Facial arch for recording the position of the upper dental arch

Abstract

Facial arch (1) for recording the position of the upper dental arch (2), comprising at least one base body (3) for receiving at least one coupling paste (6) arranged between the same base body and the upper dental arch; said facial arch comprises a reference body (7, 8) connected to said base body and arrangeable outside the oral cavity of the patient and wherein: - said reference body is provided with: - at least one first reference element (7) extending along a first reference axis (A); - at least one second reference element (8) extending along a second reference axis (B); - said first element and said second element are arranged transverse to each other; - said facial arch (1) is movable so as to arrange said first element substantially parallel to the bi-pupillary plane (10) of the patient and said second element substantially parallel to the Camper plane (11) of the patient.

Description

[0001] FACIAL ARCH FOR RECORDING THE POSITION OF THE UPPER DENTAL ARCH

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a facial arch for recording the position of the upper dental (maxillary) arch in space.

[0004] Background Art

[0005] Various types of facial arches are known for detecting and documenting the correct spatial relationship between the upper and the lower dental arches.

[0006] In particular, the use of the facial arch allows the position of the upper dental arch to be accurately transferred onto a dental articulator. The latter allows the dentist to study the anatomical parameters and the dental technician to design, in an accurate and functional maimer, prosthetic devices, such as fixed and removable prostheses or orthodontic devices, ensuring correct occlusion.

[0007] This type of facial arch is however susceptible to some improvements.

[0008] In fact, existing facial arches are very complex to use and make it difficult for the dentist to provide precise information on the position of the upper dental arch in relation to other anatomical points on the patient’s face.

[0009] Consequently, it is very difficult for the dental technician, who relies on the information provided by the dentist, to correctly identify any aesthetic or structural defects in the dental arches, such as e.g. an abnormal inclination of the patient’s occlusal plane.

[0010] This drawback therefore makes it more difficult to design prosthetic structures, compromising their effectiveness once installed in the patient’s mouth.

[0011] Description of the Invention

[0012] The main aim of the present invention is to devise a facial arch for recording the position of the upper dental arch in relation to the anatomy of the patient’s face. A further object of the present invention is to devise a facial arch for recording the position of the upper dental arch that allows for the simplified design of the devices made in dental laboratories, such as e.g. prostheses, orthodontic devices and the like.

[0013] An additional object of the present invention is to devise a facial arch for recording the position of the upper dental arch that allows the design of prosthetic and / or orthodontic devices based on the position of the patient’s occlusal plane in space.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to devise a facial arch for recording the position of the upper dental arch that allows the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art to be overcome within a simple, rational, easy and effective to use as well as affordable solution.

[0015] The aforementioned objects are achieved by the present facial arch for recording the position of the upper dental arch having the characteristics of claim 1.

[0016] The aforementioned objects are achieved by the present system having the characteristics of claim 4.

[0017] The aforementioned objects are achieved by the present procedure having the characteristics of claim 6.

[0018] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a facial arch for recording the position of the upper dental arch, illustrated by way of an indicative, yet non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] Figure 1 is an exploded view of the facial arch according to the invention;

[0021] Figure 2 is an axonometric view of the facial arch according to the invention;

[0022] Figure 3 is a front view of the facial arch according to the invention;

[0023] Figure 4 is a side view of the facial arch according to the invention;

[0024] Figures 5-10 are schematic views of the phases of the procedure according to the invention.

[0025] Embodiments of the Invention

[0026] With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally denotes a facial arch for recording the position of the upper dental arch.

[0027] The facial arch 1 for recording the position of the upper dental arch 2 comprises at least one base body 3 arranged, in use, within the oral cavity of a patient overlapping the upper dental arch 2.

[0028] In particular, the base body 3 defines at least one contact plane 4 arranged, in use, overlapping the upper dental arch 2. Advantageously, the base body 3 has a substantially “C” shape, so that, in use, it substantially follows the contour of the upper dental arch 2.

