Dental preparation uses a tooth preparation guide custom-made liar fitting with teeth of a patient. The preparation guide includes one or more guide channels for guiding a cutting tool. The preparation guide enables modification of the teeth as planned with high level of precision. A dental prosthesis for installing onto prepared teeth of the patient is provided before preparation of the teeth. The prosthesis includes features that are complementary to the prepared teeth. The prosthesis can be installed immediately after preparing the teeth using the preparation guide. With the high level of accuracy and precision in the preparation of teeth, no modification of the prosthesis would be needed for installation.
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0. 71. A dental preparation apparatus, comprising:
a unitary body including a buccal wall and an occlusal wall, wherein the buccal wall and the occlusal wall together define an interior space configured to receive a plurality of teeth; and
at least one guide channel formed in the unitary body and configured to receive a cutting assembly and to guide the cutting assembly along the interior space to cut one of the plurality of teeth at least partially covered by the unitary body, wherein a section of the at least one guide channel is configured to prevent the cutting assembly from being pulled out of the at least one guide channel.
0. 73. A dental preparation guide apparatus comprising:
a single body including a buccal sidewall and an occlusal wall connected to the buccal sidewall to form the single body, wherein the buccal sidewall and the occlusal wall in combination define an interior space configured to receive a tooth; and
a guide channel formed in the single body and shaped to receive a cutting assembly and guide the cutting assembly to travel along a trajectory, the guide channel comprising two opposing channel surfaces that extend along the trajectory such that the cutting assembly is constrained by the two opposing channel surfaces while the cutting assembly moves along the trajectory, the guide channel is configured to engage with the cutting assembly for inhibiting tilting of the cutting assembly in a plane parallel to a movement direction of the cutting assembly at a given point of the trajectory while the cutting assembly travels along the trajectory.
0. 65. A dental preparation apparatus, comprising:
a single body including a buccal wall and an occlusal wall, wherein the buccal wall and the occlusal wall define an interior space configured to receive a plurality of teeth such that the occlusal wall overlays occlusal surfaces of the plurality of teeth; and
at least one guide channel formed in the single body and configured to receive a cutting assembly and to guide the cutting assembly along a tool path for cutting one of the plurality of teeth positioned in the interior space, the at least one guide channel includes a first engagement structure configured to engage the cutting assembly to keep the cutting assembly in the at least one guide channel while the cutting assembly moves along the tool path,
wherein the first engagement structure defines a first guide groove and a second guide groove opposing the first guide groove, wherein the first and second guide grooves are configured to receive a guide projection of the cutting assembly and allow rotation of a cutting tool of the cutting assembly, and the guide projection has a spherical shape.
0. 1. A dental preparation guide apparatus in a single body, the single body apparatus comprising a lingual sidewall, a buccal sidewall opposing the lingual sidewall, and an occlusal wall interconnecting the lingual and buccal sidewalls to form the single body, wherein the lingual sidewall, the buccal sidewall and the occlusal wall in combination define an interior space in which to receive a tooth comprising a buccal surface, a lingual surface, a mesial surface, a distal surface and an occlusal surface such that the lingual surface faces the lingual sidewall, the buccal surface faces the buccal sidewall, mid the occlusal surface faces the occlusal wall,
the apparatus further comprising a guide channel formed in the single body and shaped to receive a cutting tool and guide the cutting tool to travel along a trajectory;
the guide channel comprising two opposing channel surfaces that are substantially parallel to each other and extend along the trajectory such that the cutting tool is constrained by the two opposing surfaces while traveling along the trajectory, the guide channel further comprising at least one anti-tilting configuration formed into at least one of the two channel surfaces and configured to engage with the cutting tool for preventing or reducing tilting of the cutting tool in a plane parallel to a direction of movement of the cutting tool at a given point of the trajectory while the cutting tool travels along the trajectory;
wherein the guide channel comprises a buccal section, a lingual section, and an interconnecting section interconnecting the buccal and lingual sections, which are connected to provide the guide channel as a single integrated, channel that allows the cutting tool to travel through the buccal, interconnecting and lingual sections of the guide channel without having to remove the cutting tool therefrom; and
wherein when viewing in a direction toward the occlusal wall, the buccal section extends generally along the buccal sidewall, and the lingual section extends generally along the lingual sidewall.
0. 2. The apparatus of
wherein the lingual section is configured to cause the portion of the cutting tool to enter into a lingual area of the interior space between the lingual sidewall and the tooth such that the portion of the cutting tool cut at least part of the lingual surface while traveling in the lingual section; and
wherein the interconnecting section is configured to cause the portion of the cutting tool to enter into an abutting area of the interior space between the tooth and an immediately neighboring tooth such that the portion of the cutting tool cut at least part of the mesial or distal surface while traveling in the interconnecting section.
0. 3. The apparatus of
wherein the at least one anti-titling configuration comprises a first engagement structure and a second engagement structure extending, along the trajectory and substantially parallel to each other, the first and second engagement structures being configured to engage respectively with first and second counterpart structures of the cutting tool, wherein engagement of the first and second engagement structures respectively with the first and second counterpart structures is to prevent or reduce tilting of the cutting tool in the plane parallel to the movement direction and further to prevent disengagement of the cutting tool from the guide channel while traveling along the trajectory except where a port of entry or discharge of the cutting tool is provided.
0. 4. The apparatus of
0. 5. The apparatus of
0. 6. The apparatus of
0. 7. The apparatus of
0. 8. A method of providing a dental restoration kit, the method comprising:
providing a first 3D image data representing one or more teeth of a patient before a desired preparation of the one or more teeth for installing a desired dental prosthesis;
before the desired preparation and before making the desired dental prosthesis, determining an axis of insertion along which the desired dental prosthesis should approach the one or more teeth for engaging the desired dental prosthesis with the one or more teeth after the desired preparation, wherein the axis of insertion is determined relative to the one or more teeth;
generating a second 3D image data representing the one or more teeth after the desired preparation;
producing the dental preparation guide apparatus of
producing the desired prosthesis based on the first 3D image data arid the second 3D image data.
0. 9. The method of
processing the first 3D image data to orient a 3D image of the one or more teeth in multiple directions;
providing information of undercuts in multiple directions of orientation of the 3D image; and
choosing a direction of orientation of the 3D image as the axis of insertion based on the information of the undercuts.
0. 10. The method of
0. 11. The method of
0. 12. The method of
generating a fourth 3D image data of the desired prosthesis; and
making the desired prosthesis using the fourth 3D image data.
0. 13. The method of
0. 14. A method of making devices for dental procedure, comprising:
providing a first 3D image data representing one or more teeth of a patient before a desired preparation of the one or more teeth for installing a desired dental prosthesis;
before the desired preparation, generating a first image illustrating a first prospective shape of the one or more teeth that would exist after installation of a first dental prosthesis;
before the desired preparation, providing the first image for the patient's review of the first image;
subsequent to the patient's approval of the first image and before the desired preparation, causing to make the first dental prosthesis based on the first image; and
subsequent to the patient's approval of the image, making the dental preparation guide apparatus of
0. 15. The method of
before the desired preparation, generating a second 3D image data representing a prospective, prepared shape of the one or more teeth that would exist after the desired preparation thereof, wherein the single body apparatus further comprises a port configured to allow the burr to enter into or discharged from the guide channel, wherein the port is located in a portion of the single body that corresponds to another tooth received by the interior space, wherein the guide channel further comprises a non-cutting access way interconnecting between the port and one of the buccal section, the interconnecting section and the lingual section, wherein the non-cutting access way does not cause the burr to cut the other tooth received by the interior space.
0. 16. The method of
before the desired preparation, generating a second image illustrating a second prospective shape of the one or more teeth that would exist after installation of a second dental prosthesis;
before the desired preparation, providing a plurality of images comprising the first and second images for the patient's review; and
receiving the patient's approval of the first image rather than the second image, wherein the first and second prospective shapes differ in at least one selected from the group consisting of length, width, surface curvature, embrasure and shading.
0. 17. The method of
subsequent to providing the first image and prior to the patient's approval, receiving the patient's request to modify the first image;
changing the first prospective shape based on the patient's request to modify the first image; and
providing art modified first image illustrating the changed first prospective shape for the patient's approval.
0. 18. A method of dental procedure, comprising:
making a first dental prosthesis and a preparation guide device in accordance with the method of
providing the first dental prosthesis and the preparation guide device to a dental practitioner for preparing the one or more teeth and installing the first dental prosthesis onto the one or more teeth after preparation.
0. 19. The method of
0. 20. The apparatus of
0. 21. A method of preparing a tooth for dental restoration, the method comprising:
providing the apparatus of
engaging the apparatus with the tooth such that the tooth is received in the interior space and such that the lingual surface faces the lingual sidewall, the buccal surface faces the buccal sidewall, and the occlusal surface faces the occlusal wall;
inserting the cutting tool comprising a burr into the guide channel via an insertion hole;
traveling the burr along the trajectory of the guide channel comprising the buccal section, lingual section and inter-connecting section, by which the burr cuts side surface of the tooth comprising at least part of the lingual surface, at least part of the buccal surface and at least part of the mesial or distal surface; and
wherein during traveling of the burr along the trajectory, the burr is not removed from the wide channel until completion of the cutting side surfaces of the tooth.
0. 22. The method of
wherein the at least one anti-titling configuration comprises a first engagement structure and a second engagement structure extending along the trajectory and substantially parallel to each other, the first and second engagement structures being configured to engage respectively with first and second counterpart structures of the cutting tool, wherein engagement of the first and second engagement structures respectively with the first and second counterpart structures is to prevent or reduce tilting of the cutting tool in the plane parallel to the movement direction and further to prevent disengagement of the cutting tool from the guide channel while traveling along the trajectory except where a port of entry or discharge of the cutting tool is provided.
