Description

MODELING STRUCTURE FOR PREPARING DENTAL

PROSTHESIS

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a modeling structure for preparing a dental prosthesis, with which a tooth model is manufactured by curing dental plaster poured into a negative mold in the case of restoration or implantation surgery, and more particularly, to a modeling structure for preparing a dental prosthesis, which uses magnets to make it easy to attach the cured tooth model to a base on which the tooth model is cured and detach it therefrom, thereby shortening the total process time necessary for the restoration or implantation surgery and reducing the waste of material. Background Art

[2] Examples of fundamental dental surgeries for the restoration of a decayed or damaged tooth include a method of extracting the decayed tooth and replacing the decayed tooth with an artificial tooth (implant) and a method of grinding the decayed part and performing restoration.

[3] According to the general surgery for artificial tooth implants, a negative mold of some or all of the patient's teeth, made in a dental clinic, is sent to a dental laboratory. In the dental laboratory, dental plaster is poured into the negative mold of the patient's teeth, and is cured, thereby forming a dental model, which is then fixed to a base.

[4] The base is a support for seating and fixing the dental model, so that subsequent process can be easily carried out on the dental model in order to prepare a dental prosthesis using the model teeth. The following process includes procedures of: grinding the bottom of the model teeth so that they are flat; forming a hole in the bottom center of one of the ground model teeth, which is subject to restoration; inserting a fixing pin into the formed hole; pouring dental cement into a mold having a specific shape and seating the model tooth with the fixing pin on the dental cement in order to fix the bottom of the model tooth; and cutting the model of the tooth to be restored from the top portion of the base by sawing.

[5] Then, the dental prosthesis is manufactured using the model tooth separated as above.

[6] However, the problem of this process of the prior art is that the procedure for forming the base in the preparation of the model teeth increases the total process time. In addition, once the base is formed, it cannot be used in another process but should be discarded, which wastes material. Disclosure of Invention

Technical Problem

[7] The present invention has been made to solve the foregoing problems with the prior art, and therefore an object of the present invention is to provide a modeling structure for preparing a dental prosthesis, which can shorten the time required to manufacture a tooth model, necessary for restoration, as well as reduce the waste of material.

[8] Another object of the present invention is to provide a more effective and efficient modeling structure for preparing a dental prosthesis, which enables the cutting procedure to be directly carried out without having to pass through the procedures of grinding, pin-fixing and base-fixing in the conventional process of preparing a dental prosthesis, thereby reducing the time for preparing the dental prosthesis by about one hour, so that patients can undergo the surgery after a shortened wait and hospitals can reduce the waste of material. Technical Solution

[9] According to an aspect of the present invention for realizing the object, the present invention provides a modeling structure for preparing a dental prosthesis (preparing a dental prosthesis). The modeling structure has a structure attachable to the surface of dental plaster, which is poured (charged) into a negative mold of patient's teeth, prior to curing of the dental plaster, thereby supporting a dental model formed by the curing of the dental plaster. The modeling structure also includes magnets stored therein, and the magnets enable the dental model to be attached to and detached from the modeling structure.

[10] Preferably, the modeling structure further includes a dental model-fixing base, which fixedly supports the bottom portion of the cured dental model, stores the magnets in the inner space thereof, and detachably attracts a dental model base plate, which is implanted to the bottom portion of the dental model, using the magnetic force of the magnets; the dental model base plate being attachable to and detachable from the top portion of the dental model-fixing base, and formed of a mixture including dental plaster and one selected from a group consisting of iron powder, coated iron powder, stainless steel powder and magnet ore powder; and a fixing band disposed around the dental model-fixing base, which is attached to the dental plaster poured into the negative mold of the patient's teeth when the dental plaster is cured.

[11] Preferably, the dental model-fixing base includes a flat platform extending outward a predetermined distance, so that the fixing band is disposed on the edge of the dental model-fixing base; a plurality of protrusions extending outward to be fitted into a plurality of holes in the dental model-fixing base; a magnet storage space having inner space to store the magnets therein; a dental plaster support member protruding downward from the bottom surface of the dental model-fixing base, and sloped from

the bottom to a top at a predetermined angle, so that the dental model-fixing base can be fixed to both plates of an articulator when the dental plaster, poured to both plates of the articulator, has permeated and cured; and a magnet-fixing protrusion formed in the inner end of the magnet storage space to fixedly support the magnets stored in the magnet storage space in a stacked state.

[12] Preferably, the dental model base plate has a plurality of through holes which are fitted onto the protrusions of the dental model-fixing base, is smaller than the upper area of the dental model-fixing base, and is implanted to the bottom portion of the dental model formed by the curing of the dental plaster, after the dental model-fixing base is attached to the surface of the dental plaster poured in the negative mold of patient's teeth, so that the dental model is attached to and detached from the dental model-fixing base.

