The present disclosure relates generally to dental restoration; and more specifically, to a method of manufacturing a dental restoration. BACKGROUND

In the recent past, different solid free-form (SFF) fabrication have been used in manufacturing, directly or indirectly, dental restorations such as, but not limited to, denture teeth, crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, and other types of restorations. Typically, conventional processes include manufacturing the dental restoration indirectly by first producing a shell as a replica of a dental coping. This shell is then covered in a refractory material and subsequently burnt out to obtain a space within the refractory material that can then be injected with a ceramic, metal, polymeric or other similar material to obtain a master model. The master model is then used to produce the required dental restoration.

However, in order to burn the shell, manufacturers of dental restorations would be compelled to use only those materials that can withstand a sufficiently high temperature and hence, conventionally known processes of manufacturing dental restorations could inadvertently limit the amount of flexibility for manufacturers to use materials that do not meet the thermal requirements needed for burning the shell. Further, it is also envisioned that burning the shell and subsequently filling the space in the refractory material for forming the master model would be a laborious and time-consuming process as compared to producing the dental restoration in a more direct manner. In addition milling based on CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design (CAD) software, a Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM) techniques restrict on the milling of restoration from a block material. The block material typically comprises only one target material. Further present methods of limit a possibility to make restoration ready and teeth fixed in one visit to dental clinic. In addition present way of making restorations requires special facilities, i.e cannot be made at dentist appointment. Therefore, in light of the foregoing discussion, there exists a need for a simplified and effective method of manufacturing a dental restoration that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks. .

SUMMARY

The present disclosure discloses a method of manufacturing a dental restoration. The present disclosure seeks to provide a solution to the existing problem of burning off shells that are produced beforehand in order to produce a master model which may incur additional effort, time, and costs for manufacturing a dental restoration. An aim of the present disclosure is to provide a solution that overcomes, at least partially, the problems encountered in prior art and provide a more direct method of producing the dental restoration.

The method of the present disclosure includes scanning of structural characteristics of an oral cavity to obtain a geometry for the dental restoration. The method further includes generating a three-dimensional (3D) dental restoration model based on the obtained geometry, determining a line of prominence from the generated 3D dental restoration model, and dividing the 3D dental restoration model into a first model and a second model based on the determined line of prominence. The method then includes printing a first mould based on the first model and a second mould based on the second model. Further, the method also includes removably attaching the first mould and the second mould to form a manufacturing mould and filling the manufacturing mould with at least one target material. Furthermore, the method includes curing the at least one target material to manufacture the dental restoration and separating the first mould and the second mould from each other to obtain the manufactured dental restoration.

Embodiments of the present disclosure substantially eliminate, or at least partially address, the aforementioned problems in the prior art and enable manufacturers to do away with the conventional process of producing shells beforehand and later burning the produced shells. The method of the present disclosure can therefore help manufacturers in reducing costs, time, and effort that would otherwise be incurred in producing the shells and burning off the produced shells. Furthermore, the embodiments of the present disclosure opens up new possibilities to utilize different kinds of existing or new dental restoration materials and curing methods.

Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments construed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.

It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those skilled in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein: FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a dental restoration;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of a graphical user interface on which a three-dimensional (3D) model is generated upon scanning the prepared tooth/teeth and the adjacent/opposing teeth, occlusion and other necessary structures; FIG. 3 is an elevation view of a tooth showing a line of prominence;

FIGs. 4A-4G diagrammatically illustrate the steps for manufacturing the dental restoration pursuant to the method of FIG. l;and

FIGs. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 provide a schematic illustrations of example dental restorations, which can be manufactured according to embodiments of the disclosure.

In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practising the present disclosure are also possible.

The present disclosure discloses a method of manufacturing a dental restoration. The present disclosure seeks to provide a solution to the existing problem of burning off shells that would need to be produced in order to produce a master model that may incur additional effort, time, and costs for manufacturing a dental restoration. An aim of the present disclosure is to provide a solution that overcomes, at least partially, the problems encountered in prior art and provides a more direct method of producing the dental restoration. In addition the method enables to prepare the dental restoration during a single visit to dentist. It also enables to chairside manufacturing of the dental restoration.

