Methods and systems for assisting a dental restoration programme

Abstract

Provided herein is a method (100) for preparing a prosthetic crown for a subject or assisting a dental restoration programme comprising one or more dental sessions for fitting a prosthetic crown into a subject, the method comprising: receiving a planning dataset, 3D- PLAN (120), wherein the 3D-PLAN comprises three-dimensional dental measurement data of the subject as presented prior to an intervention, wherein: the intervention includes implanting an implant in a defined pose for later addition of the prosthetic crown; and the 3D-PLAN: is used for a planning and execution of the intervention; and is used for a preparation of a preliminary design of the prosthetic crown; receiving a local 3D post- intervention measurement dataset, L3D-POI (140), wherein the L3D-POI has been obtained by a three-dimensional contactless measurement of the intervention site, wherein the intervention site comprises the implant, wherein the implant has been fitted to a jawbone of the subject to support the prosthetic crown, and the L3D-POI includes a three- dimensional measurement data of at least a coronal portion of the in situ implant; determining (200), from the 3D-PLAN (120) and L3D-POI (140), a 3D patient specific dental component, 3D PSDC, dataset (220), from which the 3D PSDC is able to be prepared; and outputting (230) the 3D PSDC dataset (220) for transmission (290) to a device (300) for additive manufacturing, thereby allowing an additive manufacture of a 3D printed PSDC, wherein the 3D printed PSDC is the prosthetic crown; wherein the three- dimensional contactless measurement of the intervention site to obtain the L3D-POI, and the outputting of the 3D PSDC dataset are both performed within a duration of one and the same primary restoration session.

Description

[0001] METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ASSISTING A DENTAL RESTORATION PROGRAMME

[0002] Field

[0003] The invention is broadly in the field of, and in particular relates to methods and systems for assisting a dental restoration programme, in particular for assisting implantation of an implant and of a 3D patient specific dental component that is a prosthetic crown (temporary or final). More in particular, the invention is in the field of preparing a 3D patient specific dental component that is a prosthetic crown (temporary or final).

[0004] Background

[0005] Where a subject presents with a dysfunctional tooth to be removed so creating a tooth gap, or presents with a tooth gap, the presence of the tooth gap may create complications. For instance, movement of teeth adjacent to the gap and misalignment thereof over time can lead to weakening of support for the adjacent teeth, and also increases possibility of gum diseases and dental caries due to increased exposure. It is well known in the art that after a tooth has been removed, a subject will often not return for a subsequent visit to remedy the gap, if said gap is located in the molar area of the jaw. There is a need in the art for an improved dental restoration programme that offers an immediate, convenient and cost-effective remedy.

[0006] Summary

[0007] Provided herein is a (computer implemented) method (100) for assisting a dental restoration programme comprising one or more dental sessions for fitting a prosthetic crown into a subject, the method comprising:

[0008] - receiving a planning dataset, 3D-PLAN (120), wherein the 3D-PLAN comprises three-dimensional dental measurement data of the subject as presented prior to an intervention, wherein:

[0009] - the intervention includes implanting an implant in a defined pose for later addition of the prosthetic crown; and

[0010] the 3D-PLAN:

[0011] - is used for a planning and execution of the intervention; and - is used for a preparation of a preliminary design of the prosthetic crown; - receiving a local 3D post-intervention measurement dataset, L3D-POI (140), wherein the L3D-POI has been obtained by a three-dimensional contactless measurement of theintervention site, wherein the intervention site comprises the implant, wherein the implant has been fitted to a jawbone of the subject to support the prosthetic crown, and the L3D-POI includes a three-dimensional measurement data of at least a coronal portion of the in situ implant;

[0012] - determining (200), from the 3D-PLAN (120) and L3D-POI (140), a 3D patient specific dental component, 3D PSDC, dataset (220), from which the 3D PSDC is able to be prepared; and

[0013] - outputting (230) the 3D PSDC dataset (220) for transmission (290) to a device (300) for additive manufacturing, thereby allowing an additive manufactured 3D printed PSDC, wherein the 3D printed PSDC is the prosthetic crown;

[0014] wherein the three-dimensional contactless measurement of the intervention site to obtain the L3D-POI, and the outputting of the 3D PSDC dataset are both performed within a duration of one and the same primary restoration session.

[0015] Further provided herein is a method (100) for preparing a prosthetic crown for a subject, the method comprising:

[0016] - receiving a planning dataset, 3D-PLAN (120), wherein the 3D-PLAN comprises three-dimensional dental measurement data of the subject as presented prior to an intervention, wherein:

[0017] - the intervention includes implanting an implant in a defined pose for later addition of the prosthetic crown; and

[0018] the 3D-PLAN:

[0019] - is used for a planning and execution of the intervention; and - is used for a preparation of a preliminary design of the prosthetic crown; - receiving a local 3D post-intervention measurement dataset, L3D-POI (140), wherein the L3D-POI has been obtained by a three-dimensional contactless measurement of the intervention site, wherein the intervention site comprises the implant, wherein the implant has been fitted to a jawbone of the subject to support the prosthetic crown, and the L3D-POI includes a three-dimensional measurement data of at least a coronal portion of the in situ implant;

[0020] - determining (200), from the 3D-PLAN (120) and L3D-POI (140), a 3D patient specific dental component, 3D PSDC, dataset (220), from which the 3D PSDC is able to be prepared; and- outputting (230) the 3D PSDC dataset (220) for transmission (290) to a device (300) for additive manufacturing, thereby allowing an additive manufacture 3D printed PSDC, wherein the printed 3D PSDC is the prosthetic crown;

[0021] wherein the three-dimensional contactless measurement of the intervention site to obtain the L3D-POI, and the outputting of the 3D PSDC dataset are both performed within a duration of one and the same primary restoration session.

