| 摘要 |
In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to methods for producing demonstration models of dentition, which may be used for a variety of purposes, including, for example, installing dental implants in a patient and designing orthodontic devices. According to certain embodiments of the invention, methods for installing dental implants in a patient are provided. The methods generally comprise producing a demonstration model of a patient's teeth and a pilot hole for a dental implant and using the model as,a guide for drilling a pilot hole at the implant site. According to such embodiments, the step of producing the demonstration model comprises (a) capturing a digital image of patient's mouth region using a digital image acquisition system, (b) performing a digital image segmentation of the patient's teeth apart from a set of volumetric data (to produce a segmented image of the teeth), (c) identifying the implant site for the dental implant within the segmented image, (d) deriving the pilot hole and dimensions thereof at the implant site within the segmented image, and (e) manufacturing a real-sized demonstration model of the patient's teeth with the pilot hole disposed therein. The invention provides that a drill sleeve may be secured to the real-sized demonstration model within the pilot hole to produce a transfer tray, which may then be placed in the patient's mouth. According to such embodiments, the drill sleeve may be used as a guide for the pilot drill, such that the implant may thereafter be installed in the patient's mouth.
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