Dental Implant Model Manufacturing via Virtual Spatial Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for manufacturing dental models are inefficient and lack precision, particularly in accurately representing the spatial disposition of dental implants within the intraoral cavity.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize virtual models to determine the precise spatial disposition of dental implants, allowing for the computer-controlled manufacture of physical dental models with embedded physical analogs corresponding to the implants, ensuring accurate alignment and position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional impression-taking methods are used to create physical dental models, then the process is simpler and more direct, but the precision and accuracy of implant spatial disposition representation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the intraoral cavity and implant spatial relationships through digital scanning and modeling. This virtual model is then used to guide the creation of physical models, ensuring high precision in representing implant positions without the limitations of traditional impression methods. The virtual-to-physical copying process maintains measurement precision while providing a controlled manufacturing workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical impression-taking procedures with a digital scanning and virtual modeling system. Optical or laser scanning captures the intraoral geometry, and computer-aided design software creates the virtual model, substituting manual impression materials and techniques with automated digital processes that offer superior precision and control.
2Manufacturing precision
If virtual modeling and computer-controlled manufacture are used to create physical dental models, then the precision and accuracy of implant representation is improved, but the manufacturing time and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary digital scanning and virtual modeling before physical model production. By establishing the virtual model first with precise implant spatial data, the subsequent manufacturing steps are guided by pre-planned digital instructions, reducing iterations and rework. This preliminary digital preparation accelerates the overall process despite the added digital workflow steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms physical measurements into digital parameters through scanning, then manipulates these parameters in the virtual model to optimize the manufacturing process. The digital environment allows for parameter adjustment and verification before physical production, enabling faster iteration and reduced manufacturing cycle time while maintaining high precision.
3Reliability
If traditional impression methods are used, then the equipment and materials required are simpler, but the ability to accurately capture and reproduce implant positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a faithful digital copy of the implant positions and spatial relationships within the intraoral cavity. This virtual replica captures precise implant coordinates, orientations, and depths that are difficult to obtain through traditional impressions. The digital copying process ensures high reliability in position fidelity while providing a reproducible workflow for creating accurate physical models.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system are provided for manufacturing a physical dental model. A virtual model is provided representative of at least a portion of the intra-oral cavity including at least one dental implant implanted therein, and the virtual model includes a virtual portion representative of each dental implant. The virtual spatial disposition of each such virtual portion is determined with respect to the virtual model, corresponding to a real spatial disposition of the respective implant with respect to the intra oral cavity. A physical model is then manufactured based on the virtual model, the physical model including a physical analog corresponding to each implant at a respective physical spatial disposition with respect to the physical model corresponding to the respective virtual spatial disposition of the respective virtual portion with respect to the first virtual model as already determined. In some embodiments, a jig is provided configured for maintaining a desired physical spatial disposition between the physical analog and a cavity of the physical dental model at least until the physical analog is affixed in the cavity.