0. 23. The apparatus of
0. 24. A system for dental preparation, comprising:
the apparatus of
a dental handpiece comprising an inserting structure, wherein the inserting structure and a burr constitutes a cutting tool to be received by the guide channel of the apparatus; and
the inserting structure comprising at least one counterpart structure configured to engage with the at least one anti-tilting configuration of the guide channel such that the inserting structure is constrained by the at least one anti-tilting configuration of the guide channel rather than the burr.
0. 25. The apparatus of
0. 26. The apparatus of
0. 27. A dental preparation guide apparatus in a single body, the single body apparatus comprising a lingual sidewall, buccal sidewall opposing the lingual sidewall, and an occlusal wall interconnecting the lingual and buccal sidewalls to form the single body, wherein the lingual sidewall, the buccal sidewall and the occlusal wall in combination define an interior space in which to receive two or more teeth comprising a first tooth and a second tooth,
wherein the lingual sidewall comprises a first lingual sidewall and a second lingual sidewall, the buccal sidewall comprises a first buccal sidewall and a second buccal sidewall, the occlusal wall comprises a first occlusal wall and a second occlusal wall;
wherein the first: lingual sidewall and the first buccal sidewall oppose each other and are configured to sandwich the first tooth when the first and second teeth are received in the interior space;
wherein the second lingual sidewall and the second buccal sidewall oppose each other and are configured to sandwich the second tooth when the first and second teeth are received in the interior space;
wherein the first occlusal wall interconnecting between the first lingual sidewall and the first buccal sidewall and is configured to overlap the first tooth when the first and second teeth are received in the interior space;
wherein the second occlusal wall interconnecting between the second lingual sidewall and the second buccal sidewall and is configured to overlap the second tooth when the first and second teeth are received in the interior space;
wherein the apparatus further comprises a first guide channel formed in the single body and shaped to receive a cutting tool and guide the cutting tool along a first trajectory, the first guide channel comprising a first engagement structure configured to engage with a first counterpart structure of the cutting tool and further configured to prevent disengagement of the cutting tool from the first guide channel while traveling along the first trajectory; and
wherein the single body comprises a second guide channel formed in the second occlusal wall and shaped to receive the cutting tool or another cutting tool to guide the same along the second guide channel.
0. 28. The apparatus of
0. 29. The apparatus of
0. 30. The apparatus of
wherein the lingual sidewall further comprises a third lingual sidewall located between the first lingual sidewall and the second lingual sidewall;
wherein the buccal sidewall further comprises a third buccal sidewall located between the first buccal sidewall and the second buccal sidewall;
wherein the occlusal wall further comprises a third occlusal wall located between the first occlusal wall and the second occlusal wall;
wherein the third lingual sidewall, the third buccal sidewall and the third occlusal wall at least partially surrounds a space of the missing tooth when the first and second teeth are received in the interior space; and
wherein the first guide channel comprises a second engagement structure configured to engage with a second counterpart structure of the cutting tool, wherein engagement of the first and second engagement structures respectively with the first and second counterpart structures is to prevent or reduce tilting of the cutting tool in the plane parallel to the movement direction while traveling along the first trajectory.
0. 31. The apparatus of
wherein the first guide channel and the second guide channel are connected together via the third guide channel and form a single connected channel such that the cutting tool received in the first guide channel can travel to the second guide channel without having to be removed from the first guide channel.
0. 32. The apparatus of
wherein the first guide channel and the second guide channel are separate from each other and a portion of the third occlusal wall blocks between the first and second channels such that the cutting tool received in the first guide channel must be removed from the first guide channel in order to be received in the second guide channel.
0. 33. The apparatus of
wherein the lingual sidewall further comprises a third lingual sidewall located between the first lingual sidewall and the second lingual sidewall;
wherein the buccal sidewall further comprises a third buccal sidewall located between the first buccal sidewall and the second buccal sidewall;
wherein the occlusal wall further comprises a third occlusal wall located between the first occlusal wall and the second occlusal wall;
wherein the third lingual sidewall, the third buccal sidewall and the third occlusal wall at least partially surrounds the third tooth when the first, second and third teeth are received in the interior space; and
wherein the first guide channel comprises a second engagement structure configured to engage with a second counterpart structure of the cutting tool, wherein engagement of the first and second engagement structures respectively with the first and second counterpart structures is to prevent or reduce tilting of the cutting tool in the plane parallel to the movement direction while traveling along the first trajectory.
0. 34. The apparatus of
wherein the first guide channel and the second guide channel are connected together via the third guide channel and form a single connected channel such that the cutting tool received in the first guide channel can travel to the second guide channel without having to be removed from the first guide channel.
0. 35. The apparatus of
wherein when viewing in a direction toward the occlusal wall, the first buccal section extends generally along the first buccal sidewall, and the first lingual section extends generally along the first lingual sidewall; and
wherein the first guide channel comprises a second engagement structure configured to engage with a second counterpart structure of the cutting tool, wherein engagement of the first and second engagement structures respectively with the first and second counterpart structures is to prevent or reduce tilting of the cutting tool in the plane parallel to the movement direction while traveling along the first trajectory.
0. 36. The apparatus of
wherein the first lingual section is configured to cause the portion of the cutting tool to enter into a lingual area of the interior space and between the first lingual sidewall and the tooth for cutting at least part of a lingual surface of the first tooth while traveling in the first lingual section when the first and second teeth are received in the interior space; and
wherein the first interconnecting section is configured to cause the portion of the cutting tool to enter into the interior space for cutting at least part of a mesial or distal surface of the first tooth while traveling in the first interconnecting section when the first and second teeth are received in the interior space.
0. 37. The apparatus of
0. 38. The apparatus of
0. 39. The apparatus of
0. 40. The apparatus of
0. 41. The apparatus of
0. 42. The apparatus of
0. 43. A system for dental preparation, comprising:
the apparatus of
a dental handpiece with an inserting structure connected to the dental handpiece; and
wherein the inserting structure is configured to be inserted between and constrained by the two surfaces of the first guide channel.
0. 44. A method of dental procedure, comprising:
providing a dental prosthesis for installing onto one or more teeth of a patient, the one or more teeth comprising a first tooth comprising an occlusal surface, a buccal side, a lingual side, a distal side and a mesial side;
providing a preparation guide device in a single piece far use in preparing the one or more teeth of the patient for installing the dental prosthesis, wherein the preparation guide device is custom-made to fit at least part of the one or more teeth and comprises at least one guide channel configured to guide a cutting tool, wherein the at least one guide channel comprises a first single channel that the cutting tool can travel along a first trajectory thereof, the first single channel comprising a first engagement structure and a second engagement structure extending along the first trajectory and substantially parallel to each other;
mounting the preparation guide device over the one or more teeth such that the preparation guide device fit the at least part of the one or more teeth;
providing the cutting tool comprising a burr, the cutting tool further comprising a first counterpart structure and a second counterpart structure;
engaging the cutting tool with the first single channel such that the first and second counterpart structures of the burr engage respectively with the first and second engagement structures of the first single channel;
moving the burr along the first trajectory to cut the first tooth on three or four of the buccal, lingual, distal and mesial sides without having to remove the burr from the preparation guide device, which completes preparation of the first tooth for installing the dental prosthesis onto the first tooth without the need of an additional preparation guide for preparing the first tooth and without the need of an additional substantial cutting of the first tooth, wherein engagement of the first and second engagement structures with the first and second counterpart structures prevents or reduces tilting of the burr in a plane parallel to a direction of movement of the bur at a given point of the first trajectory and further prevents disengagement of the burr from the first single channel while the burr is traveling along the trajectory except where a disengagement configuration is provided; and
installing the dental prosthesis onto the first tooth so as to surround the three or four of the buccal, lingual, distal and mesial sides of the first tooth.
0. 45. The method of
0. 46. The method of
0. 47. The method of
0. 48. The method of
0. 49. The method of
0. 50. The method of
0. 51. The method of
causing to provide a 3D image data representing the one or more teeth of the patient before preparation sufficient to install the dental prosthesis, wherein causing to provide the 3D image data comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of:
scanning of the patient's oral features using a 3D scanning device;
taking an impression of the patient's oral features;
producing a 3D model of the patient's oral features from the impression; and
scanning the 3D model using a 3D scanning device.
0. 52. The method of
0. 53. The method of
0. 54. A dental preparation guide apparatus in a single body, the single body apparatus comprising a lingual sidewall, a buccal sidewall opposing the lingual sidewall, and an occlusal wall interconnecting the lingual and buccal sidewalls to form the single body, wherein the lingual sidewall, the buccal sidewall and the occlusal wall in combination define an interior space in which to receive a tooth comprising a buccal surface, a lingual surface, a mesial surface, a distal surface and an occlusal surface such that the lingual surface faces the lingual sidewall, the buccal surface faces the buccal sidewall, and the occlusal surface faces the occlusal wall,
wherein the single body comprising a first guide channel formed in the occlusal wall and shaped to engage with a first cutting tool to guide the first cutting tool to travel along a first trajectory;
wherein when viewing in a direction toward the occlusal wall, the first guide channel comprising a section that extends generally along at least part of the buccal sidewall;
wherein the single body comprising a second guide channel formed in at least one of the buccal and lingual sidewalls and shaped to engage with the first cutting tool or a second cutting tool to guide the same to travel along a second trajectory; and
wherein when viewing in a direction toward the buccal sidewall, the second guide channel extends generally along at least part of the occlusal wall.
0. 55. The apparatus of
wherein the buccal side wall comprises an interior surface facing the buccal surface of the tooth when the tooth is received in the interior space, wherein the first guide channel extends generally along the interior surface of the buccal wall when viewing in the direction toward the occlusal wall.