[0029] Usefully, the base body 3 extends and / or lies substantially along an extension plane 5 preferably parallel to and / or substantially containing the contact plane 4. According to the invention, the base body 3 is adapted to receive at least one coupling paste 6 arranged, in use, between the base body 3 itself and the upper dental arch 2.

[0030] In particular, the contact plane 4 is adapted, in use, to receive the paste 6.

[0031] Advantageously, the paste 6 is adapted, in use, to allow the movement of the facial arch 1 with respect to the upper dental arch 2, while maintaining the base body 3 coupled to the upper dental arch 2 in a removable maimer.

[0032] In other words, the position of the facial arch 1 can be varied in space substantially without decoupling the base body 3 from the upper dental arch 2. Preferably, the paste 6 is made of a hardening material, such as e.g., silicone compatible for dental use.

[0033] For example, the paste 6 is movable between a soft state, wherein the paste is malleable and allows the position of the facial arch 1 to be adjusted, and a substantially solid state, wherein the paste 6 is solidified and blocks the position of the facial arch 1, preventing further movement thereof.

[0034] Preferably, when extracted from its own container, the paste 6 gradually changes from the soft state to the solid state, substantially within a time frame suitable for allowing the operator to adjust the position of the upper dental arch 2.

[0035] Usefully, the base body 3 defines one or more through holes, preferably arranged transversely and / or orthogonally with respect to the contact plane 4, adapted to allow the excess paste 6 to pass through the base body 3.

[0036] According to the invention, the facial arch 1 comprises at least one reference body 7, 8 connected to the base body 3 and arranged, in use, outside the oral cavity of the patient.

[0037] Furthermore, the reference body 7, 8 is provided with: at least one first reference element 7 extending longitudinally along a first straight reference axis A; at least one second reference element 8 extending longitudinally along a second straight reference axis B.

[0038] In addition, the first element 7 and the second element 8 are arranged transverse to each other.

[0039] Advantageously, the first and the second reference elements 7, 8 define a first and a second straight profile respectively, that clearly indicate to a user the extension of the first and of the second axes A, B.

[0040] In other words, the straight profiles clearly indicate to a user the orientation of the respective axes A, B.

[0041] Usefully, the first element 7 and the second element 8 lie on the same lying plane, preferably coinciding with and / or parallel to the extension plane 5.

[0042] In other words, the axes A and B lie on the same lying plane.

[0043] Conveniently, the first element 7 and the second element 8 are arranged facing the base body 3 frontally and laterally, respectively.

[0044] In this way, in use, the first element 7 is arranged facing the patient’s head frontally, i.e., facing the face, e.g. following the bi-pupillary plane (as described later in this disclosure), and the second element 8 is positioned facing the side of the patient’s head, substantially flanking the face on the side where the ear is located, e.g. to follow the Camper plane (as described later in this disclosure).

[0045] In particular, the second element 8 is connected to one end of the first element 7.

[0046] More specifically, the reference body 7, 8 comprises a pair of second elements 8 connected to the opposite ends of the first element 7.

[0047] In this way, the second elements 8 in combination with the first element 7 give the reference body 7, 8 a substantially symmetrical shape.

[0048] Usefully, the facial arch 1 comprises at least one connecting body 9 located between the base body 3 and the reference body 7, 8, connecting them together.

[0049] In particular, the connecting body 9 protrudes from the base body 3 so as to arrange the reference body 7, 8, in use, outside the patient’s oral cavity.

[0050] More specifically, the connecting body 9 is located between the base body 3 and the first element 7.

[0051] Advantageously, the connecting body 9 is connected to the base body 3 substantially at the center of the “C”, i.e., at the point that divides the “C” into two symmetrical curved stretches.

[0052] Conveniently, the connecting body 9 is connected to the first element 7 at its midpoint.

[0053] In particular, the connecting body 9 extends along a direction of extension substantially orthogonal to the first axis A.

[0054] More specifically, the connecting body 9 extends and / or lies on the extension plane 5.

