may pivotably move, about an occlusal-gingival-extending axis, a facial mold portion of the unitary mold body toward the one or more teeth to be restored, wherein the facial mold portion is configmed to provide a patient-specific, customized fit of a facial side of the one or more teeth to be restored, as described above. As further shown in Fig. 19, process 1900 may include interlocking a first clamp portion that is integrally formed with the facial mold portion with a second clamp portion that is integrally formed with the lingual mold portion to form a mold cavity encompassing missing tooth stmcture of the one or more teeth to be restored (block 1930). For example, the dental restoration professional may interlock a first clamp portion that is integrally formed with the facial mold portion with a second clamp portion that is integrally formed with the lingual mold portion to form a mold cavity encompassing missing tooth structure of the one or more teeth to be restored, as described above.

[0144] As further shown in Fig. 19, process 1900 may include introducing restorative material in the mold cavity (block 1940). For example, the dental restoration professional may introduce restorative material in the mold cavity, as described above.

[0145] As further shown in Fig. 19, process 1900 may include curing the restorative material (block 1950). For example, the dental restoration professional may cure the restorative material, as described above.

[0146] As further shown in Fig. 19, process 1900 may include removing the unitary mold body from the one or more teeth to be restored (block 1960). For example, the dental restoration professional may remove the unitary mold body from the one or more teeth to be restored, as described above.

[0147] Process 1900 may include additional implementations, such as any single implementation or any combination of implementations described herein and / or in connection with one or more other processes described elsewhere herein.

[0148] In a first implementation, the unitary mold body includes one or more injection ports, and introducing restorative material in the mold cavity includes filling an injection port, of the one or more injection ports, with a flowable composite material, placing a dispensing tool including a universal composite material in the injection port, and injecting the flowable composite material and the universal composite material in the mold cavity by injecting the universal composite material in the injection port.

[0149] In a second implementation, alone or in combination with the first implementation, filling the injection port with the flowable composite material includes filling the injection port to a marking, of multiple markings included in the injection port, that corresponds to a prescribed amount of the flowable composite material to be used for the injection port.

[0150] Although Fig. 19 shows example blocks of process 1900, in some implementations, process 1900 includes additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or differently arranged blocks than those depicted in Fig. 19. Additionally, or alternatively, two or more of the blocks of process 1900 may be performed in parallel. Fig. 20 is a block diagram illustrating an example system 2000 for designing and manufacturing a dental appliance 2001 (e.g., a custom tool and / or dental restoration tool described elsewhere herein) for restoring the dental anatomy of a patient, in accordance with various aspects of this disclosure. In the example of Fig. 20, system 2000 includes a clinic 2004, an appliance design facility 2008, and a manufacturing facility 2010, among other examples.

[0151] Practitioner 2006 may treat patient 2002 at clinic 2004. For example, practitioner 2006 may create a digital model of the current dental anatomy of patient 2002. The dental anatomy may include any portion of crowns or roots of one or more teeth of a dental archform, gingiva, periodontal ligaments, alveolar bone, cortical bone, implants, artificial crowns, bridges, veneers, dentures, orthodontic appliances, or any structure that could be considered part of the dentition before, during, or after treatment. In one example, the digital model of the current dental anatomy includes a 3D model of the current dental anatomy of the patient. The 3D model may be generated using an intra-oral scanner, Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scanning (e.g., 3D X-ray), Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), or any other 3D image capturing system. In some examples, computing device 2090 stores a digital model of a current dental anatomy of patient 2002.

[0152] Computing device 2090 of clinic 2004 may store a digital model of a future dental anatomy for the patient. The future dental anatomy represents the intended shape of the dental anatomy to be achieved by application of a dental appliance 2001. In one example, practitioner 2006 may create a physical model of the future dental anatomy and may utilize an image capturing system (e.g., as described above) to generate the digital model of the future dental anatomy. In another example, practitioner 2006 may modify the digital model of the current anatomy of patient 2002 (e.g., by adding material to the surface of one or more teeth of the dental anatomy) to generate the digital model of the future dental anatomy. In yet another example, computing device 2090 may modify the digital model of the current dental anatomy to generate a model of the future dental anatomy. In another example, the modification of the dental anatomy of the patient may occur offsite by a third party provider. Such modifications may be prescribed, reviewed, and modified by, or under the direction of, the practitioner 2006. Modifications can be informed by additional patient data such as photographs, videos, craniofacial measurements and orthodontic correction and surgical plans. The dental anatomy may be designed in a digital environment, such as 3 Shape Dental System, and / or by Artificial Intelligence-driven programs such as 3 Shape Automate. Alternatively a physical rendering of the initial dentition may be physically modified using conventional dental laboratory techniques (e.g., application of wax). This physical model of the teeth may be digitized via a 3D scanner. Dentition designs may be evaluated and optimized by a physical or digital articulation. In one scenario, computing device 2090 outputs the digital model representing the dental anatomy (e.g., current and / or future) of patient 2002 to another computing device, such as computing device 2050 and / or computing device 2092. As illustrated in Fig. 20 in some examples, computing device 2050 of appliance de sign facility 2008, computing device 2090 of clinic 2004, and computing device 2092 of manufacturing facility 2010 may be communicatively coupled to one another via network 2014. Network 2014 may include a wired or wireless network, such as via WIFI®, BLUETOOTH®, 3G, 4G LTE, 5G, and the like.