0. 56. The apparatus of
0. 57. A method of preparing a tooth for dental restoration, the method comprising:
providing the apparatus of
engaging the apparatus with the tooth such that the tooth is received in the interior space and such that the lingual surface faces the lingual sidewall, the buccal surface faces the buccal sidewall, and the occlusal surface faces the occlusal wall;
inserting the first cutting tool comprising a burr into the first guide channel of the apparatus, whereby a cutting portion of the burr enters into the interior space and between the buccal sidewall and the tooth;
cutting at least part of the buccal surface of the tooth while traveling the burr along the first guide channel;
inserting the first cutting tool or a second cutting tool comprising a burr into the second guide channel, whereby a cutting portion of the burr of the first or second cutting tool enters into the interior space and between the occlusal wall and the tooth, wherein inserting the into the second guide channel can occur either before or after cutting the buccal surface; and
cutting at least part of the buccal surface of the tooth while traveling the burr of the first or second cutting tool along the second guide channel.
0. 58. The apparatus of
0. 59. The apparatus of
0. 60. A system for dental preparation, comprising:
apparatus of
a dental handpiece with an inserting structure connected to the dental handpiece; and
wherein the inserting structure is configured to be inserted between the two surfaces of the first guide channel and constrained by the two surfaces while the first cutting tool is traveling along the first trajectory.
0. 61. A dental preparation guide apparatus in a single body, the single body apparatus comprising a lingual sidewall, buccal sidewall opposing the lingual sidewall, and an occlusal wall interconnecting the lingual and buccal sidewalls to form the single body, wherein the lingual sidewall, the buccal sidewall and the occlusal wall in combination define an interior space in which to receive a tooth comprising a buccal surface, a lingual surface, a mesial surface, a distal surface and an occlusal surface such that the lingual surface faces the lingual sidewall, the buccal surface faces the buccal sidewall, and the occlusal surface faces the occlusal wall,
wherein the single body comprises a guide channel formed through at least one of the lingual and buccal sidewalls and shaped to engage with a cutting tool to guide the cutting tool along a trajectory, the guide channel comprising two opposing channel surfaces that are substantially parallel to each other and extending along the trajectory such that the cutting tool is constrained by the two opposing surfaces while traveling along the trajectory; and
wherein the guide channel is configured to cause a portion of the cutting tool to enter into the interior space and to be inserted between the occlusal wall and the tooth such that the portion of the cutting tool cuts at least part of the occlusal surface while traveling in the guide channel.
0. 62. The apparatus of
0. 63. The apparatus of
0. 64. A method of preparing a tooth for dental restoration, the method comprising:
providing the apparatus of
integrating the apparatus with the tooth such that the tooth is received in the interior space and such that the lingual surface faces the lingual sidewall, the buccal surface faces the buccal sidewall, and the occlusal surface faces the occlusal wall;
engaging the guide channel of the apparatus with the cutting tool comprising a burr, whereby a cutting portion of the burr enters into the interior space and between the occlusal wall and the tooth; and
traveling the burr along the guide channel while running the burr, thereby cutting at least part of the occlusal surface of the tooth.
0. 66. The dental preparation apparatus of claim 65, wherein the at least one guide channel includes a first guide channel and a second guide channel spaced apart from one another, wherein a portion of the single body is between the first guide channel and the second guide channel, and wherein when the cutting assembly is in the first guide channel, the cutting assembly must be removed from the first guide channel to be placed in the second guide channel.
0. 67. The dental preparation apparatus of claim 65, wherein the first engagement structure extends along the at least one guide channel and is configured to slidably contact a complementary engagement feature of the cutting assembly to keep the cutting assembly in the at least one guide channel.
0. 68. The dental preparation apparatus of claim 65, wherein the cutting assembly includes a rotatable burr and a handpiece holding the rotatable burr, wherein the first engagement structure includes a slot configured engage a portion of the handpiece while the rotatable burr is positioned in the interior space.
0. 69. The dental preparation apparatus of claim 65, wherein the cutting assembly includes a burr and is configured to contact the at least one guide channel to prevent contact between the burr and the dental preparation apparatus while the cutting assembly moves along the tool path.
0. 70. The dental preparation apparatus of claim 65, wherein the tool path is a veneer tool path extending along an occlusal region or buccal region of the interior space.
0. 72. The dental preparation apparatus of claim 71, wherein the at least one guide channel includes a first guide channel and a second guide channel spaced apart from one another, wherein a portion of the unitary body is between the first guide channel and the second guide channel such that the cutting assembly, when in the first guide channel, must be removed from the first guide channel to be placed in the second guide channel.
0. 74. The dental preparation guide apparatus of claim 73, wherein the single body is configured to permit at least part of the cutting assembly to enter into a buccal area of the interior space between the buccal sidewall and the tooth such that the cutting assembly cuts at least part of a buccal surface of the tooth while traveling in a buccal section of the guide channel; and
wherein the single body is configured to permit at least part of the cutting assembly to enter into an abutting area of the interior space between the tooth and an immediately neighboring tooth such that the cutting assembly cuts at least part of the mesial or distal surface of the tooth while traveling in the single body.
0. 75. The dental preparation guide apparatus of claim 73, further comprising a first engagement structure and a second engagement structure extending along the trajectory and substantially parallel to each other, the first and second engagement structures being configured to engage respectively with first and second counterpart structures of the cutting assembly, wherein engagement of the first and second engagement structures respectively with the first and second counterpart structures is to prevent disengagement of the cutting assembly from a section of the guide channel while traveling along the trajectory.
0. 76. The dental preparation guide apparatus of claim 73, wherein the guide channel is configured to allow a proximal portion of the cutting assembly to pass through the occlusal wall while allowing a distal portion of the cutting assembly to extend into the interior space, wherein each of first and second counterpart structures of the cutting assembly is in a spherical shape as part of the cutting tool, and wherein each of the first and second engagement structures is configured to accommodate traveling of the spherical shape therethrough.
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par part of one side surface is not cut or modified when viewing in a direction toward the occlusal surface or incisal edge of the tooth. The portion that is not modified or cut includes a contact point of that tooth wit with an adjacent tooth. In one embodiment, the preparation guide device includes a single tool guide channel that is configured to cut or modify all four side surfaces of a single tooth, in which the single tool guide channel does not have a closed loop trajectory when viewing in a direction toward the occlusal surface or incisal edge of the tooth. In this embodiment, once a burr is engaged with the single tool guide channel, traveling through the tool guide channel may accomplish cutting or modifying of the four surfaces without having to remove the burr from the tool guide channel, although not limited thereto.
Preparation Guide Device—Preparing for a Crown
In one embodiment, one or more preparation guide devices are used to prepare a tooth for a crown prosthesis, in which the lingual, mesial, buccal, distal, and occlusal surfaces of the tooth are cut. In one embodiment, a single preparation guide device includes one or more tool guide ways that are configured to cut all of these surfaces without the need of additional preparation guide device and further without cutting any surfaces of the tooth in the absence of a preparation guide device. In one embodiment, a single preparation guide device includes one tool guide way formed in the occlusal surface that form a closed loop that is used to cut all four side surfaces. This single preparation guide device includes one or more tool guide way formed the buccal sidewall and/or lingual sidewall that is/are configured to cut the occlusal surface of the tooth.
In one embodiment, two preparation guide devices are used to prepare a tooth for a crown prosthesis without the need of additional preparation guide device and further without cutting any surfaces of the tooth in the absence of a preparation guide device. In this embodiment, one preparation guide device includes one tool guide way formed in the occlusal wall for cutting, the buccal or lingual surface of the tooth and the other tool guide way formed in the buccal or lingual sidewall for cutting at least part of the occlusal surface of the tooth. Further, the other preparation guide device includes one tool guide way formed in the occlusal wall for cutting the lingual or buccal surface of the tooth and the other tool guide way formed in the lingual or buccal sidewall for cutting the remainder of the occlusal surface of the tooth. In another embodiment, more than two preparation guide devices are used to prepare a tooth for a crown prosthesis.
Restoring Missing Teeth
Referring, to embodiments of
In embodiments, artificial tooth 52 can be made of various materials, including ceramic, metallic, and polymer materials. Examples of metallic materials that can be used include gold, platinum, gold alloys, platinum alloys, titanium, titanium alloys, tantalum, and tantalum alloys. Examples of ceramic materials that can be used include zirconia, alumina, hydroxyapatite, tricalcium phosphate ceramic, glass, and crystallized glass. In fact, any material used for dental purposes can be employed as long as it is not harmful to the human body, is biocompatible, can be formed into artificial teeth, and can endure physical force exerted on teeth.
Elastic deformation of a fixing portion 54 may or may not be required depending on the circumstances, and so it is important to select an appropriate material for each case. Metallic materials are generally flexible, and ceramic materials generally are not. In various embodiments of the invention, prosthesis 50 can be installed by moving it linearly according to a predetermined axis of insertion from above the occlusal surface of the teeth towards the gum 68. In such embodiments, because neither the cut portion of tooth nor the fixing portion 54 of the prosthesis 50 has any undercut, no elastic deformation of the fixing portion 54 is required while the prosthesis 50 is installed. Therefore, according to such embodiments, materials with almost no flexibility can be used in nearly all cases.
Preparation Guide Device
Referring to
In an embodiment, the preparation guide device 100 is engaged such that it does not move within a patient's mouth, and guides the cutting of an abutment's 70 side surfaces. In an embodiment, a preparation guide device 100 is placed over the location of a missing tooth and abutments 70 on each side thereof. In other embodiments, a preparation guide device covers not only abutment teeth 70, but also teeth adjacent to the abutments 72 and/or the gum or even alveolar bone.