The method of the present disclosure includes scanning structural characteristics of an oral cavity to obtain a geometry for the dental restoration. The oral cavity of a patient's mouth may be scanned using a scanning device including, but not limited to, an intraoral camera, a digital scanner, an X-ray device, a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) device, or any other suitable type of device commonly known to persons skilled in the art. In particular the scanning is digital scanning. Scanning can be in addition targeted to structural characteristics of the prepared teeth, or unprepared teeth in cases where no preparation is needed, and the surrounding structures to obtain a geometry for the dental restoration.

The method further includes generating a three-dimensional (3D) dental restoration model based on the obtained geometry. The scanning device used to obtain the geometry of the oral cavity may be disposed in communication with a computer having a graphical user interface (GUI). Upon scanning the oral cavity, the scanning device may transmit data representative of the structural characteristics of the oral cavity to the computer. The computer disclosed herein may be readily embodied in the form of a general-purpose computer or a special purpose computer having therein suitable hardware and software, for example, a Computer Aided Design (CAD) software, a Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM) software, or another modelling software that is required to generate the 3D dental restoration model.

Further, the method also includes determining a line of prominence from the generated 3D dental restoration model. The term "line of prominence" used herein refers to a line or a curve that may be determined on the generated 3D restoration model by means of the computer either fully automatically or assisted by the user depending on the setup. The line or contour path on each point approximates the most prominent point from a fixed centre axis (normally vertical axis) of the 3D dental restoration model. The prominence line can be used as a marker to split the mould in two or more parts as desired. Indeed the line of prominence enables to manufacture a mould which can be separated to two or more parts, i.e. no undercut. This way the mould can be removed after the mounding the restoration in an easy way. In particular this is beneficial since the restoration can be removed without applying excessive force which might cause cracking or other defects to the restoration. An example of line of prominence is the prominent part of the dental restoration to be made.

Furthermore, the method also includes dividing the 3D dental restoration model into a first model and a second model based on the determined line of prominence. The computer may include a single microprocessor or multiple microprocessors capable of co-operatively executing instructions written in the form of a code and stored at an associated memory for determining the line of prominence from the generated 3D dental restoration model and dividing the 3D dental restoration model into the first model and the second model based on the determined line of prominence. The memory associated with the computer may include, but is not limited to, an associated Read Only Memory (RAM), a Random- Access Memory (ROM), or any other removable memory device such as Universal Serial Bus (USB), Compact Disc (CD) Hard disk, Floppy drive, and other memory devices known in the art. Additionally, or optionally, in an embodiment the method may further include rendering the 3D dental restoration model to a pre-determined size larger than a size associated with the obtained geometry. The pre determined size selected for producing each of the first and second moulds of the manufacturing mould would account for shrinkage of the at least one target material upon curing.

Further optionally the 3D dental restoration model might be dimensioned to be smaller than the target oral cavity. This way, during fixing the dental restoration on the tooth, a proper layer of binding agent can be used between the restoration and existing teeth/tooth structure. Additionally, or optionally, in an embodiment, the method may further include dividing the 3D dental restoration model into more than two 3D models for forming the manufacturing mould using more than two moulds. It is hereby contemplated that when more than two moulds are used, such moulds may be separated along various planes of the manufacturing mould.

The method also includes printing a first mould based on the first model and a second mould based on the second model. The computer may be configured to communicate the first model and the second model to a suitable technique incorporating one or more printing techniques. The techniques used to print each of the first and second moulds may include, but is not limited to, three-dimensional printing, a stereolithography fused deposition modelling (FMD), laminated object manufacturing (LOM), stereolithography and photostereolithography. Further, the method also includes removably attaching the first mould and the second mould along the line of prominence to form a manufacturing mould. The first and second moulds may be attached by means including, but not limited to, fastening, clamping, or other releasably attaching means known to persons skilled in the art.

The method also includes filling the manufacturing mould with at least one target material. In an embodiment, the at least one target material may be transparent or translucent. In a further embodiment, the at least one target material may consist of: polymers, ceramic materials, polymer compositions, and composites. These target material/s may be injected into a cavity of the manufacturing mould under a pre-determined amount of pressure. Alternatively since different parts of the mould fit accurately together, the mould may be pressurized e.g. to minimize air filled cavities and pressure can be maintained during curing. Furthermore, volatile compounds or residues may be effectively removed using under pressure, i.e. vacuum.