[0153] In the example of Fig. 20, appliance design facility 2008 includes computing device 2050 configured to automatically design a dental appliance 2001 for re-shaping the dental anatomy of patient 2002. In one example, computing device 2050 includes one or more processors 2072, one or more user interface (UI) devices 2074, one or more communication units 2076, and one or more storage devices 2078.

[0154] UI device 2074 may be configured to receive user input and / or output information, also referred to as data, to a user of computing device 2050. One or more input components of UI device 2074 may receive input. Examples of input are tactile, audio, kinetic, and optical input, to name only a few examples. For example, UI device 2074 may include a mouse, keyboard, voice responsive system, video camera, buttons, control pad, microphone, or any other type of device for detecting input from a human or machine. In some examples, UI device 2074 may be a presence-sensitive input component, which may include a presence-sensitive screen, touch-sensitive screen, etc.

[0155] One or more output components of UI device 2074 may generate output. Examples of output are data, tactile, audio, and video output. Output components of UI device 2074, in some examples, include a display device (e.g., a presence-sensitive screen, a touch-screen, a liquid crystal display (LCD) display, a Light-Emitting Diode (LED) display, an optical head-mounted display (HMD), among others), a light-emitting diode, a speaker, or any other type of device for generating output to a human or machine.

[0156] Processor 2072 represents one or more processors such as a general-purpose microprocessor, a specially designed processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a collection of discrete logic, or any type of processing device capable of executing the techniques described herein. In one example, storage device 2078 may store program instructions (e.g., software instmctions or modules) that are executed by processor 2072 to carry out the techniques described herein. In other examples, the techniques may be executed by specifically programmed circuitry of processor 2072. In these or other ways, processor 2072 may be configured to execute the techniques described herein. Storage device 2078 may, in some examples, also include one or more computer-readable storage media. Storage device 2078 may be configured to store larger amounts of data than volatile memory. Storage device 2078 may further be configmed for long-term storage of data as non-volatile memory space and retain data after activate / off cycles. Examples of non-volatile memories include solid state drives (SSDs), hard disk drives (HDDs), flash memories, or forms of electrically programmable memories (EPROM) or electrically erasable and programmable (EEPROM) memories. Storage device 2078 may store program instructions and / or data associated with software components 2082- 2089 and / or operating system 2080.

[0157] In some implementations, the system 2000 may receive a pre-operative scan. A wax-up is then created to produce the contours of the future dental anatomy. The wax-up can be created physically and scanned into the computer, or it may be created digitally. Preferably the wax-up is scaled and oriented in digital 3D space to correspond with the pre-operative scan such that design of the tool is facilitated by selectively utilizing surfaces from the pre-operative and future dental anatomy models. In the example of Fig. 20, storage device 2078 includes appliance feature library 2064, models library 2066, and practitioner preferences library 2068. Libraries 2064, 2066, and 2068 may include relational databases, multi-dimensional databases, maps, and hash tables, or any data structure that stores data. In one example, models library 2066 includes 3D models of the patient’s current and / or future dental anatomy. As described in more detail below, the libraries 2064, 2066, and 2068, may include representations of interproximal 3D geometries. In some instances, libraries 2064, 2066, and 2068 may be stored locally at computing device 2050 or may be accessed via a networked file share, cloud storage, or other remote datastore.

[0158] Computing device 2050 may execute software components (e.g., landmark identifier 2082, custom feature generator 2084, feature manager 2086, model assembler 2088, and / or refinement module 2089, among other examples) with one or more processors 2072. Computing device 2050 may execute any software components as or within a virtual machine executing on underlying hardware. In one example, any software components may be implemented as part of operating system 2080.