[0022] According to a preferred aspect, the printed prosthetic crown is a temporary prosthetic crown or a final prosthetic crown.

[0023] According to a preferred aspect, the determining of the 3D PSDC dataset is performed using a trained machine learning model, for example, a deep learning model or a convoluted neural network model.

[0024] According to a preferred aspect, the trained machine learning model is trained using multiple record datasets, wherein each record dataset:

[0025] - is an historic record from a record subject, and

[0026] - comprises:

[0027] - a record 3D-PLAN from the record subject;

[0028] - a record L3D-POI from the record subject;

[0029] - a ground truth from the record subject indicating a success of the restoration; and

[0030] wherein weights in an untrained machine learning model are iteratively adjusted until the 3D-PLAN and L3D-POI approach the ground truth.

[0031] According to a preferred aspect, the 3D-PLAN comprises

[0032] - intra-oral scan data (IOS) and

[0033] - one or more of:

[0034] - dental conebeam computed tomography data (CBCT);

[0035] - dental X-ray data;

[0036] of the subject.

[0037] According to a preferred aspect:

[0038] - the printed prosthetic crown is a temporary prosthetic crown,

[0039] - the method further comprises, after the primary restoration session:- receiving a local 3D temporary prosthetic crown measurement dataset, L3D-TP, (160) wherein the L3D-TP (160) has been obtained by a three-dimensional contactless measurement of the temporary prosthetic crown fitted in situ to the subject;

[0040] - determining (206), from the 3D PSDC dataset (220) and L3D-TP (160), a refined 3D patient specific dental component, 3D PSDC-REF, dataset (226), from which a refined 3D patient specific dental component, 3D PSDC-REF can be prepared, wherein the 3D PSDC-REF is a refined final prosthetic crown;

[0041] - outputting (230) the PSDC-REF dataset (226) for transmission to a dental service capable of preparing the refined final prosthetic crown for the subject.

[0042] According to a preferred aspect, the printed prosthetic crown comprises an optical readable marker introduced onto the temporary prosthetic crown during the additive manufacture of the temporary prosthetic crown, wherein the optical readable marker allows or enhances a determination of the position and optionally orientation of the temporary prosthetic crown by the three-dimensional contactless measurement.

[0043] According to a preferred aspect, the method is a computer implemented method, optionally executed in a cloud computing environment.

[0044] Further provided herein is a computing device or system configured for performing the method as described herein.

[0045] Further provided herein is a computer program or computer program product having instructions which when executed by a computer device or system cause the computer device or system to perform the method as described herein.

[0046] Further provided herein is a computer readable medium having stored thereon instructions which when executed by a computer device or system cause the computer device or system to perform the method as described herein.

[0047] Further provided herein is a data stream which is representative of a computer program or computer program product having instructions which when executed by a computer device or system cause the computer device or system to perform (each of the steps of) the method as described herein.Brief description of the drawings

[0048] The following description of the figures of specific embodiments of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present teachings, their application or uses.

[0049] Throughout the description and the accompanying figures, functionally similar features are referred to with like reference numerals incremented by 100.

[0050] Fig. 1 is an exemplary method as described here demonstrating a flow of data during a primary restoration session.

[0051] Fig. 2 is an exemplary method as described here demonstrating a flow of data during a primary restoration session, including a step of additive manufacturing.

[0052] Fig. 3 is an exemplary method as described here demonstrating a flow of data during a primary restoration session and additional steps where there has been an interim restoration session.

[0053] Description of embodiments

[0054] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0055] The terms “comprising”, “comprises” and “comprised of” as used herein are synonymous of “including”, “includes”, “containing”, or “contains”, and are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, non-recited members, elements or method steps. The terms also encompass “constituted of”, “consists in”, “consisting of”, and “consists of”, and also the terms “consisting essentially of’, “consisting essentially in” and “consists essentially of”, which enjoy well-established meanings in patent terminology.

[0056] The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all intervening values between the lower and upper endpoints, as well as the recited endpoints. Intervening values may be integers or, where applicable, fractions, i.e. , more broadly any real numbers such as any rational numbers. This applies to numerical ranges irrespective of whether they are introduced by the expression “from... to...” or the expression “between... and...” or another expression. Any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all subranges subsumed therein. For example, each sub-range between any stated value in a stated range and any other stated value in that stated range is also specifically disclosed. Each sub-range between any stated value in a stated range and either the lower endpointor the upper endpoint of the stated range is also specifically disclosed. The stated value may be an isolated value or an endpoint of a range subsumed by or overlapping with the stated range. For example, for a stated range with lower endpoint L1 and upper endpoint U1 (i.e., stated range L1-LI1) and a stated sub-range nested within the stated range with lower endpoint L2 and upper endpoint U2 (i.e., stated sub-range L2-LI2), also specifically disclosed are the subranges L1-L2, L1-LI2, L2-LI1, and U2-LI1.

[0057] The terms “about” or “approximately” as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, are meant to encompass variations of and from the specified value, such as variations of + / -10% or less, preferably + / -5% or less, more preferably + / -1% or less, and still more preferably + / -0.1 % or less of and from the specified value, insofar such variations are appropriate to perform in the disclosed invention. It is to be understood that the value to which the modifier “about” or “approximately” refers is itself also specifically, and preferably, disclosed.