[13] Preferably, a mixture including dental plaster and one selected from a group consisting of iron powder, coated iron powder, stainless steel powder and magnet ore powder is poured into the top portion of the dental model- fixing base in a state in which the fixing band is disposed around the dental model-fixing base, in place of the base plate attached to the top portion of the dental model-fixing base, and is cured together with the dental plaster poured in the negative mold of patient's teeth.

[14] According to an aspect of the present invention for realizing the object, the present invention provides a modeling structure for preparing a dental prosthesis. The modeling structure includes a dental model-fixing base supporting plate for supporting a plurality of dental model-fixing bases, which are attachable to and detachable from the dental model-fixing base supporting plate; the dental model-fixing bases, attachable to and detachable from the dental model-fixing base supporting plate, wherein each of the dental model-fixing bases has a dental model base plate attachable to and detachable from the top portion thereof, so that the dental model-fixing base is implanted to the bottom portion of a dental model formed by curing dental plaster in a negative mold of a patient's teeth; dental model base plates, each of which is attachable to and detachable from the top portion of a corresponding one of the dental model-fixing bases, wherein the dental model base plate is attached to the surface of the dental plaster poured in the negative mold of the patient's teeth, and then is implanted to the bottom portion of the dental model formed by curing the dental plaster, so that the dental model base plate is attachable to and detachable from the dental model-fixing base; and fixing bands, each of which is disposed around a corresponding dental model-fixing base that is attached to the dental plaster poured in the negative mold of patient's teeth when the dental plaster is cured, thereby producing a uniform outer surface around the dental model formed by the curing of the dental plaster.

[15] Preferably, the dental model-fixing base supporting plate includes dental model- fixing base supports, laterally arranged on and fixed to the dental model-fixing base supporting plate, so that opposing end portions protrude out of the dental model-fixing base supporting plate to the length of the dental model- fixing bases; and magnets attached to top portions of the opposing end portions of the dental model-fixing base supports, so that each of the opposing end portions of the dental model-fixing base supports, with the magnets attached thereto, is inserted into a corresponding one of magnet storages of the dental model-fixing bases.

[16] Preferably, each of the dental model-fixing bases includes a flat platform extending outward a predetermined distance, so that the fixing band is disposed around the dental model-fixing base; a plurality of protrusions extending outward to be fitted into a plurality of holes in a corresponding dental model-fixing base; the magnet storage space having an inner space to store the magnets therein, the magnets attached to the top portion of the dental model-fixing base; a dental plaster support member which is buried in the dental plaster, which is poured into a portion of an articulator, when the dental plaster is fixed to the articulator, in order to support the dental plaster during the curing thereof; and a magnet-fixing protrusion formed in an inner end of the magnet storage space to fixedly support the magnets stored in the magnet storage space in a stacked state.

[17] Preferably, a mixture including dental plaster and one selected from a group consisting of iron powder, coated iron powder, stainless steel powder and magnet ore powder is cured in the top portion of the dental model-fixing base in a state in which the fixing band is disposed around the dental model-fixing base, and is cured together with the dental plaster poured in the negative mold of patient's teeth, in order to form the dental model.

Advantageous Effects

[18] According to the present invention as set forth above, the modeling structure for preparing a dental prosthesis can shorten the time for manufacturing a tooth model necessary for restoration as well as reduce the waste of material.

[19] The modeling structure for preparing a dental prosthesis of the present invention is more effective and efficient, and thus can be used to directly carry out the cutting procedure without having to pass through the procedures of grinding, pin-fixing and base-fixing in the conventional process of preparing a dental prosthesis, thereby reducing the time for preparing the dental prosthesis by about one hour, so that patients can have surgery after a shortened wait and hospitals can reduce the waste of material. Brief Description of the Drawings

[20] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a modeling structure for

preparing a dental prosthesis according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[21] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view illustrating the modeling structure for preparing a dental prosthesis according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[22] FIG. 3 is a bottom view and a bottom perspective view illustrating the modeling structure for preparing a dental prosthesis according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[23] FIG. 4 is a view illustrating dental models mounted on a dental articulator, in which the dental models are produced by curing dental plaster in the negative mold of patient's teeth of the modeling structure for preparing a dental prosthesis according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[24] FIG. 5 is a view illustrating the modeling structure for preparing a dental prosthesis according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which one portion of the fixing band is opened;

[25] FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating dental plaster poured into a negative mold of patient's teeth of the modeling structure for preparing a dental prosthesis according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[26] FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating the dental model-fixing base attached to the surface of dental plaster, which is cured in the negative mold of teeth of the modeling structure for preparing a dental prosthesis according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[27] FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a dental model that is attached to or detached from the dental model-fixing base after being cured in the modeling structure for preparing a dental prosthesis according to the first embodiment of the present invention; and

[28] FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a modeling structure for preparing a dental prosthesis according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which dental model- fixing bases are disposed on a dental model-fixing base supporting plate.

