Digital dentistry

US9208531B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY · US

Inventors

• Joseph Boerjes · Medford, US
• Simon K. J. Schiessl · Berlin, DE
• Michael Patrick Girard · Amherstburg, CA
• Micah J. Rosenbloom · Boston, US
• Eric B. Paley · Lexington, US
• Edward K. Tekeian · Cambridge, US
• Steven V. Weeks · North Andover, US
• David E. Altobelli · Hollis, US
• Douglas M. Johnston · Winchester, US
• Janos Rohaly · Concord, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 22, 2012
• Grant date: Dec 8, 2015
• Expiry date: Aug 23, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G16H40/20
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

The systems and methods disclosed herein employ a scanning system for capturing highly detailed digital dental models. These models may be used within a dentist's office for a wide array of dental functions including quality control, restoration design, and fitting. These models may also, or instead, be transmitted to dental laboratories that may, alone or in collaboration with the originating dentist or other dental professionals, transform the digital model into a physical realization of a dental hardware item.