HK1157174A - Dentures, dental arches and methods of manufacture - Google Patents

Description

Dental prosthesis, dental arch and method of manufacture

Technical Field

The invention relates to a dental prosthesis, an arch and a method of manufacture. In particular, although not exclusively, the invention relates to improved upper and lower dental prostheses, clinical and laboratory methods, materials and apparatus for their production.

Background

When all teeth have been lost or have to be extracted for various reasons, such as medications, accidental atrophy, disease or annual wear, it is necessary to replace the artificial or fake teeth. The most common form of a complete set of edentulous dentures is a removable denture, which usually includes a complete set of upper and/or lower teeth, typically excluding wisdom teeth. The size and shape of the prosthesis is made to conform to the soft tissue of the patient's jaw, which is medically known as the oral ridge. Hundreds of thousands of dentures are widely used worldwide.

Improvements in materials make dentures more durable and natural looking, and development of denture designs improves comfort and chewing efficiency. However, the procedure for manufacturing dental prostheses has not changed much in the clinical and experimental processes for decades and mass production is not possible due to the need to tailor the dental prosthesis to each patient. Therefore, the manufacturing process is time consuming and requires a lot of labor. In addition, the delay in manufacturing the dental prosthesis is inconvenient for the patient, and once the dental prosthesis is manufactured, the patient may experience discomfort due to the improper dental prosthesis, which is caused by the dental prosthesis not fitting to the patient's jaw, clinical and experimental errors including accidents during transportation, all of which affect the manufacturing process.

The conventional procedure for manufacturing dental prostheses typically involves multiple clinical visits between the patient and the denture practitioner, and is usually followed by a dental technician for the work to be performed after each clinical visit. Typically, the manufacturing site or laboratory of the dental technician is remote from the surgery of the denture practitioner, where the dental technician manufactures the dentures that are required to be completed at the clinical stage. Therefore, it is necessary to transport the impression, the perfusion, and in particular the connection means for making the dental prosthesis back and forth between the dentist's surgery and the dental technician's laboratory, which will be described below. This exacerbates the delays associated with creating dentures and ultimately results in transportation costs and more labor costs for the denture practitioner and patient.

After the initial assessment of the patient by the denture practitioner, the process of making the denture begins with the use of a stock tray to provide initial impressions of the patient's upper and lower oral cavities. The initial impression is sent to a technician who pours stone into the impression in a special tray made for the patient. The specialized tray is returned to the denture practitioner who takes the final impression with the specialized tray. The technician pours the final impression with stone and makes a wax recording bank from the stone final impression. A record of the patient's maxillomandibular relationship is made with the aid of the wax registration mound, which is then temporarily bonded together based on the patient's temporomandibular joint position and the central and vertical dimensions including the occlusal plane and cuspid area as reference points. Physicians who have a more elaborate and accurate attitude towards the patient's prosthetic structure sometimes use the facebow and more complex occlusal systems. The wax recording bank is then returned to the technician again.

The technician places the glued wax recording dam on the articulator and precisely builds the dentition with the markings and dimensions provided on the dam. A range of dental articulations can be of varying levels of complexity, accuracy and cost. Unfortunately, the preferred articulators that provide the best results are not commonly used. The dentures selected for the patient are accurately installed one after the other according to the prescribed dimensions on the technician's wax record bank. Once wax encapsulated, precisely shaped, and finished, the wax base and built dentition are returned to the denture practitioner for the patient to try on.

At this stage, the dentition may be well fitting and have a desired profile and fully proper physiological dimensions. However, physicians often have to deal with fit and/or misalignment of teeth and/or improper occlusion, which can lead to unsightly shapes and/or improper function. These problems are caused by one or more factors in clinical malpractice, where the optimal position of the patient's maxillomandibular relationship must be determined; these problems are caused by improper medical procedures and/or imprecise and/or non-uniform control, by the patient and the position of the maxillomandibular relationship agreed upon in previous records, and other problematic factors that may arise in the laboratory due to incorrect preparation and/or protocols, physical effects on the dentition and/or deformation factors imposed on one or more materials and devices, such as temperature sensitivity during transportation or supporting wax seals, or other forms of injury. If there is such a problem, the dentition must be sent back to the technician, who must remove and rework all of the dentures, which means that all of the manual labor already done in connection with the registration, occlusion, creation of the dentition, and wax biting is wasted. The re-occlusions, re-builds and re-bites of the waxed dentition are then returned to the denture practitioner for the patient to try again. This process is repeated until both the denture practitioner and the patient are satisfied. The technician can then proceed to the final stage of fabrication of the dental prosthesis, at which stage fabrication of the dental prosthesis is completed. It is important to note that each time the technician receives the dentist's impression, the recording bank, or dentition, it must be cleaned and disinfected before the job can begin.

The final stage is another labor intensive and time consuming process in which the final denture is made from conventional molding, injection molding or uv curing methods using Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) or methyl mercuriated sulfate (MMA) acrylic or other acrylic. Generally, negative stone molds with dentition wax are made therein. A separator liquid or release agent is added to all of the gypsum and/or stone surfaces to create a non-adhesive layer between the non-setting acrylic resin and the surrounding gypsum and/or stone mold so that the final hardened acrylic resin is free to dissipate once the process is completed through the process. If the method is used, a softened polymethylmethacrylate acrylic resin composite is added to the flask and an increased compaction density is urgently required. Excess compound will be removed and inhibited before heating to initiate the chemical reaction that causes the compound to harden. The heating process may be carried out for between one and eight hours, depending on the type of compound used. Once cooled, the denture will be boxed, trimmed, styled and polished before being sent to the denture practitioner. Other options and methods, such as injection molding processes and hybrid ultraviolet light curing processes, may also be used.

The patient tries on the denture and checks to ensure that the fit and bite are correct and without pain or unnecessary discrepancies such as premature contact, fulcrum tilt, or any unpleasant aesthetic elements. If there is such a problem and it is not possible to correct or calibrate the prosthesis in the clinic, the prosthesis must be returned to the technician, further trimmed appropriately by re-biting and handling the secondary or primary correction until the fit is proper and both the physician and the patient are satisfied with the fit and appearance of the prosthesis. Based on conservative estimates, the above-described conventional process for making a dental prosthesis takes at least 13 hours in total to complete when the procedure is running smoothly, including clinical and laboratory time, not including transit time between the denture physician and technician premises.

Another disadvantage of using imperfect medical solutions in conventional denture fabrication processes is that when the denture is completed and is not properly made, it is sometimes extremely improper, since the denture cannot be completely repaired at the most important stage, when it has been completed, the denture typically requires a complete rework. If, for some unforeseen reason, the technician or denture practitioner is unable to repair some minor and/or major revision in the laboratory that should be repaired while the patient is seated in the chair, the appliance is completely failed. The failed prosthesis must be discarded and the laborious process described above is largely repeated to make a new prosthesis. Dentures need to be replaced approximately every five years, even if there is no particularly irreparable damage, due to discomfort from bone consumption or any tissue surface changes resulting from wearing, physiological deterioration of the oral crest.

The starting point of the prior art is to try to improve the efficiency of the denture production process, the clinical diagnosis process, the denture structure and/or the quality consistency of the synthetic dentures. However, these attempts have not accelerated and/or improved the clinical diagnostic process, experimental set-up, manufacturing processes, and/or the problems mentioned above.

In this specification, the words "comprise," "comprising," "include," "including," or any other variation thereof, are intended to refer to a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method, system or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed.

Object of the Invention

It is an object of the present invention to seek to solve or at least ameliorate one or more of the above problems associated with known methods of making dental prostheses;

it is a preferred object of the present invention to reduce the time for manufacturing a dental prosthesis and/or to improve the quality of a manufactured dental prosthesis and/or to a method of manufacturing a dental prosthesis.

Disclosure of Invention

In one form, although not required to be the only or more, the invention relates to a bracket for an arch, the bracket comprising an elongate member which is curved generally along the arch of the arch.

Preferably, the elongated member is made of a metal, such as titanium, stainless steel, high carbon steel, or a metal alloy, although other materials, such as ceramic, carbon fiber, at least one polymer, or a fiber composite, may be used to make the elongated member.

Preferably, the front face of the front or front region of the elongate member is substantially perpendicular to the front face of the back or rear region of the elongate member. Preferably, the elongate member comprises a transition region between the front region and each of the rear regions. Suitably, the elongate member comprises a bend between the front region and each rear region.

Preferably, the extension member is curved such that a front face of the extension member substantially resembles a surface of an artificial tooth of an arch.

Preferably, the front face of the anterior region of the elongate member is substantially similar to the front face of the artificial incisors of the one or more dental arches.

Preferably, the front face of the rear region of the elongated member is substantially similar to the upper and lower occlusal surfaces of one or more artificial molars and/or artificial bicuspids of the arch.

Suitably, the anterior region of the elongate member is deformed into a posterior region of the elongate member generally in the posterior cuspid region, gradually flattening out towards a more horizontal arrangement in the second cuspid region, and the anterior region of the elongate member includes a substantially horizontal flat region approximately below the posterior regions of the first and second molars.

Suitably, each rear region comprises a roughened or textured surface for additional mechanical retention.

Suitably, the bracket can comprise one or more apertures through the elongate member.

Suitably, the bracket comprises at least one joint, the at least one joint being located between at least two parts of the bracket.

Suitably, the at least one joint is arranged substantially centrally in the front region of the carrier.

Suitably, the at least one joint is provided in at least one posterior region of the bracket.

Suitably, the bracket comprises a knuckle in the left rear region of the bracket, a knuckle in the right rear region of the bracket and a knuckle in the front region of the bracket.

Suitably, the implant is held on a bracket in the form of a held implant. The clamping prosthesis may be in the form of a single clamping prosthesis or a clamping unit comprising a plurality of prostheses. The clamping unit may be a front unit or a rear unit.

Suitably, the carrier comprises a dental prosthesis fixed to the carrier and one or more spaces for adhesively holding the dental prosthesis or a holding unit comprising a plurality of dental prostheses.

In another form, although not required in any of the various forms, the invention relates to a joint between a first part and a second part of a bracket for a dental arch, the joint comprising: a first portion having a projection, including a bean-shaped aperture therethrough; the second part comprises a bean-shaped groove matched with the bean-shaped bulge; and a pin passing through the bean-shaped hole groove in the projection and through the hole in the groove, thereby enabling the first portion to be pivotally connected to the second portion in a single plane.

Preferably, the joint comprises three contact points.

In another form, although no further forms are required, the invention relates to an arch comprising a metal extension member curved generally along the arch arc; and a plurality of dentures bonded to the extension member.

Suitably, the dental prosthesis is permanently attached to the elongate member, or adjustably attached to the elongate member. Suitably, the one or more dental prostheses are attached to the elongate member by a fastener which passes through a hole in the elongate member and is attached to the respective back of the one or more dental prostheses.

Suitably, the back of each of the one or more dental prostheses includes a recess for engaging an end of the fastener. Optionally, the back of each of the one or more dental prostheses includes a male projection which engages with a female recess at one end of the fastener.

Suitably, the vertical position and/or the lateral position of the implant is adjustable relative to the aperture.

Suitably, the chamfer angle of the implant is adjustable relative to the anterior portion of the elongate member.

Suitably, the dental prosthesis is clamped to the bracket in the manner of a clamping dental prosthesis. In another form, although not required in its various forms, the invention also includes an arch component for assessing the size of an arch, the arch component comprising: a pair of front holes on both left and right sides of the front region for indicating the positions of the cuspids; and at least one pair of rear holes at the left and right sides of the rear area for indicating the positions of molars.

Preferably, a pair of posterior apertures indicate the location of the mesial hasp cusps of the first molars.

Optionally, a pair of posterior apertures indicates the position of the second molars; particularly the foveal position of the second molar. The arch-shaped component comprises two pairs of rear holes, wherein the first pair of rear holes are positioned at the left side and the right side of the rear area and are used for indicating the positions of the proximal hasp cusps of the first molar teeth; and a second pair of posterior apertures located at a more posterior region than the first pair of posterior apertures, the posterior apertures for indicating the location of the second molars.