[0055] In other words, the connecting body 9 and the first element 7 define a portion of the facial arch 1 having a substantially “T” shape where, at the end of the “T”’s vertical stretch, it is connected to the base body 3 and where, at the opposite ends of the “T”’s horizontal stretch the second elements 8 are connected.

[0056] According to the invention, the facial arch 1 is adapted, in use, to be moved so as to arrange the first element 7 substantially parallel to the bi-pupillary plane 10 (conventionally passing between the patient’s pupils) of the patient and the second element 8 substantially parallel to the Camper plane 11 (which conventionally extends from the upper edge of the external auditory canal to the nasal spine) of the patient in order to record the position of the upper dental arch 2.

[0057] In fact, if the patient’s occlusal plane 12 has an abnormal inclination, the first element 7 and / or the second element 8, in use, are arranged substantially transversely to the bi-pupillary plane 10 and to the Camper plane 11, respectively, thus allowing the user of the facial arch 1 to record the position of the upper dental arch 2.

[0058] Furthermore, thanks to the paste 6, the user is able to orient the first element 7 and the second element 8 parallel to the bi-pupillary plane 10 and to the Camper plane 11.

[0059] Advantageously, the facial arch 1 comprises a repere body 13 for 3D image capturing connected to the base body 3 and arranged, in use, outside the oral cavity of the patient.

[0060] In particular, the repere body 13 is adapted to allow the capturing of its own 3D image, e.g. by means of an intraoral scanner in a very accurate and precise manner.

[0061] For this purpose, the repere body 13 is provided with one or more raised portions 14 having different shapes and extending preferably transversely and / or orthogonally to each other to indicate the orientation in space of the repere body 13 itself

[0062] It cannot, e.g., be ruled out, that one or more shaped portions may have a rounded shape.

[0063] In particular, the repere body 13 is arranged frontally to the base body 3.

[0064] Conveniently, the facial arch 1 comprises at least one joining body 15 located between the base body 3 and the repere body 13.

[0065] Furthermore, the joining body 15 protrudes from the base body 3 so as to arrange the repere body 13, in use, outside the oral cavity of the patient.

[0066] In particular, the joining body 15 is connected to the base body 3 substantially at the center of the “C”, i.e., at the point that divides the “C” into two symmetrical curved stretches.

[0067] More specifically, the connecting body 9 lies on the extension plane 5.

[0068] Advantageously, the joining body 15 extends along a direction of extension substantially orthogonal to the first axis A.

[0069] Preferably, the joining body 15 extends and / or lies on the extension plane 5.

[0070] In particular, the reference body 7, 8 is mounted along the joining body 15, located between the base body 3 and the repere body 13.

[0071] In other words, the connecting body 9 coincides with a stretch of the joining body 15, i.e., with the stretch located between the base body 3 and the reference body 7, 8.

[0072] Usefully, the reference body 7, 8 is connected to the base body 3 in a removable maimer.

[0073] More specifically, the reference body 7, 8 is connected to the connecting body 9 and / or to the joining body 15 in a removable manner.

[0074] Usefully, the base body 3 and the repere body 13 are made in a single body piece, preferably locked together with the joining body 15.

[0075] Usefully, at least one of the base body 3, the reference body 7, 8, the repere body 13 or the joining body 15 defines a raised surface shaping 16 adapted to promote the capturing of its own 3D image.

[0076] In particular, the surface shaping 16 has a shape so as to reproduce an irregular surface, e.g. similar to those found in the oral cavity, such as the occlusal surfaces of the dental elements, so as to facilitate scanning of the shaping itself Consequently, the surface shaping 16 allows a 3D image of one or more components of the facial arch 1 to be captured using devices configured to capture 3D images of teeth and organic tissues of the oral cavity, such as gums, palate or the like.

[0077] Advantageously, the facial arch 1 extends substantially along a single plane, preferably the extension plane 5.

[0078] According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a system 17 for recording the position of the upper dental arch 2.

[0079] Preferably, one or more of the characteristics of the facial arch 1 described above are also valid for the facial arch 1 described with reference to the system 17 and vice versa.