Mounting of Preparation Guide Device
In an embodiment, a preparation guide device 100 has a sidewall 110 that extends along the side surface of teeth. The sidewall has a lingual sidewall 111 that extends along the lingual surface and a buccal sidewall 112 that extends along the buccal surface. The interior of these sidewalls 110 correspond to the shapes of the lingual and buccal surfaces of teeth. However, in certain embodiments, the interior surface of the sidewall beneath the survey line 84 is configured to not have any undercut (see
In an embodiment, a preparation guide device 100 has a top wall 114 that covers teeth by connecting a lingual sidewall 111 and a buccal sidewall 112. The interior of the top wall 114 is configured to be of a shape that corresponds to the occlusal surface of a tooth to be accommodated. As shown in
Burr
Referring to
In an embodiment, a burr 200 is made of tungsten carbide or stainless steel, and abrasives are attached at the cutting head 204. For example, a diamond abrasive can be used. In another embodiment of the invention, the cutting head can include multiple cutting edges instead of abrasives.
In an embodiment, the neck 203 fits within and moves along the tool guide way 120, which comprises the shape of a guide slot as discussed below. For such purposes, referring to
Hand Piece
In an embodiment, a hand piece 230 is a device that installs and rotates a burr 200 (see
Tool Guide Way or Channel
In an embodiment, a tool guide way 120 is provided to guide a burr 200 such that it follows a predetermined path or trajectory. After the burr 200 is properly inserted into the tool guide way 120 through an entrance hole, the burr 200 can only move along the predetermined path. The burr 200 moves along the tool guide way 120 and removes or cuts teeth. In an embodiment, as shown in
Cutting Tooth along a Tool Guide Way
In an embodiment, a burr 200 may not cut teeth at every location along a tool guide way 120. Whether or nota burr 200 cuts teeth at a given location is determined by the radius of the burr 200 (size of a cross section) and the distance between the tool guide way 120 and surface of teeth. Because the radius of a burr 200 can change depending on the burr's lengthwise shape, the shape of the burr also affects the cutting of teeth.
In an embodiment, the distance between a tool guide way 120 and surface of teeth can be defined as a distance d between the vertical centerline of the tool guide way 120 and the surface of teeth, as shown in
In one embodiment, a preparation guide device 100 is designed so that a burr 200 cuts teeth along all points on a path of a tool guide way 120. In an embodiment, the depth of cutting can be configured to be almost constant at all points along a path or to vary greatly. In another embodiment, a preparation guide device 100 is designed so that a burr 200 cuts teeth while moving along certain sections of the tool guide way 120, but not along other sections. In an embodiment, a preparation guide device 100 is designed so that a section where the burr 200 moves without cutting teeth is followed by a connected section where the burr moves while cutting teeth. In some embodiments, a preparation guide device 100 is designed so that a section where a burr 200 moves while cutting teeth is located between, or intervenes, sections where the burr moves without cutting teeth. In some other embodiments, a preparation guide device 100 is designed so that a section where the burr 200 moves without cutting teeth is located between, or intervenes, sections where the burr moves while cutting teeth. The various types of embodiments discussed in this paragraph all assume using a burr with a predetermined radius and shape.
No Cutting of Occlusal Surface
Referring to
Restriction of Burr within Tool Guide Way
Referring to
In some embodiments, a portion of a burr 200 enters a guide slot and becomes constrained in its movement, but other embodiments have structures wherein a hand piece 230 is inserted into and constrained by a guide slot of a tool guide way 120. For example, in an embodiment as shown in
Using Two or More Burrs in One Tool Guide Way
While in some embodiments, a single burr is used for cutting tooth, in other embodiments two or more burrs can be used inclining tooth. For example, in embodiments with thick portions to cut, a first burr can cut some layers of the portion to be cut by moving along a tool guide way 120, and a second burr can subsequently move along, the same tool guide way 120 to cut the remaining layers in order to obtain a final cut shape. In another embodiment of the invention, a first burr can perform a rough cut, and a second burr can subsequently perform a precise cut.
In one embodiment using two or more burrs, the two or more burrs enter a tool guide way 120 through the same entrance. In another embodiment, referring to
In one embodiment, a first part 120a and a second part 120b have different internal structures, so a first burr cannot move past the first part 120a to move along the second part 120b. More specifically, the internal structure of the first part 120a of a tool guide way 120 complements the shape of the first burr, and the internal structure of the second part 120b of the tool guide way complements the shape of the second burr. Moreover, the first burr and the second burr differ with respect to one or more of the following: length of a neck 203, thickness of a neck 203, number of guide projections 208, 210, shape of guide projections 208, 210, size of guide projections 208, 210, and other considerations. The first 120a and second parts 120b can also have various structures that correspond to those of their respective burrs. Accordingly, in an embodiment, the first part 102a can accommodate the first burr, but the second part 1206 cannot accommodate the first burr, and only the second burr can enter and move along the second part 120b. In other embodiments, first 120a and second parts 120b of a tool guide way 120 can have the same internal structure so that a first burr can pass through a middle or intermediate tool hole 124a and move along the second part 120b as well.
Guide grooves
Referring to
Sidewall Entrance for Burrs
In an embodiment as shown in
Cutting Three or More Side Surfaces using a Single Tool Guide Way
Referring to
Still referring to
Vertical Tool Entrance Hole
In an embodiment as shown in
In an embodiment as shown in
Although each tool guide way 120 of an embodiment as shown in
Another Embodiment of a Vertical fool Entrance Hole
An embodiment of the invention as shown in
Referring to
In the foregoing embodiments, the tool hole 124 On the buccal surface side is used as the entrance, and the tool hole 124 on the lingual surface side is used as the exit. In other embodiments, the tool hole 124 on the lingual surface side can he used as the entrance, and the tool hole 124 on the buccal surface side can be used as the exit. In yet other embodiments, a single tool hole 124 can be provided for the tool guide way 120 and he used as both an entrance and an exit.
Still referring to
Marking the Travel Direction of a Burr and Other Information
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the preparation guide device 100 can include signs or indications that provide information to dental practitioners. For example, referring to
In one embodiment, when a dentist moves a burr along a tool guide way While grasping a hand piece coupled to the burr, the dentist can push the hand piece away from his/her body to move the burr. The burr can be moved by way of pushing the hand piece through the entire portion of the tool guide way or a certain portion of the tool guide way. In another embodiment, the dentist can pull the hand piece toward his/her body to move the burr. In a certain embodiment, the dentist can apply a force to the hand piece from left to right to move the burr. In an alternative embodiment, the dentist can apply a force to the hand piece from right to left to move the burr.
Rotational Direction of a Burr
In an embodiment as shown in
Structure of Tool Holes for Burrs
Referring to
In some embodiments, When the stopper 144 stops the lower guide projection 210, the upper guide projection 208 is situated at the height of the upper guide groove 132, and the lower guide projection 210 is situated at the height of the lower guide groove 134. Therefore, when the burr 200 is stopped from moving down further due to the stopper 144, the burr 200 can be rotated and moved towards the tool guide way 120 as the guide projections 208, 210 are inserted into the groove to move along the tool guide way.
Referring to
Anti-Titling Anti-tilting Structures
As the burr 200 moves along the path provided by a tool guide way 120 and cuts teeth, the burr 200 can tilt from its ideal axis of rotation 201. Tilting can occur in various directions. Any such direction includes a first tilting component in the direction of the travel of the burr 200 along the tool guide way 120 and a second tilting component in the plane perpendicular to the direction. These tilting components can be substantially reduced by using complementary shapes and structures for the tool guide way 120 and the burr 200. Factors for reducing tilting can include the length of the burr's neck 203, diameter of the neck 203, number of guide projections 208, 210, shape of guide projections 208, 210, size of guide projections 208, 210, position of guide projections 208, 210, length of guide surfaces 128 facing each other in the tool guide way 120 that corresponds to the aforementioned configurations, width of guide surfaces 128, number of guide grooves, shape of guide grooves, size of guide grooves, and position of guide grooves.
One embodiment includes a tilting prevention structure located at the terminal portion 210 of the cutting head 204 of the burr 200. As shown in
Cutting Margin Line
As the burr 200 moves along the tool guide way 120, a terminal cutting portion of the cutting head 204 cuts tooth as far as it can reach, forming a boundary line (cutting margin line) between cut portions and uncut portions. Prostheses are produced such that they can reach anti be engaged onto the cutting margin line. Referring to
Cut Portions without any Substantial Undercuts
If cutting is solely dependent on a dental practitioner's hand movement, an undercut can result from cutting. However, in one embodiment of the invention, there is no noticeable undercut on the cut portions of the teeth as viewed along the axis of insertion of the prosthesis. In other words, no undercut is present in the portion where the prosthesis is to be engaged, as viewed along the intended axis of insertion of the prosthesis. Referring to
Sloped Angle of a Cut Surface
In one embodiment of the invention, the angle αbetween the cut surface of teeth and the axis of insertion 76, 78 of the prosthesis 50 ranges from about 0° to about 3°. In one embodiment, the angle αcan be about 0.1°, about 0.2°, about 0.3°, about 0.4°, about 0.5°, about 0.6°, about 0.7°, about 0.8°, about 0.9°, about 1°, about 1.1°, about 1.2°, about 1.3°, about 1.4°, about 1.5°, about 1.7°, about 1.9°, about 2°, about 2.3°, about 2.7°, about 3°, about 3.5°, or about 4°. In other embodiments, the angle can be within the range of any two of the aforementioned angles. The aforementioned angles are much less than the angle typically formed by cutting without a preparation guide device, which ranges from about 6° to about 10°. It is also possible to cut at an angle of about 4°, about 5°, about 6°, about 7°, about 8°, about 9°, about 10°, about 11°, about 12°, about 13°, about 14°, or about 15° using the preparation guide device. Here, the angle can also be within the range of any two of the aforementioned angles.
In one embodiment, the angle αbetween the cut surface 80 and the (intended) axis of insertion 76 of the prosthesis 50 is either constant throughout all cut portions or is substantially the same. In other words, the angle αis the same or substantially the same at any location within any cut surface of a single tooth. In this context, substantially similar means that although the angle αis slightly different from location to location, distribution from the intended angle is about ±5%, about ±6%, about ±7%, about ±8%, about ±9%, about ±10%, about ±11%, about ±12%, about ±13%, about ±14%, about ±15%, about ±16%, about ±17%, about ±18%, about ±19%, about ±20%, about ±21%, about ±22%, about ±23%, about ±24%, about ±25%, or is within the range of any two of the aforementioned numbers.