In one aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the method comprising defining at least one opening in one of the first and second moulds for allowing the at least one target material to be filled into the manufacturing mould via the at least one opening upon attaching the first and second moulds to each other. As such, the at least one opening would be disposed in fluid communication with a cavity of the manufacturing mould so that target material may be injected into the manufacturing mould. Additionally, or optionally, in a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one opening may include a plurality of openings that are located at dissimilar heights from one another to facilitate filling of the manufacturing mould with one of similar and dissimilar target materials for forming the dental restoration. Additionally, in an embodiment, the at least one opening may also include an opening for facilitating air to egress the manufacturing mould during filling of the manufacturing mould with the at least one target material.

In an embodiment, the method may additionally, or optionally, include filling pre-determined regions of the manufacturing mould with a first target material to form occlusal contact surfaces and approximal contact surfaces of the dental restoration.

Additionally, or optionally, in an embodiment, the method may include filling the manufacturing mould with a second target material successively over the first target material. The second target material may be dissimilar in at least one of hardness, elasticity or strength to the first target material upon curing. Indeed two or more target materials can be used to manufacture a layered structure of a dental restoration. The layered structure refers to having at least a first layer of the first target material, a second layer of the second target material. A third layer can be a third target material or the first target material.

According to alternative / additional embodiment two or more layers of target materials and compositions are used for the manufacturing of the dental restoration. Adjacent layers might be made with varying materials and composition.

Additionally, or optionally, in an embodiment, the method may further include coating inner surfaces of the first and second moulds with an anti adhesive agent for preventing the first and second moulds from adhering to the at least one target material. In one embodiment, the anti-adhesive agent may include Iso-K. In another embodiment, the anti-adhesive agent may include Osaka 100. In further embodiment the anti-adhesive agent may include die master aqua (for example from Renfert). Furthermore, the method includes curing the at least one target material to manufacture the dental restoration. In an embodiment, the at least one target material may be cured using a chemical curing agent. In another embodiment, the at least one target material may be cured using a light source. In yet another embodiment, the at least one target material may be cured using a heat source. In an alternative embodiment, the at least one target material is may be using a combination of two or more of the chemical curing agent, the light source, and the heat source. Upon curing, the method further includes separating the first mould and the second mould from each other to obtain the manufactured dental restoration. As the first mould and the second mould are separated from each others those are also separated from the manufactured dental restoration. Separation of the mould around the manufactured dental restoration can be done without breaking the moulds due to multi part approach according to the embodiments. The manufactured dental restoration can be fixed on the tooth as discussed.

Optionally, in an embodiment, the manufacturing mould may be reusable. The reusable mould may allow manufacturers of dental restorations to manufacture more than one i.e. , multiple dental restorations using the manufacturing mould.

Embodiments of the present disclosure substantially eliminate or at least partially address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, and enable manufacturers to do away with the conventional process of producing shells beforehand and later burning the produced shells. The method of the present disclosure can therefore help besides helping the manufacturers in reducing costs, time, and effort that would otherwise be incurred in producing the shells and burning off the produced shells.

EXAM PLES Example 1. Non-sticking testing of fillings in 3D-printed mould a. Iso-K and Osaka 100 surface treatment for the moulds before applying filling material was performed. Both treatments worked very well and the fillings were easy to remove without extensive force and breaking the filling. b. Similar non-stick material treatments can be utilized as well for easy removal, except materials should not be toxic and should be easy to remove from the surface of the fillings (minimum amount of residues).

Example 2. Estimating of accuracy of 3D-printing for different materials and techniques a. For example Stereolithography (SLA), Digital Light Processing(DLP), Fused deposition modeling (FDM), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Selective laser melting (SLM), Electronic Beam Melting (EBM), Multijet Printing etc. can be utilized to print objects from different materials such as ABS, Nylon, PP, Resins, ASa, PETG etc. with different characteristics. Many these achieve resolutions better than 120 microns which is the upper limit of accepted marginal gap between the filling and the tooth (McLean JW, Von Fraunhofer JA: The estimation of cement film thickness by an in vivo technique. Br Dent J. 1971; 131 : 107-11). b. We tested Leapfrog, SLS and Multijet methods for printing. Of these methods, Multijet printer using Visijet M3 Crystal material and 0.016 mm layer thickness was able to provide the best, high accuracy for different sizes and shapes of fillings and moulds. Altogether, the accuracy was much higher compared to milling manufacturing using dental materials and the limit mentioned above (120 pm).

