Virtual Dental Model Removable Components Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for generating virtual and physical models of teeth for dental restorations lack efficiency and accuracy, particularly in aligning and positioning removable components, which is crucial for proper fit and functionality of dental restorations.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that generate a virtual model of teeth with removable components, where each component is adapted to fit into a corresponding cavity in the gingival part, with supporting and positioning means that control the contact area between the component and the cavity wall, ensuring precise alignment and fit in the physical model.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional casting methods are used to create dental models from impressions, then the models can be produced with sufficient detail, but the alignment accuracy in the articulator is compromised and the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical scanning to create digital copies of the dental impression and articulator assembly. The scanning system captures the three-dimensional geometry of the gypsum models and their precise positioning in the articulator, converting physical information into digital data that can be processed and reproduced with high accuracy without requiring physical remaking of the models.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical casting and physical alignment process with an optical-digital system. Instead of manually creating casts and aligning them in the articulator, the system uses optical scanners to capture the current state and a digital processing system to generate accurate representations, eliminating the time-consuming manual operations while maintaining or improving precision.
2Ease of operation
If removable components are used in dental models to allow testing of restorations, then the ease of operation improves, but the positioning accuracy and stability of components deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pre-defined locating features and registration marks directly into the removable components during the digital design phase. These features are precisely positioned based on the scanned geometry, ensuring that when components are removed and reinserted for testing, they return to their exact original positions without requiring complex alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses digital data and virtual models as an intermediary between the physical removable components and the articulator system. The scanned geometry of the articulator and models creates a digital reference framework that guides the design of locating features, ensuring precise positioning while maintaining the removability needed for testing operations.
Data Source
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Figure 4a)~4b)
AI summary
According to an embodiment, a computer-implemented method of generating a virtual model of a set of teeth for manufacturing a physical model of the set of teeth is disclosed. The model comprises one or more teeth preparations and the method includes generating a virtual model of the set of teeth, where the virtual model is based on a virtual representation of the set of teeth; providing that each of the teeth preparation is configured to be arranged as a removable component in the model, where each removable component is adapted to fit into a corresponding cavity in a gingival part of the model; providing means for supporting and positioning each of the removable components in its corresponding cavity in the model; and configuring the means for supporting and positioning such that an area of contact between each removable component and its corresponding cavity is smaller than an area in which there is no contact between the removable component and the cavity.