[0080] Furthermore, it cannot be ruled out that one or more of the characteristics of one or more components described and / or introduced with reference to the facial arch 1 are also valid for the same components described and / or introduced subsequently with reference to the system 17 and vice versa.

[0081] According to the invention, the system 17 comprises: at least one facial arch 1;

[0082] 3D scanning means 18 configured to capture at least one 3D image 21, 22, 23, 24 of the facial arch 1 and / or of the dental arches 2, 26 of the patient.

[0083] Preferably, the term dental arch relates to the dental elements and at least part of one or more of the organic tissues surrounding them, such as the gums.

[0084] According to the invention, the system 17 comprises data processing means 19 configured to receive the 3D image 21, 22, 23, 24 and to digitally record the position of the upper dental arch 2.

[0085] For example, the processing means 19 are configured to allow a user to interact with the 3D image 21, 22, 23, 24 and to digitally record the position of the upper dental arch 2.

[0086] Preferably, the processing means 19 are operationally connected, in use, to the scanning means 18 to receive the acquired 3D image 21, 22, 23, 24.

[0087] Preferably, the processing means 19 are of the type of an electronic data processing device, such as a PC or the like.

[0088] Advantageously, the system 17 comprises the paste 6, preferably packaged within a suitable container / applicator that allows it to be spread on the base body 3.

[0089] Conveniently, the system 17 comprises at least one 3D software run, in use, by the processing means 19 to interact with the 3D image 21, 22, 23, 24.

[0090] In particular, through the running of the 3D software, the processing means 19 are configured to display the 3D image 21, 22, 23, 24.

[0091] More specifically, by running the 3D software, the processing means 19 are configured to allow a user to display and / or to move the 3D image 21, 22, 23, 24 in a 3D virtual space 20.

[0092] Preferably, the 3D software is of the type of CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software specifically developed for dentistry and dental technology.

[0093] According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a procedure for recording the position of the upper dental arch 2.

[0094] Preferably, one or more of the characteristics of the facial arch 1 and / or of the system 17 described above are also valid for the facial arch 1 and / or for the system 17 described with reference to the procedure and vice versa.

[0095] Furthermore, it cannot be ruled out that one or more of the characteristics of one or more components described and / or introduced with reference to the facial arch 1 and / or to the system 17 may be also valid for the same components described and / or introduced subsequently with reference to the procedure and vice versa.

[0096] According to the invention, the procedure comprises: at least one supplying phase of at least one of either the facial arch 1 or the system 17; at least one application phase of the paste 6 on the base body 3; at least one coupling phase of the base body 3 onto the upper dental arch 2 by interposition of the paste 6; at least one movement phase of the facial arch 1, which comprises at least one step of arranging the first element 7 parallel to the bi-pupillary plane 10 and the second element 8 parallel to the Camper plane 11 to record the position of the upper dental arch 2.

[0097] In particular, the movement phase is carried out while keeping the facial arch 1 coupled to the upper dental arch 2 as a result of the interposition of the paste 6. Advantageously, the procedure comprises at least one capturing phase of at least one full 3D image 21.

[0098] Furthermore, the capturing phase is carried out as a result of the arranging step, and the full 3D image 21 represents, in the same image, both the upper dental arch 2 and at least part of the facial arch 1 coupled to the same arch.

[0099] More specifically, the capturing phase of the full 3D image 21 is carried out by scanning the facial arch 1 and the upper dental arch 2.

[0100] Optionally, the procedure comprises at least one uncoupling phase of the reference body 7, 8 from the base body 3.

[0101] Furthermore, the uncoupling phase is carried out as a result of the movement phase and prior to the capturing phase of the full 3D image 21.

[0102] In this way, the full 3D image 21 represents the facial arch 1 without the reference body 7, 8 together with the upper dental arch 2.

[0103] This makes it easier to capture the full 3D image 21.

