Dental Prosthesis Precision via 3D Digital Modeling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dental implant procedures face challenges in achieving precise dimensional and positional accuracy for prostheses and restorations due to limitations in existing three-dimensional imaging techniques, leading to inconsistent results.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method using three-dimensional digital data sets to create virtual models of patients' dentition, which are then used to construct prostheses and restorations with high precision through rapid manufacturing techniques like stereolithography, employing algorithms to interpret 3D image data and generate accurate virtual models for customized prosthetic design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional impression-based modeling techniques are used to create dental models, then the procedure is straightforward and widely accessible, but dimensional and positional accuracy of prostheses cannot be consistently achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedimensional and positional accuracy of prosthesesVSAvoidconsistency of accuracy results

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical impression-taking system with an optical/image-based system. Instead of using physical impressions and analog models, the invention uses digital imaging technologies (intraoral cameras, scanners, or external photographs) to capture dental anatomy and create virtual models computationally, thereby achieving consistent high precision without the variability inherent in manual impression techniques

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates accurate digital copies (virtual models) of the patient's dentition and implants from images, replacing physical copies (analog models from impressions). These virtual models can be repeatedly measured and manipulated without degradation, ensuring consistent dimensional and positional accuracy across multiple prosthetic design iterations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If digital image technology is used to assist in dental treatments, then accessibility and ease of use improve, but achieving the required high accuracy for implant-supported prosthetics remains unattainable with existing techniques

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of using digital imagingVSAvoidaccuracy of prosthesis formation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional images to three-dimensional virtual models through computational processing. By stacking and processing multiple 2D images or using 3D scanning data, the system creates accurate 3D representations of dental anatomy that maintain both ease of digital manipulation and the high precision required for implant prosthetics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces specialized software algorithms as an intermediary between image capture and prosthesis design. These algorithms automatically identify implant positions, orientations, and anatomical features from images, and compute optimal prosthesis designs that satisfy multiple constraints, thereby bridging the gap between easy-to-capture images and high-precision prosthetic requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional analog modeling is used to represent implants and dentition, then physical models can be created and manipulated, but dimensional errors and positional inaccuracies cannot be eliminated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to create and manipulate modelsVSAvoiddimensional and positional accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical analog modeling system with a digital virtual modeling system. Virtual models exist as computer data that can be perfectly replicated and manipulated without introducing dimensional errors, allowing precise measurement and adjustment of implant positions, orientations, and prosthesis designs without the accuracy degradation inherent in physical model fabrication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8255071B2Method and system for forming a dental prosthesis

Publication Date: 2012.08.28 INNOVATIVE HEALTH TECH

AI summary

A system and method for use in constructing a prosthesis/complete restoration that obtains a digital dentition model, such as a 3D geometric surface model or a 3D volumetric image model, processes the digital dentition model to form a virtual model, forms a virtual mold including a digital prosthesis and/or complete restoration, and uses the virtual model to construct the prosthesis/complete restoration. Processing circuitry, such as a programmed server, can be used to obtain the digital dentition model and form the virtual mold. A rapid manufacturing device can be used to construct the prosthesis/complete restoration.