[29] <Major Reference Numerals of the Drawings>

[30] 110: dental model-fixing base 120: base plate

[31] 130: fixing band 140: magnet

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[32] A modeling structure for preparing a dental prosthesis of the present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments thereof are shown.

[33] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a modeling structure for preparing a dental prosthesis according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a side elevation view illustrating the modeling structure for preparing a dental prosthesis according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[34] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the modeling structure for preparing a dental prosthesis of the present invention includes a dental model-fixing base 110, a dental model base plate 120, a fixing band 130 and a plurality of magnets 140. [35] The dental model- fixing base 110 includes a plurality of guide protrusions 111, a platform 112, a magnet storage space 113, a magnet-fixing protrusion 114 and a dental plaster support member 115. [36] The platform 112 is formed to be flat, and extends outward a predetermined distance, so that the fixing band 130 is disposed on the edge of the dental fixing base

110. [37] Pluralities of through holes 121 are formed in the dental model base plate 120, and each of the protrusions 111 extends outward to fit into a respective one of the through holes 121. [38] Smaller protrusions 111 are located in one portion of the dental model-fixing base

110, so that tooth models for premolars can be cured, and larger protrusions 111 are located in the remaining portion of the dental model-fixing base 110, so that tooth models for molars can be cured.

[39] The magnet storage space 113 has an inner space to receive the magnets 140.

[40] The magnet storage space 113 stores the magnets along the length of the dental model-fixing base 110. In the present invention, it is preferable that four such magnets be stored in the magnet storage space 113. [41] At least one of the magnet- fixing protrusions 114 is provided at the inner end of the magnet storage space 113 to fixedly support the magnets 140, which are stored and stacked in the magnet storage space 113. [42] The fixing band 130 is provided around the platform 112 of the dental model- fixing base 110. [43] That is, in a state in which the fixing band 130 is disposed on the platform 112 of the dental model-fixing base 110, when dental plaster is poured into a negative mold of patient's teeth, the surface of the dental plaster is attached to the dental model-fixing base 110. After the dental plaster cures, when the fixing band 130 is detached from the dental model 400 and the dental model-fixing base 110, the dental model 400 is formed to have a uniform and smooth outer shape. [44] Although it is preferable to dispose the fixing band 130 on the platform 112 of the dental model-fixing base 110 prior to attaching it to the plaster surface, this is not intended to limit the present invention. [45] The base plate 120 is formed by mixing the dental plaster with one of iron powder, coated iron powder, stainless steel powder and magnet ore powder. [46] The through holes 121 in the base plate 120 extend through the top and bottom surfaces of the base plate 120, so that the protrusions 111 of the dental model-fixing

base 110 are inserted into the through holes 121.

[47] FIG. 3 is a bottom view and a bottom perspective view illustrating the modeling structure for preparing a dental prosthesis according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a view illustrating dental models mounted on a dental articulator, in which the dental models are produced by curing dental plaster in the negative mold of patient's teeth of the modeling structure for preparing a dental prosthesis according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[48] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the dental plaster support member 115 protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the dental model-fixing base 110, and is sloped from the bottom to the top at a predetermined angle.

[49] The dental plaster support member 115 is formed of dental plaster 300 poured to both plates of a dental articulator 500, which permeates into the bottom of the dental model-fixing base 110 and within the slope angle of the support member 115. When the dental plaster 300 is cured, a pair of the dental model-fixing bases 110 is fixed to both plates of the dental articulator 500.

[50] FIG. 5 is a view illustrating the modeling structure for preparing a dental prosthesis according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which one portion of the fixing band is opened.

[51] Referring to FIG. 5, the fixing band 130 of the present invention is made of plastic, and is formed around the platform 112 of the dental model-fixing base 110, which is attached to the dental plaster when the dental plaster is cured in the negative mold of teeth. As shown in FIG. 5, the fixing band 130 has an a cleavage in one longitudinal end thereof, so that the fixing band 130 can be easily fitted onto or separated from the platform 112 of the dental model-fixing base 110 by laterally widening the cleavage of the fixing band 130.

[52] Hereinafter, a process of preparing a dental prosthesis using the modeling structure of the present invention will be described in detail.

[53] FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating dental plaster poured into a negative mold of patient's teeth of the modeling structure for preparing a dental prosthesis according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating the dental model-fixing base attached to the surface of dental plaster, which is cured in the negative mold of teeth of the modeling structure for preparing a dental prosthesis according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a dental model that is attached to or detached from the dental model-fixing base after being cured in the modeling structure for preparing a dental prosthesis according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[54] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, at first, dental impression material is applied on a tray

200, and the impression of the teeth of the patient is acquired, thereby making a model

of the teeth.

