Dental prostheses with breakaway flanges

Abstract

The present disclosure provides dentures and other dental prostheses with breakaway flanges and methods for providing dental conversions using the same. The denture can include a dental arch including a set of false teeth arranged along a curve of the dental arch, and a fitting portion defining a border of the denture. The fitting portion can include a palate area bounded by the curve of the dental arch and multiple flanges arranged about the curve of the dental arch, wherein the flanges extend away from an intaglio surface of the dental arch. The denture also includes multiple struts arranged between the dental arch and the fitting portion to connect the dental arch to the fitting portion.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 29962-0105WO1DENTAL PROSTHESES WITH BREAKAWAY FLANGESCLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 699.472, filed on September 26, 2024. The entire contents of the foregoing are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD

[0002] The invention relates generally to dental prostheses, e.g., dentures, with breakaway flanges, and methods for making and using the same.BACKGROUND

[0003] Dentures are removable appliances designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They are typically made of acrylic resin, sometimes combined with metallic components, to provide support and functionality. Complete dentures are used when all or most of a person’s teeth are missing in their upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. They rest directly on the gums and provide a complete set of artificial teeth.

[0004] Implant-supported and implant-retained dentures are types of dentures (overdentures) that are anchored to dental implants surgically inserted into the jawbone, providing greater stability, support, comfort, and natural aesthetics compared to traditional, removable dentures. Overdentures can be fixed or removable and are particularly beneficial for individuals who have lost all or most of their teeth, but still have enough healthy jawbone to support implants.

[0005] However, preparation of such overdentures is more involved than traditional (complete) dentures due to the surgical nature of dental implants, abutment fitting to the implants, the necessary healing time of the patient, taking impressions, fabricating the dentures from the impressions, and finally fitting and adjusting the dentures to the patient’s oral cavity. The impression, fabrication, and fitting steps are often time-consuming for clinicians and their patients as the impressions are typically sent to a dental lab for denture fabrication and fitting is performed at a later appointment. Hence, there is a need for improved, immediate dentures that can be fabricated onsite from impressions and fitted to a patient in a single procedure with little (or no) interruption.Attorney Docket No. 29962-0105WO1SUMMARY

[0006] This disclosure describes dental prostheses, e.g.. full or partial dentures, including both maxillary and mandibular dentures, with breakaway flanges and methods for making and using the same. The dentures described herein having breakaway flanges can be implemented for implant-supported (and implant-retained) dentures, e.g., complete overdentures, and other dental conversion, such as large bridges, in a manner that significantly reduces fabrication and fitting times for such dentures. For example, the dentures described herein can be fabricated onsite, e.g., 3D-printed, as an immediate denture for a patient immediately following abutment installation and impression taking. The denture can then be precisely aligned on the abutments in the patient’s mouth using the flanges, palate area, and other features of the immediate denture that conform to the patient’s oral cavity and are required for the initial fitting and temporary securing of the denture in the mouth. Once the appropriate access channels for the abutments are drilled into the denture, the flanges and palate area can then be broken or cut away to provide a complete dental conversion having the appropriate alignment. The denture can also be fabricated in the lab prior to the surgical visit, with any conventional denture materials, but with the breakaway flange design.

[0007] These and other features relating to the dentures with breakaway flanges and methods of making and using the same are summarized below.

[0008] According to a first aspect, this disclosure provides dentures, e.g., maxillary dentures. The dentures include a dental arch including a set of false teeth arranged along a curve of the dental arch; and an intaglio surface opposite to an occlusal surface of the set of false teeth; a fitting portion defining a border of the denture, the fitting portion including: a palate area bounded by the curve of the dental arch; and multiple flanges arranged about the curve of the dental arch, the flanges extending away from the intaglio surface of the dental arch; and multiple struts arranged between the dental arch and the fitting portion to connect the dental arch to the fitting portion.

[0009] In some implementations, the flanges include two labial flanges, and the set of false teeth include two central incisors, two lateral incisors, and two cuspids.

[0010] In some implementations, the flanges further include two buccal flanges, and the set of false teeth further includes two first bicuspids, two second bicuspids, two first molars, and / or two second molars.