Example 3. One surface fillings Referring to Fig. 5. One surface fillings have large area for example in the case of worn tooth 500 when occusal surface needs recontouring. In the case of a deep cavity, several layers 510 and 512 with different properties would provide optimal solution. The method according to one embodiment of present disclosure can be used effectively to manufacture the fillings for this purpose. On visible surfaces 512 of the tooth 500, the method also provides also a good aestetic properties.

Example 4. Two surface filling

Referring to fig. 6. Two surface fillings are very common restorations needed for example in the case of approximal dental caries. When the approximal cavities are deep, the method according to one embodiment provides high accuracy of filling eliminating the effect of moisture especially in subgingival area, i.e. moisture from saliva and gingival fluid penetrating easily to the gap between the filling and tooth 600 if the interface fractures (delaminates), e.g. due to poor mismatch in mechanical properties. In conventional direct filling technique, in the light curing stage used for polymerization light do not reach the distant areas of filling and hardening is incomplete. For example in this case, the method according to an embodiment can be used to manufacture the filling (a dental restoration) using a first target material 610 for the core and a second target material 612 for outer layers from core to simulating layers of dentin (composite bone) and enamel (mineralized hard tissue).

Example 5. Three surface filling

Three surface fillings are very similar with two surfaces fillings but for example MOD (mesio-occluso-distal) cavities can be challenging due to large dimensions and complicated shapes. The shrinking of the filling material in different directions can be compensated by adjusting mould dimensions accordingly. These cavities can be large and deep when layering techniques optimizes the structure of the filling to be simulate original tooth 700 structure as well as possible (Fig. 7). In given example there are three layers 710, 712 and 714. Based on our experiments, milling techniques seem to have inaccuracies in these kind of cavities, which the method according to embodiments of the disclosure can avoid. Example 6. Four or five surface fillings.

Referring to fig. 8. Large four surface or five surface fillings replace majority of the tooth tissue. E.g. endocrown is used to restore endodontic treated tooth and retention of the filling is supported from the pulpa cavity. The thickness in the occlusal loading direction varies a lot and therefore the layering technique according to one embodiment improves the mechanical properties to achieve optimal performance (elasticity, wear resistance, strength etc.). Furthermore, optimal occlusal anatomical form and contact surfaces 814 can be achieved by the method according to embodiments of present disclosure in this massive filling as it forms almost all the surfaces of the tooth 800.

Example 7. Restorative crows

Restorative crown 910 covers all the surfaces of dental crown (Fig 9). It requires good marginal fit all around the contact between the restoration 910 and tooth 900. The marginal area of the crown can be made very thin by the method of invention in contrast to milling techniques where 1 mm is a common minimal thickness. The method according to one embodiment can reach significantly thinner layers e.g. varying layered material composition to create graded structures in critical locations to save tooth tissues, i.e. to use less invasive preparations. Composite dental materials to be utilized in this case can reach similar fracture toughness and strengths as with conventional gold crown with down to 0.5 mm or even thinner margins.

Example 8. Dental bridge Dental bridge 1010 i.e. FDP (fixed dental prosthesis) require high strength and fracture toughness in occlusal loading which can be achieved by composite approach (Fig. 10). Thin connector part of FDP 1010 is required especially in low prepared abutment teeth (supporting FDP). The method according to one embodiment of disclosure allows to optimize the thickness and properties of the connector also in this case. Furthermore, the dimensional changes in preparation or loading of FDPs can be optimized to guarantee to have proper range of gap all around the restoration and the tooth which will be filled with fixing cement layer for strong bonding. In the method of invention, the surface properties on the inner surfaces of restoration can be made using retentive elements, e.g. increased porosity by etching techniques or blasting with ceramic balls or particles. This kind or micro roughening can be made on the mould on certain areas, too. Example 9. Surface-bonded bridge

Surface-bonded bridge (resin-bonded bridge) is very similar to FDP but even more retentive properties and thin layers in tight occlusion are essential (Fig 11). Thin wings 1110 (one or two) are used to fix the restoration 1112 to the adjacent tooth/teeth 1100. According to one embodiment surface-bonded bridge can be manufactured using methods of present disclosure.

