DE29608005U1 - System for determining the shape and color structure of teeth - Google Patents

Description

System for determining the shape and colour structure of teeth

The invention relates to a system for determining the shape and color structure of teeth, in particular for use in the preparation and manufacture of dental prostheses.

The previous method for determining color structure is based on color scales, with e.g. 20 color samples, which contain the most common natural tooth colors. The dentist or dental technician determines the tooth color that suits the patient by comparing the color scales with the patient's tooth color, so that the tooth can then be reproduced using ceramic materials or plastic veneer materials from a basic range of the respective manufacturer. The color impression in the dental prosthesis to be created is implemented using a simple layering technique when applying the veneer materials, whereby five 0 materials from the basic range are usually used, which are usually applied to the base of the dental prosthesis in the following order:

Opaquer, opaquedentin, dentin, incisal material and transparent material.
25

With these materials, the natural tooth can only be reproduced in its basic color, whereby the naturally occurring color characteristics, such as light/dark inclusions, e.g. secondary dentin, calcification spots, mammonous 0 or a different colored incisal border can only be achieved by using so-called effect materials. In order to reproduce the natural tooth appearance, the dental technician must make individual sketches in which he assigns and notes the effect materials to be used and the layering techniques to the corresponding color characteristics of the patient's tooth based on his own experience.

The problem here is the exact color taking of the patient and the application of the effect masses, where only

7 '", ■> ■
Through a lot of experience and trial and error, the color effect of the finished tooth restoration can be estimated.

Learning the color determination and the special effect mass layering technique requires a high level of expense and time.

Reproducing the natural shape of the tooth also poses problems, especially if the patient already has dentures, i.e. the original natural shape of the tooth is not known. The dental technician has virtually no clue as to the shape of the denture.

The aim of the invention is to enable a simple and reliable determination of the tooth shape and color structure and to make the determined shape and color characteristics reproducible as realistically as possible.

This problem is solved by the technical teaching of patent claim 1.

Various assortments are provided, which include models and images as well as layering schemes of different tooth shapes and tooth color structures.

0 The patient is compared with the shape and

Color build-up of the patient's teeth with the models, whereby the appropriate range(s) can be easily selected and reproduced true to nature in the dental laboratory.
35

The system according to the invention consists of various components that can be put together to form basic ranges: The most important components are:

- Situation model(s) of the upper and/or lower jaw of a test subject

- Color images of the mouth situation of a subject

- layering schemes associated with the color images for the step-by-step representation of the necessary layering sequence for the reproduction of the dental prosthesis.

The following basic ranges are compiled:

1. Basic range, front teeth (for laboratory)

2. Master set(s), anterior teeth {for laboratory) 3. Posterior tooth set(s) (for laboratory)

4. Image representation of the layering and

Layering technique (for laboratory)

5. Dentist range

6. Computer program (optional)

1. Basic range:

The basic range consists of several sets and an associated collection of images (photographs, slides).

The various sets each contain situation models of the natural teeth of a test subject, specifically 0 front teeth (upper jaw, lower jaw), photographs (slides) and a layering scheme of the respective patient example. Instead of the situation models, tooth models made of layered ceramic or plastic veneer material can also be used. Optionally, the models can be provided with metallic surfaces.

One or more sets of the basic range can also contain, instead of the situation models of the natural teeth of a test subject, situation models that show a restoration of individual teeth, whereby the restoration was carried out according to the method proposed by the invention. The sets then additionally contain the image representations and layering schemes that match the restored teeth of the situation models.

The situation models correspond to the exact tooth situation in the mouth of the test subject. The images portray the mouth situation in close-up and are taken using direct color photography and mirror images, and are an exact color reproduction of the tooth situation of the respective test subject, which reflects the individual character of the teeth. In order to enable reproduction with a ceramic system or plastic veneer system, the respective layering scheme is created for the test subject, e.g. on transparent sheets that can be positioned one above the other or on a detailed description in book or booklet form with text and color images, from which the methodical working method can be recognized, which veneer and effect materials must be used in which areas and to what depth in order to reproduce the natural color effect. The result of a reproduction created using this method can be enclosed with photographic documentation.

Blank shading schemes are also provided to enable color differences to be noted in patient cases of the same scheme. The basic range is composed of test samples that contain the most frequently encountered characteristics of tooth shapes and tooth colors. The range is designed for work in

Laboratory designed and a template that is always available for the dental technician when dealing with color and shape determination of teeth and their lifelike reproduction with the respective ceramic or plastic veneer system. 5

2. Master range(s):

The master range is structured in the same way as the basic range and has the same application. The difference to the basic range lies in the selection of test samples. The master range contains unusual examples of shape, color and position, such as strong secondary dentin formation, possible discoloration caused by medication or other unusual, naturally occurring color structures.