Tapered Slope of the Cutting Head
In embodiments, the cutting head 204 of the burr 200 is tapered towards the terminal end. The tapered angle, or the angle β between the burr's axis of rotation and the cut surface of teeth, is substantially similar to the angle α. In other embodiments, the sloped angle αof the cut surface 80 may not be constant throughout the cut surface 80. Even though the tapered angle β of the burr is constantly maintained along the exterior surface of the burr, the sloped angle α of the cut surface 80 may be of a different angle than β if the slope of the guide surface 128 of the guide slot of the tool guide way 120 is varied with reference to the prosthesis's axis of insertion.
Depth/Thickness of Cut Teeth
In various embodiments of the invention, cut surfaces can have sloped angles ranging from about 0° to about 3°. Accordingly, the depth or thickness of a cut may be smaller compared to traditional methods of cutting without a preparation guide device. The preparation guide device in one embodiment of the invention allows the prosthesis to be engaged after cutting only the enamel layer of teeth. When cutting just the enamel layer, even those procedures that require cutting substantial portions of teeth (e.g., for crowns or cutting three or four surfaces of a tooth) may be undertaken without anesthesia. In another embodiment, it is possible to cut a portion of the dentin layer as well, although it is preferable to cut only within the enamel layer.
According to one embodiment of the invention, the depth (thickness) of the cut in parts where the most amounts of teeth are cut is markedly less than cutting by other methods. More specifically, as viewed along, the intended axis of insertion of the prosthesis, the depth of cutting near the cervical ridge line or survey line is about 0.1 mm, about 0.2 mm, about 0.3 mm, about 0.4 mm, about 0.5 mm, about 0.6 mm, about 0.7 mm, about 0.8 mm, about 0.9 mm, about 1.0 mm, about 1.1 mm, about 1.2 mm, about 1.3 mm, about 1.4 mm, about 1.5 mm, about 1.6 mm, about 1.7 mm, about 1.8 mm, about 1.9 mm, about 2.0 mm, about 2.1 mm, about 2.2 mm, about 2.3 mm, about 2.4 mm, about 2.5 mm, about 2.6 mm, about 2.7 mm, about 2.8 mm, about 2.9 mm, or about 3.0 mm. Alternatively, the depth of cutting near the cervical ridge linear survey line can also be within the range of two of the aforementioned numbers. Preferably, the depth of cutting is about 0.5 mm, about 0.6 mm, about 0.7 mm, about 0.8 mm about 0.9 mm, about 1.0 mm, about 1.1 mm, about 1.2 mm, about 1.3 mm, about 1.4 mm, about 1.5 mm, about 1.6 mm, or within the range of two of the aforementioned numbers.
Thickness of Prosthesis Fixing Portions
Because the depth of cut is smaller, the thickness of the fixing portions 52 of the prosthesis 50 to be engaged on such locations can also be substantially smaller. When materials that allow thin fixing portions are used, the depth of cutting can be even smaller, The thickness of the prosthesis that is engaged over cut surfaces 80 is measured from the same location as for measuring the depth of the teeth cut, namely from the cervical ridge line or survey line. The thickness of the prosthesis can be about 0.1 mm, about 0.2 mm, about 0.3 mm, about 0.4 mm, about 0.5 mm, about 0.6 mm, about 0.7 mm, about 0.8 mm, about 0.9 mm about 1.0 mm, about 1.1 mm, about 1.2 mm, about 1.3 mm, about 1.4 mm, about 1.5 mm, about 1.6 mm, about 1.7 mm, about 1.8 mm, about 1.9 mm, about 2.0 mm, about 2.1 mm, about 2.2 mm, about 2.3 mm, about 2.4 mm, about 2.5 mm, about 2.6 mm, about 2.7 mm, about 2.8 mm, about 2.9 mm, or about 3.0 mm or within the range of two of the aforementioned, numbers. Preferably, the thickness of the prosthesis is about 0.5 mm, about 0.6 mm, about 0.7 mm, about 0.8 mm, about 0.9 mm, about 1.0 mm, about 1.1 mm, about 1.2 mm, about 1.3 mm, about 1.4 mm, about 1.5 mm, about 1.6 mm, or within the range of two of the aforementioned numbers.
Interior Side Surfaces of a Prosthesis Fixing Portion
The three-dimensional shape anti size of interior side surfaces 59 of the prosthesis 50 fixing portion 52 is precisely complementary to the three-dimensional shape and size of cut surfaces 80 formed on an abutment tooth. Referring to
Scope of Error
Errors are inevitable in manufacturing and cutting procedures. However, cutting teeth using a preparation guide device and burr according to embodiments of the invention lead to substantially similar results as the prospective cut surface images prepared by CAD/CAM systems during the design stages of the preparation guide device. Comparisons of data obtained, from three-dimensional digital scans of actually cut teeth with data of simulated prospective cut surface images using CAD/CAM systems show that the data obtained from actually cut teeth err on average by about 20μ, about 40μ, about 60μ, about 80μ,about 100μ, about 120μ, about 140μ, about 160μ, about 180μ, about 200μ, about 220μ, about 240μ, about 260μ, about 280μ, about 300μ, or within the range of two of the aforementioned numbers.
If an error occurs repeatedly under the same conditions (materials of the preparation guide device, manufacturing tools used for the preparation guide device, materials of the burr, etc.), such error can be greatly reduced by undergoing subsequent corrective measures. Whether or not subsequent correction measures have been taken, the average scope of error is preferably under about 100μ or, to be more specific, about 20μ, about 40 μ, about 60μ, about 80μ, or about 100μ. Also, this average scope of error can be within the range of any two of the aforementioned numbers. When obtaining data for actually cut teeth, the burr 200 must not be forced to tilt within the tool guide way 120, and the cutting process must be performed to minimize any error. Considering the fact that the shape of the actually cut teeth is obtained by cutting a minimal amount and by not excessively changing its original shape, the scope of error mentioned above is even more unexpected.
Shape of Prosthesis's Fixing Portion
In one embodiment of the present invention, the fixing portion 54 of the prosthesis 50 does not need to have a ring shape. As shown in
On the other hand, as shown in
Preservation of Occlusal Surfaces
Dental procedures that employ a preparation guide device and a prosthesis as shown in
On the other hand, traditional methods of cutting that cut large amounts result in smaller remains of teeth, requiring thicker crowns in order to increase tensile strength and endure the amount of force exerted from chewing. To accomplish this, cutting of occlusal surfaces is necessary. In addition, if the cut amount is so large as to cut into the dentin layer, cavities may spread along the boundary between the prosthesis and teeth even if covered with prosthesis. To minimize such risk, traditional dental procedures require cutting of occlusal surfaces and covering the whole occlusal surface with a crown.
However, if minimally invasive preparation (or cutting) is performed as shown in the embodiment, cutting of occlusal surfaces is not always necessary. In addition, because cutting is performed only within the enamel layer if possible, there is less risk of cavities spreading to the dentin through the boundary surface between the teeth and the prosthesis. Thus, occlusal surfaces are not cut in the illustrated embodiment. Moreover, the prosthesis does not need to cover the entire occlusal surface. However, other embodiments can include cutting portions of the occlusal surfaces to engage the prosthesis.
As shown in
Preservation of Contact Points
Prior to cutting, all abutment tooth 70 and a proximal tooth 72 come into contact at a contact point. In one embodiment of the invention, the abutment tooth is cut without damaging this contact point such that functions of the abutment tooth prior to cutting are not lost. In embodiments, the whole contact surface between an abutment tooth 70 and proximal tooth 72 or at least the contact point within the contact surface is not cut during the cutting process. As shown in
In addition, in one embodiment as shown in
Materials for and Manufacturing of Preparation Guide Devices
In one embodiment of the invention, the burr 200 spins at high speeds (for example, 3,000-400,000 rpm) while cutting teeth. Because the preparation guide device 100 is in contact with the neck 203 of the burr 200 rotating at high speeds, it should be made of a material that is not easily damaged by physical contact and is not easily transformed by frictional heat. The material must also be biocompatible. For example, plastic resin, ceramic, or metallic materials may be used. More specifically, materials such as gold, gold alloys, titanium, titanium alloys, glass, and high molecular compounds may be used. If the material of the preparation guide device is transparent or translucent, the installation status or cutting procedure may easily be observed.
A preparation guide device 100 can be manufactured by using precise manufacturing processes via a CNC Machining Center or by using additive manufacturing processes via three dimensional printing or stereolithography. Methods of manufacturing a preparation guide device 100 of the invention are not limited to such means. Although the preparation guide device 100 is made of a single material in the embodiment mentioned above, the preparation guide device 100 can be made of two or more materials as well. For example, portions of the preparation guide device 100 surrounding, the tool guide way 120 can be made of the above-described materials, and the rest can be made of other materials.
Embodiment as Shown in
Referring to
The tool guide way 120 has a looped curve shape to allow for processing all side surfaces at once. The top wail 116 of the guide portion 104 includes a central section 1162 and a surrounding section 1164 divided by the tool guide way 120. The central section 1162 and surrounding section 1164 are connected by an appropriate number of rod-shaped connectors 1166 to prevent the central section 1162 from becoming separated. In the embodiment shown, the sidewall 110 extends below the survey line.
In one embodiment shown, a non-cutting access way 1202 of the looped tool guide way 120 extends beyond the sidewall 110. The end of this non-cutting access way 1202 becomes a tool entrance 125, which is located beyond the sidewall 110. A burr 200 enters through the entrance 125 and passes the non-cutting access way 1202 to reach the tool guide way 120. A burr 200 moves along the tool guide way 120 to cut side surfaces of teeth. A burr 200 may also cut the connector 1166 while cutting side surfaces to move further along the tool guide way 120.