[0058] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order, unless specified. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

[0059] Whereas the terms “one or more” or “at least one”, such as one or more members or at least one member of a group of members, is clear per se, by means of further exemplification, the term encompasses inter alia a reference to any one of said members, or to any two or more of said members, such as, e.g., any >3, >4, >5, >6 or >7 etc. of said members, and up to all said members. In another example, “one or more” or “at least one” may refer to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or more.

[0060] As used herein, the term “and / or” when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itself or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be employed. For example, if a list is described as comprising group A, B, and / or C, the list can comprise A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B in combination, A and C in combination, B and C in combination, or A, B, and C in combination.The discussion of the background to the invention herein is included to explain the context of the invention. This is not to be taken as an admission that any of the material referred to was published, known, or part of the common general knowledge in any country as of the priority date of any of the claims.

[0061] Throughout this disclosure, various publications, patents and published patent specifications are referenced by an identifying citation. All documents cited in the present specification are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. In particular, the teachings or sections of such documents herein specifically referred to are incorporated by reference.

[0062] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. By means of further guidance, term definitions are included to better appreciate the teaching of the invention. When specific terms are defined in connection with a particular aspect of the invention or a particular embodiment of the invention, such connotation or meaning is meant to apply throughout this specification, i.e., also in the context of other aspects or embodiments of the invention, unless otherwise defined.

[0063] In the following passages, different aspects or embodiments of the invention are defined in more detail. Each aspect or embodiment so defined may be combined with any other aspect(s) or embodiment(s) unless clearly indicated to the contrary. In particular, any feature indicated as being preferred or advantageous may be combined with any other feature or features indicated as being preferred or advantageous.

[0064] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments,combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the appended claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0065] Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the description of illustrative embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects.

[0066] In the present description of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration only of specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. Parenthesized or emboldened reference numerals affixed to respective elements merely exemplify the elements by way of example, with which it is not intended to limit the respective elements. Unless otherwise indicated, all figures and drawings in this document are not to scale and are chosen for the purpose of illustrating different embodiments of the invention. In particular the dimensions of the various components are depicted in illustrative terms only, and no relationship between the dimensions of the various components should be inferred from the drawings, unless so indicated.

[0067] In accordance with conventional dental terminology, “apical” refers to the direction towards the bone and “coronal” to the direction towards the occlusal surface of the teeth. Therefore, the “apical end” of a component is the end which, in use, is directed towards or into the jawbone and the “coronal end” is which, in use, is directed towards or into the oral cavity. “Coronal end” as used herein refers to the terminal end of a component or part of a component in the coronal direction.

[0068] “Apical end” as used herein refers to the terminal end of a component or part of a component in the apical direction.

[0069] “Pose” refers to a position and orientation. Position is a three dimensional location in space usually defined in 3 degrees of linear freedom. Orientation is angle usually in defined in 2 degrees of rotational freedom (axial rotational angle is not needed).Provided herein is a method for assisting a dental restoration programme comprising one or more dental sessions for fitting a prosthetic crown in a subject. Further provided herein is a method for preparing a dental prothesis that is a prosthetic crown for a subject.

[0070] The method is typically a computer-implemented method.

[0071] The method comprising receiving a planning dataset, 3D-PLAN, wherein the 3D-PLAN comprises three-dimensional dental measurement data of the subject as presented prior to an intervention, wherein the 3D-PLAN:

[0072] - is used for a planning and execution of the intervention, where the intervention includes implanting an implant in a defined pose for later addition of the prosthetic crown, and - is used for a preparation of a preliminary design of the prosthetic crown.

[0073] The method further comprises, after receiving the 3D-PLAN, receiving (from a storage medium) a local 3D post-intervention measurement dataset, L3D-POI, wherein the L3D-POI has been obtained by a three-dimensional contactless (e.g. optical) measurement of a site of the intervention, wherein the site of the intervention comprises the implant, wherein the implant has been fitted to a jawbone of the subject to support the prosthetic crown, and the L3D-POI includes three-dimensional measurement data of at least a coronal portion of the in situ implant.

[0074] The method further comprises, determining, from the 3D-PLAN and L3D-POI, a 3D patient specific dental component, 3D PSDC, dataset, from which the 3D PSDC (also known as a 3D printed PSDC) is able to be prepared.

[0075] The method further comprises, after the above-mentioned determining, outputting the 3D PSDC dataset for transmission to an additive manufacturing device (e.g. 3D printer), thereby allowing an additive manufacturing of a printed 3D PSDC, wherein the printed 3D PSDC is the prosthetic crown.

[0076] The three-dimensional contactless measurement of the site of the intervention to obtain the L3D-POI, and the outputting of the 3D PSDC dataset are both performed within a duration of one and the same (primary) restoration session.In particular, the additive manufacturing of the 3D PSDC (prosthetic crown), and the fitting of the 3D PSDC (prosthetic crown) are additionally performed within the duration of one and the same (primary) restoration session.

[0077] The present disclosure allows a subject to return home after the primary restoration session with a functional restoration, which may be a temporary or final crown prothesis. In the art, preparation of a temporary or final crown prothesis requires a subsequent visit to the practitioner after the primary restoration; most subjects will not do this, especially if the intervention is in a non-aesthetic zone (e.g. to save money, to avoid more pain, etc...). Aesthetic zone is a region containing the front I visible teeth. A non-aesthetic zone is a molar region.

[0078] In addition, the present invention facilitates an “immediacy restoration” which allows the practitioner to remove the tooth where necessary, preparing the intervention site, fit the implant with accuracy in the perfect position, and fit the prosthetic crown (temporary or final) with a superior blending-in, all within the same restoration session. The advantage of an immediacy restoration is that the subject can leave the dental practice without a tooth gap, within a period of a single restoration session having entered the restoration session with a broken or dysfunctional (e.g. infected) tooth.

