Method and apparatus for constructing crowns, bridges and implants for dental use

Method and apparatus for constructing crowns, bridges and implants for dental use
USPTO Patent Full-Text and Database
Hofmeister, Andrew ; et al.
US Patent Application: 20040220691
Publication Date: November 4, 2004
Kind Code: A1
Inventors: Hofmeister, Andrew; (Chanhassen, MN) ; Ledin, James; (Chanhassen, MN) ; Isaacson, Bob; (Edina, MN) ; Hultgren, Bruce; (Victoria, MN) ; Marshall, Mike; (Savage, MN)
Correspondence Name and Address: MERCHANT & GOULD PC
P.O. BOX 2903
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402-0903
US
Serial No.: 429288
Series Code: 10
Filed: May 2, 2003
U.S. Current Class: 700/98
U.S. Class at Publication: 700/098
Intern'l Class: G06F 019/00
Abstract:
A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture is disclosed for providing a dental crowns using electronic models, and more particularly to a method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for creating dental crowns using a lost-wax manufacturing process from electronic model files corresponding to patient teeth impressions and corresponding electronic models for tooth crowns. The system and method permit the electronic generation and specification of crown, bridge, and implant dental appliances that may be specified in an industry standard file specification. This specification is utilized in a rapid prototyping process to generate a wax impression for the appliance that may then be fabricated using standard lost-wax fabrication techniques.