Embodiment as Shown in
The preparation guide device 100 according to one embodiment, as shown in Fla 5, includes two connectors 1166. A resulting, tool guide way 120 includes two sections divided by the connectors 1166. Each section has its own non-cutting access way 1202 in the tool guide way 120. In addition, each non-cutting access way 1202 has its own tool entrance 125. A preparation guide device 100 of such structure allows for cutting all side surfaces of teeth without having to cut the connector(s) 1166. The size, structure, location, and number of connector(s) 1166 can be varied according to the shapes of teeth and burr.
Connector(s)
The example in
The width of the connector 1166 can vary according to the material used for the preparation guide device 100. If the material of a preparation guide device 100 is strong, the width of the connector 1166 can be relatively narrow compared to a preparation guide device 100 made from relatively weak material, A connector(s) 1166 is not necessary if the tool guide way 120 does not have a looped curve shape, for example, if it is linear or sectioned.
Embodiment as Shown in
A preparation guide device 100 as shown in
Flow of Cooling Water
In one embodiment, cooling water can flow from the hand piece 230 through a guide slot and tool entrance 124 etc. of a tool guide way 120, for example, and through the interior of a guide portion 104 to exit through a blocked-out portion 118 below the survey line (see
Embodiment as Shown in
An entrance for a burr 200 is located on the interior of a sidewall 110, that is, as a hole 124 on the top wall 116. Because a notch is not formed on the sidewall 110 according to such configuration, transformation of the preparation guide device 100 is less likely.
Embodiment as Shown in
A preparation guide device 100 according to one embodiment as shown in
Embodiment as Shown in
The preparation guide device 100 of one embodiment as shown in
Embodiment as Shown in
The preparation guide device 100 according to one embodiment as shown in
Embodiment as Shown in
The preparation guide device 100 according to one embodiment as shown in
Embodiment as Shown in
Referring to
In the embodiments illustrated in
On the other hand, in one embodiment as shown in
As shown in
Various Embodiments of Burrs and Tool Guide Ways
Tilting may occur as the burr 200 cuts teeth while moving along a tool guide way 120. If excessive tilting occurs, cutting of unexpected areas may result. Also, the amount cut may be ore or less than intended. When such errors in cutting occur, the binding of prosthesis 50 and tooth may not be proper or other complications may develop afterwards. Embodiments of the invention provide configurations to minimize such tilting.
In one embodiment as shown in
In one embodiment as shown in
In one embodiment as shown in
On the other hand, in one embodiment as shown in
In one embodiment as shown in
In one embodiment as shown in
In one embodiment as shown in
In one embodiment as shown in
In one embodiment as shown in
In one embodiment as illustrated in
Flow of Cooling Fluid
Cooling fluid, such as water, is generally provided to cool the burr 200 and teeth during cutting. The flow of such cooling fluid is used not only to cool the teeth and the burr 200, but is also used to remove cut tooth pieces and particles from the burr.
In one embodiment as shown in
Single Preparation Guide Device for Cutting both Occlusal and Side Surfaces
In cases where an abutment tooth's occlusal and side surfaces both need to be cut, for example, for a crown or crown and bridge prosthesis, a single preparation guide device may include tool guide ways that allow cutting of both occlusal and side surfaces. In such cases, the preparation guide device may move relative to the teeth while cutting occlusal surfaces as the side surfaces are being cut. Then, precise cutting cannot be performed on the occlusal surfaces due to movement of the preparation guide device. This is especially the case when the preparation guide device is placed directly on an abutment tooth or when the abutment tooth is not sufficiently supported by adjacent teeth. In addition, a tool guide way for occlusal surface may be damaged while cutting the side surfaces. Even if side surfaces are cut after cutting an occlusal surface, a tool guide way necessary for cutting, the side surfaces may already be damaged.
One embodiment of the invention addresses the aforementioned problems via strategic positioning of guide slots. A preparation guide device 100 as shown in
In contrast, a tool guide way 120 for cutting side surfaces may be located above a tool guide way 120 extending from lingual and buccal directions for cutting, an occlusal surface or, in other words, farther away from the teeth when viewed from the side of a side surface. Then, the tool guide ways 120 for guiding burrs 200 to cut the occlusal and side surfaces do not cross each other. In such an embodiment, the occlusal surface is cut first, and then the side surfaces.
The order of cutting different surfaces may vary depending on whether the occlusal or side surfaces support the preparation guide device more strongly. For example, if the side surfaces provide stronger support, then it is advantageous to cut the occlusal surface first and then the side surfaces. However, if the occlusal surface provides stronger support, then it is advantageous to cut the side surfaces first and then the occlusal surface.
Other embodiments of the invention, as shown in
Embodiments as Shown in
According to embodiments as shown in
The preparation guide device 100 illustrated above can be installed once in the patient's mouth and allow cutting of both occlusal and side surfaces before being removed.
In the illustrated embodiments, the tool guide way 120 for side surfaces has a burr entrance that cuts across the sidewall near the adjacent tooth 72 of an abutment tooth 70. The tool guide way 120 for occlusal surfaces has two distinct tool guide ways per abutment tooth 70. More specifically, for each abutment tooth 70, separate tool guide ways exist for cutting a portion of the occlusal surface closer to the cheek and for cutting a portion of the occlusal surface closer to the tongue. The occlusal tool guide ways 210 each have a burr entrance 125 located on the top wall 116 of the preparation guide device 100.
Cutting Occlusal Surfaces before Cutting Side Surfaces
In cases of cutting occlusal surfaces before side surfaces, a preparation guide device 120 is configured such that a tool guide way 120 for cutting side surfaces is not damaged by a burr 200 while cuffing an occlusal surface. Due to such structure, the burr 200 remains fully supported while cutting side surfaces after cutting occlusal surfaces. More specifically, as shown in
A preparation guide devices 100 used for cutting occlusal surfaces before side surfaces may also be purposefully designed to damage the tool guide way 120 for occlusal surfaces while cutting side surfaces. This is because the cutting of occlusal surfaces is already complete by the time side surfaces are cut and the tool guide way 120 for occlusal surfaces is no longer necessary. Such design allows for partially narrower preparation guide devices 100, allowing the guide devices 100 to meet necessary size restrictions. When using a preparation guide device 100 of such configuration, the user (dental practitioner) must be instructed to cut the occlusal surfaces before cutting the side surfaces.
Cutting Side Surfaces before Occlusal Surfaces
In cases of cutting side surfaces before occlusal surfaces, a preparation guide device 120 is structured such that a tool guide way 120 for cutting occlusal surfaces is not damaged by a burr 200 while cutting side surfaces. Due to such configuration, the burr 200 remains fully supported while cutting occlusal surfaces after cutting side surfaces. More specifically, a tool guide way 120 for occlusal surfaces can be located farther from the teeth than the projected path of the cutting head 204 of the burr 200 for cutting side surfaces. Such structure prevents the tool guide way 120 for occlusal surfaces from being damaged by the burr 200 while cutting side surfaces.
A preparation guide devices 100 used for cutting side surfaces before occlusal surfaces may also be purposefully designed to damage the tool guide way 120 for side surfaces while cutting occlusal surfaces. This is because the cutting of side surfaces is completed by the time occlusal surfaces are cut, and thus the tool guide way 120 for side surfaces is no longer necessary. Such configuration allows for partially narrower preparation guide devices 100, allowing the guide devices 100 to meet certain restrictive limitations in size. When using a preparation guide device 100 of such design, however, the user (dental practitioner) must be instructed to cut the side surfaces before cutting the occlusal surfaces.
Checking the installation Status of a Preparation Guide Device
As shown in
Embodiment as Shown in
According to one embodiment as shown in
Embodiments as Shown in
In one embodiment, as shown in
In one embodiment, fixing projections are formed on the prosthesis and grooves are formed on the teeth in order to fix the prosthesis. In order to obtain sufficient retention force when fixing the fixing projections and the grooves, the grooves must be precisely prepared. More specifically, the three-dimensional shape and size of fixing projections 58 formed on the fixing portions 54 of the prosthesis 50 must be precisely complementary to the three-dimensional shape and size of the prosthesis fixing grooves 86 formed on an abutment tooth. When viewed along the intended axis of insertion of the prosthesis 50, all cut surfaces that form the sidewalls of the prosthesis fixing grooves 86 must be consistent with or substantially consistent with the intended axis of insertion. Similarly, when viewed from the intended axis of insertion of the prosthesis 50, all cut surfaces that form the sidewalls of a fixing projection 56 58 must be consistent with or substantially consistent with the intended axis of insertion. Also, when a fixing projection 56 58 is inserted into and fixed upon a prosthesis fixing groove 86 in the prosthesis's axis of insertion, a gap between the sidewall of the fixing projection and the sidewall of the prosthesis fixing groove, on average, is less than about 60μ, about 80μ, about 100μ, about 120μ, about 140μ, about 160μ, about 180μ, or about 200μ. Such conditions are difficult to achieve without using a preparation guide device and depending solely on a dental practitioner's hand movement.
As illustrated in
The interior walls of prosthesis fixing grooves 86 thus formed have no undercut with respect to the prosthesis's intended axis of insertion. As shown in
As shown in
Each tool guide way 120 of the preparation guide device 100 includes a projected structure 1102 that extends and protrudes up from a lingual sidewall 110. The projected structure 1102 includes a non-cutting access way 1202 in the tool guide way 120, which extends to a tool entrance 125 located on the lingual side of the projected structure 1102. Thus, unlike in an embodiment where an entrance is located on a sidewall 110, notches are not formed on the sidewalls 110 of the preparation guide device 100 of the embodiment, allowing the preparation guide device 100 to be firmly engaged. Such configuration with a tool entrance located on the projected structure that extends up from a sidewall can also be applied to preparation guide devices for posterior teeth as well as for anterior teeth.
