Method and apparatus for utilizing electronic models of patient teeth in interdisciplinary dental treatment plans

Method and apparatus for utilizing electronic models of patient teeth in interdisciplinary dental treatment plans
USPTO Patent Full-Text and Database
Hultgren, Bruce Willard ; et al.
US Patent Application: 20050010450
Publication Date: January 13, 2005
Kind Code: A1
Inventors: Hultgren, Bruce Willard; (Victoria, MN) ; Marshall, Michael C.; (Savage, MN) ; Isaacson, Robert J.; (Edina, MN) ; Ledin, Jamie; (Chanhassen, MN)
Correspondence Name and Address: MERCHANT & GOULD PC
P.O. BOX 2903
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402-0903
US
Assignee Name and Adress: GEODIGM CORPORATION
CHANHASSEN
MN
Serial No.: 840697
Series Code: 10
Filed: May 5, 2004
U.S. Current Class: 705/3; 705/7
U.S. Class at Publication: 705/003; 705/007
Intern'l Class: G06F 017/60
Abstract:
A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture is disclosed for providing a dental treatment plans using electronic models, and more particularly to a method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for utilizing electronic models of patient teeth in interdisciplinary dental treatment plans. The system and method permit the electronic generation and specification of electronic models and then dental treatment plans for patients that require interdisciplinary treatment that may include orthodontic treatment, may include the generation 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.