Preferably, the relative positions of the pair of anterior holes, the first pair of posterior holes and/or the second pair of posterior holes correspond to the size of the dental arch.

Preferably, the arch part includes one or more indicia adjacent each anterior aperture in alignment with one of the indicia representing the cuspids of the tapered arch formation or the square arch formation. Preferably a handle extending from the arcuate member for ease of use. The arcuate member can be used in a patient's mouth or a model of a patient's mouth.

In still further forms, although not required, the invention includes a system for assessing the size of an arch comprising a series of arch parts, each arch part including a pair of anterior apertures, located on the left and right sides of an anterior region, for indicating cuspid position; and at least a pair of posterior apertures on the left and right sides of the posterior region for indicating molar position posterior apertures, wherein the relative positions of the pair of anterior apertures and the pair of posterior apertures of each arch part correspond to the size of the dental arch.

Suitably, the series comprises three or more arch parts, corresponding to a design comprising three or more arch sizes. One particular design includes 5 arch sizes.

Suitably, the connector is capable of being inserted into one or more anterior holes and/or one or more posterior holes of the arch-shaped element for connecting the arch-shaped element to a base.

In a still further form, although not required in any more of the preceding forms, the present invention comprises a method of determining arch size comprising: providing one or more series of differently sized arch parts on the dental arch, each arch part including a pair of anterior apertures on the left and right sides of the anterior region for measuring cuspid position; and at least one pair of posterior holes located on the left and right sides of the posterior region for measuring molar positions; and sizing the arch on the arch-based component to best match the positions of the cuspids and molars.

In another aspect, although not required in more form, the invention also includes a base material for a dental prosthesis comprising an acrylic composite layer embedded in a flexible, biocompatible reinforced mesh.

Suitably, the reinforced screen is a biocompatible flexible glass fibre.

In another case, although not required in more form, the invention also includes a length of flexible acrylic composite material comprising a series of arcuate cuts aligned with the artificial teeth of the prosthesis.

Suitably, the arcuate incision may be connected to a neck region of the dental prosthesis.

Suitably, the arcuate cut-out may be connected with a composite or acrylic collar around the neck region.

In still further instances, although not required in any greater form, the present invention also includes a mold for a length of flexible acrylic composite, the mold including a strip having a surface pattern for imprinting on raised regions of the flexible acrylic composite.

Preferably, the strip is metallic.

In another form, although not required in any greater detail, the invention comprises a flexible cushioning insert for obtaining a model of a dental crest, the insert having a shape approximating an arch of a tooth and including a gel on a sealing coating of the insert.

Suitably, the gel and/or the outer layer of the insert are transparent.

Suitably, the insert for obtaining the model of the lower dental crest has an arcuate shape approximating the lower dental arch.

Suitably, the insert for obtaining the model of the lower dental crest has a substantially U-shaped cross-section resembling the cross-sectional shape of the lower dental crest.

Suitably, the insert for obtaining a model of the upper dental crest may also obtain a model of the upper jaw.

Suitably, the insert for obtaining a model of the upper ridge and the upper jaw has a cross-sectional shape that is substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the upper ridge and the upper jaw.

In still further instances, although not required in further forms, the invention includes a base for an upper and lower dental prosthesis formed from a flexible biocompatible reinforced mesh embedded with an acrylic composite layer, wherein at least a portion of the flexible biocompatible reinforced mesh is exposed.

Preferably, the at least one exposed portion of the flexible, biocompatible reinforced screen is a dome for the base of the upper teeth.

Suitably, the at least one exposed portion of the flexible, biocompatible reinforced screen is a peripheral edge of the base. Suitably, the base for the lower teeth comprises a flexible labial area and/or a flexible lingual area. In other forms, although not required in more forms, the invention includes an indentation member for attaching a posterior region of a tissue contacting surface of an upper base to improve retention of upper teeth on the upper jaw.

Preferably, the indentation member extends the width of the soft palate between the left and right nodules of the upper ridge of the oscillation line. Suitably, the indentation member comprises two adjacent tapered regions extending from the base of the indentation member through the palatal transverse cleft to the compressed soft tissue. In other, although not necessarily more, forms, the invention includes a method of making a dental prosthesis, comprising: temporarily adhering the base to the dental ridge of the oral cavity of the patient; temporarily adhering the arch to a base having one or more lightly correctable points of composite material; calibrating the position of the arch relative to the base and the size of the patient's teeth until the desired position is obtained; and a mild correctable contact of the composite material.

Preferably, the method includes interdigitating the occlusal surface opposite the lower arch with the associated upper arch after obtaining the desired position and proper size of the upper arch corresponding to the size of the upper base and the patient's teeth.

Alternatively, the method may include obtaining a desired position and appropriate size for the lower arch with respect to the lower base, and then interdigitating the occlusal surfaces opposite the upper arch and the associated lower arch.

Further forms and features of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description set forth below.

Drawings

For a more precise understanding of the present invention, and for the purposes of effective implementation, reference is now made to the embodiments of the present invention, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements. By way of example only, the accompanying drawings are provided in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a bracket for an arch;

FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the bracket of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the bracket of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of an arch;

figure 4A is a perspective view of a portion of the bracket shown in figure 1 including the implant in a pre-fixed position;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a bracket of an arch according to another embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the bracket shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the dental arch shown in FIG. 5 including brackets;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the bracket shown in FIG. 5 with the artificial front center tooth secured to the front of the bracket;

figure 9 is a perspective view of a dental prosthesis and fastener;

figure 9A shows a perspective view, and an enlarged partial side view of a dental implant and fastener according to another embodiment;

figure 10 is a perspective view of a dental prosthesis loosely bonded to a bracket of an arch;

figures 10A-10F illustrate the range of different positions and angles at which the implant can be positioned on the bracket;

figure 10G is a perspective view of the use of uv cured composite or wax to secure a denture to the bracket of an arch;

figure 10H is a perspective view of a denture and fastener according to another embodiment;

figure 10J is a cross-sectional view of the implant and fastener of figure 10H with the implant bonded together in pairs and apart to the brackets of the arch;

figure 10K is an enlarged side view of the partial implant and fastener of figure 10H;

11A-11D show side views of an arch with artificial incisors at different oblique angles;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an arch component for assessing the size of the dental arch;

FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing the correspondence between the relative positions of the first and third pairs of apertures of the arch member and the size of the dental arch;

FIG. 14 shows a model of the lower crest, the positions of the left and right cuspid areas, and the positions of the left and right molar areas;

FIG. 15 is a general flow chart illustrating a method of determining arch size;

figure 16 is an exploded view of a substrate material used to make a dental prosthesis;

FIG. 17 is an edge with a highlighted profile for machining the labial side and the buckle area of the dental appliance;

FIG. 18 is a plan view of a flexible, cushioned lower insert for obtaining a model from a composite material of the lower crest;

FIG. 18A is a plan view of a flexible cushioning upper insert for obtaining a model from a composite material of the upper crest and palate;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the lower insert of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a tray for obtaining a lower ridge model;

FIG. 20A is a perspective view of a tray for obtaining upper ridge and palate models;

FIG. 20B is another perspective view showing the position of a slice through the tray of FIG. 20A;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the substrate material of FIG. 16 used with the insert of FIG. 18 and the tray of FIG. 20;

FIG. 21A is a cross-sectional view of the substrate material of FIG. 16 used with the insert of FIG. 18A and the tray of FIG. 20A;

figure 22 is a first part of a general flow chart showing the components and clinical procedures and laboratory methods of manufacturing dental prostheses;

FIG. 23 is a second portion of the general flow chart of FIG. 22;

FIG. 23A is a third portion of the general flow chart of FIG. 22;

FIG. 23B is a fourth portion of the general flow chart of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a range of arch shapes;

FIG. 25 illustrates an embodiment of different tooth shapes;

FIGS. 25A-25D illustrate different bite types and bites;

FIG. 25E illustrates further bite sets and types of contact that can be accommodated with the arch of the present invention;

FIG. 26A illustrates an arch of teeth including a contact point of a lightly cured composite material;

FIGS. 26B and 26C illustrate the temporary attachment of the dental arch to the upper base using a contact of a light-cured composite material;

FIGS. 27A and 27B illustrate an upper base and a dental arch with contact points bonded thereto;

figure 27C illustrates a four-unit appliance including upper and lower bases with upper and lower arches interleaved with each other;

figure 27D illustrates filling of lingual and labial areas of the prosthesis with composite material;

figure 27E illustrates an alternative method of crow's teeth;

figure 27F shows a partially decorated dental prosthesis;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the impression member of the upper base;

FIG. 29 shows a depression in the upper back region of the model of the upper dental ridge and upper jaw of the mouth;

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the upper jaw showing an impression left in the soft palate by impression element 140 of FIG. 28;

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the mold of FIG. 29 showing a depression;

FIG. 32 is a plan view of a two-piece bracket including a joint;

FIG. 33 illustrates a two-piece bracket including one joint and a three-piece bracket including two joints;

FIG. 34 shows a plan view of a different configuration of a four-piece bracket including three joints;

FIG. 35 is a side view of a two-part bracket showing the convex-concave profile including the joint between the two parts;

FIG. 35A is a plan view of a joint between the anterior and posterior portions of the bracket;

FIG. 36 is a plan view of a convex profile with a bean-shaped aperture;

FIG. 37 is a plan view of the female profile for receiving the male profile of FIG. 36;

figures 38-40 illustrate the range of motion of the joint shown in figures 36 and 37 including a convex-concave profile;

figure 41 is a plan view of the bracket, and the posterior and anterior clamp units comprising the implant;

figure 42 is a plan view of the bracket, rear clamping unit including the implant and a single front implant;

figure 42A illustrates further embodiments of upper, lower, anterior and posterior clamping units comprising a dental prosthesis;

figure 43 is a side sectional view of a bracket and anterior clamp unit including at least one dental prosthesis;

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional end view of the bracket and rear clamping unit;

FIG. 44A is a perspective view of a bracket and rear clamping unit according to another embodiment;

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of the lower base and handle;

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of the upper base with the handle detached;

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the inverted lower base and handle filled with a composite-based two-stage silicone;

FIG. 48 is a rear view of the upper base, partially cut away;

FIG. 49 is an exploded front view of the upper base of FIG. 48;

FIG. 50 is a rear elevational view of the upper base of FIG. 48;

FIG. 51 is an exploded rear view of the upper base, surrounding composite rods, and the completed upper base;

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of an arcuate member for use with upper and lower base plates;

FIG. 53 is a perspective view of a clip on a connector for use with the arcuate member of FIG. 52;

FIG. 54 is a cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 53 connected to the arcuate member of FIG. 52;

FIG. 55 is a perspective view of an upper base plate including a flexible reinforced screen dome and the connector of FIG. 53; and

FIG. 56 is a perspective view of a lower base plate including a flexible reinforced screen edge.

Skilled artisans appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the relative dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated to help improve the understanding of the embodiments of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The structure of the dental arch and the attachment according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described by the following detailed description of the method of manufacturing a dental prosthesis using the dental arch and other aspects of the present invention.

Referring to fig. 1-3, a bracket 10 for an arch of teeth is provided according to an embodiment of the present invention. The bracket 10 includes a metal extension member 12 that is bent substantially in accordance with the arch curvature of the tooth. The arc can have different oral shapes, such as a cone, square, circle (oval), or other shape, depending on the approximate shape of the patient's oral cavity in which the dental arch is used. The size of the dental arch will also depend on the size of the patient's mouth, the determination of which will be discussed in further detail below in accordance with another aspect of the invention.

