Apparatus and method for acquiring a dental impression by means of intraoral digital scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intraoral scanning systems face limitations in precision and accuracy, particularly when scanning larger edentulous segments or total edentulism, leading to geometric distortions and discrepancies in digital impressions, necessitating complex adaptations or modifications.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing a reference device with a support element and reference elements, fixed to the dental arch, to correct geometric distortions by processing intraoral scanner data with geometric reference data, ensuring precise digital impressions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional impression materials and trays are used, then the dental impression can be obtained, but the process requires multiple steps including mixing materials, inserting trays, and removing impressions which increases procedure time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of conventional impression materials and trays with an optical system (intraoral scanner). Instead of using physical impression materials that require mixing, inserting, and removing, the system uses optical scanning to capture dental impressions digitally, eliminating the mechanical steps entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the dental impression rather than a physical copy. The intraoral scanner captures optical data and generates a digital model that can be stored, transmitted, and used for manufacturing dental appliances, replacing the need for physical impression materials and models.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional impression materials are used, then the impression can be captured, but the materials may cause discomfort or allergic reactions in some patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the use of physical impression materials that cause discomfort or allergic reactions by replacing them with an optical scanning system. The intraoral scanner uses light to capture dental impressions without contacting the patient's mouth with potentially harmful materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary between the scanner and the patient's teeth. Instead of direct contact with impression materials, the optical system uses light reflection and refraction to capture dental geometry, eliminating the harmful interaction between impression materials and patient tissues.
3Reliability
If physical impression models are created, then the dental anatomy can be studied, but the models require physical storage space and can be lost or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates digital copies of dental impressions that can be stored indefinitely without physical degradation. The digital models replace physical plaster or resin models, eliminating the risks of loss, damage, and deterioration while requiring minimal storage space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the physical storage system with a digital storage system. Instead of storing physical impression models that occupy space and can be damaged, the system stores digital files that require minimal space and can be replicated indefinitely without degradation.
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
The method significantly reduces deformation errors during image processing, enabling accurate digital impressions comparable to laboratory scanners, reducing the need for complex adaptations and improving prosthetic model precision.
Implementation Method 1
an optical scanner to take intraoral digital scans of a patient's teeth and gums
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for acquiring a dental impression by means of intraoral digital scanning. The apparatus comprises a control unit, an intraoral scanner connected to the control unit and a reference device (1) to be fixed to the dental arch, wherein said control unit is configured to receive the set of data acquired by the scanner representing a three-dimensional image of at least one portion of the dental arch and of the reference device applied thereto, and to process the acquired data set as a function of a set of predetermined geometric reference data for the reference device (1) provided as input data for the control unit.