[55] Dental plaster 300 is poured into the negative mold of the patient's teeth, which is acquired as described above.

[56] Next, the cleavage of the fixing band 130 is widened laterally and the fixing band

130 is fitted onto the platform 112 of the dental model-fixing base 110, and the base plate 120 is fitted onto the top portion of the protrusions 111.

[57] Then, four magnets 140 are inserted into the magnet storage space 113 inside the dental model-fixing base 110.

[58] The magnets 140 are fixedly supported by the magnet-fixing protrusion 114, which is formed in the inner end of the magnet storage space 113.

[59] Next, the dental model-fixing base 110 is attached to the dental plaster 300, poured into the negative mold of the patient's teeth, in the direction in which the base plate 120 is attached.

[60] In place of the base plate 120, attached to the protrusions 111 of the dental model- fixing base 110, a mixture including the dental plaster and one of iron powder, coated iron powder, stainless steel powder and magnet ore powder is poured to the top portion of the dental model- fixing base 110, and is attached to the dental plaster 300 poured into the negative mold of the patient's teeth.

[61] After a preset time period (about 30 minutes) has passed, the dental plaster 300 poured into the negative mold is cured, thereby forming a dental model 400.

[62] Next, the dental model 400 is detached from the tray 200, and the fixing band 160 is separated from the dental model-fixing base 110 by laterally widening the cleavage of the fixing band 160.

[63] Here, the base plate 120 is implanted in the bottom portion of the dental model 400, formed by curing the dental plaster 300.

[64] That is, since iron powder is contained in the base plate 120, implanted in the bottom portion of the dental model-fixing base 110, or is contained in the dental plaster, which is poured into the dental model-fixing base 110 in place of the base plate 120, the dental model-fixing base 110 and the dental model 400 can be easily attached to or detached from each other using the magnetic force of the magnets 140 stored in the magnet storage space 113 of the dental model-fixing base 110.

[65] When the dental model-fixing base 110 and the dental model 400 are attached to each other, they are more securely supported by the protrusions 111.

[66] Then, the dental model 400 is detached from the top portion of the dental model- fixing base 110, and the required portion of the dental model 400 is separated using a cutter, in order to carry out restoration using the cut portion of the dental model 400.

[67] In the state where the dental model 400 is attached to the dental model-fixing base

110 as described above, when dental plaster 300 is poured into and cured on both

plates of the dental articulator 500, a pair of the dental model-fixing bases 110 can be fixed to the two plates of the dental articulator 500.

[68] FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a modeling structure for preparing a dental prosthesis according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which dental model- fixing bases are disposed on a dental model-fixing base supporting plate.

[69] Referring to FIG. 9, the modeling structure for preparing a dental prosthesis according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[70] The modeling structure for preparing a dental prosthesis according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a dental model-fixing base supporting plate 600, dental model-fixing bases 110, dental model-fixing bases 110, base plates 120 and fixing bands 130.

[71] The dental model- fixing base supporting plate 600 includes dental model- fixing base supports 610 and magnets 140.

[72] The magnets 140 are attached to both ends of the dental model-fixing base supports

610, and both ends of the dental model- fixing base supports 610 are inserted into respective magnet storage spaces 113 of the dental model-fixing bases 110.

[73] The dental model- fixing base supports 610 are laterally arranged on and fixed to the dental model-fixing base supporting plate 600, so that the both ends of the dental model-fixing base supports 610 protrude outward a predetermined length corresponding to the length of the dental model-fixing bases 110.

[74] The magnets 140 are attached to the top portions of both ends of the dental model- fixing base supports 610.

[75] The magnet storage spaces 113 of the dental model-fixing bases 110 are fitted onto end portions of the dental model-fixing base supports 610.

[76] Here, the base plates 120 can be disposed in the top portions of the dental model- fixing base supports 610. Alternatively, a mixture including dental plaster and one of iron powder, coated iron powder, stainless steel power and magnet ore powder, which are mixed or stirred together, can be poured into the top portions of the dental model- fixing bases 110.

[77] That is, when the dental model-fixing bases 110 are fitted onto the end portions of the dental model-fixing base supports 610 and the dental models 400 are formed by curing the dental plaster 300, the dental model-fixing bases 110 and the dental models 400 can be easily attached to or detached from each other under the magnetic force of the magnets, attached to the top portions of the dental model- fixing base supports 610

[78] While the present invention has been described with reference to the particular illustrative embodiments and the accompanying drawings, it is not to be limited thereto, but will be defined by the appended claims. It is to be appreciated that those skilled in

the art can substitute, change or modify the embodiments in various forms without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.