The elongate member includes a transition region 13 between the front or front region 16 and each of the rear or rear regions 20 such that the front region 16 gradually blends or deforms into the rear regions 20. According to some embodiments, the elongated member 12 is curved such that the front face 14 of the elongated member is substantially similar to the artificial front face of the dental arch or the surface of the front teeth. According to the embodiment shown in fig. 1-3, the front face 14 of the front region 16 of the elongate member 12 is substantially perpendicular to the front face 18 of the rear region 20 of the elongate member. The relationship between the front face of the bracket 12 and the surface of the implant of the dental arch will be described in further detail below with reference to figure 4.

According to the embodiment shown in fig. 1-3, the elongate member 12 includes a bend 22 between the front region 16 and each of the rear regions 20. The anterior region 16 of the extension member is deformed into the posterior region 20 of the extension member 12 at about the posterior cuspid region, becoming more horizontal toward the second bicuspid region and including the substantially horizontal, flat region about below the posterior regions of the first and second molars. Each rear region 20 includes a textured surface 24, and each textured surface 24 includes an aperture 26 through the elongate member 12. Composite materials, such as ultraviolet cured (UVLC) resins or any available acrylic resins or available materials, for adhering the denture to the bracket 10 will be described below. The textured surface 24 and the apertures 26 aid in the mechanical retention of the material applied to the carrier 10.

According to a preferred embodiment, a bracket 10 constructed of a single length of high strength metal is used to provide the desired length and stiffness to the dental arch and the resulting dental prosthesis. Brackets made of materials such as titanium or high strength metals may not bend easily and will not deform during normal use, being biocompatible. It is contemplated that other biocompatible metals and alloys can be used to fabricate the bracket 10, such as high-grade stainless steel or high carbon based metals. It is also contemplated that other biocompatible materials having sufficient length can be used to fabricate the bracket 10, such as ceramic, one or more polymeric materials, a fiber blend, or a carbon fiber material.

Referring to figure 4 of the drawings, an arch 28 comprises a bracket 10 with a complete set of dentures 29 (except for wisdom teeth), the complete set of dentures 29 being bonded to the bracket 10 with a composite material 30 or other material, such as cross-linked propyl acetate resin. For clarity, FIG. 4 shows a portion of the bracket 10 with a simulated model of adjacent teeth, and the remainder of the arch 28 is visible without the bracket 10. The front face 14 of the elongated member 12 or front region 16 is substantially similar to one or more front surfaces 31 of artificial incisors 32 of the dental arch 28. The surfaces 18 of the back or rear region 20 of the elongated member 12 are substantially similar to one or more of the chew biting surfaces of the artificial molars 34 and/or the artificial bicuspids 36 of the arch 28. Thus, the bracket 10 provides strength to the arch 28 in accordance with the chewing forces typically encountered in different areas.

Referring to the perspective view of the portion of the bracket 10 shown in figure 4, in this embodiment the arch implant 29 is permanently bonded or otherwise attached to the elongate member 12 in a set, fixed position.

Figures 5 and 6 show perspective and rear views of a bracket 10 for an arch according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the carrier 10 includes a plurality of apertures 26 in the elongate member 12. In the embodiment shown, holes 26 are provided in the front region 16 and in the rear region 20 of the extension element 12, but no holes 26 are provided in the transition region 13, for example, by means of the bend 22 of the extension element 12. The holes 26 are used to attach the implant discretely to the bracket 10 so that the position of the implant can be adjusted relative to the bracket 10, as will be described in more detail in connection with figures 9 and 10.

Figure 7 illustrates an upper arch 38 in which at least some of the prosthetic teeth 40 are bonded to the elongate member 12 by the apertures 26 and fasteners (not shown), according to another embodiment. Some of the prosthetic teeth 40, such as adjacent the transition region 13, such as the bend 22 in the extension member 12, are bonded to the extension member 12 with acrylic 30 and/or synthetic adhesive material and/or other material.

Figure 8 shows a single artificial anterior incisor 32 bonded to the anterior portion 16 of the elongate member 12 via one of the apertures 26 and ensures that the aperture 26 is available for bonding more prostheses. It should be understood that the bracket 12 including the artificial front incisor 32 is for the upper teeth and is upside down (pointing upwards) in fig. 8. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the bracket 12 for the lower arch has a similar structure, except that the size of the bracket is different from the size of the bracket for the upper arch to fit the smaller size of the lower dentition. For example, the anterior inferior dentition may be smaller in size than the anterior superior dentition.

Referring to figures 9 and 10, in accordance with the present invention, implant 40 includes a channel 42 on the back of the tooth and a threaded recess 44 for receiving a threaded end 46 of a fastener 48. The fastener 48 is made of acrylic or metal, such as titanium, although other materials of equal strength may be used. The channel 42 includes a rear wall 43, an upper surface 45 and a lower surface 47 and has a height greater than the elongate member 12 of the bracket 10. As shown in figure 10, according to some embodiments, the implant 40 is positioned on the bracket 10 such that a portion of the extension member 12 is received within the channel 42 and fixedly or discretely abuts the back wall 43, the upper surface 45 and the lower surface 47. The implant 40 is secured to the extension 12 via a fastener 48 through one of the extension inner openings 26 aligned with the implant 40 and screwed into the threaded recess 44. The width and height of the aperture 26 is greater than the size of the shaft 49 of the fastener 48, but smaller than the size of the head 51 of the fastener 48, not only to allow the fastener 48 to pass through the aperture 26, but also to ensure that the implant 40 is loosely coupled in a range of different positions and angles while preventing the tooth 40 from easily moving and disengaging. Thus, the vertical position, lateral position and angle of the implant are adjustable relative to the aperture 26, the aperture 26 providing an operatively high angle for obtaining the desired appearance and resulting anterior tooth position of the arch and implant. In the embodiment shown in figure 10, an anterior lateral implant 40 is positioned in a discrete manner against the back of the front face 14 of the extension 12.

In another embodiment, the recess 44 and the fastener 48 may not be threaded. Alternatively, the recess 44 may be in the form of an internally threaded knuckle that receives an extended end of the fastener 48. The extension end may be a complementary shape to an internally threaded knuckle. In such an embodiment, the extended end of the fastener 48 is resilient such that the extended end snaps into and articulates with the internal threads.

Referring to figure 9A, in another embodiment, the recess in the posterior wall 43 of the implant 40 is a slightly tapered female threaded knuckle 44B. The end 46B of the shank 49 of the fastener 48 is also slightly tapered and sized to fit into and engage the recess 44B. End 46B is captured within recess 44B but can be manually withdrawn by applying a positive force to head 51. head 51A no longer requires a slot for screwing fastener 48.

Further embodiments of different positions and angular ranges, wherein the implant 29 may be provided on the bracket 10 shown in figures 10A to 10F.

Figure 10A shows two dental implants 29A, 29B loosely attached to the elongate member 12 of the bracket 10 with fasteners 48A, 48B. The implant 29A is sporadically connected to an anterior surface 31A substantially similar to the surface 14 of the extension member 12. The implant 29B is loosely attached to the anterior surface 31B, depending on the surface 14 of the extension 12.

Figure 10B shows a side view of the implant 29 in discrete engagement with the extension 12. The shank 49 of the fastener 48 passes through the aperture 26 and is secured within the recess 44 of the rear wall 43 of the channel 42. In the embodiment shown in figure 10B the implant 29 is angled forwardly relative to the elongate member 12. The arrows indicate various directions in which the implant 29 may move relative to the elongate member 12.

Figure 10C illustrates how the implant 29 is moved relative to the elongate member 12 to change the angle of the facial surfaces 31 of the teeth 29 relative to the surface 14 of the elongate member 12.

Figure 10D shows how the implant 29 is moved forwards and backwards relative to the elongate member 12 to vary the extent to which the front surface 31 of the tooth 29 projects from the elongate member 12.

Figure 10E illustrates how the implant 29 can be rotated along the axial direction of the fastener 48 to change the angle of the tooth 29 relative to the vertical V and the elongate member 12.

Figure 10F shows a portion of the bracket 10 and six artificial anterior teeth 29 secured discretely to the elongate member 12 by respective fasteners 48. Figure 10F shows the range of positions of the implant 29 relative to the extension 12. The reference lines emphasize the degree of vertical and angular rotation of each tooth relative to the front surface 31 of the elongated member 12. Figure 10F illustrates the range of inclination angles and the different degrees of protrusion, and also the overlap between two adjacent prostheses 29. Block 55 in the protruding position illustrates the position and orientation of each tooth 29 in the diagram. A large range of this direction reaches almost any position of the artificial anterior teeth 29 desired by the patient or the physician.

Referring to fig. 10G, once the desired position of the tooth 29 is determined, it may be temporarily wax stabilized or fixed in a preferred position, or more permanently fixed in that position using a cured acrylic or uv curable composite 30, thereby ensuring the preferred aesthetic requirements from both the patient and the practitioner.

Figures 10H, 10J and 10K illustrate alternative embodiments of the implant and fastener. Implant 600 includes various features of the earlier embodiments described herein, such as channel 42 including back wall 43, upper surface 45 and lower surface 47, wherein the height of channel 42 is greater than the height of extension 12 of tray 10. However, in this embodiment, the protrusion 602 extends from the rear wall 43, rather than the rear wall 43 including the recess 44 of the previous embodiment. Implant 600 is secured to extension 12 by fasteners 604. The fastener 604 is attached to the implant 600 through a hole 26 in the extension member 12. The width and height of the hole 26 is greater than the diameter of the shank 49 of the fastener 604, but less than the diameter of the head 51 of the fastener 604. In this embodiment, the end of the fastener 604 opposite the head 51 includes a recess or female threaded knuckle 606, the female threaded knuckle 606 being adapted to mate with the nub 602 of the implant 600. The protrusion 602 may include an elongated end portion that is generally complementary in shape to the internally threaded knuckle 606 of the fastener 604. In such an embodiment, female knuckle 606 may be resilient such that the extended end may be quickly inserted and mated with female knuckle 606. Wall 608 of female knuckle 606 may include one or more notches or cutouts 610 to facilitate resilient engagement of female knuckle 606 with protrusion 602. The length of the protrusion 602 and, thus, the depth of the female threaded joint 606 may vary in these embodiments. According to some embodiments, protrusion 602 extends at least 1mm from posterior wall 43 and thus the depth of female thread knuckle 606 is at least 1mm to accommodate protrusion 602.

Referring to figures 11A to 11D, according to some embodiments, the angle of inclination of the implant 29 relative to the elongate member 12 is adjustable. As shown at 29A in fig. 10F, showing the vertically inclined position, the vertical angular inclination, and the mesial tip overlap. Figure 11A shows an arch comprising an implant connected at a distal end to an extension 12 and unbonded at a proximal end of the extension 12. Artificial incisors 32 are attached to the front region 16 of the elongate member 12 such that the incisors 32 are inclined at an acute angle relative to the substantially horizontal elongate member 12. Thus, the artificial incisors 32 are angled toward the labial side with the ends of the incisors facing significantly forward. In FIG. 11B, the artificial incisors 32 are substantially vertical and the tips of the incisors are inward or lingual as compared to FIG. 11A. In FIG. 11C, the artificial incisors 32 are angled even more inwardly or lingual than in FIG. 11A or FIG. 11B. As shown in fig. 11D, the range of incisor movement can be set further forward than shown in fig. 11A, if preferred.

The dental arch 28 has a range of sizes to fit different oral cavity sizes. The arch has at least three dimensions, small, medium and large, and can provide more dimensions as further described below. The arch 28 also provides a range of shapes to match the general shape of the patient's mouth. Arch 28 may be, for example, a conventional square, round (oval), cone, or other shape depending on the degree of curvature of the jaw. The shape of the dental arch 28 is dependent upon the same shape of the bracket 10. For example, tapered dental arches are based on brackets or the like having teeth with a tapered shape.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention and referring to fig. 12, arcuate member 50 is used to estimate the size of the dental arch. The arcuate member 50 may be constructed of a sterilized transparent plastic material. The arcuate member 50 includes a pair of forward holes 52, the forward holes 52 being located on the left and right sides of the forward region, adjacent to the handle 56, for indicating the location of the left and right cuspids. The arch-shaped element 50 also includes at least a pair of posterior apertures 53, the posterior apertures 53 being located on the left and right sides of the posterior region to indicate the location of the molars. In particular, the pair of second holes 53 indicate the mesial-labial buckle ends of the left and right first molars. According to some embodiments, as shown in fig. 12, the arch-shaped element 50 may include a second pair of posterior apertures 54, the second pair of posterior apertures 54 being located in a more posterior region to indicate the location of the left and right second molars. In particular, the second pair of posterior holes 54 are more posterior than the first pair of posterior holes and indicate the location of the central socket of the second molar. According to some embodiments, the arcuate member 50 includes a forward aperture 52 and a rearward aperture 54. The handle 56 extends from the arcuate member 50 for ease of use, and the arcuate member may be used directly in the patient's mouth or in a model of the patient's mouth.

