System and method for manufacturing of dental crowns and crown components

Abstract

A method of manufacturing custom crown coping and infrastructures is provided.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of creating digital job information for at least one component to be manufactured selected from the group consisting of a crown, multi-tooth unit, bridge, coping, crown coping, core, abutment and infrastructure, the method comprising the steps of:
 obtaining a three-dimensional model of a patient's mouth;   determining an outer shape of a dental restoration based on the three-dimensional model of the patient's mouth;   determining a manufacturing parameter for a component of the dental restoration to be manufactured based upon the determined shape of the dental restoration;   wherein the determined manufacturing parameter is selected from a plurality of preset parameter options; and   creating the digital job information based upon the determined manufacturing parameter.   
     
     
         2 . The method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the preset parameter options include a variety of material classification options from which the component is designed to be manufactured. 
     
     
         3 . The method as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the material classification options include a material shape, size, configuration and/or consistency. 
     
     
         4 . The method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the preset parameter options include a variety of manufacturing methods. 
     
     
         5 . The method as claimed in  claim 4  wherein one of the variety of manufacturing methods includes utilizing multiple manipulations at one time simultaneously. 
     
     
         6 . The method as claimed in  claim 5  wherein the utilizing multiple manipulations comprises utilizing multiple tools. 
     
     
         7 . The method as claimed in  claim 6  wherein at least one of the tools comprises a cutting tool. 
     
     
         8 . The method as claimed in  claim 4  wherein one of the variety of manufacturing methods includes utilizing multiple manipulations at one time individually and sequentially. 
     
     
         9 . The method as claimed in  claim 8  wherein the utilizing multiple manipulations comprises utilizing multiple tools. 
     
     
         10 . The method as claimed in  claim 9  wherein at least one of the tools comprises a cutting tool. 
     
     
         11 . The method as claimed in  claim 4  wherein one of the variety of manufacturing methods includes utilizing one of a plurality of machines. 
     
     
         12 . The method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the determining step comprises organizing a material and a manufacturing method. 
     
     
         13 . A method of automating manufacture of at least one component selected from the group consisting of a crown, multi-tooth unit, bridge, coping, crown coping, core, abutment and infrastructure, the method comprising the steps of:
 obtaining digital job information for a plurality of the components to be manufactured at one or more computer automated machines;   manufacturing the plurality of components by the one or more computer automated machines;   tracking an identity of at least one component during manufacturing; and   maintaining a record of the identity of the at least one component.   
     
     
         14 . The method as claimed in  claim 13  wherein the step of maintaining a record of the identity of the component includes placing a unique identification mark in association with the component. 
     
     
         15 . The method as claimed in  claim 14  wherein the unique identification mark is placed on the component. 
     
     
         16 . A method of creating digital job information for manufacturing a custom coping, the method comprising the steps of:
 preparing a three-dimensional model of a patient's mouth;   selecting an implant abutment insert and inserting it into the model;   scanning the model with the implant abutment insert inserted in the model;   utilizing the resulting scan of the model with the implant abutment insert to design a coping to fit over the implant abutment insert; and   creating the digital job information comprising the implant abutment insert selection and coping design information for use in manufacturing the custom coping.   
     
     
         17 . A method of creating digital job information for manufacturing a custom coping, the method comprising the steps of:
 receiving a scan of a three-dimensional model of a patient's mouth having an implant abutment insert therein;   utilizing the received scan of the model with the implant abutment insert to design a coping to fit over the implant abutment insert; and   creating the digital job information comprising the implant abutment insert selection and coping design information for use in manufacturing the custom coping.   
     
     
         18 . A custom coping manufactured by the steps of:
 preparing a three-dimensional model of a patient's mouth;   selecting an implant abutment insert and inserting it into the model;   scanning the model with the implant abutment insert inserted in the model;   utilizing the resulting scan of the model with the implant abutment insert to design a coping to fit over the implant abutment insert;   creating the digital job information comprising the implant abutment insert selection and coping design information for use in manufacturing the custom coping; and   milling the custom coping using the digital job information.