Clinical workflow management equipment for dental restorations

Abstract

The invention relates to dental clinical workflow management equipment designed to organize and store dental restorations and their associated auxiliary components in a clinical setting, perform surface preparation procedures, and manage the cementation process in a controlled manner. Its features include a main body (10), at least one restoration compartment (11), at least one auxiliary component compartment (12), at least one adhesive and cement compartment (13) located on the main body (10), at least one positioning section (14) that allows for the placement of instruments and / or tools, and a main body wall (15) formed around the main body (10).

Description

[0001] SPECIFICATION

[0002] CLINICAL WORKFLOW MANAGEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR DENTAL RESTORATIONS

[0003] Technology Sector:

[0004] The invention relates to dental clinic workflow management equipment designed to organize and store dental restorations and associate auxiliary components in a clinical setting, perform surface preparation procedures, and manage the cementation process in a controlled manner.

[0005] State of the Art:

[0006] In dental practice, current methods for managing laminates, crowns, bridges, and implant-supported prosthetic components in a clinical setting primarily consist of isolated solutions focused on specific stages. While manual numbering on paper or tissue, simple transport boxes, separate washing and etching containers, and chemical adhesive kits are currently in use, these systems fail to integrate the organization of restorations, clinical transfer, surface preparation, and pre-cementation storage into a comprehensive framework. Consequently, the current technique results in disconnects between processes, potential disruptions in the sequence of operations, and reduced clinical efficiency.

[0007] One of the most significant issues with the current technique is the problem of organization and positioning. Since restorations are often kept on flat surfaces or on sheets of paper where tooth numbers are handwritten, there is a risk of parts being misplaced, falling off, getting mixed up, or being matched to the wrong tooth — especially in cases involving multiple restorations that are morphologically similar. This situation not only complicates the clinical process but can also lead to serious consequences such as marginal misalignment, aesthetic errors, and the need for rework. This confusion becomes particularly pronounced in multi-unit aesthetic cases and implant-supported applications.In addition, there are significant technical shortcomings during the transfer from the laboratory to the clinic and during in-clinic storage. Transporting restorations in a single box, wrapped in tissue paper, or mounted on a model carries risks of movement, dropping, loss, and surface damage during transport. In particular, the ease with which small prosthetic components such as abutments and implant screws can be lost in the clinical environment creates negative consequences in terms of both time and cost. On the other hand, leaving restorations and auxiliary materials exposed increases the risk of contamination from saliva, dust, and ambient humidity, which can lead to a decrease in bonding quality.

[0008] Another significant issue is the inability to manage light-sensitive materials and adhesive / sealing components in a controlled manner. In current applications, these materials are often kept in open environments, prepared in separate containers or on temporary surfaces during the process, and exposed to ambient light. As a result, issues such as premature polymerization, viscosity changes due to solvent evaporation, a shortened working time, and an increased risk of errors during application arise. Furthermore, the absence of a dedicated, protected area for adhesive application not only reduces material effectiveness but can also compromise the clinical hygiene chain.

[0009] Consequently, the solutions employed in the current technique fall short in terms of ensuring that restorations are positioned stably and in alignment with the tooth number, securely holding small prosthetic components, performing surface preparation procedures in a controlled manner, protecting light-curing materials from external influences, and integrating all these steps into a single, organized clinical workflow. These shortcomings lead to concrete technical problems such as confusion, contamination, premature polymerization, loss of components, prolonged procedure times, and an increased rate of human error. Consequently, there is a clear need for an integrated system that brings together the various stages of the restorative process on a single platform, strengthens clinical organization, and maintains material stability.

[0010]

[0011] Description of the Invention:

[0012] The primary objective of the invention is to consolidate the entire process — from the transfer of dental restorations from the laboratory to the clinic, through in-clinic organization, surface preparation procedures, and the cementation stage — under a single set of equipment, thereby reducing the issues of confusion, contamination, premature polymerization, loss of parts, workflow disruptions, and human error commonly observed in current techniques. In this regard, the invention is not merely a transport or storage device but constitutes an integrated clinical workflow system that manages the restorative treatment process from start to finish.