[0011] In some embodiments, one or more of the struts are connected between the intaglio surface of the dental arch and the flanges of the fitting portion. In some implementations, one or more of the struts are connected between an edge of the intaglio surface of the dental arch andAttorney Docket No. 29962-0105WO1 the palate area of the fitting portion. In some implementations of the denture, the palate area of the fitting portion includes a mid-palatine groove and / or a fovea palatina. In some embodiments, the fitting portion further includes two posterior palatal seals on the border of the denture.

[0012] In some implementations, the fitting portion further includes two pterygomaxillary seals on the border of the denture, and the border of the denture can have two coronoid contours.

[0013] In some embodiments, the dental arch further includes a trough defined in its intaglio surface.

[0014] In some implementations, the denture has been 3D-printed and at least the dental arch can be comprised of an acrylic resin, e.g., a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

[0015] In some implementations, the dental arch is configured for use as a palate-less denture.

[0016] In some embodiments, the dental arch is configured for use as an overdenture or an immediate denture.

[0017] According to a second aspect, this disclosure provides dentures, e.g., a mandibular dentures. The dentures include a dental arch including a set of false teeth arranged along a curve of the dental arch; and an intaglio surface opposite to an occlusal surface of the set of false teeth; a fitting portion defining a border of the denture, wherein the fitting portion includes two retromolar areas each positioned on a respective end of the curve of the dental arch; a first set of flanges arranged about the curve of the dental arch; and a second set of flanges arranged within the curve of the dental arch, wherein the first and second sets of flanges extend away from the intaglio surface of the dental arch; and multiple struts arranged between the dental arch and the fitting portion to connect the dental arch to the fitting portion.

[0018] In some implementations, the first set of flanges includes two labial flanges, the second set of flanges includes two lingual flanges, and the set of false teeth includes two central incisors, two lateral incisors, and two cuspids. In some embodiments, the first set of flanges further includes two buccal flanges, the second set of flanges further includes two posterior lingual flanges, and the set of false teeth further includes two first bicuspids, two second bicuspids, two first molars, and / or two second molars.

[0019] In some implementations, one or more of the stmts are connected between the intaglio surface of the dental arch and the first set of flanges of the fitting portion, and one or more of the stmts are connected between the intaglio surface of the dental arch and the second set of flanges of the fitting portion.

[0020] In some embodiments, one or more of the of stmts are connected between an edge of the intaglio surface of the dental arch and one of the two retromolar areas of the fitting portion, andAttorney Docket No. 29962-0105WO1 one or more of the of struts are connected between the edge of the intaglio surface of the dental arch and the other one of the two retromolar areas of the fitting portion.

[0021] In some implementations of the denture, the dental arch further includes a trough defined in its intaglio surface.

[0022] In some implementations, the denture has been 3D-printed and / or can be made of or include an acrylic resin, e.g., polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

[0023] In some embodiments, the dental arch is configured for use as an overdenture or as an immediate denture.

[0024] In a third aspect, this disclosure provides methods for providing a denture conversion for a patient having one or more, e.g., a plurality of, dental implants inserted into their jawbone. The methods include (a) securing, for each dental implant, a respective coping over a corresponding abutment affixed to the dental implant; (b) obtaining a denture for the patient, the denture including: a dental arch including: a set of false teeth arranged along a curve of the dental arch; an intaglio surface opposite to an occlusal surface of the set of false teeth; and a trough defined in the intaglio surface of the dental arch: a fitting portion defining a border of the denture, the fitting portion including multiple flanges arranged about the curve of the dental arch, wherein the flanges extend away from the intaglio surface of the dental arch; and multiple struts arranged between the dental arch and the fitting portion to connect the dental arch to the fitting portion; (c) depositing a dental resin into the trough defined in the intaglio surface of the denture; (d) seating the intaglio surface of the denture over the copings such that each coping is positioned within the dental resin; (e) curing the dental resin to bond each coping into the intaglio surface of the denture; (f) for each coping bonded into the intaglio surface of the denture: inserting a drill guide into the coping; and drilling, while assisted by the drill guide, a respective screw access channel between the intaglio and occlusal surfaces of the denture; and (g) breaking each strut connected between the dental arch and the fitting portion of the denture to provide the conversion denture.