[0159] In accordance with the techniques of this disclosure, computing device 2050 automatically or semi- automatically generates a digital model of dental appliance 2001 for restoring the dental anatomy of patient 2002 based on a digital model of the patient’s future dental anatomy and the pre-operative model. Pre-processor 2081 may pre-process the digital model of the future dental anatomy of patient 2002. In one example, pre-processor 2081 performs pre-processing to identify one or more teeth in the future dental anatomy of patient 2002. In some instances, pre-processor 2081 identifies a local coordinate system for each individual tooth and may identify a global coordinate system that includes each tooth of the future dental anatomy. As another example, pre-processor 2081 may pre-process the digital model of the future dental anatomy to identify the root structure of the dental anatomy. In another example, pre-processor 2081 may identify the gingiva, in this way, pre-processor 208 i may determine portions of the future dental anatomy that include gingiva and portions of the future dental anatomy that include tooth.

[0160] Landmark identifier 2082 may determine one or more landmarks of the future dental anatomy and pre-operative models. Example landmarks include a slice, a midpoint, a gingival boundary, a closest point between two adjacent teeth (e.g., a point of contact between adjacent teeth or a point of closest approach (or closest proximity)), a convex hull, a center of mass, or another landmark. “Slice” refers to a cross section of the dental anatomy. The midpoint of a tooth is a geometric center (also referred to as a geometrical midpoint) of the tooth within a given slice. The gingival boundary is a boundary between the gingiva and one or more teeth of the dental anatomy. A convex hull is a polygon whose vertices include a subset of the vertices in a given set of vertices, where the boundary of the subset of vertices circumscribes the entire set of vertices. The center of mass of a tooth is a midpoint, center point, centroid, or geometric center of the tooth. In some instances, landmark identifier 2082 determines the landmarks in the local coordinate system for each tooth.

[0161] In some examples, landmark identifier 2082 determines a plurality of slices of the patient’s future dental anatomy. In one example, the thickness of each slice is the same. In some instances, the thickness of one or more slices is different than the thickness of another slice. The thickness of a given slice may be pre-defined. In one instance, landmark identifier 2082 automatically determines the thickness of each slice. In another instance, the thickness of each slice may be user-defined.

[0162] Landmark identifier 2082 determines, in some examples, a midpoint for each tooth. In one example, landmark identifier 2082 determines a midpoint of a particular tooth by computing the extrema of the particular tooth’s geometry based on the entirety of the particular tooth (e.g., without dividing the dental anatomy into slices) and determine the midpoint of the particular tooth based on the extrema of the tooth geometry.

[0163] In some examples, landmark identifier 2082 determines a midpoint for each tooth for each slice. Landmark identifier 2082 may determine the midpoint for a particular slice of a particular tooth by calculating the center of mass of a constellation of vertices around the edge of the particular tooth for that particular slice. In some instances, the midpoint of the particular tooth for the particular slice may be biased toward one edge of the tooth (e.g., in the case that one edge has more points than another edge).

[0164] In another example, landmark identifier 2082 may determine the midpoint of a particular tooth in a particular slice based on a convex hull of the particular tooth for the particular slice. For example, landmark identifier 2082 may determine a convex hull of a set of edge points of the tooth for a given slice. Landmark identifier 2082 determines, in some instances, a geometric center from the convex hull by performing a flood-fill operation on the region circumscribed by the convex hull and computing a center of mass of the flood-filled convex hull.

[0165] In some examples, landmark identifier 2082 determines the closest point between two adjacent teeth. The closest point between two adjacent teeth may be a point of contact or a point of closest approach. In one example, landmark identifier 2082 determines the closest point between two adjacent teeth for each slice. In another example, landmark identifier 2082 determines the closest point between two adjacent teeth based on the entirety of the adjacent teeth (e.g., without dividing the dental anatomy into slices).

[0166] A spline is a curve that passes through a plurality of points or vertices, such as a piecewise polynomial parametric curve. “Mold parting surface” refers to a 3D mesh that bisects two sides of one or more teeth (e.g., separates the facial side of one or more teeth from the lingual side of the one or more teeth). “Gingival trim surface” refers to a 3D mesh that trims an encompassing shell along the gingival margin. “Shell” refers to a body of nominal thickness. In some examples, an inner surface of the shell matches the surface of the dental arch, and an outer surface of the shell is a nominal offset of the inner surface. “Facial ribbon” refers to a stiffening rib of nominal thickness that is offset facially from the shell. An incisal ridge provides reinforcement at the incisal edge of dental appliance 2001 and may be derived from the archform. “Case frame sparing” refers to connective material that couples parts of dental appliance 2001 (e.g., the facial portion of dental appliance 2001, the lingual bar of dental appliance 2001, and subcomponents thereof) to the manufacturing case frame. In this way, the case frame sparing may tie the parts of dental appliance 2001 to the case frame during manufacturing, protect the various parts from damage or loss, and / or reduce the risk of mixing-up parts.