[0013] One of the invention’s key advantages is that it ensures restorations are systematically tracked in a manner linked to the tooth number. The multi-compartment structure on the main body reduces the cognitive load on the dentist and assistant, particularly in cases involving a large number of restorations, and significantly lowers the risk of applying a restoration to the wrong tooth by preventing the mixing of morphologically similar laminates, crowns, or bridge restorations. This helps prevent issues such as marginal misalignment, aesthetic errors, and the need for rework, making the clinical process more systematic and safer.

[0014] The placement of restoration trays in accordance with tooth morphology and arch structure also offers a significant advantage in and of itself. The fact that the trays have a flat base but a slightly sloped transition form helps facilitate the controlled removal of very thin and fragile laminate restorations, reducing the risk of breakage when grasping the pieces with forceps or a brush. Additionally, the independent operation of each tray ensures that the positional information of the relevant restoration is maintained throughout the procedure, thereby enhancing clinical accuracy.

[0015] The invention enables the safe handling not only of restorations but also of implant-supported prosthetic components and clinical support materials. Thanks to dedicated compartments for abutments, implant screws, bridge elements, cotton, retraction cord, and similar auxiliary materials, the loss of small components is prevented, and quickaccess to necessary support items during the procedure is ensured. In particular, reducing the risk of small screws rolling away, vibrating, or being blown away by airflow from the work area provides a significant operational safety advantage in implant cases.

[0016] The compartmentalized reservoir design for cement and similar chemical materials also provides significant ease of use for the invention. The need for the dentist to transfer the material to a separate container, tissue, or other surface is eliminated; the ability to draw the material directly from the reservoir using a brush or applicator tip increases the speed of the procedure and reduces material waste. This direct access mechanism improves ergonomics by facilitating material retrieval in a single motion and ensures a more controlled workflow, particularly during delicate cementation steps.

[0017] Another major advantage of the invention is the preservation of the stability of light-sensitive dental materials thanks to the orange transparent cap design. The lids’ high filtration of blue light in the 380-500 nm range prevents resin-based cements and similar materials from undergoing premature polymerization, thereby preserving working time and enabling the restoration to be applied with higher bonding success to the tooth. Additionally, the lids’ design, which limits contact with the external environment, protects the materials from contamination caused by dust, moisture, and saliva.

[0018] The airtight design of the cap structure also offers an additional advantage. Limiting the evaporation of chemical components containing volatile solvents ensures that the material’s viscosity remains more stable throughout the procedure, thereby providing the dentist with a more controlled working window to remove excess cement at the appropriate time. Thus, both the material’s chemical stability is preserved and the removal of excess cement without damaging surrounding soft tissues is facilitated.

[0019] When the perforated body and outer cap are considered together, it is evident that the invention provides significant advantages in the surface preparation and transfer stages as well. The perforated module allows for the safe transport, washing, disinfection, acidtreatment, and rinsing of restorations and small prosthetic components, while its approximately 1.25 mm diameter perforations prevent even the smallest implant screws from getting lost. The outer container collects liquids in a controlled manner, preventing chemical agents from spreading into the work area or the main body, thereby creating a safe and isolated working volume. This allows the clinical preparation process for restorations received from the laboratory to be conducted more safely and systematically without disrupting the sterilization chain.

[0020] In addition, the use of high-performance engineering polymers — primarily PPSU, as well as PEI, PEEK, or PSU / PES — enables the equipment to maintain its structural integrity under high temperatures, sterilization cycles, and aggressive chemicals. This not only enhances clinical reliability but also offers an economically and environmentally sustainable solution by reducing the need for single-use auxiliary equipment.

[0021] Description of the Drawings:

[0022] The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings so that its features may be more clearly understood and appreciated; however, this is not intended to limit the invention to these particular embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to encompass all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that fall within the scope defined by the appended claims. It should be understood that the details shown are presented solely for the purpose of illustrating the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are intended to provide the most practical and easily understandable definition of both the methods and the rules and conceptual features of the invention. In these drawings;

[0023] Figure 1 This is a general top-down perspective view of the main body..

[0024] Figure 2 This is a detailed perspective view of the restoration chamber located on the main body (lid closed).