3. Posterior tooth assortment(s):

The structure of the posterior tooth range corresponds to that of the 0 basic or master range, with the difference that all parameters taken into account in the above-mentioned ranges relate to the application on posterior teeth. A collection of plaster or plastic duplicates obtained from natural individual teeth is included in the range for studying and comparing natural chewing surface and crown reliefs. Silicone molds are included for obtaining finished chewing surfaces.

4. Images (photographs, slides) of the

0 ceramic layers.

With regard to the basic, master and posterior tooth range, the structure of the ceramic materials for each set is documented step by step on image carriers. The ceramic materials or plastic veneers are colored differently and, together with the

The dental technician can use the layering scheme to determine the procedure for reproducing the color situation for each
Follow the test subject example step by step.

5. Dentist range(s):

The dentist range has the same structure and content

such as the basic, master and posterior range.

It allows the dentist to directly examine the patient’s
To determine tooth shape, tooth color and position. With the help of the enclosed color photographs and/or slides it is possible to determine the characteristics of a patient’s teeth and, if necessary, to

Blank layering scheme to note the ceramic materials or plastic veneer materials or effect materials used in reproduction.

6. Computer program (optional):

The task of a supporting computer program can be:

- Presentation of the situation models of the assortments on the screen or corresponding display devices

- Image representations of the product ranges

- Presentation of the stratification schemes of the assortments
- Presentation of blank schemes

- Representation of the layering

The possible functions of a computer program can
be:
0 - Representation of the above parameters and their

Linkage so that each stratification scheme with each

shape

the situation models can be combined.

- Change in the colour structure of each layering scheme,

5 i.e. the color selection according to the blank layering scheme is entered into the saved layering scheme. The result

The color change is processed by the program and transferred to the corresponding image template and the effect on the overall color impression appears on the screen. It is possible to print the image in color.

- Change in the shape and position of the teeth

- Scanning treatment cases from photographs or video recordings and displaying the layering scheme to be used by the dental technician and the veneering materials or effect materials required for this.

The system according to the invention enables optimal communication between the dentist and the dental laboratory about the dental prosthesis to be created through a large number of tooth shape examples and color structure examples, which are easily understood through layering schemes and images that explain the procedure, and images of the result of this layering method. By combining the tooth shapes and layering schemes of different sets, the dentist and the dental technician are given a large number of application options to create a patient-friendly, individual dental prosthesis.

The invention is explained in more detail below using drawings that only show one embodiment. The drawings and their description show further essential features and advantages of the invention. They show:

Figure 1: schematically shows an embodiment of the structure of the system according to the invention;

Figure 2: schematic of the drawer in enlarged view;

Figure 3: an example of the color characteristics of natural teeth;

Figures 4a to 4d: Example of the "step by step" layering method to achieve the desired color effect (layering scheme) based on Figure 3; 5

Figure 5: schematically the layering in section, related to Figures 3 and 4a to 4d;

Figure 6: Schematic of the layering structure of an upper canine from the palatal view.

Figures 1 and 2 show an example of how the system for determining the shape and color of teeth can be set up in practice. The assortments are housed in a separable, stackable storage box 1, which in the example consists of two elements 2a, 2b, but can also contain more elements. Each element 2 comprises, for example, four sets, each with a sample specimen and drawers 3. In the sets, the images 4 (slides) are contained in a removable box, the upper and lower jaw situation 5, 6 on a removable base plate and a drawer 3, in which the respective documentation and the associated layering scheme are contained.

The assortment 1 can consist of two or more elements 2, so that in the example there are a total of eight shape and color situations that can be combined with one another and by combining the models and layering schemes with image material from different sources, a total of 36 different upper jaw situations and 36 different lower jaw situations are always possible.

5 Box 1, for example, represents the basic range, which is supplemented by further elements 2 , which form one or more master ranges

can be supplemented. The basic tooth color determination is carried out in the conventional way, e.g. color code from Ducera.

The determination of the tooth shape and color structure, i.e. the individual color and shape characterization of the teeth, is carried out using the models and the image material of the individual sets. The following basic features can be distinguished: tooth shape, tooth color, tooth base, tooth neck, possible mammon, possible incisal seam (seam on the cutting edge), cutting area.

In addition to the basic ceramic materials used: opaquer, opaquedentin, dentin, incisal material, a large number of effect materials are also used, which are available in all naturally occurring shades. These are usually named according to their color effect, e.g. opal, flamingo, blue, amber (e.g. from the modifier and opal material ranges from Ducera Dental, Rosbach).

The color is usually determined by the dentist using conventional color scales. Using the situation models contained in sets no. 1 to no. 8, a tooth shape that is closest to the patient's original tooth shape can be determined, e.g. the tooth shape from set no. 7.

