Digital Dental Implant Framework Design and Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current process for developing individual crown dental prosthetics, known as the 'copymill' process, is inefficient as it only utilizes a portion of the patient's mouth spatial dimensions, requires purchasing copings and screws, and is extremely time-intensive, with limitations in accurately positioning and orienting crown copings and frameworks, leading to trial and error and significant rework.
Innovation Solution
A method involving digital data to determine the location and orientation of crowns and implants, using bridging structures and CAD models to design and manufacture the dental implant framework and crowns simultaneously, with a CAD library of crowns and support posts that are parametrically dependent, allowing for easy editing to meet clinical and aesthetic demands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the traditional copymill process is used to fabricate the framework, then the framework can be created, but the process is extremely time intensive and requires significant rework
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using digital planning software to pre-determine the precise position, orientation, and geometry of the framework and all crowns before fabrication begins. The digital model allows all measurements, margin locations, and crown positions to be established in advance, eliminating the need for time-consuming trial and error during the actual fabrication process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses digital copying by creating a virtual digital model of the patient's mouth that replicates all anatomical features, implant positions, and crown requirements. This digital copy allows for precise planning and simulation before physical fabrication, reducing the need for rework by visualizing and adjusting the complete design in the digital environment first.
2Adaptability or versatility
If technicians manually position copings and design frameworks, then some flexibility is achieved, but the process requires highly skilled technicians and is extremely time intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of positioning copings and designing frameworks with a computerized digital system. The digital planning software automatically calculates optimal positions, orientations, and geometries based on pre-set criteria and patient-specific anatomy, eliminating the need for highly skilled manual techniques while maintaining or enhancing design flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing digital adjustment of various parameters such as crown position, orientation, margin location, and framework geometry within the software. These parameters can be easily modified by changing numerical values or selecting from pre-defined options, providing flexibility without requiring advanced manual skills.
3Productivity
If the copymill process is used, then individual crowns can be placed on the framework, but the process only utilizes a portion of the spatial dimensions of the patient's mouth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies another dimension by transitioning from a limited manual approach that only considers certain spatial dimensions to a comprehensive three-dimensional digital model that utilizes all available spatial dimensions of the patient's mouth. The software can plan and visualize the complete arch, including occlusal, lingual, and vertical dimensions, maximizing the use of available space.
4Ease of manufacture
If casting technology is used to fabricate the framework, then the framework can be produced, but errors occur requiring cutting and soldering which weakens the framework
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional casting technology with computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) techniques such as CNC milling or additive manufacturing. These digital fabrication methods can directly produce the framework with high precision and structural integrity, eliminating the errors and weakening associated with cutting and soldering required in traditional casting processes.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved method of a dental framework design and manufacturing, incorporating a dental framework design volume to eliminate framework or denture teeth modification post framework manufacturing.