Digital Implant Denture Workflow via Intra-oral Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for creating implant denture restorations are time-consuming and expensive due to the need for multiple appointments and the cumulative errors in physical impressions and subsequent models, which can lead to inaccuracies in the final prosthesis.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using digital impressions of the oral cavity to create implant-supported dentures, where the oral anatomy and implant positions are scanned, and a digital model is used to design and manufacture the denture substructure and shape using CAD programs and additive or subtractive manufacturing processes, reducing the need for physical impressions and intermediate try-in dentures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical impressions and laboratory models are used to create implant denture restorations, then the restorative process can be completed with conventional methods, but the number of appointments required increases and the process becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses digital impressions to create a digital copy of the patient's oral anatomy and implant positions, replacing physical impressions and laboratory models. This digital copy enables direct digital design and manufacturing of the denture restoration, eliminating the need for multiple physical model iterations and reducing the number of appointments required while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical impressions, manual model fabrication, and physical model shipping with a digital system involving intraoral scanning, digital impression capture, and electronic data transmission. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming physical processes while preserving the restorative accuracy.
2Ease of manufacture
If physical impressions are taken and processed through laboratory models, then conventional restorative procedures can be followed, but cumulative errors occur in the impression and subsequent models leading to inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The digital impression creates a precise digital replica of the oral cavity and implant positions, eliminating the cumulative errors that occur during physical impression taking, model fabrication, and handling. The digital copy can be stored, transmitted, and used for design without degradation of accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical processes of physical impression taking and model fabrication with digital scanning and computer-aided design. This substitution eliminates the sources of cumulative error inherent in manual physical processes while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized digital workflows.
3Ease of operation
If multiple appointments are scheduled for impressions, try-ins, and final delivery, then comprehensive patient evaluation and adjustments can be made, but the treatment process becomes expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary digital design and manufacturing of the denture restoration before the patient's final appointment. The digital workflow allows the laboratory to prepare the restoration in advance based on digital impressions taken at the time of implant placement, eliminating the need for multiple intermediate appointments for try-ins and adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The digital impression and digital design process allows comprehensive evaluation and adjustment capability to be maintained through virtual try-ins and digital modifications, reducing the need for multiple physical appointments while preserving the ability to evaluate and adjust the restoration thoroughly.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of creating implant-supported dentures without physical impressions is provided. Digital impressions may be obtained from scanning the oral cavity, its structures, landmarks, and implant positions. These scans together provide a highly accurate, digital model from which a digital denture design may be created. Digital denture designs may be reproduced as denture shapes by automated manufacturing processes, and an implant-supported denture may be manufactured therefrom. Methods form making a try-in denture and a final implant-supported denture are provided.