[0025] Figure 3 This is a detailed perspective view of the restoration chamber located on the main body (lid open).Figure 4 A close-up perspective view of the cement chamber body located on the main body (cement chamber body in the installed position).

[0026] Figure 5 A close-up perspective view of the cement chamber body located on the main body (cement chamber body in the detached position).

[0027] Figure 6 A close-up perspective view of the auxiliary components and cement reservoirs (lid open).

[0028] Figure 7 An open view of the perforated body.

[0029] Figure 8 A view of the hinge section of the perforated body.

[0030] Figure 9 Open and closed views of the outer housing.

[0031] The figures, which aid in understanding this invention, are numbered as indicated in the attached drawing and are listed below along with their names.

[0032] Explanation of References:

[0033] 10. Main body

[0034] 11. Restoration compartment

[0035] 110. Convexity

[0036] 111. Flat area

[0037] 112. Compression space

[0038] 12. Auxiliary component compartment

[0039] 13. Adhesive and cement compartment

[0040] 14. Positioning section

[0041] 15. Main body wall

[0042] 20. Cement compartment body

[0043] 21. Lateral Supports

[0044] 22. Aperture

[0045] 30. Lid

[0046] 31. Handle

[0047] 32. Protrusion

[0048] 33. Shaft

[0049] 34. Hinge

[0050]

[0051] 40. Perforated body

[0052] 41. Re storation compartment

[0053] 42. Auxiliary component compartment

[0054] 43. Holes

[0055] 44. Hinge

[0056] 45. Raised rim

[0057] 50. Outer cover

[0058] 51. Hinge

[0059] Detailed Description of the Invention:

[0060] The terminology used herein is intended solely to define specific applications and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The term “and / or” used herein encompasses any and all combinations of one or more of the items listed in conjunction. Furthermore, the singular terms “one,” “one unit,” and “specified” used herein are intended to include both the singular and plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it is understood that the terms “includes” and / or “containing” used in this specification indicate the presence of the specified features, steps, processes, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, processes, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0061] Unless otherwise specified, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as generally understood by a person skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. Furthermore, it is understood that terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted in a manner consistent with the context of the relevant field and this description, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined as such herein.

[0062] In the description of the invention, it will be understood that a series of techniques and steps are described. Each of these provides a distinct benefit and may be used in combination with one or more of the others, or in some cases with all of the other techniques described. Accordingly, to ensure clarity, the description of the inventionwill avoid unnecessarily repeating all possible combinations of each step. However, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that such combinations are fully within the scope of the invention and the claims.

[0063] This document addresses devices designed to streamline the clinical workflow for dental restorations. The following description provides numerous specific details to ensure a full understanding of the present invention. However, it will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention can be practiced without these details.

[0064] The invention relates to a structured system of equipment designed to ensure the systematic, controlled, and safe storage of dental restorations and related auxiliary components in a clinical setting, as well as to facilitate surface preparation procedures and organize the cementation process. The invention includes, on the main body (10), at least one restoration compartment (11), at least one auxiliary component compartment (12), an adhesive and cement compartment (13), a positioning section (14), and a main body wall (15); Additionally, a multi-stage clinical workflow is provided in conjunction with the lid (30), perforated body (40), and outer cover (50). Figure 1 shows the main body (10) and the basic chamber arrangement associated with it; Figures 2 and 3 show the structure of the lid (30); Figures 4 through 6 show different views of the main body; Figures 7 and 8 show the perforated body (40); Figure 9 shows the outer cover (50).

[0065] The main body (10) forms the primary supporting and connecting structure of the invention. The restoration compartment (11) located on the main body (10) is configured to allow dental restorations (veneers, crowns, bridge restorations, etc.) to be placed individually and held in a controlled manner throughout the procedure. The auxiliary component compartment (12) ensures that small auxiliary materials such as abutments, screws, bridge components, cotton, retraction cord, or similar items are kept in a separate area, while the adhesive and cement compartment (13) serves to hold cement or similar chemical materials in a controlled manner. The positioning section (14) is the part that accommodates various tools and instruments (cement spatula, mirror, press, excavator, etc.). The positioning section (14) is designed as a mountingarea that secures or aligns the cement compartment body (20) in a specific location on the main body (10). The main body wall (15) creates a physical barrier between the reservoirs, preventing different materials or components from mixing.