Fig. 12 shows one of a series of arch parts 50 for estimating the size of the dental arch. Each arcuate member corresponds to a particular size of dental arch and in fig. 12, the arcuate member 50 is labeled "4" to indicate a size 4 arcuate member. Referring to the arrangement shown in fig. 13, the relative positions of a pair of anterior apertures 52 and a posterior aperture 54 on each arcuate section correspond to the size of the dental arch. For example, one version includes 5 different arch parts for, for example, 5 arch sizes. For the smallest sizes, such as size 1, the pair of front apertures 52 and the pair of rear apertures 54 of arcuate member 50 are represented by the innermost circles shown in FIG. 13. For the largest sizes, such as size 5, the pair of front apertures 52 and the pair of rear apertures 54 of arcuate member 50 are represented by the outermost circles shown in FIG. 13. The middle size corresponds to a circle between the minimum size and the maximum size. According to some embodiments, in FIG. 13, each circle is 1mm horizontally and 1mm vertically from an adjacent circle. However, other horizontal and/or vertical spaces can be utilized.

Fig. 14 shows the model 58 of the lower crest and the position 60 of the second molar, the position 61 of the mesial buckle end of the first molar and the position 62 of the cuspid.

It is noted that this solution is not limited to five different arch sizes. For example, the protocol may include 3, 4, or more than 5 arch parts 50, corresponding to a protocol that includes 3, 4, or more than 5 arch sizes. In a scenario involving 3 sizes, the sizes may correspond to small, medium, and large.

According to some embodiments, the arcuate member 50 includes one or more indicia 57A, 57B adjacent each of the front apertures 52. The positioning of one of the cuspid-bearing indicia 57A, 57B represents a conical arch or a square arch. For example, if the indicia 57A is attached to a cuspid, this is indicative of a square arch. If the indicia 57B are attached to the cuspids, this is indicative of a tapered arch. According to some embodiments, the indicia 57A, 57B are in the form of holes in the arcuate member 50.

Accordingly, another aspect of the present invention is a system for assessing the size of an arch of teeth, the system comprising a series of arcuate members 50, each arcuate member including a pair of anterior apertures 52 on the left and right sides of the anterior region to indicate the location of cuspids; and at least one pair of rear holes 53, 54 at both left and right sides of the rear region to indicate the positions of molars, wherein the relative positions of the pair of front holes 52 and the pair of rear holes 53, 54 of each arch part 50 correspond to the size of the dental arch.

In particular, a pair of posterior apertures 53 indicate the location of the mesial buckle ends of the left and right first molars. As described above, according to some embodiments, each arcuate member 50 in the series may also or alternatively include a second pair of posterior apertures 54 in a more posterior region to indicate the location of the left and right second molars. In particular, the second pair of posterior holes 54 are more posterior than the first pair of posterior holes 53 and indicate, for example, the location of the central socket of the second molar.

Referring to FIG. 15, another aspect of the present invention is a method 70 of determining arch size using the system described above. The method 70 includes placing 72 one of the series of arch parts 50 described above on an arch of teeth. At step 74, the method includes determining whether a pair of anterior apertures 52 and first and/or second posterior apertures 53, 54 are associated with the locations of the cuspids and molars, respectively. This may include the calibration marks 57A, 57B described above to determine the shape of the arch. If not, the method includes selecting another size of arcuate member 50 at step 76 and repeating steps 72 and 74. If the pair of anterior and first and/or second posterior apertures 52, 53, 54 are associated with cuspid and molar positions, the method includes determining whether the arch element 50 is at the most appropriate size at step 78. If not, at step 76, the method includes selecting another size of arcuate member 50 and repeating steps 72, 74, and 78. If the arch element 50 is most appropriate, the method includes determining the size and shape of the arch based on the arch element so that it is the best fit for the location of the molars and cuspids at step 80. The color used for the denture can also be determined at this stage.

Referring to fig. 16, another aspect of the present invention is a non-cured flexible composite layer 90 with a flexible reinforced mesh for making a more resilient and strong dental prosthesis 90. The exploded view of fig. 16 shows the components of an embodiment of the flexible composite layer 90 comprising a composite material, such as flexible acrylic, embedded with a biocompatible reinforced screen 92, such as biocompatible fiberglass. As shown in fig. 16, although the flexible composite layer 90 is used as a separate unit, the flexible composite layer 90 can be made by compressing the reinforcing screen 92 between two layers 94, 96 of composite material. As described further below, the composite materials 94, 96 are now used in the manufacture of dental prostheses and a new reinforced mesh 92 of a flexible composite layer 90 is added to further reinforce the base of the dental prosthesis. Referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, another aspect of the present invention is the length of the flexible acrylic composite 100 in the form of an edge. The dental margin includes a series of arcuate cuts 102 for establishing a connection with the neck of a conventionally prepared dental implant 29, or a compound collar around the arch of a prepared dental implant. For example, the arcuate cut 102 can also be connected to the neck region of the implant 29. The edges have a semi-cured outer structure and therefore a certain outer layer hardness. The rim includes a plurality of raised or elevated regions 104, referred to as highlights, which mimic the surface of the gum and the underlying root structure. The tooth edge can be used for instant highlighting of the labial side and the hasp area of a dental prosthesis, i.e. a dental prosthesis mixing the dental arch with artificial gums using composite materials to create a realistic and natural look. The edges are of different sizes to accommodate different sized dental arches. The edge improves the efficiency of manufacturing the denture by reducing the time used for conventional highlighting, and during the manufacturing process, the labial side and the area of the buckle of the denture are molded by hand.

The edge can also be formed of a rubber material in a suitable form or a wax material in a conventional wax seal form, the edge having a series of arcuate cuts 102 for attachment of a dental prosthesis for surrounding the raised wax levees of an arch which has been inserted into the desired position. The edges for these forms also have different sizes to fit different sized dental arches. The edge again reduces the time used for conventional highlighting, improves manufacturing efficiency and manually shapes the denture during the manufacturing process.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the edge can also be self-formed in the form of a highlighting unit by pressing the flexible acrylic composite 100 or wax material on a mold. The highlighting element is an elongated metal or rubber or wax strip having a surface pattern free raised region 104 printed on the flexible acrylic composite 100. Thus, with highlighting or the use of a printed tooth margin.

Referring now to fig. 18 and 19, a further aspect of the invention is a flexible cushioning insert 110 for making an oral ridge model. According to one embodiment, the insert 110 has an arch shape approximating the shape of a lower dental ridge of the mouth and includes a super clean gel 112 within a sealed clean outer layer 114. As shown in FIG. 19, the lower crest insert 110 has a substantially U-shaped cross-section and provides a range of dimensions corresponding to the range of shaped cleaning trays described below. For example, referring to the sizing scheme for the dental arch mentioned above, the insert 110 may have 3 sizes, e.g., small, medium, and large; 4 sizes; 5 sizes, such as size 1 to 5 or other numeric sizes. The dotted lines in fig. 19 depict the flexible nature of the insert 110 in the tongue and lip portions, suitable for use in and around the tongue, lips, and the cleft of the oral cavity.

Fig. 20 shows a lower tray 120 for lower oral ridge extraction, which may be sterilized and made of any suitable material, such as a clear, high toughness plastic material, and preferably of a highly transparent nature. The lower tray 120 has an arch shape approximating the shape of an arch of teeth and includes a handle 122 to facilitate use of the lower tray. The lower tray 120 has a range of sizes according to one of the above-described sizing schemes. Such as the case where the size 4 lower tray shown in fig. 20 is used in a scheme including five sizes.

Fig. 21 shows a cross-sectional view of the insert 110 shown in fig. 18 and the lower tray 120 shown in fig. 20 used to take an impression of an oral ridge 124. The lower tray 120 has a generally U-shaped cross-section and fig. 21 shows the patient's oral crests 124 with a composite material layer 126 over the dental crests 124. The insert 110 is disposed within the lower tray 120 and between the composite material 126 and the lower tray 120. The flexible cushioning insert 110 ensures that the composite material 126 can be placed against the oral ridge 124 to achieve a snug fit and to obtain a true impression of the oral ridge 124 without deformation of the oral ridge and without pain or injury to the patient. The flexible bumper insert 110 prevents the application of excessive pressure to the tissue, resulting in deformation and movement of the dimensions of the oral ridge. The hand-held ultraviolet light 128 is used to cure the composite material 126 into a solid state bond in the patient's mouth, thereby maintaining an imprint of the oral crests 124. Once removed from the patient's mouth, the hard UV light 130 or UV curable appliance can fully cure the composite material 126, allowing it to fully set.

Referring to fig. 20A and 20B, it will be appreciated that an upper tray 123 made of the same material as the lower tray 120 is also used to obtain a model of the upper ridge and palate. The upper tray 123 includes a handle 122A for ease of use. The upper tray 123 is shaped to conform to the upper ridge and palate and has a range of sizes according to the sizing scheme described above.

Referring to fig. 18A, a flexible cushioning insert 125 having the same features as the insert 110 of fig. 18 and 19 described above is used with the upper tray 123 to obtain a model of the upper oral ridge and palate.

Fig. 21A shows a cross-sectional view of the insert 125 shown in fig. 18A, and the upper tray 123 of fig. 21A used to obtain a model of the oral ridge and palate 124A. The upper tray 123 has a substantially M-shaped cross-section, and FIG. 21A shows a composite layer 126A on the oral crest and palate 124A. The insert 125 is disposed within the upper tray 123 and between the composite material 126A and the upper tray 123. The flexible cushioning insert 125 ensures that the composite material 126 can be placed against the upper oral ridge and palate 124A to achieve a snug fit and to obtain a true impression of the upper oral ridge and palate 124A without deformation of the oral ridge and without pain or injury to the patient. The flexible cushioning insert 125 prevents the application of excessive pressure to the tissue, resulting in deformation and displacement of the dimensions of the oral ridge. The hand-held ultraviolet light 128 is used to cure the composite material 126A into a solid state bond in the patient's mouth, thereby maintaining an imprint of the oral crest 124A. Once removed from the patient's mouth, the hard UV light 130 or UV curable appliance can fully cure the composite material 126A, allowing it to fully set.

A method of manufacturing a dental prosthesis according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the general flow chart shown in figures 22 and 23.

Referring to fig. 22, a method 200 of making a dental prosthesis includes a clinical diagnosis between a patient and a dental practitioner, reviewing a patient's medical record and dental history, at step 205.

At step 210, the method 200 includes determining the size of a patient's dental arch using the system described above with reference to FIGS. 12-15 comprised of a series of arch parts 50. If a regimen is used that includes three sizes, or one intermediate size, such as size 4, and if another regimen is used, such as a regimen with five sizes 1-5, the patient's arch size can be determined to be small, medium, or large.

The method includes determining a patient's arch shape, such as a cone, square, or oval, at step 215. A skilled dental practitioner can determine the arch shape of a patient by eye or with reference to a range of arch shapes as shown in fig. 24. Figure 24 shows different arch shapes for one particular size. Other sizes, shapes and styles are possible and figure 24 is only one example. At step 215, the dental practitioner in communication with the patient can also determine the general shape of the patient's teeth, which may be conical, square, or oval. An example of such a tooth shape is shown in fig. 25, which may also be rectangular, narrow rectangular, or non-uniformly tapered. The appropriate color and shade of the tooth can also be determined.