[0079] The present disclosure allows a fitting of a temporary or final crown prothesis soon after fitting of the implant ( / .e. in one and the same restoration session). Because there is no delay, bone tissue and the soft tissue (gingiva) of the subject do not have time to heal. Which means a positioning of the soft tissue is maintained (no recession) in the presence of the crown prothesis. There is also no time for bone resorption, which means better bone quality, reducing the requirement of a bone augmentation.

[0080] Further, because there is no delay, teeth adjacent to the site of the intervention do not have time to move. In addition, the crown prothesis acts as a minimally-compressible loadbearing structure, that receives compression forces from adjacent teeth. Because the crown prothesis has an optimised geometry, it fittingly resides in the gap, and is able to transmit forces caused by a movement of one adjacent tooth to the other adjacent tooth and vice-versa’, the movements of both adjacent teeth are counter balanced owing to the presence of the crown prothesis, resulting in little or no net movement of the adjacentteeth. By contrast, where the intervention site is not occluded with the crown prothesis there is a higher risk of damage to (loss of) the adjacent healthy teeth.

[0081] During the one and the same (primary) restoration session, the 3D PSDC (temporary prosthetic crown or final prosthetic crown) is additively manufactured, thereby yielding a printed 3D PSDC. The practitioner fits the printed 3D PSDC (temporary prosthetic crown or final prosthetic crown) to the subject. After the fitting, the subject returns home and the (primary) restoration session ends.

[0082] Where the printed 3D PSDC is a temporary prosthetic crown, the 3D PSDC dataset or 3D PSDC-REF (see later herein) is used by a dental service to prepare the final prosthetic crown. During a (final fitting) restoration session after the (primary) restoration session end, the practitioner removes the temporary prosthetic crown and fits the final prosthetic crown.

[0083] Where the printed 3D PSDC is a temporary prosthetic crown, between the (primary) restoration session ( / .e. after the (primary) restoration session has ended) and the (final fitting) restoration session ( / .e. before the (final fitting) restoration session has started), there may or may not be an interim restoration session.

[0084] During the interim restoration session, a local 3D temporary prosthetic crown measurement dataset, L3D-TP a three-dimensional contactless (e.g. optical) measurement of the fitted temporary prosthetic crown in situ in the subject is captured (measured) from the subject. This is typically performed by the dental practitioner.

[0085] Where an interim restoration session has taken place, the method further comprises receiving a local 3D temporary prosthetic crown measurement dataset, L3D-TP, wherein the L3D-TP has been obtained by a three-dimensional contactless (e.g. optical) measurement of the fitted temporary prosthetic crown in situ in the subject.

[0086] The method (where there has been an interim restoration session) further comprises after receiving the L3D-TP, determining, from the 3D PSDC and L3D-TP, a refined 3D patient specific dental component, 3D PSDC-REF, dataset, from which a refined 3D patient specific dental component, 3D PSDC-REF can be prepared, wherein the 3D PSDC-REF is a refined prosthetic crown.The method (where there has been an interim restoration session) further comprises, after determining the 3D PSDC-REF dataset, outputting the PSDC-REF dataset for transmission to a dental service capable of preparing a final prosthetic crown to the patient.

[0087] The outputting of the 3D PSDC dataset for transmission to the device for additive manufacturing; and three-dimensional contactless measurement of the measurement of the temporary prosthetic crown in situ in the subject to the obtain the L3D-TP are performed in different restoration sessions.

[0088] The dental restoration programme, according to the present invention, is a restoration programme comprising fitting of an implant to a jawbone of the subject to support a prosthetic crown, and a fitting of the prosthetic crown to the implant. The dental restoration programme comprises one or more restoration sessions. A restoration session takes place in the dental practice of a dental practitioner. A typical duration of a restoration session is 2 to 6 hours, though can be longer depending on the condition of the subject. A restoration session is typically within one day. During the restoration session, the subject may or may not be continuously seated in a dental chair. For instance, during the additive manufacturing of the 3D PSDC (prosthetic crown) which may take 30 mins to 4 hours depending on the additive manufacturing device, the subject may sit in the waiting room at the dental practice and / or leave for a short period of time to return to the dental practice at an agreed time within the same day. After the restoration session the subject typically finally leaves the dental practice (e.g. returns home) with a new restoration comprising a prosthetic crown on a dental implant. Consecutive restoration sessions are spaced apart e.g. by at least 1 week.

[0089] The intervention comprises steps performed by the practitioner to surgically implant the dental implant in the subject as presented. The intervention may include an extraction step where required (e.g. whole or broken tooth) and, typically, may include drilling (if deemed necessary for the intervention) and fitting (implanting) of the implant. Other steps include a site preparation (e.g. cleaning a dental socket of the subject). Where there is no tooth to be extracted, depending on the requirements of the subject, the practitioner steps may include drilling into a healed dental socket (according to the dental plan), prepare the site and fit the implant, and fit the crown within one and the same restoration session. The drilling step may be performed with the help of a robot (e.g. guided surgery), or withouthelp (e.g. free handed). The guided step may include the use of a drilling guide that can be 3D printed on site using an additive manufacturing device by the dental practitioner, said guide will be generated as part of the drilling protocol.

[0090] A result of the intervention is a fitted implant in a defined pose (position & orientation taking into account bone quality, nerves location and neighbouring teeth) that is optimised for later addition of the prosthetic crown. By optimised, it is meant that after fitting of the prosthetic crown, the prosthetic crown is optimally blended in terms of pose, with the other teeth of the subject.