[0167] In some examples, custom feature generator 2084 generates one or more splines based on the landmarks. Custom feature generator 2084 may generate a spline based on a plurality of tooth midpoints and / or closest points between adjacent teeth (e.g., points of contact between adjacent teeth or points of closest proximity between adjacent teeth). In some instances, custom feature generator 2084 generates one spline for each slice. In one instance, custom feature generator 2084 generates a plurality of splines for a given slice. For instance, custom feature generator 2084 may generate a first spline for a first subset of teeth (e.g., right posterior teeth), a second spline for a second subset of teeth (e.g., left posterior teeth), and a third spline for a third subset of teeth (e.g., anterior teeth). Appliance feature library 2064 includes a set of pre-defined appliance features that may be included in dental appliance 2001. Appliance feature library 2064 may include a set of pre-defined appliance features that define one or more functional characteristics of dental appliance 2001. Examples of pre-defined appliance features include vents, occlusal registration features, custom labels, a manufacturing case frame, a diastema matrix handle, among others. Each vent is configured to enable excess dental composite to flow out of dental appliance 2001. In some examples, an incisal registration feature comprises a male and female tab pair that falls on the incisal edge of dental appliance 2001 (e.g., along the midsagittal). In one example, the incisal registration feature is used to maintain vertical alignment of a facial portion of dental appliance 2001. Each custom label includes data identifying a part of dental appliance and / or data identifying the patient or the particular tooth to be restored. The manufacturing case frame is configured to support one or more parts of dental appliance 2001. For example, the manufacturing case frame may detachably couple to a facial portion of dental appliance 2001 to one another for safe handling and transportation of dental appliance 2001 from manufacturing facility 2010 to clinic 2004.

[0168] According to other implementations, appliance feature library 2064 can be configured to include one or more interproximal geometries that are inserted between adjacent teeth. This pre-defined geometry may include a library part, scaled geometry, and / or parametric shapes, to name a few examples. For instance, the appliance feature library 2064 may include 3D fins of a uniform thickness. As another example, appliance feature library 2064 may include 3D fins that are subdivided with each subdivision having a respective thickness, and the respective thickness can be altered to better conform with the spacing and orientation of the adjacent teeth. In general, the fins can have an initial thickness between 100 and 500 microns, according to particular implementations. For example, in one implementation, fins having a uniform thickness of 650 microns are stored in the appliance feature library 2064. And in yet another example, appliance feature library 2064 may include ovoid cylinders that can be placed within interproximal spaces between adjacent teeth. Techniques for placing and refining interproximal geometries are described in WO2023 / 031716 (Hansen et al.).

[0169] Feature manager 2086 may determine the parameters of one or more pre-defined appliance features that are included in pre-defined appliance feature library 2064. In one example, the pre-defined appliance features are configured to perform functionality of dental appliance 2001. The parameters of the pre-defined appliance features may include the size, shape, scale, position, and / or orientation of the pre-defined appliance features. Feature manager 2086 may determine the parameters of the pre-defined appliance features based on one or more rules. The rules may be pre-programmed or machine generated, for instance, via machine learning. An exemplary method for determining and designing dental appliances using neural networks can be found in International Publication No. W02021 / 240290 (Fabbri et al.). In some examples, feature manager 2086 may determine an initial placement, orientation, and thickness of one or more interproximal geometries in accordance with this disclosure.

[0170] Feature manager 2086 may determine the parameters of a pre-defined appliance feature based on preferences of practitioner 2006. Practitioner preferences library 2068 may include data indicative of preferences of various practitioners 2006. In one example, practitioner preferences directly affect the parameters of one or more appliance features. For example, practitioner preferences library 2068 may include data indicating a preferred size of various appliance features, such as the size of the registration features. In other examples, practitioner preferences library 2068 may include data indicating a preferred initial size or shape of the interproximal geometries.

[0171] As another example, practitioner preferences indirectly affect the parameters of appliance features. For example, practitioner preferences library 2068 may include data indicating a preferred stiffness of the appliance. Such preference selections may also affect more complex design changes to section thickness of the matrix. Feature manager 2086 may determine the parameters of the appliance features by applying the practitioner preferences to one or more rules, a simulation (e.g., Monte Carlo) or finite element analysis. Feature parameters also may be derived from properties in the materials to be used with the matrix, such as the type of composite that the dentist prefers to use with the appliance. Feature parameters also may be adjusted based on previous experiences with similar procedures, such as ratings of previous cases.