At step 220, the method includes selecting a particular arch 28 for the upper and lower abutments of the dental prosthesis to be fabricated. In addition to the correct size and shape of arch that has been selected, the appropriate size, shape and color or shade for the patient's teeth should also be included. According to some embodiments, the process includes determining an Occlusal Vertical Distance (OVD) and a Resting Vertical Distance (RVD) of the patient.

Referring to fig. 25A to 25D, the method is divided into three categories, which also include determining the patient's bite, malocclusion, and bite plane. As shown in FIG. 25A, the first level is standard occlusions of overbite and overbite varying between 1-3 mm. Figure 25B shows a standard bite with an overbite greater than 3 mm. As shown in fig. 25C, the second level is posterior standard occlusion, wherein the overjet is greater than the overbite. The third stage is a front standard bite with a reverse overbite, whereby the incisors can engage end-to-end, as shown in fig. 25D. The dentition may be a flat cusp, a semi-tall cusp, or a natural cusp, as determined by the available height or extent of atrophy of the lingering oral crest 124 of the lower teeth.

In that position the arch is obtained by the patient's back-biting, being larger by virtue of the lower jawbone on one side and driving the rear teeth on that side tighter than the snap-on arch connection. The upper hook tip fits into the center socket of the rear lower dentition, and typically they will conform to and interdigitate with the rear lower dentition of the hook.

Referring to fig. 25E, an arch according to an embodiment of the invention is shaped to accommodate different forms of balanced occlusion in a single plane, as shown in fig. 25E, such as single plane, compound, lingual contact, semi-anatomy, or total anatomy. Alternatively, the arch according to embodiments of the present invention can be shaped to accommodate different types of occlusal plane curvatures, such as the Spee curve, the Wilson curve, and the Monson curve.

At step 225, the method includes taking an impression of the patient's remaining oral crests 124 as well as the upper jaw. This may be accomplished, according to some embodiments, by using the soft composite flexible hybrid layer 90 shown in fig. 16 and the gel inserts 110, 125 and upper and lower trays 120, 123 shown in fig. 18-21, 18A, 20B, and 21A. The flexible hybrid layer is modified according to the patient's desired upper and/or lower dental ridge. Typically, both the upper and lower crests require revision, as the patient requires complete maxillary and mandibular prostheses. According to some embodiments of the method 200, the composite material is molded directly over the patient's remaining oral crests 124 and palates and cured using ultraviolet light to make immediate rigid upper and lower bases and then repaired with a tweed material, without the use of traditional impression materials for casting, to make it fit for oral fit and extension.

Alternatively at this point, an impression of the patient's old denture can be made from conventional laboratory putty, and the hardened base can also be made at this stage by applying a mesh-like composite blank layer to these hardened putty bases, pressing into place and trimming the edges with a pointed tool at the alveolar elevations. The base is then hardened under uv curing and the edge region is trimmed to satisfaction. The base will be described in further detail below in connection with fig. 45-51.

Referring to the upper base 134 and arch 28 shown in fig. 26B and 26C, the upper and lower bases are secured in the patient's mouth, such as with a denture adhesive, so that the bases are temporarily adhered to the patient's oral crests 124. If desired, the method further includes pressing a bolus or a spot 132 of the light-cured composite material of oversized height onto the upper base 134 in a plurality of locations, such as cuspid and molar locations, at step 230. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 26A, a small bolus or contact 132 of the blended light-cured composite material is pressed against the upper arch 28, which upper arch 28 includes the bracket 10 selected for the patient in the same location. A composite bonding gel may bond the ends of each contact 132 to define the bonding of the base to the base of the arch. If the practitioner wishes to install the lower arch first, this system can be implemented by first carefully installing the lower arch in the correct position, firmly curing it and then installing and securing the upper arch over the lower arch. Contacts are then placed on the upper arch and base and the patient is asked to close his mouth until the desired position is obtained.

Although the upper arch 28 is bonded to the upper base by the contact points 132, the contact points have not yet been cured. Thus, the method includes the dental technician positioning 235 the arch 28 relative to the upper base 134 to obtain the correct centered and occlusal position and plane, as well as to conform to the optimal aesthetic position of the patient. The dental technician is able to move and control the arch 28 as needed while checking for the presence of obstructions, particularly at the rear and distal regions.

At step 240, the method includes curing the tips 132 with a UV diffuser with light applied to the patient's mouth to cure all of the composite tips together, or curing each tip 132 separately with conventional hand-held UV light to maintain a desired position of the arch 28 relative to the base 134. Fig. 27A and 27B also show mesial snap cusp indicia 137, cuspid indicia 138, center indicia 138A, and posterior socket line 139 as guides for connecting arch 28 and upper base 134.

At step 245, the method includes examining the occlusal surface and center position with a plane to determine the device, such as the fox plane or other occlusal plane determined using any available, conventional method. The position may be incorrect for some reason, for example, due to misplacement or other errors, such as the contacts 132 not being fully cured and/or not being fully bonded, thus resulting in an indeterminate position relative to the correct position. At step 250, the method further includes simply separating the arch 28 from the upper base 134 and repeating steps 235, 240, and 245 until the correct position of the arch 28 relative to the upper base 134 is obtained.

If the position is correct, the method includes moving the upper base plate 134 and the attached arch from the patient's mouth and interdigitating the lower arch with the attached arch at step 255. I.e. the lower arch has the correct position with respect to the upper arch so that interdigitation and occlusion is correct. The lower arch temporarily holds the upper arch in the correct position by means of melted viscous wax.

At step 260, the method includes positioning three elemental appliances in the patient's mouth. The three unit appliances include an upper base 134 to which the upper arch 28 is bonded, and a lower arch that is interleaved with each other and perfectly occlusally connected to the upper arch.

The lower base in the patient's mouth is also perfectly fixed to the dental crest 124 by dental cement, the method comprising checking the accuracy of the registration positions in step 265 until satisfactory centers of the upper and lower jaws and the mutual relationship are obtained and the dike is obtained; the mandible and mandibular joint positions are determined to be in the maximum retrusive rest position. It is necessary for the patient to determine a constant closed position to ensure a single, reproducible position without any premature contact or obstruction to the necessary jaw position and vertical dimension.

At step 270, the method includes providing a plurality of composite contacts 132 between the lower arch and the lower base, e.g., in the cuspid and first molar positions. The contact can be provided on the lower arch or lower base. A composite bonding gel may be applied to each contact end of the contact points 132 to ensure bonding of the lower base and arch base.

At step 273, the patient slowly closes the mouth to integrate the lower arch, the three unit appliances and the lower base are in the correct position, and the correct interdigitation, registration and occlusal plane are maintained. This includes examining the occlusal plane, the center position and the occlusal vertical dimension.

Referring to fig. 27C, the method includes fully spot curing the lower composite contact before removing the four unit braces 160 from the patient's mouth at step 275. The sequential arrangement of the four unitary appliances 160 is such that the upper base 134 is connected to the upper arch 28 via upper compound contacts, the upper arch 28 is connected to the lower arch 28A via adhesive wax 161 and the lower arch 28A is connected to the lower base 136 via lower compound contacts. After removing all of the remaining viscous wax in the interdigitating and occlusal portions of the arch, the upper base and upper arch, which are connected to the lower base and lower arch, are then separated from each other at the location of the interdigitating arch, by separating the two arches that are held together by the viscous wax. The unfinished appliance is now ready to check the bite registration location and the assembly of the previously finished dental prosthesis. It should be noted that the breaking or displacement of the viscous wax is not critical when the process of removing the four unit appliances from the mouth begins. The four unit appliances 160 are removable as two unit, separate upper and lower appliances in that the two separate units, each of which includes a base and an arch, may be secured and attached by hardened and cured compound contact points.

At step 280, the method includes replacing the upper base 134 and the lower base 136 with the attached dental arches 28, 28A in the patient's mouth.

At step 285, the method includes checking the fit, interdigitation and occlusal contact, center and surface of the denture by requiring the patient to carefully open and close their jaw until the two arches are in interdigitating occlusal contact, bite and correct position. This includes checking the occlusal plane, the center position, the occlusal vertical distance, and the resting vertical distance.

If any abnormal malocclusions and related problems occur, then at step 290, the method includes separating the lower arch 28A from the lower base 136 and repeating the method from step 255. If the position is correct and the dental technician and patient are satisfied, the method includes removing the upper and lower dental prosthesis from the patient's mouth and separating the upper and lower dental arches from each other at step 295. Denture adhesive is a removable item used to secure the base to the oral ridge and upper plane and is thoroughly cleaned from the base.

At step 300, the method includes a dental technician deciding whether to fabricate a dental prosthesis using a composite method according to an embodiment of the present invention or to fabricate a dental prosthesis using a conventional method. The method 200 continues with the compounding method according to step 305 of fig. 23A. The method 200 continues according to the conventional method at 340 in fig. 23B.

Referring to FIG. 23A, if the dental technician is using the composite method, at step 305, the method includes placing a self-curing composite gel within the upper and lower bases 134, 136, and then requiring the patient to place the upper and lower bases back into the patient's mouth to remain in place until the composite gel partially cures to a stable solid in its first setting/hardening phase, typically for a period of 2-3 minutes. The gel may flow outwardly while still being soft, thereby filling the channel around the height of the outer periphery of the base, forming a natural ring completely around the outer periphery of the base; and a more accurate liner filling base for more accurate and final installed materials.

The method includes removing the upper and lower dentures from the patient's mouth and placing them in the ultraviolet appliance for thorough curing at step 310. The denture is now ready to proceed to the completion phase. Thus, a clinical consultation between a dentist and a patient is completed with only one clinical diagnosis.

The denture at this point can be sent to a dental laboratory for completion or completed in a clinic and cured thoroughly in a uv curing appliance.

As shown in fig. 27D, the method includes filling the denture with composite material in the lingual and labial areas at step 315. As shown in fig. 17, a length of flexible acrylic composite 100 in the form of a labial highlighter edge may be used to complete a denture with a highlighter and natural-looking appearance. The surface of the soft composite is smooth and its tooth margins are well feathered and are incorporated for a smooth transition between hard and soft synthetic compounds. Referring to FIG. 27E, highlighting may also be done manually by cutting a series of substantially triangular wedges 164 from the composite layer and placing the wedges 164 under each selected tooth neck to resemble a root structure. Figure 27F shows a partially highlighted denture having an upper base 134 that is only half highlighted. The thickness of the composite material around the edge of the tooth can be varied until the desired effect is achieved. The bright luster is obtained from the final finish layer disposed uppermost, that is, the denture does not require even a high-brightness mechanical polishing for better results.

At step 320, the method includes adding an impression member 140 to a rear region of the tissue contacting side of the upper base in the form of a rear dyke indenter, thereby improving the durability of the upper teeth in the upper jaw by virtue of improved sealing performance. An embodiment of a back bank head and its use will be described in detail with reference to figures 28 to 31.

Returning to the method, at step 325, the method includes returning the two trays to the ultraviolet appliance for complete curing. At step 330, the denture is subjected to the usual trimming, polishing and disinfecting processes, and is ready for a second and final stage in the clinic.

At step 335, the method 200 includes installing the denture in the patient's mouth, checking for any tissue pain and making the necessary adjustments, and ending the entire process.

The method includes manufacturing a dental prosthesis which is secured in place in a conventional manner on upper and lower bases 134, 136 with upper and lower arches 28, 28A. The dentures can be made by conventionally known molding, injection molding or synthetic manufacturing methods. Alternatively, when using the finishing method for a dental prosthesis, time can be saved by using the composite tooth margin as described above with reference to fig. 17, in the lingual area and the labial area of the dental prosthesis by the method of fitting and filling with the uv composite material.