[0025] In some implementations of these methods, the methods further include, before curing the dental resin, instructing the patient to bite upon the occlusal surface of the denture.

[0026] In some embodiments, the methods further include, after breaking each strut, polishing the dental arch of the denture.

[0027] In some implementations, the methods further include, before depositing the dental resin into the trough, filling a respective slot between each strut of the denture with a dental putty-; and after curing the dental resin, removing the dental putty from each of the slots between the struts of the denture.Attorney Docket No. 29962-0105WO1

[0028] Particular embodiments of the subject matter described herein can be implemented so as to realize one or more of the following advantages.

[0029] The dentures with breakaway flanges described herein allow for improved workflow when providing a dental conversion for a patient. Particularly, the dentures described herein can be 3D-printed onsite after taking impressions (as well as being made conventionally in the dental lab pretreatment with the breakaway flange design) and used in dental conversions, e.g., denture conversion protocols involving fewer steps and reduced overall procedural time. This provides predictable treatment for patients, reduced chair time for the patients, and lowers the potential of fractures and emergency repairs due to improved protocols. This can lead to an improved patient experience and does not require a trained lab technician, prosthodontist, or surgeon to carry out the procedure.

[0030] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0031] The details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter of this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] FIGs. 1A-1C are various views depicting a three-dimensional (3D) model of a maxillary' denture with breakaway flanges.

[0033] FIGs. 2A-2F are images depicting the maxillary denture shown in FIGs. 1A-1C after fabrication, e.g., via 3D-printing.

[0034] FIGs. 3A-3D are images depicting a mandibular denture with breakaway flanges.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of an example of a method for performing a denture conversion protocol using a denture with breakaway flanges.

[0036] FIGs. 5A-5G-2 are images depicting different states of the maxillary denture shown in FIGs. 2A-2D throughout a denture conversion procedure.Attorney Docket No. 29962-0105WO1

[0037] Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] In general, the dentures (and other dental prostheses) with breakaway flanges described herein can be used to perform denture conversion and other dental prosthesis conversion protocols. For example, the dentures described herein can be used with any t pe of Multi-Unit Abutment (MUA), e.g., Industry Standard MUAs. In the case of MUA - the purpose of the MUA is to ensure a path of insertion for the screw-retained prosthesis, even in cases where the dental implants are diverging or converging.

[0039] FIGs. 1A-1C are various views depicting a rendered three-dimensional (3D) model of a maxillary denture 10 with breakaway flanges 220. FIG. 1 A is an isometric view of the 3D model of the maxillary denture 10, FIG. IB is another isometric view of the 3D model of the maxillary denture 10, and FIG. 1C is bottom view of the 3D model of the denture 10.

[0040] FIGs. 2A-2F are images of the maxillary denture 10 after being fabricated, e.g.. via 3D-printing. For example, the maxillary denture 10 can be composed of an acrylic resin, such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). FIG. 2A is a front view of the maxillary denture 10, FIG. 2B is an isometric view of the maxillary denture 10, FIG. 2C is another front view of the maxillary denture 10, FIG. 2D is another isometric view of the maxillary denture 10, FIG. 2E is a bottom view of the maxillary denture 10, and FIG. 2F is a top view of the maxillary denture 10.

[0041] As shown in FIGs. 1A-2F, the maxillary denture 10 includes a dental arch 100 and a fitting portion 200 connected to each other by multiple struts 130, six struts 130-1 through 130-6 in this example, which are each destructible. In general, the dental arch 100 is configured for use as a palate-less denture or an overdenture (e.g., an implant-supported or implant-retained denture). The fitting portion 200 can be used to align the dental arch 100 within a patient’s oral cavity as the fitting portion 200 is customized to the patient’s anatomy, e.g., via a 3D scan of the patient’s oral cavity or an earlier impression thereof. For example, the fitting portion 200 can be used to form an impression in the dental arch 100 or bind copings into the dental arch 100 that are secured to abutments at particular positions and orientations within the patient’s oral cavity.