[0172] Model assembler 2088 may generate a digital 3D model of dental appliance 2001 used to re-shape the dental anatomy (e.g., to the future dental anatomy) in response to determining the parameters of the custom and pre-defined appliance features. The digital model of dental appliance 2001 may include a point cloud, 3D mesh, non-uniform rational B-spline (NURBS), or other digital representation of dental appliance 2001. In some instances, model assembler 2088 stores the digital model of dental appliance 2001 in models library 2066.

[0173] Model assembler 2088 may output the digital model of dental appliance 2001. For example, model assembler 2088 may output the digital model of dental appliance 2001 to computing device 2092 of manufacturing facility 2010 (e.g., via network 2014) to manufacture dental appliance 2001. In another example, computing device 2050 sends the digital model of dental appliance 2001 to computing device 2090 of clinic 2004 for manufacturing at clinic 2004. In some implementations, the model assembler 2088 generates a computer-readable file that includes data describing the digital model of dental appliance 2001. This file may be stored in storage devices 2078 and the file may be referenced by the system 2000 in the future to refine the previous digital model or by the manufacturing system 2094 to manufacture a physical matrix of the digital model. Refinement module 2089 may be used to refine the digital model of dental appliance 2001. For instance, the refinement module 2089 may be used to modify one or more parameters of the digital model. In some implementations, the modification to the digital model includes modifying one or more parameters of the inserted interproximal geometries. Refinement module 2089 may be configmed to incrementally modify the digital model in response to received user input (e.g., from practitioner 2006) or may be configmed to automatically refine the digital geometry using predefined rules or based on machine learning techniques.

[0174] In some implementations, the refinement module 2089 may also graphically present the incremental refinements in real-time as the parameters of the digital model are being changed. For example, as the thickness or position of an interproximal fin is being modified in accordance with received user input, the refinement module 2089 can update the parameters of the modified interproximal fin and demonstrate via UI devices 2074 any changes to the interproximal fins relative to the digital model in real-time. In other implementations, the refinement module 2089 can graphically present final refinements that are automatically computed using predefined rules or machine learning.

[0175] An advantage of graphically presenting the refinements (either incrementally or upon completion of the refinements) is that a user of system 2000 (e.g., the practitioner 2006) can visually inspect the digital model of dental appliance 2001 before the model is provided to the manufacturing system 2094. In some implementations, one or more aspects of the digital model of dental appliance 2001 can be provided to the refinement module 2089 before the system 2000 provides the digital model to the model assembler 2088.

[0176] Computing device 2092 may send the digital model of dental appliance 2001 to manufacturing system 2094. Manufacturing system 2094 manufactures dental appliance 2001 according to the digital model of dental appliance 2001. Manufacturing system 2094 may form dental appliance 2001 using any number of manufacturing techniques, such as 3D printing, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), thermoforming, injection molding, lost wax casting, milling, machining, laser cutting, among others.

[0177] Practitioner 2006 may receive dental appliance 2001 and may utilize dental appliance 2001 to reshape one or more teeth of patient 2002. For example, practitioner 2006 may apply a dental composite to the surface of one or more teeth of patient 2002 via one or more doors and / or ports of dental appliance 2001. Excess dental composite may be removed via one or more vents. Excess composite expressed beyond the edge of the appliance may be removed by bmsh, explorer or probe which is contoured to create a fillet along the edge of the restoration prior to curing. In some situations, the presence of interproximal geometries in the dental appliance 2001 gives practitioner 2006 better control of the amount dental composite, or bonding material, used during a filling procedure with patient 2002. In general, advantages of using the techniques described herein include greatly reducing the need of practitioner 2006 to remove excess dental composite. That can result in decreasing the time to treat patient 2002 using the dental appliance 2001 and limiting the practitioners 2006 to use saws, blades, and other tools to separate interproximal dental composite after it has cured.

[0178] In some examples, model assembler 2088 generates a digital model of dental appliance 2001 based on an existing digital model (e.g., stored in models library 2066). In one example, models library 2066 may include data indicative of appliance success criteria associated with each completed dental appliance 2001, the appliance success criteria indicating a manufacturing print yield, practitioner and / or customer feedback or ratings, or a combination thereof. For example, model assembler 2088 may utilize an existing digital model to generate a new or updated digital model of a dental appliance 2001 in response to determining the appliance success criteria for the previous dental appliance 2001 satisfy threshold criteria (e.g., a threshold manufacturing yield, or a threshold practitioner rating). In one example, the existing digital model is a template or reference digital model. In such examples, model assembler 2088 may generate a digital model of a dental appliance 2001 based on the template digital model. For example, the template digital model may be associated with different characteristics of a potential patient’s dental anatomy, such as the patient having small teeth or being unable to open the mouth widely.