Referring to figure 23B, if the technician uses a conventional method, the method 200 includes more accurately taking an accurate impression of the crest with a rubber-based impression material at step 340, and the denture relining procedure is normally completed. This procedure involves setting the lower back in the patient's mouth; accessing the patient for the recorded vertical distance and taking an upper impression; ensuring that the interdigitation and tooth position and center are correct. This procedure is repeatable for the impression of the lower base.

Once both bases have been registered with the correct impression material, the method 200 includes removing them from the mouth at step 345; removing residues and cleaning in a disinfectant; sent to a laboratory for a waxing and finishing procedure, followed by a restreaking or rebuilding method and process. The method includes the step 350 of forming the denture in a laboratory using conventional methods. Once the denture is formed, it is then trimmed, polished, and sterilized at step 355 and returned to the clinic. The method 200 includes installing 360 a denture into a patient's mouth; check for any tissue pain and make necessary modifications; the process is ended.

According to an alternative embodiment of the method 200, the method comprises the subsequent steps 205 to 225 described above with reference to fig. 22. The model of the initial impression in the patient's mouth can be formed by a dental technician or in a laboratory using conventional materials. The upper and lower base plates from the casting mold can then be formed. If a conventional wax recording dam is not used, then steps 230 through 335 of method 200 are followed as described above. In other alternative embodiments of the method 200, if a conventional wax recording dam is used, the method includes obtaining the full wax bite distance; the accompanying wax-up and wax-down recording dams are marked and sent to the laboratory for occlusion and setting of the arch 28. Thus, the arch can be provided by a dental technician or laboratory. In a separate step, the dental arches are in a perfect interdigitation by quickly determining the position of the upper arch within the appropriate markings of the registration dykes, followed by placing the lower arch in a perfectly interdigitating relationship with the upper arch. The wax completely surrounding the base dam is similar to the composite acrylic resin 30 of the dental arch 28. The bank is highlighted, optionally using a wax plate as described above with reference to the edge of figure 17, and sent to the clinic for fitting by the patient. The method 200 continues from step 280 as described with reference to fig. 23 through 23B.

Referring to fig. 28, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a creasing assembly 140 in the form of a back dike crease is used to attach the upper base 134. The indentation member 140 is designed to extend the width of the soft palate between the left and right nodules of the upper ridge of the oscillation line and is bonded to the posterior region of the tissue-connecting surface of the upper base plate 134 to improve the durability of the upper teeth of the upper jaw. The creasing component 140 is a composite layer comprising two adjacent tapered regions 142 having sides 144 and tips 146 extending from a base 145 of the creasing component 140. Each tapered region 142 has a convex profile 143, the convex profile 143 extending along a line from the respective tip 146 to the base 145, and the height of the convex profile decreasing toward each edge 144. The tapered region 142 is designed to extend up to the palatal transverse slit of the palate, and may be provided in different sizes, depending on the particular mouth size and shape of the patient. The indentation member 140 can be provided to a support piece 148 for orthopedic use.

Fig. 29 shows a plaster model 141 of the upper oral dental ridge and the upper jaw, showing a depression 140A in the plaster model 141 for creating a conventional levee impression which is completed at the completion stage by filling the model 141 with acrylic resin through an upper box and injection process. Fig. 29 shows the location and shape of the depression made into the soft palate shape by an indentation component 140 at the oscillation line established between the soft and hard palate.

Referring to fig. 30, the creasing members 140 are bonded to the rear region of the upper base 134, and the creasing members 140 decrease in thickness from the rearmost, rounded, thicker end 150 of the base 145, along the tapering region 142, to the tip 146. Thus, the creasing assembly 140 blends into the tissue contacting side of the upper base 134. The rounded, thicker end 150 of the indentation member 140 creates an indentation or depression 151 in the soft palate 152 approximately 2-3mm posterior to the hard palate 154. The hard palate is covered by a mucous membrane or soft tissue 156.

Fig. 31 shows a cross-sectional view of the plaster model 141 and the engraved depression 140A in the model and depicts the position, depth and contour of the back dike on the plaster model 141. The model 141 represents the position of the depression 140A between the soft palate region 152A of the model 141 of the oscillating wire and the hard palate region 154A of the model 141. Fig. 31 also shows the outline of the upper oral ridge 135. The indentation member 140 improves the seal between the upper base 134 and the soft palate 152 of the denture, helping to hold the upper base in place.

Further embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to figures 32-44, which relate to an articulating bracket and a dental implant.

Referring to fig. 32, one embodiment of the bracket 10 includes at least one joint 400 between at least two sections of the bracket. The bracket is comprised of a first elongated member 402 and a second elongated member 404. In this embodiment, the joint 400 is disposed at approximately the center of the front region 16 of the carriage 10. The joint 400 allows the first and second elongated members 402, 404 to be pivotally connected to each other so that the bracket can be precisely adjusted to the desired shape of the patient's dental arch. Figure 32 shows that three different positions of each of the first and second elongate members 402, 404 are obtained by moving the first and second elongate members 402, 404 as indicated by the arrows. Thus, fig. 32 shows 9 different configurations for the carrier 10. It should be understood, however, that the first and second elongate members 402,404 have a range of positions other than the discrete positions shown in figure 32. In addition, the bracket 10 shown in figure 32 also includes an aperture 26 for attachment of a dental prosthesis, the aperture 26 may be omitted and the dental prosthesis may be attached to the bracket 10 by any of the other methods described herein.

Referring to fig. 33, in other embodiments of the bracket 10, at least one joint 400 is provided in at least one posterior region 20 of the bracket. Fig. 33 shows two embodiments of the bracket 10, in embodiment a the bracket 10 includes a joint 400A at the right posterior region, and in embodiment B the bracket 10 includes joints 400A and 400B provided at the left and right posterior regions. In embodiment a, the bracket 10 is comprised of two parts, constructed in the form of an elongated and arcuate member 406 and an elongated member 408. This embodiment may allow the angle of the bracket 10 in one of the rear regions to be adjustable relative to the remainder of the bracket 10. In embodiment B, the bracket 10 includes three portions, being formed in the form of an arcuate member 410 in the front region 16, and two elongate members 412, 414 in the rear region 20, the two elongate members 412, 414 being connected to the arcuate member 410 at joints 400A, 400B, respectively. This embodiment allows the angle of the bracket in the left and right rear regions 20 to be adjustable relative to the front region 16 of the bracket 10.

Referring to fig. 34, an embodiment of the bracket 10 may include four parts and three joints, with the bracket 10 including a joint 400A in the right posterior region 20, a joint 400B in the left posterior region 20, and a joint 400C in the anterior region 16. Thus, the carrier 10 comprises two front portions and two rear portions. Fig. 34 shows three of the many different configurations of the four-section bracket 10, the four-section bracket 10 including three joints, but it is noted that many other configurations of brackets are available in addition to the discrete configuration shown in fig. 34.

The adaptability of the bracket 10 to the dental arch of a patient increases as the number of joints 400 of the bracket 10 increases. However, even with only one joint 400, the bracket 10 can accommodate a wide range of dental arches. The articulated denture mount is particularly useful for patients with asymmetric jaws, but can also be used with symmetric or moderately symmetric jaws.

The first and second elongate members 402, 404, the elongate and arcuate member 406, the elongate member 408, the arcuate member 410 and the two elongate members 412, 414 shown in fig. 32-34 can be provided in a range of sizes and shapes to provide greater flexibility. The components 402-414 can be used in one of the small, medium, and large sizes or sizes 1-5 in the size scheme described herein. The shape of the member 402 and 414 may be a square, a cone, or an oval arch.

Referring to fig. 35, a joint 400 between two portions of a bracket 10 may be obtained according to some embodiments, one portion of the joint 400 having a convex profile 416 and the other portion having a concave profile 418. Figure 35 shows a side view of the joint 400 between the arcuate component 410 in the anterior region 16 and the elongate component 414 in the left posterior region 20. The raised profile 416 includes a boss 420 having an aperture 422 therethrough. The recessed profile 418 has a recess 424 and apertures 426, 428 on a base 430 and a top 432, respectively, of the recess 424. The protrusion 420 is inserted into the recess 424 and the pin 434 passes through the aligned holes 422, 426 and 428 and allows the arcuate member 410 and the elongate member 414 to be pivotally secured in place relative to one another by any suitable method, such as stapling.

Figure 35A shows another variation of the joint 400, including one in which a first portion of the bracket 10, such as the posterior portion, has a convex or convex profile 416 and another in which a second portion of the bracket 10, such as the anterior portion, has a concave or concave profile 418. In this embodiment, the convex and concave profiles 416, 418 are generally circular. However, the pin 434 in the previous embodiment is omitted and the raised profile 416 is inserted and bonded to the recessed profile 418 by a tight fit between the two profiles. The opening 425 of one concave contour 418 is narrower than the width of the convex contour 416 and the convex contour 416 cannot be removed from the opening 435. The raised profile 416 is inserted into the recessed profile 418 from above or below and the pivoting movement of the first and second portions allows approximately 7 degrees of movement from a central position to either side.

Referring to fig. 36-40, according to some embodiments, the boss 420 and the hole 422 through the boss profile 416, and the recess 424 of the recess profile 418, are specially shaped to form a joint 400 for limiting the crossing angle through which the adjacent portions may pivot. Fig. 36 shows the projection 420 and bean-shaped aperture 422 therethrough, and fig. 37 shows the recess 424 having a bean-shaped configuration for receiving the bean-shaped projection 420. The holes 426 and 428 (not shown) of the recessed profile 418 are circular. As pins 434 pass through holes 422,426 and 428, movement of one portion of the bracket relative to the other portion shown in fig. 38-40 is achieved. Thus, the joint 400 includes a three point connection and in some embodiments, approximately 7 degrees of movement from a central position to either side may be achieved.

The joint described herein is a mechanical article with good tolerances to facilitate accurate mounting between the components of the bracket and to ensure that relative movement of adjacent components of the bracket is in only one plane.

Referring now to figures 41 and 42, according to some embodiments, a dental implant in the form of a clamping implant, which may be in the form of a single clamping implant or in the form of a clamping unit 440 comprising a plurality of implants 442, is clamped to the bracket 10 as shown in figure 41. The clamp unit 440 may be a front clamp unit 444 or a rear clamp unit 446. In the embodiment shown in figure 41, the anterior clamp unit 444 comprises 6 anterior prostheses 448 and the two posterior clamp units 446 each comprise 4 posterior prostheses 450. According to a preferred embodiment, the clamping unit 440 includes the prosthesis 442 and an area of the artificial gum 443 made of any suitable material, such as acrylic.

The dental clamping prosthesis can be used with any of the brackets 10 according to embodiments of the present invention. For example, referring to fig. 42, two rear units 446 are provided for the rear region 20 which is not readily visible, the carrier 10 including the aperture 26 therein. In the anterior region 16, the individual implant 40 is attached to the tray 10 by fasteners 48 through the apertures 26 as described above. This allows a single construction of the more visible anterior teeth. However, it will be appreciated that a separate implant can be used for the posterior region 20 if it is not considered whether the clamping unit 440 or the single implant 40 is used in the anterior region 16.

According to some embodiments, the bracket includes a denture adhered to the bracket in a dentition and one or more spaces for adhering the denture. In the space, a single clamping tooth or a clamping unit comprising a plurality of teeth can be glued. Alternatively, a single implant 40 can be attached to one or more spaces on the tray 10 by fasteners 48 through the holes 26.

Fig. 42A shows a further embodiment of a clamping unit 440 for clamping to the front and rear regions of the upper and lower brackets 10. Figure 42A shows a clamping unit comprising 3, 6 and 7 prostheses 442, but it will be appreciated that the clamping unit can comprise any number of prostheses 442 from a single prosthesis to a full set of prostheses. The clamping unit 440 provides a range of sizes and shapes to accommodate the size and shape of a patient's dental arch. The dimensions may include small, medium, and large, or the dimensions may be provided according to the dimensional schemes described herein, such as dimensions 1 through 5. Different shapes include conical, oval and square. The prosthetic teeth 442 provide a range of colors or shades to match or meet the needs of the patient with respect to the remaining teeth, while providing a range of cusp shapes, heights, and angles to meet the needs of the patient.