Embodiment as Shown in
As shown, in
Preparation Guide Device Set for Cutting Teeth
Either one or two preparation guide devices can be used to cut teeth for crown bridge prosthesis. In an embodiment where two preparation guide devices are used to cut a single tooth, one of the preparation guide devices is configured to engage a tooth before any cutting is performed. The other preparation guide device is configured to engage a tooth after cutting some portions so as to allow cutting of portions that remain uncut after the first cutting process. Thus, the first preparation guide device is used to cut portions or the entirety of proximal, occlusal, buccal or lingual surfaces of a tooth. Then, the second preparation guide device is used to cut remaining portions that require additional cutting after the cutting process using the first preparation guide device is completed.
Use of two preparation guide devices is advantageous for maintaining the position of the preparation guide device while cutting teeth. This is so for the first preparation guide device because the remaining uncut portions of teeth continue to provide retention force to maintain the preparation guide device in place. The second preparation guide device can continue to obtain retention force from portions that remain uncut and will not be cut during the whole process. In addition, it is less likely that a tool guide way of the preparation guide device for cutting side surfaces and a tool guide way for cutting occlusal surfaces cross each other, thus preventing the preparation guide device from becoming relatively large or complicated. Therefore, it is possible to cut teeth without having any conflict between guide slots for cutting side surfaces (buccal, lingual, and proximal surfaces to be more specific) and guide slots for cutting occlusal surfaces. In one embodiment, the preparation guide device with a tool guide way mainly for cutting lingual surfaces of a tooth includes a tool guide way for cutting occlusal surfaces on the cheek side of that tooth (see
Embodiment as Shown in
Embodiment as Shown in
A pair of preparation guide devices according to one embodiment, as shown in
In order to provide a tool guide way 120 for cutting the buccal surface, a projecting structure 150 extends from the top of the installation support portion 102. The interior of such projecting structure 150 includes a tool guide way 120, and the tool guide way 120 includes a tool hole 124. A projecting wall 152 surrounds the tool guide way 120 and the tool hole 124. In addition, to provide a tool guide way 120 for cutting the occlusal surface on the lingual side, a projecting structure 160 extends from the side of the installation fixing portion 102. The interior of such projecting structure 160 includes a tool guide way 120, and the tool guide way 120 includes a tool hole 124. A projecting wall 162 surrounds the tool guide way 120 and the tool hole 124.
Meanwhile, the second preparation guide 1004 for cutting posterior tooth's lingual surface and occlusal surface on the buccal side also includes a mouthpiece-type shape. Similar to the first preparation guide device 1002, the second preparation guide device 1004 includes a first projecting structure 150 that extends from the top to provide a tool guide way 120 for cutting the lingual surface and a second projecting structure 160 that extends from the side to provide a tool guide way 120 for culling then occlusal surface on the buccal side. The interior of these projecting structures 150, 160 include tool guide ways 120 and tool holes 124. Structures of the tool guide ways 120 and tool holes 124 of the preparation guide devices 1002, 1004 can include any of the structures as described in embodiments above or below.
Embodiment as Shown in
Referring to
Using a Preparation Guide Device for Restoration of Alveolar Bones or other Dental Procedures
Embodiments mentioned above mainly use a preparation guide device for dental procedures to restore lost portions of teeth, such as in combination with bridge prosthesis. The invention, however, is not limited to such uses. In an embodiment of the invention, a preparation guide device can be used not only to cut teeth but also to attach materials to support an alveolar bone when the alveolar bone is damaged or broken. In an embodiment, after cutting an alveolar bone, material to support the alveolar bone can be inserted to stabilize a broken portion or to restore a damaged portion. In some embodiments, a preparation guide device can be used to recover a damaged alveolar bone in preparation for implants.
In some embodiments, procedures for cutting an alveolar bone using a preparation guide device is different from using the same for cutting teeth in that a support portion of a preparation guide device comes into contact with an alveolar bone to prevent the preparation guide device from moving. In some embodiments, other aspects of the two procedures are substantially similar. Similar to embodiments where a preparation guide device is used to cut teeth, in embodiments for cutting an alveolar bone, teeth present near the alveolar bone to be cut, if any, can further supply retention force.
In an embodiment of the invention, an alveolar bone can be cut in various forms by moving a burr along a tool guide way of a preparation guide device, and implants of various forms, such as a mesh, bar or net, can be inserted as needed. Although implant procedures generally comprise drilling a hole in an alveolar bone in a top-down direction, an embodiment of the invention allows for cutting portions of alveolar bones in various forms as needed while moving a burr along a cutting guide way of a preparation guide device. Thus, in some embodiments, alveolar bones can he cut in horizontal or curved directions, among others.
In addition, in some embodiments, methods of producing a prosthesis designed for minimally invasive cutting can be applied to produce laminates for aesthetic purposes and splints to stabilize teeth as well. Also, in some embodiments, crown bridges and crown and bridge prosthesis designed for minimally invasive cutting can also be produced using a preparation guide device. Furthermore, in other embodiments, prosthesis to prevent food particles from becoming stuck in between teeth that require only minimally invasive cutting can be produced. For such purposes, it is important to cut a minimally invasive amount while securing sufficient retention force by grouping a number of teeth where food particles are easily stuck when determining the appropriate axis of insertion of the prosthesis. Large amounts of cutting may be required if the axis of insertion is not ideal.
Various forms of prosthesis may be produced using a preparation guide device of embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, a prosthesis can be produced before cutting of teeth using a preparation guide device because the prospective cut shape of teeth is predictable.
Furthermore, in sonic embodiments, a preparation guide device may be used to insert a pillar comprising both a crown bridge, either inlay or onlay, and endodontic treatment on a tooth. Also, in some embodiments, a preparation guide device may be used to cut remains of a damaged tooth that is not pleasing for aesthetic reasons or is important for stabilization purposes for further dental procedures, In other words, in some embodiments, traditional prosthesis, including splints, laminates, and crown bridges, all remain as viable options in combination with use of a preparation guide device.
Additionally, according to an embodiment of the invention, a prosthesis with sufficient retention force may be produced, by cutting minimally invasive amounts of teeth in a shape of a scratch, hole, or groove such that the direction of cutting corresponds to the prosthesis's axis of insertion. In some embodiments, factors that allow for minimally invasive cutting while obtaining sufficient retention force or aesthetic value can easily be determined. In some embodiments, such factors can include, among others, preferable amounts and portions of a tooth to be cut and a prosthesis's axis of insertion.
Splint Prosthesis
When an alveolar bone is damaged, teeth that are supported, by the damaged portion of the alveolar bone begin to shake. If a shaking tooth is neglected, the alveolar bone is damaged further and the shaking tooth eventually fails out. In an embodiment, to prevent such results, a shaking tooth and its adjacent teeth may be connected via a prosthesis to stabilize the shaking tooth. Such prosthesis that connects a shaking tooth and its adjacent teeth is called a splint prosthesis. In an embodiment, if a shaking tooth is fixed via a splint prosthesis, the alveolar bone located below the shaking tooth can be stabilized. In such embodiments, a stabilized alveolar bone strongly supports the tooth to prevent it from shaking. In addition, in such embodiments where a splint prosthesis fixes a shaking tooth, damage to the alveolar bone can be delayed, and the alveolar bone can regenerate in some cases as well.
To install a splint prosthesis according to an embodiment of the invention, damage to the alveolar bone is first diagnosed and teeth to engage the splint prosthesis are determined. In some embodiments, a splint prosthesis is engaged on two or more adjacent teeth. In some embodiments, a rough configuration of the splint prosthesis is determined once the teeth to engage the splint prosthesis are determined. A splint prosthesis according to an embodiment has a structure that can very strongly unite the teeth it is engaged upon without requiring a crown structure. Thus, in some embodiments, such a splint prosthesis does not include any crown structure that requires cutting of whole occlusal surfaces and/or side surfaces. On the other hand, according an embodiment, appropriate occlusal or side surfaces of teeth to engage a splint prosthesis is cut using a preparation guide device. in some embodiments, a splint prosthesis includes structures that tightly fit with the shape of such cut portions so that it is strongly fixed and bonded.
Splint Prosthesis for Anterior Teeth
Referring to
In an embodiment as shown in
In an embodiment as shown in
In an embodiment, all four prosthesis fixing grooves 86 as shown in
As shown in
Splint Prosthesis for Posterior Teeth
In the embodiments as shown in
In the embodiments illustrated in
In one embodiment, as shown in
As such, multiple posterior teeth can also be connected using a splint prosthesis, and cutting methods for engaging a posterior splint prosthesis can use a preparation guide device according to the various embodiments described above.
Dental Procedure Using a Preparation Guide Device
In an embodiment, a dental procedure using the preparation guide device includes the steps of deciding which dental procedures to perform, gathering 3-D shape data about the teeth, selecting a final prospective shape with a prosthesis installed, designing the prospective shape of teeth after cutting, designing or selecting the burr, designing the preparation guide device, manufacturing the prosthesis, manufacturing the tool, manufacturing the preparation guide device, cutting the teeth, and installing the prosthesis.
Deciding on Dental Procedure and Collecting Data about Patient's Teeth
Referring to
In an embodiment, then, 3-D data of the patient's teeth shape and/or mouth shape is gathered (S200). In some embodiments, collection of a patient's teeth data can occur before the dental practitioner diagnoses the patient or decides on a dental procedure. The collection of patient teeth data can occur in various places using various methods. In one embodiment, the dental practitioner obtains data of the patient's mouth shape using an impression. The dental practitioner or the dental lab forms a model of the mouth shape, including the teeth, using the acquired impression. In an embodiment, the shape of this model is scanned and digitalized using a 3-D scanner. In some embodiments, the scanning and/or manufacturing of the model takes place at the dentist's office. In other embodiments, the scanning and/or manufacturing takes place somewhere other than at the dentist's office, such as a lab. In such embodiments, the dental practitioner sends the impression to a dental lab or other location that performs the scanning and/or manufacturing. In such embodiments, the dental lab or other location creates a model based on the impression and digitalizes the data. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the dental practitioner can use an intra oral scanner to directly scan the oral shape and generate data, and send the data to the dental lab.
