Method and apparatus for dental articulation
OwnerRonald G. Presswood, Ronald G. Presswood, Jr.inventors
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Abstract
This invention relates to improved methods and apparatus for recording and simulating the condylar movement of an individual. This invention also provides a digital dental articulator method which is designed to simulate the jaw or condylar movements of a patient. This instrument enables a dentist to obtain the necessary diagnostic information for treatment of the occlusal irregularities, such as malocclusion, and the fabrication of dental restorations or “dentures” and for the development of an orthodontic treatment plan.
Claims8
A method for preparing a dental appliance for a dental patient by using a computer with a program that includes a digital dental articulator apparatus, comprising the steps of:
- a. creating a digital model of the patient's upper and lower teeth;
- b. using the computer for digitally mounting the model in the digital dental articulator;
- c. using the computer for calculating, using Eric's rims, the guiding surfaces of the patient's temporomandibular joints by using occlusal wear surfaces between the patient's upper and lower teeth;
- and
- d. preparing the dental appliance by using the information obtained from step c.
A method for preparing a dentures for a dental patient by using a computer with a program that includes a digital dental articulator apparatus, comprising the steps of:
- a. creating a digital model of the patient generated bite rims, i.e., Eric's Rims;
- b. digitally mounting the digital bite rims in the digital dental articulator;
- c. calculating the guiding surfaces of the patient's Temporomandibular joints by using occlusal wear surfaces between the patient generated bite rims;
- d. preparing dentures by using the information obtained from step c.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.