Digital Dental Restoration Insertion Path Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for verifying the insertion of dental restorations in dental prostheses are time-consuming, expensive, and imprecise, requiring physical fabrication of jaw models and restorations.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and system for digitally determining a virtual insertion path of a digital dental restoration to a digital preparation tooth, using collision detection and adjustment techniques to find collision-free positions and orientations, thereby avoiding physical model creation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If physical fabrication of jaw models and dental restorations is used to verify insertion, then insertion verification can be performed, but the process becomes time-consuming, expensive, and imprecise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion verification precisionVSAvoidverification time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a digital copy (virtual model) of the jaw and dental restoration instead of using physical models. The virtual model includes precise digital representations of the jaw anatomy and restoration geometry, allowing insertion verification to be performed in the digital domain. This digital copying eliminates the need for time-consuming physical fabrication while maintaining or improving verification precision through computational accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical physical fabrication and manual verification process with a computational system. The computer system performs automated collision detection and insertion path analysis using algorithms, substituting the mechanical manipulation of physical models with digital simulations. This substitution dramatically reduces verification time while improving precision through consistent computational evaluation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If physical fabrication of jaw models and dental restorations is used to verify insertion, then insertion verification can be performed, but the process becomes expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion verification reliabilityVSAvoidverification cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses digital copying to create virtual representations of the jaw and restoration, eliminating the need for expensive physical model fabrication. The digital models can be reused, modified, and analyzed multiple times without additional material costs, significantly reducing verification expenses while maintaining reliability through repeated digital simulations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent allows the virtual model to be discarded after verification and regenerated from digital dental records without material waste. Unlike physical models that consume materials and require disposal, the digital models can be recreated instantaneously from electronic dental data, reducing both material costs and waste management expenses while maintaining verification reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Manufacturing precision

If physical models are used for insertion verification, then physical prototypes can be created, but the process is time-consuming and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverestoration fitting accuracyVSAvoidverification efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical physical verification with computational simulation. The computer system automatically performs collision detection, insertion path analysis, and fit evaluation using algorithms, eliminating the need for manual manipulation of physical models. This substitution maintains manufacturing precision through accurate digital geometry while dramatically improving productivity by automating the verification process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary digital verification before any physical manufacturing or clinical placement. By conducting insertion path analysis and collision detection in the virtual domain first, the system identifies potential fitting issues before physical resources are committed, allowing corrections to be made in the digital design phase rather than requiring costly and time-consuming physical rework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11538573B2Virtual dental restoration insertion verification
Publication Date: 2022.12.27 JAMES R GLIDEWELL DENTAL CERAMICS
  • US11538573B2 patent drawing
  • US11538573B2 patent drawing
  • US11538573B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and method include digitally determining a virtual insertion path of a digital dental restoration.