[0042] The dental arch 100 is an arcuate piece, that is, it is curved to follow the natural curve 121 of the patient's oral cavity. The dental arch 100 includes a set of false teeth 120B arranged along the curve 121. The teeth 120 of the maxillary denture 10 are numberedAttorney Docket No. 29962-0105WO1 according to the Universal Numbering System. Here, the set of false teeth 120B include two central incisors (8,9), two lateral incisors (7,10), two cuspids (6,11), two first bicuspids (5,12), two second bicuspids (4,13), and two first molars (3,13). The fitting portion 200 includes two second molars (2,12). The set of false teeth 120B defines the occlusal surface 101 of the maxillary' denture 10, which is opposite to an intaglio surface 102 where an impression can be formed (or copings can be bound to). For example, as shown in FIG. 2F, the dental arch 100 can include a trough 104 (or recess) defined in the intaglio surface 102, which can be filled with a dental resin to form an impression or bind copings. The dental arch 100 also includes polished surface HOB and 11 IB which correspond to false gingivae (gums).

[0043] The fitting portion 200 defines the border of the maxillary' denture 10 (referred to herein as the denture border). The denture border refers to the edges of the maxillary denture 10 that come into contact with the soft tissues of the patient’s oral cavity, such as the gums and the mucosa. The fitting portion 200 has a top, fitting surface 202 that conforms to the roof of the patient's oral cavity, e.g., including rugae of the patient’s hard palate. The fitting portion 200 has a (relatively) smooth bottom surface 201 opposite to the fitting surface 202. For comfort, the fitting portion 200 also includes two posterior palatal seals 232-1 and 232-2 and two pterygomaxillary seals 234-1 and 234-2 on the border of the maxillary denture 10 (on the back edge). The back edge of the maxillary' denture 10 meets with the flanges 220L along two coronoid contours 224-1 and 224-2.

[0044] As shown, the fitting portion 200 includes a palate area 210, two labial flanges 220L-1 and 220L-2, and two buccal flanges 220B-1 and 220B-2.

[0045] The palate area 210 is positioned within an area bounded by the curve 121. The palate area 210 is opposed on opposite sides by tw o maxillary tubercular fossa 214-1 and 214-2 within the posterior portion 200P of the fitting portion 200. The anterior portion 200A of the fitting portion 200 specifies the area where the dental arch 100 and fitting portion 200 are connected and the flanges 220 extend over the intaglio surface 102 of the dental arch 100. Here, the palate area 210 also includes (at least a portion of) a mid-palatine groove 212 along its center and a fovea palatina 230 near the back edge of the maxillary denture 10. The palate area 210 is connected to an edge of the intaglio surface 102 by a fourth strut 130-4. a fifth strut 130-5, and a sixth strut 130-6.

[0046] The tw'O labial flanges 220L-1 and 220L-2 are separated by a labial notch 222L, the first buccal 220B-1 and labial 220L-1 flanges are separated by a first buccal notch 222B-1, and the second buccal 220B-2 and labial 220L-2 flanges are separated by a second buccal notch 222B-2. The flanges 220 are positioned about the curve 121 of the dental arch 100. The flanges 220Attorney Docket No. 29962-0105WO1 conform to the shape of the curve 121 and extend away from the intaglio surface 102 of the dental arch 100. The flanges 220 are connected to the intaglio surface 102 by a first strut 130-1 positioned near the first buccal notch 222B- 1 , a second strut 130-2 positioned near the labial notch 222L, and a third strut 130-3 positioned near the second buccal notch 222B-2.

[0047] The struts 130-1 through 130-6 are separated from each other by respective slots 132-1 through 130-6 that correspond to gaps between the dental arch 100 and the fitting portion 200. The slots 132 can be filled during use of the maxillary denture 10, e.g., with a dental putty, or can be pre-filled with other material. For example, blocks corresponding to the positive volume of the slots 132 can be 3D-printed separately from the maxillary denture 10. The blocks can then be inserted into the slots 132 in preparation for use of the maxillary denture 10 in a denture conversion protocol. After use in the protocol, e.g., after an impression is formed in the trough 104 (or copings are bonded in the trough 104), the struts 130 can be broken to separate the dental arch 100 and the fitting portion 200 from each other. The dental arch 100 provides a completed conversion for the patient, while the fitting portion 200 can be discarded.