[0104] In particular, preferably when the procedure involves the uncoupling phase, the procedure comprises at least one capturing phase of at least one reference 3D image 22 of the facial arch 1 with the reference body 7, 8 connected to the base body 3.

[0105] In particular, the reference 3D image 22 only represents the facial arch 1. Advantageously, the procedure comprises at least one processing phase of one or more of the 3D images 21, 22, 23, 24, which comprises at least one orientation step of the first element 7 and of the second element 8 of the full 3D image 21 coplanar and / or parallel to a worktop 25 in order to digitally record the position of the upper dental arch 2.

[0106] In fact, in this way, the arrangement of the upper dental arch 2 of the full 3D image 21 represents the actual arrangement of the same dental arch.

[0107] In particular, the worktop 25 is a plane digitally represented in the virtual space 20 by means of the software.

[0108] Alternatively or in combination with the orientation step just described, the processing phase comprises at least one orientation step of the first element 7 and of the second element 8 of the reference 3D image 22 coplanar and / or parallel to a worktop 25 and at least one overlapping step of the facial arch 1 of the full 3D image 21 and of the facial arch 1 of the reference 3D image 22 to digitally record the position of the upper dental arch 2.

[0109] In particular, this last orientation step is preferably carried out when the procedure involves the uncoupling phase.

[0110] In fact, in this case, the full 3D image 21 lacks the reference body 7, 8.

[0111] Consequently, the reference bodies 7, 8 of the reference 3D image 22 are arranged coplanar and / or parallel to the worktop 25 and the facial arch 1 of the full 3D image 21 overlaps the facial arch 1 of the reference 3D image 22.

[0112] In this way, the facial arch 1 of the full 3D image 21 is also directed in the same way as the facial arch 1 of the reference 3D image 22.

[0113] In particular, the overlapping step of facial arches 1 of the 3D images 21, 22 is carried out by overlapping the repere body 13 of the same images.

[0114] Conveniently, the procedure comprises at least one capturing phase of at least one detail 3D image 23 of the upper dental arch 2.

[0115] Preferably, the detail 3D image 23 substantially completely represents the upper dental arch 2.

[0116] In particular, the detail 3D image 23 represents portions of the upper dental arch 2 not shown by the full 3D image 21.

[0117] In fact, some parts of the upper dental arch 2 of the full 3D image 21 are covered by the facial arch 1 during the capturing of the same image.

[0118] Advantageously, the processing phase comprises at least one overlapping step of the upper dental arch 2 of the detail 3D image 23 and of the upper dental arch 2 of the full 3D image 21.

[0119] In this way, the detail 3D image 23 represents the actual arrangement of the upper dental arch 2, wherein the arch itself is represented with a greater degree of detail than in the full 3D image 21.

[0120] Advantageously, the procedure involves selectively displaying one or more of the 3D images.

[0121] In particular, the procedure involves at least one displaying phase of only the upper dental arch 2 of the detail 3D image 23.

[0122] Similarly, the procedure comprises at least one capturing phase of at least one specific 3D image 24 of the mandibular dental arch 26.

[0123] Advantageously, the processing phase comprises at least one coupling step of the upper dental arch 2 of the detail 3D image with the mandibular dental arch 26 of the specific 3D image 24, so as to substantially represent the actual occlusion.

[0124] Usefully, the processing phase comprises at least one installation step of at least one of the dental arches 2, 26 of the respective 3D images 23, 24 on a digital dental articulator 27.

[0125] In particular, the dental articulator 27 is a digital representation that simulates the operation of an actual articulator in the virtual space 20 via the software. Conveniently, one or more capturing phases are carried out by the scanning means 18, the processing means 19 and / or the software.

[0126] Appropriately, the processing phase is carried out by means of at least one of either the processing means 19 or the software.

[0127] It has in practice been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects.

[0128] In particular, it should be noted that the facial arch allows the position of the upper dental arch to be detected in relation to the rest of the patient’s skull. Furthermore, the facial arch allows simplifying the design of prosthetic structures.

[0129] In addition, the facial arch allows prosthetic structures to be designed depending on the actual position of the patient’s occlusal plane.