[0066] The restoration compartment (11) features a special internal geometry that facilitates more stable retention of the restoration within the chamber. In this context, the restoration compartment (11) includes a convexity (110), a flat area (111), and a auxiliary component compartment (112). The flat area (111) forms the primary supporting surface on which the restoration is placed, while the convexity (110) serves as a support to limit the restoration’s movement or unintended reorientation within the chamber. Additionally, since the convexity (110) acts as a ramp after the lid (30) is opened, it also facilitates the removal of the restoration inside. The auxiliary component compartment (112), meanwhile, works in conjunction with the relevant portion of the lid (30) to ensure the restoration is positioned in a controlled manner by limiting it from above, thereby contributing to the safer retention of delicate components. This geometry offers an advantage, particularly regarding the controlled removal and repositioning of thin and fragile dental restorations. In other words, the auxiliary component compartment (112) ensures the secure closure of the lid (30).

[0067] The restoration compartment (11) on the main body (10) are positioned such that each well corresponds to a specific tooth number, preferably in an arrangement compatible with the ISO / FDI tooth numbering system. These restoration compartment (11) facilitate the proper matching of restorations with the corresponding tooth without confusion, help maintain positional information throughout the clinical workflow, and reduce the risk of incorrect application in cases involving multiple restorations, thanks to their arrangement that aligns with the intraoral contour and dental arch form.

[0068] The cement compartment body (20) serves as a sub-body or carrier module positioned in relation to the positioning section (14) on the main body (10) and supports the use of the adhesive and cement compartment (13). In one embodiment of the invention, the adhesive and cement compartment (13) constitutes a standalone housing structure and may be fixedly mounted on the main body (10). The cement compartment body (20)includes side legs (21), which support the body, ensure its stable positioning, and, when necessary, create an aperture (22) between it and the main surface. The primary function of the aperture (22) on the cement compartment body (20) is to allow the placement of the tip sections of tools and equipment to be mounted on the positioning module (14). In other words, the aperture (22) section additionally provides space for the positioning module (14). The auxiliary component compartment (12) is designed to provide access to its internal volume, facilitate material addition, or create an ergonomic working arrangement during use, and it also includes a cover (30). The side views of this structure are clearly shown in Figures 4-6.

[0069] The lid (30) is designed to cover the corresponding compartment (11, 12, 13) on the main body (10) from above and to limit contact between the materials inside the chambers and the external environment. The lid (30) includes a handle (31) that facilitates the user’s opening and closing motion. The user can grasp the handle (31) with their finger. The lid (30) also includes a protrusion (32), a shaft (33), and a hinge (34). The shaft (33) works in conjunction with the hinge (34) to form the lid’s rotational axis and enables the lid to move between the open and closed positions. The protrusion (32) is configured to allow the lid to remain more stable in the closed position, align with the relevant chamber, and preferably establish functional interaction with the auxiliary component compartment (112) region on the restoration compartment (11). Thus, the lid (30) serves both a physical protection and a controlled containment function. Figures 2 and 3 show the details of the lid (30) structure.

[0070] The invention also defines a perforated housing (40). The perforated housing (40) is configured as a second module that enables the controlled transport of restorations and small auxiliary components, particularly during washing, disinfection, acid treatment, rinsing, or transfer operations. The perforated body (40) features a restoration compartment (41), an auxiliary component compartment (42), and a large number of holes (43). The holes (43) are configured in a size and distribution that allows for liquid flow while retaining small parts within the chamber. This ensures that parts are securely held within the body during liquid-containing process steps, while the liquid can be drained or collected within the outer housing (50). The perforated body (40) may alsoinclude a hinge (44), which serves to configure the body as a hinged structure or to connect its respective components to one another. To prevent the contents within the restoration compartment (41) and auxiliary component compartment (42) from being flung about by a sudden impact during the rapid closure of the perforated housing (40), raised rims (45) have been formed at the openings of the chambers. These rims (45) provide additional height to the chamber openings.