[0048] FIGs. 3A-3D are images depicting a mandibular denture 20 with breakaway flanges 220. Similar to the maxillary denture 10, the mandibular denture 20 can be fabricated from a 3D model of the denture 30, e.g., via 3D printing. FIG. 3A is a top view of the mandibular denture 20, FIG. 3B is a front view of the mandibular denture 20, FIG. 3C is a side view of the mandibular denture 20, and FIG. 3D is an isometric view of the mandibular denture 20.

[0049] As shown in FIGs. 3A-3D. the mandibular denture 20 includes a dental arch 100 and a fitting portion 200 connected to each other by multiple struts 130, seven struts 130-1 through 130-7 in this example, which are each destructible. In general, the dental arch 100 is configured for use as an overdenture, e.g., an implant-supported or implant-retained denture. The fitting portion 200 can be used to align the dental arch 100 within a patient’s oral cavity as the fitting portion 200 is customized to the patient’s anatomy, e.g., via a 3D scan of the patient’s oral cavity or an earlier impression thereof. For example, the fitting portion 200 can be used to form an impression in the dental arch 100 or bind copings into the dental arch 100 that are secured to abutments at particular positions and orientations within the patient's oral cavity.

[0050] The dental arch 100 is an arcuate piece, that is, it is curved to follow the natural curve 121 of the patient’s oral cavity. The dental arch 100 includes a set of false teeth 120B arranged along the curve 121. Here, the set of false teeth 120B include two central incisors (24,25), two lateral incisors (23,26), two cuspids (22,27), two first bicuspids (21,28), two second bicuspids (20,29), and two first molars (19,30). The set of false teeth 120B can also include twoAttorney Docket No. 29962-0105WO1 second molars (18,31) in some examples. The set of false teeth 120B defines the occlusal surface 101 of the mandibular denture 20, which is opposite to an intaglio surface 102 where an impression can be formed (or copings can be bound to). For example, similar to the maxillary denture 10, the dental arch 100 can include a trough 104 (or recess) defined in the intaglio surface 102, which can be filled with a dental resin to form an impression or bind copings. The dental arch 100 also includes polished surface HOB and 11 IB which correspond to false gingivae (gums).

[0051] The fitting portion 200 defines the border of the mandibular denture 20, aka the denture border. The denture border refers to the edges of the mandibular denture 20 that come into contact with the soft tissues of the patient’s oral cavity, such as the gums and the mucosa. The fitting portion 200 has a two bottom, fitting surfaces 202-1 and 202-1 that conform to bottom rear of the patient’s oral cavity, particularly the retromolar pads. The fitting portion 200 also includes tw o (relatively) smooth bottom surfaces 201-1 and 201-2 opposite to the fitting surfaces 202-1 and 202-2, respectively.

[0052] As shown, the fitting portion 200 includes two retromolar areas 240-1 and 240-2, two labial flanges 220L-1 and 220L-2, two buccal flanges 220B-1 and 220B-2, tw o lingual flanges 220Li-l and 220Li-2, and two posterior lingual flanges 220PLi-l and 200PLi-2.

[0053] The two retromolar areas 240-1 and 240-2 are each positioned on a respective endpoint of the curve 121. The first retromolar area 240-1 is connected to an edge of the intaglio surface 102 by a seventh stmt 130-7, and the second retromolar area 240-2 is connected to the edge of the intaglio surface 102 by a fourth stmt 130-4.

[0054] The two labial flanges 220L-1 and 220L-2 are separated by a labial notch 222L, the first buccal 220B-1 and labial 220L-1 flanges are separated by a first buccal notch 222B-1, and the second buccal 220B-2 and labial 220L-2 flanges are separated by a second buccal notch 222B-2. The first buccal flange 220B-1 connects to the first retromolar area 240-1, and the second buccal flange 220B-2 connects to the second retromolar area 240-2. The flanges 220L-1, 220L-2, 220B-1, and 220B-2 are arranged about the curve 121 of the dental arch 100. The two lingual flanges 220Li-l and 220Li-2 are separated by a lingual notch 222Li. The first posterior lingual flange 220PLi-l connects to the first retromolar area 240-1. and the second posterior lingual flange 220PLi-2 connects to the second retromolar area 240-2. The flanges 220Li-l, 220Li-2, 220PLi-l, and 220Li-2 are arranged within the curve 121 of the dental arch 100.