Further details of the clamping of the implant will be described with reference to figures 43 to 44. Fig. 43 shows a cross-sectional view of the front clamping unit 444 clamped to the pallet 10. The bracket 10 is shown with a hole 26 therethrough, although the hole 26 is not used to adhere the clamping unit 444 to the bracket 10. The clamping unit 444 includes a channel 452, the channel 452 having a rear wall 454, the rear wall 454 being adapted to fit against the front 14 of the front region 16 of the carrier 10. The channel 452 includes a curved upper surface 456 and a curved lower surface 458 to accommodate the curved upper and lower surfaces of the bracket 10. And the channel 452 is of a sufficient height to accommodate the height of the bracket. However, the height of the opening 460 of the channel 452 is slightly less than the height of the cradle 10 so that the front clamping unit 444 is snapped into the cradle 10. The opening 460 includes an annular edge 462 to facilitate smooth snap-fit entry of the carrier 10 into the channel 452 of the front clamping unit 444.

Figure 44 shows a cross-sectional end view of the rear clamping unit 446 bonded to the bracket 10. The rear clamping unit 446 includes a channel 463 having a base 464 adapted to fit to the underside of the rear region 20 of the carrier 10. The channel 463 includes curved side surfaces 466, 468 to accommodate the curved side surfaces of the carrier 10, and the channel 452 is of sufficient width to accommodate the width of the carrier 10. However, the width of the opening 470 of the channel 463 is slightly smaller than the width of the bracket 10, so that the rear clamping unit 446 is engaged with the bracket 10. The opening 460 includes an annular rim 472 to facilitate smooth snap-fit entry of the carrier 10 into the channel 463 of the rear clamping unit 446.

According to other embodiments, the clamping unit 440 can be adhered to the bracket 10 using the hole 26 in the bracket. For example, it is possible as an alternative, but preferred, that the clamping unit comprises, in addition to the above-mentioned channels 452, 463, a projection (not shown in the figures) for insertion into the carrier 10 through the respective hole 26. The projection may include a resilient end for providing a one-time insertion snap fit. The resilient end portion can be compressed for removal from the carrier if necessary. Referring to fig. 44A, according to other embodiments of the clamp unit 440, and in particular the rear clamp unit 446, a fastener 650 passing through one or more of the holes 26 in the bracket 10 may be used to secure the clamp unit to the bracket. This may be done in the same manner as the embodiment of the prosthesis described with reference to figures 9 to 10G. Fig. 44A shows a fastener 650, such as a threaded screw, passing through the hole 26 in the bracket 10 and into the threaded recess 652 of the rear clamp unit 446. The bracket includes an indentation 654 to accommodate at least a portion of the head of fastener 650. It is appreciated that the fastener 650 and threaded recess 652 may be used as an alternative or in addition to a gripping feature for a dental prosthesis, and that a biocompatible adhesive may be used instead or in addition to adhering the dental prosthesis to the bracket 10.

According to further embodiments of the present invention, the implant may include an elongated recess or channel for receiving a portion of the bracket 10 so that the implant may slide on the bracket. For example, the implant for the posterior region is in the form of a unit similar to the holding unit shown in figure 44A, and may include an elongate channel in the inner wall opposite the unit. The elongate channel is sized and shaped to receive a portion of the carrier 10, such as a generally horizontal, flat area of each rear region of the carrier 10. In this embodiment, the posterior unit comprises an artificial tooth which slides over the posterior region 20 of the bracket 10 corresponding to the posterior regions of the first and second molars. It is also envisaged that the anterior unit comprising the implant may comprise an upper and lower elongate channel for slidably receiving the anterior region 16 of the bracket 10.

Further embodiments of the invention relate to a base, a method of manufacturing and a method of manufacturing a dental prosthesis, and will be described in detail with reference to figures 45 to 51. At least some of the methods described below are particularly useful in situations where the prosthesis is damaged, missing, or the patient first needs the prosthesis.

Figure 45 illustrates an abutment 500 for use in making a lower tooth that includes a handle 502 attached to the abutment 500. The handle may be made of any suitable metal or plastic material, but stainless steel is the preferred material. The handle 502 may be secured to the base 500 by means of a plurality of slots 504, as shown, or may be secured to the base 500 using one or more lightly cured contacts of composite material as described herein. The base 500 includes receiving slots 505 to assist in adhering the bracket 10 and denture to the base 500. Figure 46 shows a base 506 for making a handle 502 with a plurality of slots 504 removed.

The bases 500 and 506 can be manufactured relatively quickly and easily by mixing together standard dental laboratory putty and catalysts. For example, the mixture is placed directly on the patient's existing upper and/or lower teeth or an existing model, if possible. Alternatively, if a conventional rubber base impression is to be made, the bases 500, 506 may be made in the same manner using a reinforced acrylic, such as polymethylmethacrylate, or other polymers, such as polypropylene.

As further options, the bases 500,506 may be quickly and easily fabricated by placing the mesh-like reinforced flexible composite base material 90 directly over the patient's existing upper and/or lower teeth, as described in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Where a dental prosthesis is not available, the mesh-reinforced flexible composite base material 90 can be placed over and gently press out the shape of the patient's oral ridge. The shaped reinforced composite is lightly cured and the circumferential edge is repaired to quickly access the upper and/or lower base custom-made to the patient. The base plates 500, 506 may then be used to make precise dentures, artificial teeth, light cured contact points of composite material using the bracket 10, and the bite method described herein in a patient's mouth.

Referring to fig. 47, the bases 500, 506 are optionally filled with a two-stage silicone-based composite 508, such as Ufi gel available from VOCO US corporation or other companies, to take an impression of the patient's oral dental crest. Alternatively, a rubber impression material may be used. The dental prosthesis is then completed within the facility or outsourced to a dental technician or dental laboratory for fabrication. Referring to FIG. 48, another embodiment of a composite upper base 506 includes a flexible, biocompatible reinforced screen 92 therethrough, as previously described. Referring to the exploded view of fig. 48 and the rear view of fig. 50, at least a portion of the flexible, biocompatible enhanced screen 92 of the base 506 is exposed. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 506 initially includes a flexible reinforced screen dome 510 without composite material. The size and shape of the dome varies between patients and inventors, and it has been recognized that the flexible reinforcing screen dome 510 allows for a particularly precise fit to the upper base 506, and thus the patient's upper teeth. Separate upper and lower layers 512, 514 of soft, pliable, uncured composite material are attached to the upper base 506 above and below the flexible screen dome 510, respectively, and bonded to the dome 510 using any suitable bonding procedure, such as a liquid adhesive. Then, the dome of the prosthesis corresponds exactly to the patient's unique dome, irrespective of any deformations of the bony jaw; followed by a light cure, avoids an undesirably thick dome, thus resulting in a comfortable fit and saving material.

Referring to FIG. 51, a composite rod 516 may be attached to the edge of the upper base 506 using any suitable means corresponding to the patient's mouth to achieve a full fit with the end point of the patient's mouth.

According to some embodiments, the composite material may be eliminated from the edges of the upper base 506, like the dome 510. In such an embodiment, the upper base 506 includes a flexible reinforced screen edge 518. The composite rod 516 is then attached to the edge of the upper base 506 along the edge 518 to precisely fit the end point of the patient's mouth.

The lower base 500 may also include a flexible reinforcing mesh edge in the labial and/or lingual areas of the base 500 to precisely fit the patient's mouth. The most accurate fit and comfortable dental prosthesis is obtained by obtaining the correct thickness and shape of the composite material around the edges to accommodate variations in thickness of the patient's oral dental crest.

Fig. 52-56 show further variations and embodiments of the invention. FIG. 52 is a perspective view of an arcuate member, such as upper and lower bases 500, 506, for use with the upper and lower bases described herein. Arcuate member 700 may be in the form of arcuate member 50 as described above in relation to fig. 12-14. Arcuate member 700 includes a handle 56 extending in the plane of arcuate member 700; a plurality of apertures in the left rear front region adjacent the handle, in the form of a pair of front apertures 52; and at least one pair of rear holes 53 at the left and right rear regions. Arcuate member 700 includes a central aperture 702 and a modified line 704 on each leg 706 between anterior aperture 52 and posterior aperture 53. Along this trim line, the arms 706 may reduce the size of the arcuate member 700 to accommodate the size of the patient's mouth. Arcuate member 700 provides a range of sizes, such as five different sizes, according to the sizing scheme described above. Figure 52 also shows a connector 708 that is removably mounted in the holes 52, 53 for connecting the arcuate member 700 to a base as described below.

FIG. 53 shows an enlarged perspective view of a connector 708 that can be clamped to arcuate member 700. Connector 708 includes a body 710 having a projection 712 extending thereon. The projection 712 includes an extended end 714 and a waist 716 between the end 714 of the connector 708 and the body 710. As shown in the cross-sectional view of fig. 54, the protrusion 712 may be constructed of a resilient material to be at least partially inserted into the arcuate member 700 through one of the apertures 52, 53. The edges of the apertures 52, 53 formed by one of the arms 706 engage the waist 716 to secure the connector 708 in the aperture. As shown in fig. 55, some embodiments of the connector 708 include an adhesive 712 applied to the bottom of the body 710 for adhering the connector 708 to the upper or lower base. The adhesive 712 is covered by a removable cover 714 to maintain its adhesive properties until ready for use. Alternatively, the connector may be adhered to the upper or lower base with a conventional biocompatible adhesive.

Figure 55 shows that the upper base 506 includes a pair of connectors 708A adhered to a rear region of the base 506 and a connector 708B adhered generally to a front region. In turn, arcuate member 700 can be coupled to connectors 708A and 708B via rear aperture 53 and central aperture 702, respectively. Alternatively, the connectors 708A, 708B can first engage the apertures 53, 702 of the arcuate member 700 and then be attached to the base 506. The upper base 506 as shown in figure 55 also includes a flexible reinforced screen dome 510 and a flexible reinforced screen skirt 518 as described above. The lower base 500 shown in fig. 56 includes a flexible reinforced screen edge 518 ready to be bonded to the arcuate member 700 using the connector 708.

Accordingly, the brackets 10, dental arches 28, dental prostheses, arch components 50, inserts 110, 125, and levee indentations, systems, methods, and other devices disclosed herein address at least some of the problems of the prior art described above by substantially reducing the time to fabricate a dental prosthesis for a patient and effectively ensuring tooth alignment and improving the quality and strength of the dental prosthesis. The precisely fitted prosthesis is usually obtained with only two consultation with the dentist and is more accurate than the procedure using conventional mechanical bite instruments because the actual physiological bite of the patient is directly used to create the prosthesis. The arch 28, including the bracket 10 and the reinforced flexible composite substrate material 90, provides additional strength and durability to the dental prosthesis. Compared with the prior art, the method for accurately matching the dental arch with the upper and lower base plates is very simple. The dental technician makes a complete and unique exact fit of the arch to the base directly from the patient's actual natural upper and lower jaws in a single consultation. The patient is simply the articulator of the prosthesis, without the use of mechanical means of positioning the prosthesis, for example the articulator of the traditional basic form or more complex forms which obtain a very inaccurate structure. Any errors in the diagnostic process will be quickly discovered in the same consultation and easily corrected without any laboratory intervention and intervention.

Reducing high frequency of transport impressions, recording embankments, full assembly and similar problems between clinics and laboratories encountered in prior art systems and methods. This reduces or eliminates the amount of contact between the dentist, laboratory technician and the carrier, and reduces the chance of error between the dentist and laboratory technician due to accidental and misdirection and/or damage during transport. Patients can also obtain their fully fabricated, comfortable wearing dentures in a minimum amount of time, thereby minimizing the inconvenience of having no dentures. A large number of reduced errors in this process can allow dentists and laboratory technicians to take up more patients and increase profits. In addition, the dental prosthesis made according to the present invention is also stronger because of the metal bracket 10 surrounding the base of the dentition and the reinforcing mesh 92 covering the fully fitted base and surrounding the upper and lower flanges. The dental prosthesis according to the embodiment of the present invention also demonstrates excellent performance due to its features, such as the indentation member 140. .