[0179] In one example, model assembler 2088 generates a digital model of a dental appliance 2001 based on an existing digital model by utilizing one or more morphing algorithms. For example, model assembler 2088 may utilize morphing algorithms to interpolate appliance feature geometries. In one instance, model assembler 2088 may generate a new digital model of a dental appliance 2001 based on the design of the existing digital model. In one instance, the design feature of an existing digital model may include a window inset from the perimeter, such that model assembler 2088 may morph the geometry of the existing digital model based on landmarks for a different dental anatomy.

[0180] The techniques of this disclosure may enable a computing device to automatically determine the shape of dental appliance 2001 and the placement of various appliance features. In this way, the computing device may more accurately and more quickly generate a digital model of a dental appliance 2001. More accurately determining the shape of dental appliance 2001 and the placement of the appliance features may increase the efficacy of dental appliance 2001 and the tooth restoration. Determining the shape of dental appliance 2001 and placement of the appliance features more quickly may enable the practitioner to correct a patient’s teeth more quickly, which may improve the appearance and / or functionality of the patient’s teeth, thereby potentially improving the patient experience. Additionally, reducing the time required to generate the digital model of a dental appliance 2001 may reduce the cost of production and make treatment affordable and accessible for a wider set of patients.

[0181] While computing device 2050 is described as automatically generating a digital model of dental appliance 2001 based on a digital model of a future dental anatomy of the patient, in some examples, computing device 2050 may utilize a digital model of the current, unrestored state of the dental anatomy of the patient to generate all or part of the digital model of dental appliance 2001. For example, computing device 2050 may utilize a digital model of the current dental anatomy to generate the facial ribbon (e.g., as the gingival margin may not change during restoration) and / or the registration portion (e.g., as the mesial and distal struts can register with teeth that are not to be restored).

[0182] One or more devices or components shown in Fig. 20 may be configured to perform operations described herein. For example, the computing device 2050, the operating system 2080, the one or more storage devices 2078, the network 2014, the computing device 2092, and / or the manufacturing system 2094 may be configured to perform one or more operations and / or methods described herein. The number and arrangement of components shown in Fig. 20 are provided as an example. In practice, there may be additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than those shown in Fig. 20. Furthermore, two or more components shown in Fig. 20 may be implemented within a single component, or a single component shown in Fig. 20 may be implemented as multiple, distributed components. Additionally, or alternatively, a set of components (e.g., one or more components) shown in Fig. 20 may perform one or more operations described as being performed by another set of components shown in Fig. 20.

[0183] The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the implementations to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications and variations may be made in light of the above disclosure or may be acquired from practice of the implementations described herein.

[0184] Even though particular combinations of features are recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of implementations described herein. Many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification. For example, the disclosure includes each dependent claim in a claim set in combination with every other individual claim in that claim set and every combination of multiple claims in that claim set. As used herein, a phrase referring to “at least one of’ a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: a, b, or c” is intended to cover a, b, c, a + b, a + c, b + c, and a + b + c, as well as any combination with multiples of the same element (e.g., a + a, a + a + a, a + a + b, a + a + c, a + b + b, a + c + c, b + b, b + b + b, b + b + c, c + c, and c + c + c, or any other ordering of a, b, and c).

[0185] When “a component” or “one or more components” (or another element, such as “a controller” or “one or more controllers”) is described or claimed (within a single claim or across multiple claims) as performing multiple operations or being configured to perform multiple operations, this language is intended to broadly cover a variety of architectures and environments. For example, unless explicitly claimed otherwise (e.g., via the use of “first component” and “second component” or other language that differentiates components in the claims), this language is intended to cover a single component performing or being configmed to perform all of the operations, a group of components collectively performing or being configured to perform all of the operations, a first component performing or being configured to perform a first operation and a second component performing or being configured to perform a second operation, or any combination of components performing or being configmed to perform the operations. For example, when a claim has the form “one or more components configmed to: perform X; perform Y; and perform Z,” that claim should be interpreted to mean “one or more components configured to perform X; one or more (possibly different) components configured to perform Y; and one or more (also possibly different) components configmed to perform Z.”

