Replacement Tooth Internal Structure for Natural Optical Layers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing replacement teeth fail to accurately replicate the natural appearance of teeth due to insufficient consideration of the internal structure, which is crucial for achieving a lifelike appearance.
Innovation Solution
A method for determining the internal structure of a replacement tooth involves virtually compressing the outer shell data to create subvolumes with varying thickness and properties, using reference geometries and compression measures to mimic the layers of natural teeth, which can be implemented automatically within CAD/CAM software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional manufacturing methods use only outer shell data to produce replacement teeth, then the production process is simple, but the natural appearance and fidelity of the replacement tooth are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The outer shell is segmented into multiple sections (first shell section and second shell section) using reference geometries. Each section is then compressed independently to create distinct subvolumes with different optical properties, enabling the replication of natural tooth layers such as enamel and dentin.
Solution Approach 2:
The method transitions from two-dimensional outer shell data to three-dimensional internal structure by applying compression along the vertical axis. This dimensional transformation creates thickness variations in subvolumes, replicating the layered structure of natural teeth with different translucencies.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual customization methods are used to achieve faithful reproduction of natural teeth, then the natural appearance can be improved, but the production time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically determining the internal structure from outer shell data without requiring manual intervention. The computer-implemented method autonomously segments, compresses, and generates subvolumes, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual customization while maintaining high fidelity.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical customization is replaced with automated computational processes. The method uses virtual compression algorithms and computer-based calculations to determine internal structure, substituting manual craftsmanship with efficient digital processing that maintains precision while reducing time.
3Manufacturing precision
If uniform material properties are used throughout the replacement tooth, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the optical realism and natural appearance are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Different subvolumes are assigned different material properties, colors, and translucencies based on their location and function. For example, outer subvolumes may have higher translucency to simulate enamel, while inner subvolumes have lower translucency to simulate dentin, replicating the local optical variations of natural teeth.
Solution Approach 2:
The replacement tooth is constructed as a composite structure with multiple subvolumes made from materials with different optical properties. This composite approach combines materials with varying translucencies, colors, and densities to achieve realistic optical effects while maintaining manufacturability through systematic material assignment rules.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A method for determining the internal structure (30) of a replacement tooth (24) is described. The method includes obtaining outer shell data that describes an outer shell (28) of the replacement tooth (24). Furthermore, initial reference geometry information is defined or obtained. This describes a first reference geometry (Bl) that virtually subdivides the outer shell (28) of the replacement tooth (24) into a first shell section (28a) and a second shell section (28b). Additionally, a first compression shell (32) is generated by virtually compressing the first shell section (28a) in a direction relative to the first reference geometry (Bl). At least one subvolume (34, 36) of the replacement tooth (24) is derived, which is bounded by the first compression shell (32). Finally, a method for fabricating a replacement tooth (24) with a predefined outer shell (28) is described.Also presented are a replacement tooth (24), a device for data processing, a computer program and a computer-readable medium.