[0071] The outer housing (50) is an outer enclosure element designed to work in conjunction with the perforated body (40). When the perforated body (40) is placed inside the outer housing (50), it ensures that liquids passing through the holes (43) are collected in a controlled manner within the outer housing (50) rather than into the external environment. Thus, during washing, disinfection, or similar liquid-based processes, both contamination of the work area is prevented, and an isolated process volume is achieved where chemicals or liquids are contained in a controlled manner. The outer housing (50) includes a hinge (51), which allows a closure element or body component associated with the outer housing to be movably attached. Figure 9 shows the outer housing (50) and the hinge (51).

[0072] When using the device, restorations can first be placed in the restoration compartment (11) on the main body (10), small auxiliary parts can be held in the auxiliary component compartment (12), and cement or similar materials can be stored in the adhesive and cement compartment (13). During the procedure, the lid (30) closes the relevant chambers, minimizing contact between the materials and the external environment. When surface preparation or liquid-based procedures are required, the restorations and / or auxiliary components are transferred to the perforated body (40), where the parts are held within the body while liquid flow is facilitated through the holes (43). When the perforated body (40) is used in conjunction with the outer container (50), liquids collect in the outer container (50), resulting in a controlled, clean, and safe processing procedure. After the process is complete, the relevant parts are returned to the chambers on the main body (10), allowing for progression to the next stages of cementation or clinical application.The cover (30) is configured as a transparent, orange-colored component and is designed with optical properties that effectively filter out the blue light spectrum, particularly in the 380-500 nm wavelength range. As a result, the cover (30) prevents premature polymerization of light-sensitive dental materials stored in the restoration compartment (11), auxiliary component compartment (12), and / or adhesive and cement compartment (13) due to ambient light, while also contributing to the stability of these materials throughout the procedure. The transparent orange structure allows the user to observe the chamber contents without opening the lid, while the sealed containment provided by the lid (30) offers additional protection against dust, moisture, and similar external factors. Additionally, the design of the lid (30) to be airtight helps preserve material viscosity by limiting the evaporation of components containing volatile solvents.

[0073] All components, including the main body (10), the cement compartment body (20), and preferably the cap (30), can be manufactured from engineering polymers that provide high sterilization resistance and chemical resistance. In one embodiment, polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) is the preferred base material for the main structure; however, high-performance polymers such as polyetherimide (PEI), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), or polysulfone / polyether sulfone (PSU / PES) may also be used as alternatives. Thanks to this material selection, the structure can maintain its structural integrity against sterilization cycles, high-temperature conditions, and aggressive chemical agents such as hydrofluoric acid encountered during clinical use. Regarding the cover (30), the use of a polymeric material that provides optical filtering capability and is suitable for repeated opening and closing movements allows for both light control and long-term mechanical durability. For the production of the perforated body (40) and outer cap (50) components, liquid silicone rubber, rubber-based materials, or similar elastomer materials may be preferred.

[0074] In one embodiment, the cement compartment body (20) is configured as a modular subcomponent that is positioned in relation to the positioning section (14) on the main body (10) and can be detached from the main body as needed for independent use. The side feet (21) on the cement compartment body (20) ensure that the component is placedstably on a surface, while the aperture (22) facilitates controlled access to the reservoir interior with tools (brushes, applicators, or similar application elements). Thanks to this design, the user can dispense the relevant material directly through the system without needing to transfer the cement or similar chemical materials into a separate container; thereby enhancing process speed, ergonomics, and hygiene consistency.

[0075] The auxiliary component compartment (12) can be configured to have an internal geometry suitable for holding small prosthetic parts such as abutments, implant screws, bridge elements, and similar components, particularly in implant-supported prosthetic applications. In one embodiment, the auxiliary component compartment (12) is designed with sufficient depth and edge barriers to prevent small components prone to rolling and shifting from escaping the compartment due to vibration, shock, or airflow. Additionally, the same auxiliary component compartment (12) can be used for the controlled storage of clinical support materials such as cotton, retraction cord, hemostatic agents, or similar items.