[0091] The implant is known in the art and is a dental implant configured for insertion into a jawbone of the patient where it provides a core support for the prosthetic crown which attached / attachable to the implant. An abutment may be integrated into the implant the (implant is known as a “one piece implant”) or dismountably attachable to the implant, wherein the abutment extends through the gum and into the oral cavity of the subject. The implant may be known also in the art as an "anchor" or "fixture". The abutment may be known also in the art as an "abutment", "post" or “support”. A screw fitting typically, but not always, attaches the prosthetic crown to the implant (via the abutment); the screw fitting may be known also in the art as a "screw", or "basal screw".

[0092] The prosthetic crown is known in the art and is a prosthetic part, usually a single crown. The prosthetic crown may be a temporary prosthetic crown.

[0093] A temporary prosthetic crown has an appearance similar to a final prosthetic crown, however, it is typically formed from a less durable material such as a polymeric material (e.g. polypropylene, zirconium oxide-reinforced three-dimensional (3D) printing ceramic slurry (see, for instance, CN106747429A), mixture of methacrylic acid esters, or mixtures of acrylic acid esters). The resins used to create the temporary prosthetic crown may also comprise one or more of, for example, but not limited to, pigments, additives, photo initiators. The temporary prosthetic crown is typically minimally- or non-compressible, and / or resists compression. The temporary prosthetic crown is prepared by additive manufacturing.

[0094] Temporary prosthetic crown may be a scannable temporary prosthetic crown. A scannable temporary prosthetic crown is a temporary prosthetic crown comprising one or more landmarks that allow to determine the pose of the temporary prosthetic crown by three-dimensional contactless (e.g. optical) measurement. The pose of the temporary prosthetic crown is in relation to the other teeth.

[0095] Temporary prosthetic crown may include an optical readable marker that allows or enhances a determination of a position (and optionally orientation) of the temporary prosthetic crown by three-dimensional contactless (e.g. optical) measurement. The optical readable marker is preferably introduced onto temporary prosthetic crown during the process of additively manufacturing the temporary prosthetic crown. The optical readable marker may be disposed on the surface of the temporary prosthetic crown as a relief structure.

[0096] The three-dimensional contactless measurement of the temporary prosthetic crown is a type of IOS. An IOS is known in the art. Devices for obtaining the IOS (scanner) are known in the art, for instance, those manufactured by Straumann (e.g. Sirios™) .

[0097] The prosthetic crown may be a final prosthetic crown (3D PSDC or 3D PSDC-REF), typically formed from a more durable material such as a ceramic material. Examples of materials include porcelain, leucite reinforced porcelain, lithium disilicate porcelain, ceramic, glass ceramic, zirconia, and zirconia alloys. The final prosthetic crown may be prepared by (slower) additive manufacturing, milling, moulding, and the like. The final prosthetic crown is typically polished.

[0098] The planning and preliminary design of the prosthetic crown is performed by dental software or a dental computer system executing dental software. The dental software may be dental design software known in the art used to generate a geometry (shape) of a preliminary design of the prosthetic crown. The dental software may be dental planning software for planning the intervention. The dental software may be dual planning & design software. An example of dental planning software is Straumann Co-diagnostix®. The dental planning software receives the 3D-PLAN and generates from the 3D-PLAN an intervention plan for executing the intervention. The intervention plan generated by the dental planning software may or may not include a tooth extract plan. An example of dental design software is Cares® Visual. The dental design software generates from the 3D-PLAN the preliminary design of the prosthetic crown. Methods for generating a preliminary design of the prosthetic crown are known in the art, for instance, from the design software or as described in WO 2025 / 016984.The planning dataset, 3D-PLAN, comprises data allowing a planning and execution of the intervention including implanting an implant in a defined pose for later addition of the prosthetic crown. The design software allows for the preparation of a preliminary design of the prosthetic crown. The 3D-PLAN comprises measurement data of the subject. The 3D-PLAN comprises measurement data of the jaw(s) and teeth of the subject.

[0099] The 3D-PLAN is stored on a computer storage medium. The method receiving a planning dataset, 3D-PLAN, receives the 3D-PLAN from the computer storage medium.

[0100] In particular, the 3D-PLAN comprises intra-oral scan (IOS) data. An IOS is a contactless (e.g. optical) three-dimensional dental scan of an exterior of the teeth of the subject. An IOS is known in the art. Devices for obtaining an IOS (scanner) are known in the art, for instance, those sold by Straumann (e.g. Sirios ™) .

[0101] The 3D-PLAN may comprises conebeam computed tomography (CBCT) data. A CBCT is a technique that uses a cone-shaped X-ray beam to create a detailed 3D dental image of bones, teeth, nerves and tissues of the subject. A CBCT is known in the art. Devices for obtaining a CBCT are known in the art, for instance, those manufactured by Planmeca, Largev, Aceteon, Mortia, Vatech.

[0102] The 3D-PLAN may comprises X-ray data. The X-ray data is conventional dental X-ray using a static X-ray source which creates a detailed two-dimensional (2D) dental image of bones, teeth of the subject. A dental X-ray is known in the art. Devices for obtaining a dental X-ray are known in the art, for instance, those manufactured by Planmeca, Largev, Aceteon, Mortia, Vatech.

[0103] For planning the intervention, the 3D-PLAN preferably comprises one or more of the IOS data, CBCT data, the X-ray data. Preferably, the 3D-PLAN comprises: the IOS data in combination with one or more of the CBCT data, the X-ray data. For preliminary crown design, the 3D-PLAN preferably comprises the IOS data.