[0186] No element, act, or instruction used herein should be construed as critical or essential unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the articles “a” and “an” are intended to include one or more items and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Further, as used herein, the article “the” is intended to include one or more items referenced in connection with the article “the” and may be used interchangeably with “the one or more.” Where only one item is intended, the phrase “only one,” “single,” or similar language is used. Also, as used herein, the terms “has,” “have,” “having,” or the like are intended to be open-ended terms that do not limit an element that they modify (e.g., an element “having” A may also have B). Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise. As used herein, the term “multiple” can be replaced with “a plurality of’ and vice versa. Also, as used herein, the term “or” is intended to be inclusive when used in a series and may be used interchangeably with “and / or,” unless explicitly stated otherwise (e.g., if used in combination with “either” or “only one of’).

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A custom tool for forming a dental restoration in a mouth of a patient, the custom tool comprising: a unitary mold body configured to provide a patient-specific, customized fit of one or more teeth of the patient, the unitary mold body including: a facial mold portion configured to provide a patient-specific, customized fit of a facial side of the one or more teeth of the patient; a lingual mold portion configured to provide a patient-specific, customized fit of a lingual side of the one or more teeth of the patient; and a hinge portion pivotably coupling, about an occlusal-gingival-extending axis, the facial mold portion to the lingual mold portion, wherein the unitary mold body is configured to close, via the hinge portion, around the one or more teeth of the patient to form a mold cavity encompassing missing tooth structure of the one or more teeth.

2. The custom tool of claim 1, further comprising: a first clamp portion integrally formed with the facial mold portion; and a second clamp portion integrally formed with the lingual mold portion, wherein the unitary mold body is further configmed to clamp, via interaction of the first clamp portion and the second clamp portion, around the one or more teeth of the patient to form the mold cavity encompassing the missing tooth structure of the one or more teeth.

3. The custom tool of claim 1, wherein the hinge portion includes a strain-relief cutout.

4. The custom tool of claim 3, further comprising one or more injection ports in at least one of the facial mold portion or the lingual mold portion, wherein the strain-relief cutout is integrally formed with an injection port, of the one or more injection ports.

5. The custom tool of claim 1, further comprising one or more injection ports in at least one of the facial mold portion or the lingual mold portion.

6. The custom tool of claim 5, wherein an injection port, of the one or more injection ports, includes an integral shoulder configmed to engage a dispensing tip during the dental restoration.

7. The custom tool of claim 5, wherein an injection port, of the one or more injection ports, is configmed to form, during the dental restoration, a sprue having a tapered cross-sectional area, and wherein a portion of the spme having a smallest cross-sectional area is a portion of the sprue that is coupled to a tooth, of the one or more teeth, following the dental restoration.

8. The custom tool of claim 5, wherein a first injection port, of the one or more injection ports, is sized to hold a first volume of restorative material for a first portion of the mold cavity that is proximate to the first injection port.

9. The custom tool of claim 8, wherein a second injection port, of the one or more injection ports, is sized to hold a second volume of restorative material for a second portion of the mold cavity that is proximate to the second injection port, and wherein the first volume differs from the second volume.

10. The custom tool of claim 5, wherein an injection port, of the one or more injection ports, includes one or more markings, and wherein each marking, of the one or more markings, corresponds to a respective volume of restorative material to be added to the injection port.

11. The custom tool of claim 5, wherein at least one of: a height of an injection port, of the one or more injection ports, along a central axis of the injection port is configured to properly position a dispensing tool, or an angle of the central axis with respect to the occlusal-gingival -extending axis is configmed to properly position the dispensing tool.

12. The custom tool of claim 1, wherein the hinge portion pivotably couples a posterior end of the facial mold portion to a posterior end of the lingual mold portion.

13. The custom tool of claim 1, wherein the hinge portion pivotably couples a mesial portion of the facial mold portion to a mesial portion of the lingual mold portion.

14. The custom tool of claim 1, wherein the unitary mold body further includes: a first clamp portion integrally formed with the facial mold portion; and a second clamp portion integrally formed with the lingual mold portion, wherein the first clamp portion is disposed at a mesial portion of the facial mold portion, and wherein the second clamp portion is disposed at a mesial portion of the lingual mold portion.

15. The custom tool of claim 1, wherein the unitary mold body further includes another hinge portion pivotably coupling, about another occlusal-gingival-extending axis, the facial mold portion to the lingual mold portion, and wherein the unitary mold body is further configured to close, via the other hinge portion, around the one or more teeth of the patient, to form the mold cavity encompassing missing tooth structure of the one or more teeth.