[0055] The flanges 220 confomi to the shape of the curve 121 and extend away from the intaglio surface 102 of the dental arch 100. The dental arch 100 is bounded between the flanges 220. The flanges 220 are connected to the intaglio surface 102 by a first stmt 130-1Attorney Docket No. 29962-0105WO1 positioned near the first buccal notch 222B-1, a second strut 130-2 positioned near the labial notch 222L, and a third strut 130-3 positioned near the second buccal notch 222B-2, a fifth strut 130-5 positioned on one side of the lingual notch 222Li, and sixth strut positioned on another side of the lingual notch 222Li.

[0056] The struts 130-1 through 130-7 are separated from each other by respective slots 132-1 through 130-7 that correspond to gaps between the dental arch 100 and the fitting portion 200. The slots 132 can be filled during use of the mandibular denture 20, e.g.. with a dental putty, or can be pre-filled with other material. For example, blocks corresponding to the positive volume of the slots 132 can be 3D-printed separately from the mandibular denture 20. The blocks can then be inserted into the slots 132 in preparation for use of the mandibular denture 20 in a denture conversion protocol. After use in the protocol, e.g., after an impression is formed in the trough 104 (or copings are bonded in the trough 104), the struts 130 can be broken to separate the dental arch 100 and the fitting portion 200 from each other. The dental arch 100 provides a completed conversion for the patient, while the fitting portion 200 can be discarded.

[0057] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of an example of a method 400 for performing a denture conversion protocol using either of the maxillary 10 or mandibular 20 dentures with the breakaway flanges 220. For example, the denture conversion protocol can correspond to a combined fitting and fabrication step of an implant-supported or implant-retained denture procedure, where a patient has finished healing from implantation of dental implantations within their jawbone and abutments are ready to be installed. As opposed to conventional procedures where impressions are sent to a lab to fabricate a denture, the dentures 10 and 20 can be 3D-printed onsite and fitted to the patient in one continuous w orkflow-. Hence, the method 400 can be performed to provide a completed dental conversion for the patient, e.g., in one visit to the dentist’s office.

[0058] FIGs. 5A-5G are images depicting different states of the maxillary denture 10 throughout an example implementation of the method 400 and, for clarity, will be referenced when describing the method 400.

[0059] The method 400 includes securing, for each dental implant inserted into the patient’s jawbone, a respective coping 304 over a corresponding abutment affixed to the dental implant (402).

[0060] The method 400 includes obtaining a denture 10 or 20 with breakaway flanges 220 (404). The denture 10 or 20 is customized for the patient, e.g., having a curve 121, dental border, fitting surface(s) 202, palate area 210 or retromolar areas 240, flanges 220, and other features conforming to the patient’s oral cavity.Attorney Docket No. 29962-0105WO1

[0061] The method 400 includes filling the slots 132 between the struts 130 of the denture 10 or 20 with a dental putty 302 (406). See FIG. 5A, showing a state 10A of the maxillary denture 10 after operation 406.

[0062] The method 400 includes depositing a dental resin 305 into the trough 104 defined in the intaglio surface 102 of the denture 10 or 20 (408).

[0063] The method 400 includes seating the intaglio surface 102 of the denture 10 or 20 over the copings 304 such that each coping 304 is positioned within the dental resin 305 (410).

[0064] The method includes instructing the patient to bite upon the occlusal surface 101 of the denture 10 or 20 (412).

[0065] The method 400 includes curing (e.g., hardening) the dental resin 305 to bond each coping 304 into the intaglio surface 102 of the denture 10 or 20 (414). See FIG. 5B, showing a state 10B of the maxillary denture 10 after operation 414.

[0066] For example, the dental resin 305 can be a thermosetting dental resin, such that curing the thermosetting dental resin, which can be cured by applying heat to the thennosetting dental resin or allowing the thermosetting dental resin to cure under ambient conditions. As another example, the dental resin 305 can be a photopolymer dental resin, which can be cured by applying ultraviolet light to the photopolymer dental resin.

