Addressable matrices/cluster blanks for dental cad/cam systems and optimization thereof

Abstract

A cluster mill blank includes a framework constructed to cooperate with a blank holder of an existing CAD/CAM system, and a plurality of sub-blanks attached to the framework forming an addressable matrix or cluster blank. CAD/CAM systems including such a framework, as well as associated methods are described.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A cluster mill blank for fabrication of dental articles comprising:
 a framework constructed to cooperate with a blank holder of a CAD/CAM system, wherein the framework comprises an inner periphery and an outer periphery; and a   a plurality of sub-blanks attached to the inner periphery of the framework.   
     
     
         2 . The cluster mill blank of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of sub-blanks are aligned annularly along the inner periphery of the framework or aligned in a series of rows along the inner periphery of the framework. 
     
     
         3 . The cluster mill blank of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of sub-blanks are attached to a detachable holder; and
 wherein the detachable holder attaches to the framework. 
 
     
     
         4 . The cluster mill blank of  claim 3  wherein the framework comprises a plurality of projections disposed along the inner periphery; and
 wherein the detachable holder attaches to the plurality of projections. 
 
     
     
         5 . The cluster mill blank of  claim 4  wherein the projections are aligned in rows disposed opposite to one another, a detachable holder attached to each row of projections. 
     
     
         6 . The cluster mill blank of  claim 4  wherein the projections are aligned annularly along the periphery, a detachable holder attached to a each of a set of semi-annularly aligned rows. 
     
     
         7 . The cluster mill blank of  claim 1  wherein the sub-blanks comprise a base, a top and a plurality of sides, wherein the base is attached to the framework and wherein the top and plurality of sides are unenclosed. 
     
     
         8 . The cluster mill blank of  claim 1  wherein the sub-blanks are mechanically fastened to, adhesively secured to, or integrally attached to mandrels and the mandrels are mechanically fastened to the framework. 
     
     
         9 . The cluster mill blank of  claim 8  wherein the mandrels are mechanically fastened to a detachable holder and the detachable holder is mechanically fastened to the framework. 
     
     
         10 . The cluster mill blank of  claim 1  wherein the dental articles comprise a coping, pontic, framework, denture teeth, space maintainer, tooth replacement appliance, orthodontic retainer, denture, post, facet, splint, cylinder, pin, connector, crown, partial crown, veneer, onlay, inlay, bridge, fixed partial denture, implant or abutment. 
     
     
         11 . The cluster mill blank of  claim 1  wherein the sub-blanks are of identical size, shade, and/or material. 
     
     
         12 . The cluster mill blank of  claim 1  wherein the sub-blanks are of different sizes, shades, and/or materials. 
     
     
         13 . The cluster mill blank of  claim 1  wherein the framework is formed from a plastic, composite or metallic material. 
     
     
         14 . The cluster mill blank of  claim 3  wherein the holder is formed from a plastic, composite or metallic material. 
     
     
         15 . The cluster mill blank of  claim 1  wherein the sub-blanks are formed from one or more of: a dental ceramic, a dental polymer, composite or a metallic material. 
     
     
         16 . The cluster mill blank of  claim 1  wherein the framework is a single, solid piece. 
     
     
         17 . The cluster mill blank of  claim 1  wherein the framework comprises stationary or moving parts. 
     
     
         18 . The cluster mill blank of  claim 1  wherein the sub-blanks are disposed on opposite sides of the framework. 
     
     
         19 . The cluster mill blank of  claim 1  wherein the large sub-blanks are used to manufacture single-unit dental articles, two-unit dental articles, three-unit dental articles, four-unit dental articles, five-unit dental articles or six-unit dental articles. 
     
     
         20 . The cluster mill blank of  claim 1  wherein the framework is circular, oval or polygonal in shape.