16. The custom tool of claim 15, wherein the hinge portion is integrally formed at a first posterior end of the facial mold portion and a first posterior end of the lingual mold portion, and wherein the other hinge portion is integrally formed at a second posterior end of the facial mold portion and a second posterior end of the lingual mold portion.

17. The custom tool of claim 1, wherein the unitary mold body further includes: a first clamp portion integrally formed with the facial mold portion; and a second clamp portion integrally formed with the lingual mold portion, wherein the hinge portion is integrally formed at a mesial end of the facial mold portion and a mesial end of the lingual mold portion, wherein the first clamp portion is integrally formed at a posterior end of the facial mold portion, and wherein the second clamp portion is integrally formed at a posterior end of the lingual mold portion.

18. The custom tool of claim 1, wherein the facial mold portion includes a first incisal sealing ridge, andwherein the lingual mold portion includes a second incisal sealing ridge configured to seal with the first incisal sealing ridge when the unitary mold body is closed around the one or more teeth of the patient.

19. The custom tool of claim 18, wherein a first height of the first incisal sealing ridge, along the occlusal-gingival -extending axis, and a second height of the second incisal sealing ridge, along the occlusal-gingival -extending axis, are configured to inhibit a flow of flash.

20. The custom tool of claim 18, wherein the first incisal sealing ridge includes a first steppedsealing surface, and wherein the second incisal sealing ridge includes a second stepped-sealing surface configmed to interlock with the first stepped-sealing surface when the unitary mold body is closed around the one or more teeth of the patient.

21. The custom tool of claim 20, further comprising one or more injection ports formed within the first incisal sealing ridge and the second incisal sealing ridge, and wherein the first stepped-sealing surface and the second stepped-sealing surface extend through one or more internal cavities of the one or more injection ports.

22. The custom tool of claim 20, further comprising one or more injection ports formed within the first incisal-sealing surface and the second incisal-sealing surface, and wherein the first stepped-sealing surface and the second stepped-sealing surface do not extend through one or more internal cavities of the one or more injection ports.

23. A method of manufacturing a dental restoration tool, comprising: receiving, by one or more processors, three-dimensional (3D) scan data of a tooth structure of a patient; designing, by the one or more processors, the dental restoration tool based on at least the 3D scan data of the tooth structure of the patient, wherein the dental restoration tool includes: a one-piece matrix including: a facial matrix portion; a lingual matrix portion; and an integral hinge portion pivotably coupling, about an occlusal-gingival- extending axis, the facial matrix portion to the lingual matrix portion;wherein the one-piece matrix is configured to close, via the integral hinge portion, to form a mold cavity that encompasses one or more teeth of the patient during a dental restoration process; and3D printing, by a 3D printer in communication with the one or more processors, the one- piece matrix.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein designing the dental restoration tool further includes designing the one-piece matrix to further include one or more injection ports in at least one of the facial matrix portion or the lingual matrix portion.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein an injection port, of the one or more injection ports, includes an integral shoulder configmed to engage a dispensing tip during the dental restoration process.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein a first injection port, of the one or more injection ports, is sized to hold a first volume of restorative material for a first portion of the mold cavity that is proximate to the first injection port.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein a second injection port, of the one or more injection ports, is sized to hold a second volume of restorative material for a second portion of the mold cavity that is proximate to the second injection port, and wherein the first volume differs from the second volume.

28. A method of forming a dental restoration, comprising: positioning a lingual mold portion of a unitary mold body over one or more teeth to be restored, wherein the lingual mold portion is configured to provide a patient-specific, customized fit of a lingual side of the one or more teeth to be restored; pivotably moving, about an occlusal-gingival-extending axis, a facial mold portion of the unitary mold body toward the one or more teeth to be restored, wherein the facial mold portion is configmed to provide a patient-specific, customized fit of a facial side of the one or more teeth to be restored; interlocking a first clamp portion that is integrally formed with the facial mold portion with a second clamp portion that is integrally formed with the lingual mold portion to form a mold cavity encompassing missing tooth structure of the one or more teeth to be restored;introducing restorative material in the mold cavity; curing the restorative material; and removing the unitary mold body from the one or more teeth to be restored.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the unitary mold body includes one or more injection ports, and wherein introducing restorative material in the mold cavity includes: filling an injection port, of the one or more injection ports, with a flowable composite material; placing a dispensing tool including a universal composite material in the injection port; and injecting the flowable composite material and the universal composite material in the mold cavity by injecting the universal composite material in the injection port.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein filling the injection port with the flowable composite material includes filling the injection port to a marking, of multiple markings included in the injection port, that corresponds to a prescribed amount of the flowable composite material to be used for the injection port.

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