[0104] The 3D post-intervention measurement dataset, L3D-POI, has been obtained by a three-dimensional contactless (e.g. optical) measurement of a site of the intervention of the subject, wherein the site of the intervention comprises the implant, wherein the implant has been fitted to a jawbone of the subject to support the prosthetic crown, and the L3D-POIincludes three-dimensional (e.g. geometry and pose) measurement data of at least a coronal portion of the in situ implant.

[0105] The implant may be perse measurable by three-dimensional contactless measurement, for example, where the implant is a “one-piece implant”. Otherwise, the implant may be measured by three-dimensional contactless measurement by addition of a “scan body” or a scannable anatomic healing abutment (AHA) to the implant.

[0106] The three-dimensional contactless measurement to obtain the L3D-POI is a type of IOS. An IOS is known in the art. Devices for obtaining the L3D-POI or IOS (scanner) are known in the art, for instance, those sold by Straumann (e.g. Sirios ™) .

[0107] The L3D-POI is stored on a computer storage medium. The method receiving a L3D-POI, receives the L3D-POI from the computer storage medium.

[0108] The local 3D temporary prosthetic crown measurement dataset, L3D-TP, has been obtained by a three-dimensional contactless (e.g. optical) measurement of the fitted temporary prosthetic crown in situ in the subject. The L3D-TP includes three-dimensional (e.g. geometry and pose) measurement data of at least a coronal portion of the fitted temporary prosthetic crown in situ in the subject.

[0109] Temporary prosthetic crown may be a scannable temporary prosthetic crown. A scannable temporary prosthetic crown is a temporary prosthetic crown comprising one or more landmarks that allow to determine the pose of the temporary prosthetic crown by three-dimensional contactless (e.g. optical) measurement. The L3D-TP may be determined from the scannable temporary prosthetic crown.

[0110] Temporary prosthetic crown may include an optical readable marker that allows or enhances a determination of the position (and optionally orientation) of the temporary prosthetic crown by three-dimensional contactless (e.g. optical) measurement. The L3D-TP may be enhanced by or determined from the optical readable marker.

[0111] The three-dimensional contactless measurement to obtain the L3D-TP is a type of IOS. An IOS is known in the art. Devices for obtaining the L3D-TP or IOS (scanner) are known in the art, for instance, those sold by Straumann (e.g. Sirios™).The L3D-TP is stored on a computer storage medium. The method receiving a L3D-TP, receives the L3D-TP from the computer storage medium.

[0112] 3D patient specific dental component (3D PSDC) and refined 3D patient specific dental component (3D PSDC-REF) refer to a dental component that is prepared according to a dataset determined by the method. A 3D PSDC (or 3D PSDC-REF) may be a prosthetic crown (temporary or final).

[0113] Where the 3D PSDC is a prosthetic crown, it represents a more optimised version of the preliminary design of the prosthetic crown. By more optimised, it is meant that after fitting of the prosthetic crown, the prosthetic crown is optimally blended in terms of pose, with the other teeth of the subject, compared with the original preliminary design of the prosthetic crown.

[0114] The 3D PSDC-REF is a further refinement of the 3D PSDC (prosthetic crown). By further refined, it is meant that after fitting the prosthetic crown, the prosthetic crown is more optimally blended in terms of pose, with the other teeth of the subject, compared with the 3D PSDC (prosthetic crown).

[0115] The method outputs a 3D PSDC dataset for transmission to a device for additive manufacturing.

[0116] A 3D PSDC dataset, is a dataset containing three-dimensional information allowing the 3D PSDC to be prepared. It may be a computer-aided design (CAD) file.

[0117] The 3D PSDC dataset may be directly transmittable (without conversion) to an additive manufacturing device. The 3D PSDC dataset may be converted into another format prior to transmission to an additive manufacturing device.

[0118] The 3D PSDC dataset (or 3D PSDC-REF dataset) may be directly transmittable (without conversion) to a dental service able to prepare the 3D PSDC (final prothesis). The 3D PSDC dataset (or 3D PSDC-REF dataset) may be converted into another format prior to transmission to the dental service.The 3D PSDC dataset (or 3D PSDC-REF dataset) is stored on a computer storage medium. The transmitting of the 3D PSDC dataset (or 3D PSDC-REF dataset), transmits the 3D PSDC dataset (or 3D PSDC-REF dataset) from the computer storage medium.

[0119] The outputting may be to a further computer storage medium and / or across the Internet and / or the intranet.

[0120] As mentioned, the method further comprises, determining, from the 3D-PLAN and L3D-POI, the 3D PSDC dataset from which the 3D PSDC is able to be prepared.

[0121] The determining may be performed using a trained machine learning model (TMML). In particular, the trained machine learning model is a deep learning model or a (convoluted) neural network model.

[0122] Examples of suitable neural network models and protocols for training them are known in the art, for instance, from Cherian and Kanaga, Journal of Neuroscience Methods, Volume 369, 1 March 2022, 109483. Examples of neural network models include Artificial Neural Network (ANN) / Multi Layer Perceptron (MLP), Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN), Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Gated Recurrent Units (GRU), Long Short Term Memory (LSTM).

[0123] A machine learning model may be trained using multiple record datasets, wherein each record dataset:

[0124] - is an historic record from a record subject, and

[0125] - comprises:

[0126] - a record 3D-PLAN from the record subject;

[0127] - a record L3D-POI from the record subject;

[0128] - a ground truth from the record subject (e.g. restoration success (Y / N))

[0129] Weights in the model are iteratively adjusted until the 3D-PLAN and L3D-POI approach the ground truth.