Claims

CLAIMS1) Facial arch (1) for recording the position of the upper dental arch (2), comprising at least one base body (3) arranged, in use, within the oral cavity of a patient overlapping the upper dental arch (2), said base body (3) being adapted to receive at least one coupling paste (6) arranged, in use, between the same base body (3) and the upper dental arch (2) and adapted, in use, to allow the movement of said facial arch (1) with respect to the upper dental arch (2), while maintaining said base body (3) coupled to the upper dental arch (2) in a removable maimer; characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one reference body (7, 8) connected to said base body (3) and arranged, in use, outside the oral cavity of the patient and characterized by the fact that: said reference body (7, 8) is provided with: at least one first reference element (7) extending longitudinally along a first straight reference axis (A); at least one second reference element (8) extending longitudinally along a second straight reference axis (B); said first element (7) and said second element (8) are arranged transverse to each other; said facial arch (1) is adapted, in use, to be moved so as to arrange said first element (7) substantially parallel to the bi-pupillary plane (10) of the patient and said second element (8) substantially parallel to the Camper plane (11) of the patient to record the position of the upper dental arch (2).2) Facial arch (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it comprises a repere body (13) for 3D image capturing connected to said base body (3) and arranged, in use, outside the oral cavity of the patient.3) Facial arch (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said reference body (7, 8) is connected to said base body (3) in a removable manner.4) System (17) for recording the position of the upper dental arch (2) comprising: at least one facial arch (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims;3D scanning means (18) configured to acquire at least one 3D image (21, 22, 23, 24) of said facial arch (1) and / or of the dental arches (2, 26) of the patient. data processing means (19) configured to receive said at least one 3D image (21, 22, 23, 24) and to digitally record the position of the upper dental arch (2).5) System (17) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one 3D software run, in use, by said processing means (19) to interact with said at least one 3D image (21, 22, 23, 24).6) Procedure for recording the position of the upper dental arch (2) comprising: at least one supplying phase of at least one of either said facial arch (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 3 or said system (17) according to one or more of claims 4 to 5; at least one application phase of the paste (6) on said base body (3); at least one coupling phase of the base body (3) onto the upper dental arch (2) by interposition of the paste (6); at least one movement phase of said facial arch (1) comprising at least one step of arranging said first element (7) parallel to the bi -pupillary plane (10) and said second element (8) parallel to the Camper plane (11) to record the position of the upper dental arch (2), said movement phase being carried out while keeping said facial arch (1) coupled to the upper dental arch (2) as a result of the interposition of the paste (6).7) Procedure according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one capturing phase of at least one full 3D image (21), said capturing phase being carried out as a result of said arrangement step and said at least one full 3D image (21) representing, in the same image, both the upper dental arch (2) and at least part of said facial arch (1) coupled to the same dental arch.8) Procedure according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises: at least one uncoupling phase of said reference body (7, 8) from said basebody (3), said uncoupling phase being carried out as a result of said movement phase and prior to said acquisition phase of the full 3D image (21); and / or at least one capturing phase of at least one reference 3D image (22) of said facial arch (1) with said reference body (7, 8) connected to said base body (3).9) Procedure according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one processing phase of one or more of said 3D images (21, 22, 23, 24) comprising: at least one orientation step of the first element (7) and of the second element (8) of said full 3D image (21) coplanar and / or parallel to a worktop (25) in order to digitally record the position of the upper dental arch (2); and / or at least one orientation step of the first element (7) and of the second element (8) of said reference 3D image (22) coplanar and / or parallel to a worktop (25) and at least one overlapping step of the facial arch (1) of said full 3D image (21) and of said reference 3D image (22) to digitally record the position of the upper dental arch (2).10) Procedure according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one capturing phase of at least one detail 3D image (23) of the upper dental arch (2) and by the fact that said processing phase comprises at least one overlapping step of the upper dental arch (2) of said detail 3D image (23) and of the upper dental arch (2) of said full 3D image

Images