Because each prosthesis can be positioned and oriented in a desired location and orientation, a more natural looking prosthesis is produced and conforms to the patient's bite, and thus, the prosthesis made according to embodiments of the present invention is significantly aesthetically enhanced. Highlighting around the flange of the edged denture also produces a more natural looking denture and the simplicity of application reduces manufacturing time while maintaining quality.

The bite bracket provides a more conformable bracket to a wide range of patient arch sizes and shapes to maintain an accurate and natural looking arch and bite prosthesis even in the case of improperly sized and shaped arches. A clamping unit comprising one or more dental prostheses further enhances the systems and methods described herein by providing a simple yet strong connection mechanism, further speeding up the dental prosthesis fabrication process. The clamp unit may also be used with other denture forms described herein, such as being secured to individual teeth of the bracket via the holes therein.

The upper and lower brackets described herein are particularly useful in situations where the prosthesis is damaged, missing or the patient requires a prosthesis for the first time. The upper bracket and the lower bracket are simpler; the manufacturing process of the false teeth is accelerated; the base with the flexible reinforced screen dome and/or rim further improves the precise fit of the denture.

The systems, methods and devices according to various embodiments and aspects of the present invention may be used by intraoral dental procedures, laboratory technicians, and personnel using conventional systems and methods, and can introduce any stage of the conventional procedure now in use. Throughout this specification, the aim in the description has been to cover any embodiments of the invention or any specific arrangements of the components. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications to the specific embodiments will fall within the scope of the invention. For example, some steps of the method do not have to be performed in the order described, but may be performed in a different order. For example, in method 200, determining the size and shape of the arch and prosthetic teeth may be performed before or after taking an impression of the arch.

Claims (67)

1. A bracket for a dental arch, comprising: the bracket includes an elongated member that is curved generally along the arch of the dental arch.

2. The cradle of claim 1, wherein: the elongate member is made from one of the following materials: a metal material; titanium; stainless steel; high carbon steel; alloying; a ceramic; carbon fibers; at least one polymer; a fiber composite material.

3. The cradle of claim 1, wherein: the front face of the front or front region of the elongate member is substantially perpendicular to the front face of the back or rear region of the elongate member.

4. The cradle of claim 1, wherein: the elongate member includes a transition region between the front region and each of the rear regions.

5. The cradle of claim 4, wherein: the transition region includes a bend between the front region and each of the back regions.

6. The cradle of claim 1, wherein: the extension member is curved such that a front face of the extension member substantially corresponds to a surface of the dental prosthesis of the dental arch.

7. The cradle of claim 1, wherein: the front face of the front region of the elongated member substantially corresponds to the front surface of the artificial incisors of one or more dental arches.

8. The cradle of claim 1, wherein: the front face of the rear region of the elongate member substantially corresponds to one or more of the following: one or more upper and lower teeth engaging surfaces of an artificial molar; artificial cuspid teeth of the dental arch.

9. The cradle of claim 1, wherein: the anterior region of the extension member deforms into the posterior region of the extension member generally in the posterior cuspid region, becoming progressively flattened toward a more horizontal arrangement in the second bicuspid region, and the anterior region of the extension member includes a substantially horizontal flat region approximately below the posterior regions of the first and second molars.

10. The cradle of claim 1, wherein: the extension member includes a substantially horizontal flat region approximately below the posterior regions of the first and second molars.

11. The cradle of claim 1, wherein: each rear region includes a roughened surface.

12. The cradle of claim 1, wherein: including one or more holes through the elongate member.

13. The cradle of claim 1, wherein: comprising at least one joint between at least two parts of the carrier.

14. The cradle of claim 13, wherein: the at least one joint is disposed substantially centrally of the forward region of the carriage.

15. The cradle of claim 13, wherein: the at least one joint is disposed within at least one posterior region of the carriage.

16. The cradle of claim 13, wherein: comprising a joint in the left rear region of the carrier, a joint in the right rear region of the carrier and a joint in the front region of the carrier.

17. The cradle of claim 1, wherein: a dental prosthesis comprising at least one attachment bracket.

18. The cradle of claim 17, wherein: comprises at least one denture held on a bracket.

19. The cradle of claim 1, wherein: at least one dental prosthesis is part of a holding unit comprising an artificial gum area.

20. The cradle of claim 19, wherein: the clamping unit is a front unit or a rear unit.

21. The cradle of claim 1, wherein: comprising one or more dental prostheses mounted on a carrier and one or more spaces for fixing a clamping dental prosthesis or a clamping unit comprising at least one artificial gum area dental prosthesis.

22. The cradle of claim 17, wherein: at least one dental prosthesis is permanently attached to the elongate member.

23. The cradle of claim 17, wherein: at least one dental prosthesis is adjustably attached to the elongate member.

24. The tray of claim 23, wherein: at least one dental prosthesis is attached to the elongate member via a fastener through an aperture in the elongate member for adhering the respective backs of the dental prostheses.

25. The cradle of claim 24, wherein: the respective back portions of the dentures include a groove for engaging one end of the fastener.

26. The cradle of claim 24, wherein: the respective back portions of the dentures include a convex protrusion that engages a concave knuckle at one end of the fastener.

27. The cradle of claim 24, wherein: any one or two of the following positions of at least one dental prosthesis are adjustable relative to the aperture: vertical position, lateral position.

28. The cradle of claim 24, wherein: the incisor inclination angle of at least one dental prosthesis is adjustable relative to the front region of the extension member.

29. A joint between a first portion of a bracket and a second portion of the bracket for a dental arch, the joint comprising:

a first portion having a projection, including a bean-shaped aperture therethrough;

a second portion including a bean-shaped recess for engaging the bean-shaped projection; and is

A pin passing through the bean-shaped aperture in the projection and the aperture in the recess so that the first part can be pivoted to the second part in a single plane.

30. The tray of claim 29, wherein: including three contact points between the bean-shaped apertures and the bean-shaped protrusions.

31. A joint between a first portion of a bracket and a second portion of the bracket for a dental arch, the joint comprising:

a first portion having a projection; and

a second part including a recess for receiving and engaging the projection of the first part and allowing relative movement between the first and second parts.

32. An arch component for assessing the size of a dental arch, the arch component comprising:

a pair of front holes on both left and right sides of the front region for indicating the positions of the cuspids; and

at least one pair of rear holes at the left and right sides of the rear area for indicating the positions of molars.

33. The arcuate component of claim 32, wherein: at least one pair of rear apertures indicates one of the following: the location of the mesial hasp cusps of the first molars; the position of the second molar; the foveal position of the second molar.

34. The arcuate component of claim 32, wherein: comprises two pairs of rear holes, wherein,

a first pair of posterior apertures on the left and right sides of the posterior region indicating the location of the mesial hasp cusps of the first molars; and

a second pair of posterior apertures in a posterior region more posterior than the first pair of posterior apertures indicates the location of the second molars.

35. The arcuate component of claim 34, wherein: the second pair of posterior apertures indicates the location of the central socket of the second molar.

36. The arcuate component of claim 32, wherein: the relative positions of the pair of anterior apertures and the at least one pair of posterior apertures correspond to a dimension of the dental arch.

37. The arcuate component of claim 32, wherein: including one or more indicia adjacent each anterior aperture, in alignment with one of the indicia representing cuspids in the form of a tapered arch or a square arch.

38. The arcuate component of claim 32, wherein: including a handle extending therefrom for ease of use.

39. The arcuate component of claim 32, wherein: for use in a patient's mouth or a model of a patient's mouth.

40. The arcuate component of claim 32, wherein: a connector including at least one front aperture or apertures and/or one or more rear apertures removably insertable into the arcuate member for connecting the arcuate member to a base.

41. The arcuate component of claim 40, wherein: the connector includes an adhesive applied to the bottom of the connector body.

42. A system for assessing the size of an arch, the system comprising a series of arch-shaped elements, each arch-shaped element comprising a pair of anterior apertures on the left and right sides of an anterior region for indicating cuspid positions and at least a pair of posterior apertures on the left and right sides of a posterior region for indicating molar positions, wherein: the relative positions of the pair of anterior apertures and the pair of posterior apertures of each arch member correspond to one dimension of the dental arch.

43. The system of claim 42, wherein: the series of three or more arch parts corresponds to a solution comprising three or more arch sizes.

44. The system of claim 43, wherein: this series and this protocol included 5 arch sizes.

45. A method of determining arch size, comprising:

providing one or more series of arch elements of different sizes on the dental arch, each arch element including a pair of anterior apertures on the left and right sides of the anterior region for measuring cuspid positions and at least a pair of posterior apertures on the left and right sides of the posterior region for measuring molar positions; and

the arch on the arch-shaped member is sized so that the positions of the cuspids and molars are perfectly matched.

46. A substrate material for dentures includes an acrylic composite layer embedded in a flexible biocompatible reinforced screen.

47. The substrate material of claim 46, wherein: the reinforced screen is a biocompatible flexible glass fiber.

48. A length of flexible acrylic composite includes a series of arcuate cuts for connecting artificial teeth of a denture to simulate the look of gum.

49. A length of flexible acrylic composite according to claim 48, wherein: the arcuate incision connects with the neck region of the dental prosthesis.

50. A length of flexible acrylic composite according to claim 48, wherein: the arcuate cut is connected to a composite or acrylic collar in the neck region.

51. A mold for a length of flexible acrylic composite material as claimed in claim 48 wherein: the mold includes a belt having a surface pattern for imprinting protrusions on the flexible acrylic composite.

52. The mold of claim 51, wherein: the strip is metallic.

53. A flexible, cushioned insert for obtaining a model of a dental ridge, the insert having a shape approximating an arch of teeth and comprising a gel on a sealing outer layer of the insert.

54. The insert of claim 53, wherein: either or both of the following are transparent: a colloid; an outer layer of the insert.

55. The insert of claim 53, wherein: including an arcuate shape approximating the lower dental arch.

56. The insert of claim 53, wherein: a substantially U-shaped cross-section including the cross-sectional shape of a lower crest.

57. The insert of claim 53, wherein: including a cross-sectional shape that generally conforms to the upper crest and palate.

58. A base for upper and lower dentures, the base formed of an acrylic composite layer of flexible biocompatible reinforced mesh, characterized in that: at least a portion of the flexible, biocompatible reinforced screen is exposed.

59. The base of claim 58, wherein: at least the exposed portion of the flexible, biocompatible reinforced screen is a dome for the base of the upper teeth.

60. The base of claim 58, wherein: at least the exposed portion of the flexible, biocompatible reinforced screen is the peripheral edge of the base.

61. The base of claim 58, wherein: for lower teeth, the base may include either or both of the following: a flexible labial area, a flexible lingual area.

62. An impression member for use in attaching a posterior region of a tissue contacting surface of an upper base to improve retention of upper teeth on an upper jaw.

63. The creasing component of claim 62, wherein: the indentation member extends the width of a soft palate between the left and right nodules of the upper ridge of the oscillation line.

64. The creasing component of claim 62, wherein: the indentation member comprises two adjacent narrowing regions extending from the base of the indentation member to the compressed soft tissue of the palatal transverse slit of the palate.

65. A method of making a denture, comprising: temporarily applying the base to the patient's dental ridge; temporarily adhering one or more lightly cured contact dental arches of the composite material to the base; calibrating the position of the arch relative to the base and the size of the patient's teeth until the desired position is obtained; and lightly cured contacts of composite material.

66. The method of claim 65, wherein: including interdigitating the occlusal surfaces of the inverted lower arch with the associated upper arch after the desired position and proper size of the upper arch corresponding to the size of the upper base and the patient's teeth is achieved.

67. The method of claim 65, wherein: including achieving a desired position and proper size of the lower arch relative to the lower base plate, and then interdigitating the occlusal surfaces of the opposing upper arches and the associated lower arch.