[0130] As mentioned above, examples of suitable neural network models and protocols for training them are known in the art. Further examples known in the art as guidance for the skilled person include the machine learning models (e.g. convolutional neural networkssuch V-Net, DenseNet, Mask-RCNN) and prediction methods mentioned for instance in US 2023 / 0419631 and US 2022 / 0361992 which are incorporated herein by reference. The 3D-PLAN is preferably the IOS data, more preferably the preliminary design of the prosthetic crown. The preliminary design of the prosthetic crown is typically automatically generated by the dental design software. It is understood in the art, that the preliminary design of the prosthetic crown may be updated by a dental practitioner who may manually adjust one or more of length, height and width. The updated by the dental practitioner is typically performed using the dental design software. The preliminary design of the prosthetic crown may or may not include the manual update by the dental practitioner.

[0131] 3D PSDC is an improvement over the preliminary design of the prosthetic crown generated by the design software. The design of the prosthetic crown generated by the design software does not take into account the final pose of the fitted implant in situ. By obtaining the L3D-POI, the final pose of the fitted implant can be used to correct any errors or deviations from the planned (simulated) pose of the fitted implant, thereby generating a 3D PSDC dataset resulting in a 3D PSDC which when fitted blends more effectively with the other teeth of the subject.

[0132] As mentioned, the method further comprises, determining, from the 3D PSDC and L3D-TP, the 3D PSDC-REF dataset from which the 3D PSDC-REF is able to be prepared. The determining may be performed by any protocol which can adjust a geometry of the 3D PSDC to compensate for minor changes to the pose of the fitted 3D PSDC (temporary prosthetic crown). Such protocols are typically available in the dental planning software and / or the dental design software known in the art. An example of dental planning software is Straumann Co-diagnostix®. An example of dental design software is Straumann Cares® Visual.

[0133] The device for additive manufacturing is any additive manufacturing capable of additively manufacturing a 3D patient specific dental component (3D PSDC) or refined 3D patient specific dental component (3D PSDC-REF) such as a prosthetic crown (temporary or final). The device for additive manufacturing is preferably of sufficient size that it can be housed within the practice of the dental practitioner. The device for additive manufacturing is of sufficient speed that the 3D PSDC or 3D PSDC-REF can be manufactured within a duration of one restoration session. Such additive manufacturing devices are typicallycalled “chairside printers”. Examples of suitable chairside printers include those manufactured by Ackuretta, Dfab, HeyGears, Sprintray.

[0134] The present method is preferably a computer-implemented method. The present method is preferably a method implemented exclusively in a computer. The present method is typically performed exclusively in silico.

[0135] Further provided is a computing device or system configured for performing the method as described herein.

[0136] The system comprises circuitry configured to perform the method of the invention.

[0137] Typically, the circuitry comprises a processor and a memory.

[0138] Further provided is a computer program or computer program product having instructions which, when executed by a computing device or system, cause the computing device or system to perform the method as described herein.

[0139] Further provided is a computer readable medium having stored thereon instructions which when executed by a computing device or system cause the computing device or system to perform the method as described herein.

[0140] Further provided is a data stream which is representative of a computer program or computer program product having instructions which when executed by a computer device or system can cause the computer device or system to perform (each of the steps of) the method as described herein.

[0141] The method may be performed using a standard computer system such as an Intel Architecture IA-32 based computer system 2, and implemented as programming instructions of one or more software modules stored on non-volatile (e.g., hard disk or solid-state drive) storage associated with the corresponding computer system. However, it will be apparent that at least some of the steps of any of the described processes could alternatively be implemented, either in part or in its entirety, as one or more dedicated hardware components, such as gate configuration data for one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), for example.A computer storage medium as described here may be any, for instance, hard-disk, flash drive, SSD, cloud storage, and the like.

[0142] The present method may be executed on a local computing device (e.g. desktop PC, smart tablet, smart phone) or on a cloud computing device. Examples of cloud computing services are those provided by Amazon, Microsoft, and Google.

[0143] Examples

[0144] Example 1

[0145] An exemplary method (100) as described herein is illustrated in FIGs. 1 and 2. A planning dataset, 3D-PLAN (120), is received wherein the 3D-PLAN (120) comprises three-dimensional dental measurement data of the subject as presented prior to an intervention. A local 3D post-intervention measurement dataset, L3D-POI (140), is received wherein the L3D-POI (140) has been obtained by a three-dimensional contactless measurement of the intervention site. A 3D patient specific dental component, 3D PSDC, dataset (220), is determined (200), from the 3D-PLAN (120) and L3D-POI (140), from which the 3D PSDC is able to be prepared. The 3D PSDC dataset (220) is outputted (230) for transmission (290) to a device (300) for additive manufacturing (FIG. 2 only), thereby allowing an additively manufactured 3D printed 3D PSDC, wherein the printed 3D PSDC is the prosthetic crown. The three-dimensional contactless measurement of the intervention site to obtain the L3D-POI (140), and the outputting of the 3D PSDC dataset (220) are both performed within a duration of one and the same primary restoration session (102).

[0146] Example 2

[0147] An exemplary method (100) as described herein is illustrated in FIG. 3. The method comprises steps of the primary restoration session (102) shown in FIG. 2. In FIG. 3, a local 3D temporary prosthetic crown measurement dataset, L3D-TP, (160) is received wherein the L3D-TP (160) has been obtained by a three-dimensional contactless measurement of the temporary prosthetic crown fitted in situ to the subject during an interim restoration session. A refined 3D patient specific dental component, 3D PSDC-REF, dataset (226) is determined (206) from the 3D PSDC dataset (220) and L3D-TP (160). From the 3D PSDC-REF, dataset (226) a refined 3D patient specific dental component, 3D PSDC-REF can be prepared, wherein the 3D PSDC-REF is a refined final prosthetic crown.