[0076] The holes (43) on the perforated body (40) are of selected sizes that allow fluid passage while ensuring small restorative and prosthetic components remain contained within the body. In one embodiment, the diameter of the holes (43) is set to approximately 1.25 mm; this prevents even the smallest implant screws from passing through and getting lost, while ensuring the controlled flow of disinfectant, rinsing solution, or similar process fluids. This design transforms the perforated body (40) from merely a carrier element into a safe processing module for washing, disinfection, acid treatment, and rinsing procedures.

[0077]

Claims

CLAIMS1- The invention is a device for the storage, organization, and management of the cementation process of dental restorations and related auxiliary components in a clinical setting, characterized by:— a main body (10),— at least one restoration compartment (11) located on the main body (10), — at least one auxiliary component compartment (12) located on the main body (10),— at least one adhesive and cement compartment (13) located on the main body (10),— at least one positioning section (14) enabling the placement of tools and / or instruments,— and a main body wall (15) formed around the main body (10).2- The equipment described in Claim 1, characterized by the fact that the restoration compartment (11) comprises a convexity (110), a flat area (111), and a compression gap (112).3- The equipment referred to in Claim 2, characterized by the fact that it forms a support that limits the movement of the restoration within the chamber and features a convexity (110) that acts as a ramp to facilitate the removal of the restoration when the lid (30) is opened.4- The equipment described in Claim 1, characterized by comprising a cement compartment body (20) that is associated with the main body (10), features adhesive and cement compartment (13) on its surface, and can be mounted onto the body (10).5- The equipment described in Claim 4, characterized by the fact that the cement compartment body (20) has stabilizing side legs (21) and an aperture (22) that accommodates the tip sections of tools and / or implements to be placed on the positioning section (14).6- The equipment referred to in Claim 5 is characterized by having a cement compartment body (20) that is modularly configured so that it can be detached from the main body (10) and used independently.7- The equipment described in any of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising at least one lid (30) that covers the restoration compartment (11), the auxiliary component compartment (12), and / or the adhesive and cement compartment (13) from above.8- The equipment described in Claim 7, characterized by the feature that the lid (30) comprises a handle (31), a protrusion (32), a shaft (33), and a hinge (34).9- The equipment described in Claim 8, characterized by the lid (30) having a transparent orange structure.10- The equipment described in any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises an auxiliary component compartment (12) containing depth and / or edge barriers to facilitate the storage of abutments, screws, bridge components, cotton, retraction cord, and / or similar small components.

11. Equipment referred to in any of the above claims, characterized in that the main body (10), the cement compartment body (20) and / or the cap (30) having a material composition based on polyphenylsulfone, polyetherimide, polyether ether ketone, polysulfone, and / or polyether sulfone.12- The equipment described in any of the above claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises restoration compartment (11) positioned along an arch arrangement on the main body (10) corresponding to a specific tooth number for each reservoir, preferably compatible with the ISO / FDI tooth numbering system and corresponding to the restoration compartment (11) and auxiliary component compartment (12) positioned along an arc arrangement corresponding to the intraoral contour, preferably compatible with the ISO / FDI tooth numbering system, on the main body (10).13- The invention is equipment for washing, disinfecting, acidifying, rinsing, and / or transferring dental restorations and / or auxiliary components, characterized by;— a perforated body (40) comprising at least one restoration compartment (41), at least one auxiliary component compartment (42), and a plurality of holes (43), — and an outer housing (50) that can be placed inside the perforated body (40) and is configured to collect fluids passing through the holes (43).14- The equipment described in Claim 13, characterized by the perforated body (40) comprising a hinge (44).15- The equipment described in Claim 13, characterized by the outer container (50) comprising a hinge (51).16- The equipment described in Claim 14 or Claim 15, characterized by the perforated body (40) and / or the outer casing (50) having a liquid silicone rubber or rubber-based material structure.17- The equipment described in Claim 16, characterized by the perforated body (40) and / or the outer housing (50) having a transparent orange color.

18. This refers to the equipment described in Claim 13, which is characterized by the fact that the hoppers have raised walls (45) formed at their openings.

Images