Digital Dental Mockup for Reversible Cosmetic Preview
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for visualizing dental cosmetic restoration are either expensive, irreversible, or complex, failing to provide a realistic and cost-effective way for patients to preview the outcome before committing to permanent changes.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for producing a digital mockup of dental cosmetic restoration using initial digital data, virtual representation, and fabrication techniques like 3D printing, allowing for temporary, reusable, and biocompatible dental overlay devices that can be clipped onto teeth without altering their structure, enabling patients to preview aesthetic modifications without the need for invasive procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional temporary mockups are produced using physical impressions and wax-ups, then realistic visualization is achieved, but the process becomes complex and lengthy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical impression-taking and wax-up process with a digital system. Digital intraoral scanners capture tooth geometry, and software generates virtual mockups, eliminating the need for physical impressions, casts, and manual waxing while maintaining visualization accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies of the patient's dentition through scanning and uses these digital models to generate virtual mockups. This digital copying approach replaces physical replicas and allows for easy modification and iteration without the complexity of physical model-making
2Manufacturing precision
If permanent veneers are used for cosmetic restoration, then the desired cosmetic effect is achieved, but the treatment becomes irreversible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary visualization through virtual and physical mockups before any permanent treatment. This allows patients to preview and approve the cosmetic effect in advance, ensuring informed consent and the ability to reject permanent treatment if unsatisfied
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mockups as an intermediary step between the patient's natural teeth and permanent veneers. These mockups serve as temporary representatives that allow evaluation of cosmetic effects without committing to irreversible changes
3Ease of manufacture
If virtual mockups are created by photo retouching, then simplicity and low cost are achieved, but realistic understanding is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates actual physical copies (mockups) of the proposed restoration that can be placed on the patient's teeth, rather than merely retouching photos. These physical mockups provide tangible, realistic visualization while remaining simpler and more affordable than traditional temporary mockup procedures
4Measurement precision
If traditional temporary mockups are produced, then realistic evaluation is enabled, but the process becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive physical impression materials, casting materials, and manual waxing processes with digital scanning and software-based mockup generation. This digital substitution maintains evaluation realism while significantly reducing material and labor costs
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for a rapid, low-cost, and reversible method to simulate dental cosmetic restoration, enabling patients to visualize and validate aesthetic changes before committing to permanent treatments, reducing the complexity and expense of traditional methods while maintaining the teeth's functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The mockup may be fabricated using an additive technique, notably by 3D printing
Data Source
AI summary
Method for producing a mockup of a patient's dental cosmetic restoration, characterized in that it comprises a step (E4) of forming a file of digital data representing the dental mockup artificially presenting the restoration intended to be placed in the mouth and worn temporarily over at least part of the patient's dentition, and a step (E5) of fabricating the mockup directly from the file of digital data produced.