[0067] The method 400 includes drilling, for each coping 304, a respective screw access channel between the intaglio 102 and occlusal 101 surfaces of the denture 10 or 20 (416). See FIG. 5C, showing a state 10C of the maxillary denture 10 after operation 416.

[0068] For example, operation 416 can include inserting a drill guide into the coping 304 and then drilling, while assisted by the drill guide, the respective screw access channel between the intaglio 102 and occlusal 101 surfaces of the denture 10 or 20.

[0069] The method 400 includes removing the dental putty 302 from each of the slots 132 between the struts 130 of the denture 10 or 20 (418). See FIGs. 5D-1 and 5D-2, showing a state 10D of the maxillary denture 10 after operation 418.

[0070] The method 400 includes breaking, e.g., cutting, sawing, scraping away, each strut 130 connected between the dental arch 100 and the fitting portion 200 of the denture 10 or 20 (420). See FIGs. 5E-1 and 5E-2. showing a state 10E of the maxillary denture 10 after operation 420.

[0071] The method 400 includes polishing the dental arch 100 of the denture 10 to provide the denture conversion for the patient (422). See FIGs. 5F-1 and 5F-2, showing a state 10F of the maxillary denture 10 after operation 420.Attorney Docket No. 29962-0105WO1

[0072] The method 400 can further include securing, e.g., snapping-on. the converted dental arch 100 to the abutments, e.g., to “try-on’' the denture, via the copings 304 bonded into the intaglio surface 102. The method 400 can then conclude with a final polishing of the converted denture after completing alignment. See FIGs. 5G-1 and 5G-2, showing a state 10G of the converted maxillary7denture 10 after final polishing.OTHER EMBODIMENTS

[0073] It is to be understood that while the invention has been described in conjunction with the detailed description thereof, the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 29962-0105WO1CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A denture, comprising: a dental arch comprising: a set of false teeth arranged along a curve of the dental arch; and an intaglio surface opposite to an occlusal surface of the set of false teeth; a fitting portion defining a border of the denture, the fitting portion comprising: a palate area bounded by the curve of the dental arch; and a plurality of flanges arranged about the curve of the dental arch, wherein the plurality of flanges extend away from the intaglio surface of the dental arch; and a plurality of struts arranged between the dental arch and the fitting portion to connect the dental arch to the fitting portion.

2. The denture of claim 1, wherein the plurality of flanges comprises two labial flanges, and the set of false teeth comprises two central incisors, two lateral incisors, and two cuspids.

3. The denture of claim 2, wherein the plurality of flanges further comprises two buccal flanges, and the set of false teeth further comprises two first bicuspids, two second bicuspids, and two first molars.

4. The denture of claim 3, wherein the set of false teeth further comprises two second molars.

5. The denture of any one of claims 1 to 4. wherein one or more of the plurality of struts are connected between the intaglio surface of the dental arch and the plurality of flanges of the fitting portion.

6. The denture of any one of claims 1 to 5. wherein one or more of the plurality of struts are connected between an edge of the intaglio surface of the dental arch and the palate area of the fitting portion.

7. The denture of any one of claims 1 to 6. wherein the palate area of the fitting portion comprises a mid-palatine groove.Attorney Docket No. 29962-0105WO18. The denture of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the palate area of the fitting portion comprises a fovea palatina.

9. The denture of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the fitting portion further comprises tw o posterior palatal seals on the border of the denture.

10. The denture of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the fitting portion further comprises two pterygomaxillary seals on the border of the denture.

11. The denture of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the border of the denture has two coronoid contours.

12. The denture of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the dental arch further comprises a trough defined in its intaglio surface.

13. The denture of any one of claims 1 to 12, having been 3D-printed.

14. The denture of any one of claims 1 to 13. wherein at least the dental arch comprises an acrylic resin.

15. The denture of claim 14, wherein the acrylic resin is polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

16. The denture of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the dental arch is configured for use as a palate-less denture.

17. The denture of any one of claims 1 to 16, w herein the dental arch is configured for use as an overdenture18. The denture of any one of claims 1 to 16, configured as an immediate denture.