In other embodiments, collection of teeth data cart occur at a dental lab or another place other than the dentist's office. Images can be generated from the data collected in this way and sent to the dental practitioner, and the dental practitioner can determine the dental procedure based on these images.
Selecting Prospective Teeth Shape after Prosthesis Installation
In an embodiment, once a dental procedure is determined, data of the original teeth shape is processed to generate data about the prospective teeth shape after installation of the prosthesis and to generate a corresponding image. In one embodiment, data and image of the prospective shape are generated for various types of prosthesis. The generated images are sent to the patient. In some embodiments, the one or more images of prospective shapes of one or more teeth after installation of a dental prosthesis can be delivered to the patient via email, text message, mail, courier service, hand-delivery, video conference, in-person meeting with the patient or an agent thereof, posting on an Internet website, or any appropriate communication means currently existing or to be developed in the future. In an embodiment, the patient checks the images and chooses one of the suggested prospective shapes. The selected prospective shape becomes the final teeth shape after the installation of the prosthesis.
Designing Prospective Teeth Shape
In some embodiments, either prior to or after deciding the prospective shape of teeth after installation of prosthesis, post-cutting shapes are modeled and designed for each tooth using the CAD/CAM system (S300). In an embodiment, during the modeling process, the 3-D images of the teeth to be cut are tilted in multiple directions, and one orientation is selected out of the various options. In an embodiment, based on this orientation, the surface of the teeth to be cut and the axis of insertion or orientation of the prosthesis are later decided. In an embodiment, the basic structure of the desired prosthesis or corresponding, teeth cutting conditions or parameters, based on the selected orientation, are inputted into the computer program. In an embodiment, the program allows for designing the prospective teeth shape on the computer and displays the completed image on the screen. As illustrated in
Deciding the Axis of Insertion of Prosthesis
According to one embodiment, a dental practitioner selects the axis of insertion of the prosthesis which provides sufficient space for fixing the prosthesis while reducing the amount of teeth cut. More specifically, in some embodiments, the CAD/CAM computer program allows tilting of 3-D images of patient teeth in various directions. In some embodiments, the program can further display the portion of the teeth to be cut for each tilting direction based on preselected parameters. In one embodiment, such parameters can include the angle between the orientation and cut surface (see angle α in
Designing Prosthesis
In an embodiment, once the prospective teeth shape after installing a prosthesis is determined, the prosthesis is designed based on such prospective shape (S700). As in the embodiment shown in the flowchart of
Designing Burr and Guide Device
In an embodiment, after the prospective teeth shape is designed, the burr is designed based on the prospective teeth shape. In designing the burr according to an embodiment, factors to consider include the diameter of the cutting head and the distance between the terminal end of the cutting head and the guide projections (S400). In some embodiments, the design of the burr can also involve using the CAD/CAM system. Although a burr is designed in the foregoing embodiment, in other embodiments, several burrs can be manufactured or designed beforehand and selected appropriately in view of the teeth to be cut.
In an embodiment, after designing the prospective teeth shape and deciding on a burr, the travel path for the burr is determined using the CAD/CAM system (S500). As in the illustrated embodiments, the design of the path can occur at the same as the design of the tool by showing how they affect one another. In an embodiment, after the path is decided, a preparation guide device that has a tool guide way in the shape of the path is designed (S600). As shown in
In the above embodiments, the burr is designed first, and the preparation guide device is designed subsequently, but the design of the burr and the preparation guide device can occur at the same time by considering how they affect each other.
Manufacturing Prosthesis, Guide Device, and Burr
In an embodiment, the prosthesis is manufactured according to the design of the prosthesis (S800), and the preparation guide device is manufactured according to the design of the preparation guide device (S620). In an embodiment, the burr is produced according to the design of the burr (S640).
Sending Prosthesis, Guide Device, and Burr
In an embodiment, once the prosthesis, guide device, and burr are manufactured, they are sent to the location where the dental procedure will he performed (S900). In one embodiment, the prosthesis, guide device, and burr are sent as a kit in a single box or in a single container. An embodiment can include an indication in an appropriate location on each of the three items to show that the items are for the same patient. In some embodiments, such indication can be the patient's name or identification information. In other embodiments, markings can be placed on the packaging if it is difficult to include the indication on the product itself in some embodiments where one patient requires multiple guide devices, indications can note for which tooth/teeth the preparation guide device and burr will be used. Moreover, in some embodiments where two or more guide devices are needed for a single tooth, an indication can denote the order in which the preparation guide devices should be used.
Cutting, Teeth and Installing Prosthesis
In some embodiments, when the patient visits the dentist's office, cutting is performed by installing the preparation guide device inside the mouth and installing the burr on the hand piece (S1000). Once the cutting is completed, the prepared prosthesis is installed immediately on the cut teeth in some embodiments. In some embodiments, cementing procedures can be used to engage the teeth if necessary.
Using CAD/CAM System
The preparation guide device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be designed and manufactured using a CAD/CAM system that employs computer design/manufacturing. In some embodiments, if a CAD/CAM system is used to manufacture prosthesis, precision can be achieved, costs can be reduced, and the production time can be shortened. In some embodiments, for example, a dental lab can manufacture a preparation guide device using data received about the teeth to be cut or the teeth to be used as abutments or using digitalized data of an impression.
More specifically, in some embodiments, numbers regarding the retention force needed by a prosthesis are obtained from a database in view various external forces such as chewing force and oral environment. Then, an insertion path for the prosthesis that can meet the required retention force with the minimum amount of cutting can be determined. Accordingly, in an embodiment, the shape, amount, and portion to be cut are determined to provide the desired retention force. A preparation guide device is then designed in the CAD system by analyzing such data. A preparation guide device thus prepared can then allow for optimal cutting of teeth. In some embodiments, it is also possible to make various prostheses with minimally invasive cutting. In some embodiments, Depending on the oral environment, well-known studies cart be used, to determine how much retention force is needed by the abutment teeth depending on the oral environment in order for a prosthesis to be fixed. In other words, some embodiments may employ existing studies that have analyzed how well a prosthesis withstands various types of forces exerted on the teeth, including bite force, tensile force, shear force, and rotational force. In some embodiments, dental practitioners can also accumulate data to use for their own dental procedures.
In an embodiment, a CAD/CAM system can be used to calculate the surface area of a tooth to be used as abutment to determine the percentage that needs to be cut. Also, in some embodiments, an optimal location that can provide maximum retention force with minimal invasive cutting can be determined. In some embodiments, whether the retention force is sufficient can be determine at this time. In some embodiments, data for calculating the retention force can be inputted into a computer for simulation. In other embodiments, the CAD/CAM system can be used to determine the optimal portion and shape for cutting for aesthetic prosthesis.
Examples of Designing Guide Device Using CAD/CAM System
In an embodiment as shown in
In an embodiment, with respect to each candidate of the prospective axis of prosthesis insertion, the computer system processes the 3-D data to identify undercut portions and displays the undercut portions using different colors and/or brightness. Examples of the foregoing processes are shown in
In an embodiment as shown in
In an embodiment, the user determines the cutting margin line that a terminal end of the cutting tool will follow. First, in an embodiment as shown in
In an embodiment, the user subsequently changes the viewing angle of the tooth image and determines the cutting margin line of the first premolar as shown in
In the foregoing embodiments, the user determines the axis of prosthesis insertion and the cutting margin line. In an alternative embodiment, the computer system automatically computes and determines the axis of prosthesis insertion and the cutting margin line using a pre-prepared algorithm, and displays the results to the user. In such embodiment, upon receipt of the user's approval, the computer designs the preparation guide device. If the user rejects the axis and line selected by the computer in such embodiment, the computer system chooses another axis of prosthesis insertion and cutting margin line and provides them to the user.
In the foregoing embodiments, the locations, thickness and other factors of the cutting potions are determined according to the determined cutting margin line. In alternative embodiments, the user provides a maximum cutting depth or thickness, and then, the computer system determines the locations of the cutting portions and the cutting margin lines using a pre-prepared algorithm. In other embodiments, the user can select the locations and areas of the cutting portions. In one embodiment, the user selects at least one of the buccal, mesial, lingual and distal surfaces as a surface to be cut, and then, the computer system determines the cutting margin lines using a pre-installed algorithm. In some embodiments, the computer system may require only one parameter among the aforementioned parameters from the user or may require two or more parameters.
In an embodiment, once the cutting margin lines are determined, as shown in
No Need for Temporary Crown Prosthesis
According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is not necessary to install a temporary tooth where a tooth has been cut, as is done currently in procedures without using a preparation guide device. This reduces the amount of time and manufacturing costs required for such dental procedures.
No Need for Anesthesia
Currently existing dental procedures that require cutting a large amount of teeth, such as a crown prosthesis for example, generally involve removing all of the enamel layer and exposing the dentin layer. If the exposed dentin is further cut, the pulp layer inside can stimulate the nerve, and the patient can experience sharp pains. Therefore, anesthesia is generally required for such procedures. According to embodiments of the present invention, however, precise cutting is possible while cutting only an optimal and minimal amount. Especially in embodiments where minimal cutting technology is employed by using a preparation guide device to cut only the enamel layer, the dentin layer remains unexposed. Accordingly, the patient will experience almost no pain and such dental procedures can be performed without anesthesia. In such embodiments, the patient does not experience pain after the procedure for the same reason.
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