Claims

Claims1. A computer-implemented method (100) for assisting a dental restoration programme comprising one or more dental sessions for fitting a prosthetic crown into a subject, the method comprising:- receiving a planning dataset, 3D-PLAN (120), wherein the 3D-PLAN comprises three-dimensional dental measurement data of the subject as presented prior to an intervention, wherein:- the intervention includes implanting an implant in a defined pose for later addition of the prosthetic crown; andthe 3D-PLAN:- is used for a planning and execution of the intervention; and - is used for a preparation of a preliminary design of the prosthetic crown; - receiving a local 3D post-intervention measurement dataset, L3D-POI (140), wherein the L3D-POI has been obtained by a three-dimensional contactless measurement of the intervention site, wherein the intervention site comprises the implant, wherein the implant has been fitted to a jawbone of the subject to support the prosthetic crown, and the L3D-POI includes a three-dimensional measurement data of at least a coronal portion of the in situ implant;- determining (200), from the 3D-PLAN (120) and L3D-POI (140), a 3D patient specific dental component, 3D PSDC, dataset (220), from which the 3D PSDC is able to be prepared; and- outputting (230) the 3D PSDC dataset (220) for transmission (290) to a device (300) for additive manufacturing, thereby allowing an additive manufacture of a 3D printed PSDC, wherein the 3D printed PSDC is the prosthetic crown;wherein the three-dimensional contactless measurement of the intervention site to obtain the L3D-POI, and the outputting of the 3D PSDC dataset are both performed within a duration of one and the same primary restoration session.

2. A method (100) for preparing a prosthetic crown for a subject, the method comprising: - receiving a planning dataset, 3D-PLAN (120), wherein the 3D-PLAN comprises three-dimensional dental measurement data of the subject as presented prior to an intervention, wherein:- the intervention includes implanting an implant in a defined pose for later addition of the prosthetic crown; andthe 3D-PLAN:- is used for a planning and execution of the intervention; and - is used for a preparation of a preliminary design of the prosthetic crown; - receiving a local 3D post-intervention measurement dataset, L3D-POI (140), wherein the L3D-POI has been obtained by a three-dimensional contactless measurement of the intervention site, wherein the intervention site comprises the implant, wherein the implant has been fitted to a jawbone of the subject to support the prosthetic crown, and the L3D-POI includes a three-dimensional measurement data of at least a coronal portion of the in situ implant;- determining (200), from the 3D-PLAN (120) and L3D-POI (140), a 3D patient specific dental component, 3D PSDC, dataset (220), from which the 3D PSDC is able to be prepared; and- outputting (230) the 3D PSDC dataset (220) for transmission (290) to a device (300) for additive manufacturing, thereby allowing an additive manufactured 3D printed PSDC, wherein the printed 3D PSDC is the prosthetic crown;wherein the three-dimensional contactless measurement of the intervention site to obtain the L3D-POI, and the outputting of the 3D PSDC dataset are both performed within a duration of one and the same primary restoration session.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the printed prosthetic crown is a temporary prosthetic crown or a final prosthetic crown.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the determining of the 3D PSDC dataset is performed using a trained machine learning model, for example, a deep learning model or a convoluted neural network model.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the trained machine learning model is trained using multiple record datasets, wherein each record dataset:- is an historic record from a record subject, and- comprises:- a record 3D-PLAN from the record subject;- a record L3D-POI from the record subject;- a ground truth from the record subject indicating a success of the restoration; andwherein weights in an untrained machine learning model are iteratively adjusted until the 3D-PLAN and L3D-P0I approach the ground truth.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the 3D-PLAN comprises - intra-oral scan data and- one or more of:- dental conebeam computed tomography data;- dental X-ray data;of the subject.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein:- the printed prosthetic crown is a temporary prosthetic crown, and- the method further comprises, after the primary restoration session, :- receiving a local 3D temporary prosthetic crown measurement dataset, L3D-TP, (160) wherein the L3D-TP (160) has been obtained by a three-dimensional contactless measurement of the temporary prosthetic crown fitted in situ to the subject;- determining (206), from the 3D PSDC dataset (220) and L3D-TP (160), a refined 3D patient specific dental component, 3D PSDC-REF, dataset (226), from which a refined 3D patient specific dental component, 3D PSDC-REF can be prepared, wherein the 3D PSDC-REF is a refined final prosthetic crown;- outputting (230) the PSDC-REF dataset (226) for transmission to a dental service capable of preparing the refined final prosthetic crown for the subject.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the printed prosthetic crown comprises an optical readable marker introduced onto the temporary prosthetic crown during the additive manufacture of the temporary prosthetic crown, wherein the optical readable marker allows or enhances a determination of the position and optionally orientation of the temporary prosthetic crown by the three-dimensional contactless measurement.

9. The method according and one of the previous claims that is a computer implemented method, optionally executed in a cloud computing environment.

10. A computing device or system configured for performing the method according to any one of the previous claims.

11. A computer program or computer program product having instructions which when executed by a computer device or system cause the computer device or system to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

12. A computer readable medium having stored thereon instructions which when executed by a computer device or system cause the computer device or system to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

13. A data stream which is representative of a computer program or computer program product having instructions which when executed by a computer device or system cause the computer device or system to perform (each of the steps of) the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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