19. A denture, comprising: a dental arch comprising: a set of false teeth arranged along a curve of the dental arch; and an intaglio surface opposite to an occlusal surface of the set of false teeth; a fitting portion defining a border of the denture, the fitting portion comprising: tw o retromolar areas each positioned on a respective end of the curve of the dental arch;Attorney Docket No. 29962-0105WO1 a first plurality' of flanges arranged about the curve of the dental arch; and a second plurality of flanges arranged within the curve of the dental arch, wherein the first and second pluralities of flanges extend away from the intaglio surface of the dental arch; and a plurality of stmts arranged between the dental arch and the fitting portion to connect the dental arch to the fitting portion.

20. The denture of claim 19, wherein the first plurality of flanges comprises two labial flanges, the second plurality' of flanges comprises two lingual flanges, and the set of false teeth comprises two central incisors, two lateral incisors, and two cuspids.

21. The denture of claim 20, wherein the first plurality of flanges further comprises two buccal flanges, the second plurality' of flanges further comprises two posterior lingual flanges, and the set of false teeth further comprises two first bicuspids, two second bicuspids, and two first molars.

22. The denture of claim 21, wherein the set of false teeth further comprises two second molars.

23. The denture of any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein one or more of the plurality of stmts are connected between the intaglio surface of the dental arch and the first plurality of flanges of the fitting portion, and one or more of the plurality' of stmts are connected betw een the intaglio surface of the dental arch and the second plurality of flanges of the fitting portion.

24. The denture of any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein one or more of the plurality of stmts are connected betw een an edge of the intaglio surface of the dental arch and one of the two retromolar areas of the fitting portion, and one or more of the of stmts are connected between the edge of the intaglio surface of the dental arch and the other one of the two retromolar areas of the fitting portion.

25. The denture of any one of claims 19 to 24, wherein the dental arch further comprises a trough defined in its intaglio surface.

26. The denture of any one of claims 19 to 25, having been 3D-printed.

27. The denture of any one of claims 19 to 26, wherein at least the dental arch comprises an acrylic resin.Attorney Docket No. 29962-0105WO128. The denture of claim 27, wherein the acrylic resin is polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

29. The denture of any one of claims 19 to 28, wherein the dental arch is configured for use as an overdenture30. The denture of any one of claims 19 to 29, configured as an immediate denture.

31. A method for providing a dental prosthesis conversion for a patient having one or more dental implants inserted into their jawbone, the method comprising:(a) securing, for each dental implant, a respective coping over a corresponding abutment affixed to the dental implant;(b) obtaining a dental prosthesis, e.g., a full or partial denture, for the patient, the denture comprising: a dental arch comprising: a set of false teeth arranged along a curve of the dental arch; an intaglio surface opposite to an occlusal surface of the set of false teeth; and a trough defined in the intaglio surface of the dental arch; a fitting portion defining a border of the denture, the fitting portion comprising a plurality of flanges arranged about the curve of the dental arch, wherein the plurality of flanges extend away from the intaglio surface of the dental arch; and a plurality of struts arranged between the dental arch and the fitting portion to connect the dental arch to the fitting portion;(c) depositing a dental resin into the trough defined in the intaglio surface of the denture;(d) seating the intaglio surface of the denture over the copings such that each coping is positioned within the dental resin;(e) curing the dental resin to bond each coping into the intaglio surface of the denture;(f) for each coping bonded into the intaglio surface of the denture: inserting a drill guide into the coping; and drilling, while assisted by the drill guide, a respective screw access channel between the intaglio and occlusal surfaces of the denture; and(g) breaking each strut connected between the dental arch and the fitting portion of the denture to provide the conversion denture.Attorney Docket No. 29962-0105WO132. The method of claim 31, further comprising, before curing the dental resin, instructing the patient to bite upon the occlusal surface of the denture.

33. The method of any one of claims 31-32, further comprising, after breaking each strut, polishing the dental arch of the denture.

34. The method of any one of claims 31-33, further comprising: before depositing the dental resin into the trough, filling a respective slot between each strut of the denture with a dental putty: and after curing the dental resin, removing the dental putty from each of the slots between the struts of the denture.

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