The determination of the individual characteristics (e.g. mammolas, secondary dentin) is carried out using the image material from the dentist’s range. The determination of the color effect of the 0 individual characteristics is carried out using individual mass color scales (e.g. the modifier masses) and are noted in the blank scheme according to Figure 3. The patient’s incisor shown, for example, has a color structure according to set no. 3, i.e. a tooth neck color 8 that differs from the color of the base body 7, an incisal border 10, three mammolas and a color-changed cutting edge 11. These individual

The appropriate color scheme must now be selected based on the color schemes shown in photos or slides. For example, color of the base body: A3, color of the neck of the tooth: amber, color of the incisal edge: blue opal, color of the mammon: flamingo, color of the cutting edge: S59.

This color scheme is already included in an example of the range (e.g. set no. 3); any deviation in the color effect must be noted by the dentist himself on a blank layering scheme (Figure 3).

The commissioned dental laboratory receives the data compiled by the dentist in the appropriate form: e.g. Patient 1234: tooth color A3, tooth shape: set no. 7, tooth color structure set no. 3, color values: set no. 5 (or: if no suitable color scheme is found: color of the base body A3, tooth neck color: amber, incisal border: blue opal, mammonoids: flamingo, cutting edge: S59 according to the blank layering scheme).

The dental technician obtains the relevant situation models, color schemes, layering schemes and images from the basic or master set and thus receives an exact template for making the dentures with step-by-step instructions.

According to Figures 4a to 4d, in a first step, according to the layering scheme, a metal cap 12, which forms the basis for the dental prosthesis, is covered with opaque material 13: color 0 A3. The tooth neck 8 is graded with intensive opaque material 14: color red-brown (Figure 4a).

The second step consists in providing the tooth with a dentin layer 16 and bringing it into the required shape. In doing so, the layering scheme must be

The tooth neck 8 can be colour-graded again with a special effect mass 15 (Figure 4b).

In a third step, the dentin layer 16 is now reduced in the area of the identified color inclusions, mammons 9 and in the area of the incisal border 10. The mammons are layered using an effect material layer 18 in the required color. In the same way, a suitable effect material layer 19 is applied in the area of the incisal border 10. The whole thing is covered with cutting material 17 in the area of the cutting edge (Figure 4c).

In the 4th step, the area of the cutting edge 11 is covered with a cover layer of a transparent mass 20 (Figure 4d).

Figure 5 shows again the layering method according to the example in section.

Figure 6 shows an example of a layering of a canine tooth from the palatal side. The tooth base body 21 is formed from dentin material 16 and incisal material 17, and incisal material 22 is applied in the area of the incisal part.

5 Approximately in the center of the incisal area, an area is filled with secondary dentin material 25, which has a yellowish-brown color. Around the area of the secondary dentin, two layers of effect materials 23,24 are shown, e.g. with a slightly whitish portion 24 and a bluish portion 23.

Claims (8)

PATENT ATTORNEY. DR.-ING. PETE« RlEßUtfG Dipl.-lng. EUROPEAN PATENT ATTORNEY PO Box 3160 D-88113 Lindau (Bodensee) Telephone {08382)78025 Fax {08382)78027 10 10026.5-P475-54 29.04.1996 15 Applicant: Mr. Gerhard Pfau, Nieratzer Weg 35, g> D-88239 Wangen 20 Protection claims 1. System for determining the shape and colour structure of teeth, in particular for use in the preparation and manufacture of dental prostheses, characterized in that it comprises the following components: - Situation model(s) of the upper and/or lower jaw of a test subject; 30 - Color images of the mouth situation of a subject - layering schemes associated with the color images for step-by-step representation and instructions for the necessary layering sequence for the production of the dental prosthesis. 35 Home Step: Bank accounts: .. ., .. .. .. Postal checking account Rennerle 10 Bayer. Väreir^b^nk JJiWajj (EJ NrJ125/.f 1J (Bl£ 60Of 02SCJ _# . Munich D-88131 Lindau Hypo-Ban,l<rLindaSSBJNr.fe«70-e2e84B (SLZ^3329443) · 414848-808 VolksbaiHeKftdaa<B)NR«122e0*00(BLZ6S&32010f..· ·..* (BLZ70010080) VAT number: DE 129020439 &bull; 9 ·· 2, System according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises color image representations of the layering sequence according to the layering schemes. 3. System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises blank schemes for the individual recording of the color features. 4. System according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises reproductions of individual, natural posterior teeth for studying the tooth shape and chewing surfaces. 5. System according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized characterized in that it comprises silicone molds for reproducing finished chewing surfaces. 6. System according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the situation models are replicas of the natural teeth of the subject or of teeth already partially reconstructed by means of dental prostheses. 7. System according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it contains image representations of teeth reconstructed according to the enclosed layering schemes. 8. System according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the representation and/or simulation of the components described above takes place with the aid of a computer system and a corresponding computer program.