Example 10. Aesthetical laminates

Aesthetical laminates 1210 (Fig. 12 ) and other aesthetical restorations often require thin layer thicknesses, good color mismatch and optimal translucency. According to one embodiment that can be achieved by using different dental restoration materials (ceramics, polymers, composites) in different compositions and colorings. Furthermore, it is possible to prepare several alternative choices for try-in stage of the laminate to achieve best match. Example 11. Dahl appliance

Dahl appliance (approach) (Fig 13) is used in cases with severely worn teeth and when heightening of occlusion is required. The appliance 1310 is usually fixed on upper front teeth 1300 and canines and simultaneously tooth contacts in molar and premolar area remain open thus enabling their elongation. According to an embodiment a durable, accurate and quick manufacturing for these appliances can be achieved.

Example 12. Implant-supported crowns and bridges can be manufactured using methods according to embodiments. The disclosure also relates to a dental restoration which is obtained using above method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to FIG. 1, illustrated is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a dental restoration, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Explanation to steps 102-118 of the method 100 will be made in conjunction with the views of FIGs. 2, 3, and 4A to 4G respectively.

As shown in FIG. 1, at step 102, the method 100 includes scanning structural characteristics of an oral cavity to obtain a geometry for the dental restoration. At step 104, the method 100 further includes generating a three-dimensional (3D) dental restoration model 204 based on the obtained geometry as shown on the graphical user interface 202 of the computer 200.

Upon generating the 3D dental restoration model 204 shown in the view of FIG. 2, a portion of the 3D dental restoration model 204 is selected for manufacturing the desired dental restoration as shown in the exemplary view of FIG. 3. Referring to FIG. 3, a portion 300 of the 3D dental restoration model 204 is shown comprising a tooth, for example, a molar or a pre-molar portion of the oral cavity is exemplary selected from the 3D dental restoration model 204 of FIG. 2 for obtaining the desired dental restoration at that portion of the oral cavity. As shown at step 106 in FIG. 1, the method 100 further includes determining a line of prominence from the generated 3D dental restoration model 204. As shown in the view of FIG. 3, the exemplary portion 300 of the 3D dental restoration model is shown scribed with the line of prominence 302. As discussed using the line of prominence approach enables easy separation of different mould parts after moulding the dental restoration.

In another example, another portion of the oral cavity, for instance, a canine tooth may be selected from the generated 3D dental restoration model. For instance, FIG. 4A exemplarily depicts a 3D dental restoration model generated 400 for the canine tooth. The view of FIG. 4b depicts a line of prominence 402 scribed over the 3D generated dental restoration model 400.

Referring again to FIG. 1, at step 108, the method 100 further includes dividing the 3D dental restoration model into a first model and a second model based on the determined line of prominence. Moreover, at step 110, the method 100 then includes printing a first mould based on the first model and a second mould based on the second model. Referring to FIG. 4C, the first mould 410 is depicted. Similarly, referring to FIG. 4D, the second mould 420 is depicted. Further, as shown at step 112 of the method 100 in FIG. 1 , the method 100 also includes removably attaching the first mould and the second mould to form a manufacturing mould. As shown in the view of FIG. 4E, the first and second moulds 410, 420 are attached to each other along the line of prominence 402 to form the manufacturing mould 418. In an embodiment, the method 100 includes defining at least one opening in one of the first and second moulds 410, 420 for allowing the at least one target material to be filled into the manufacturing mould 418 via the at least one opening upon attaching the first and second moulds 410, 420 to each other. In a further embodiment, the at least one opening may include a plurality of openings 412, 414, and 422 that are located at dissimilar heights from one another to facilitate filling of the manufacturing mould 418 with one of similar and dissimilar target materials for forming the dental restoration. As shown in the exemplary views of FIGs. 4C and 4E, the first mould 410 has a pair of openings 412, 414 defined therein. These openings 412, 414 are disposed in fluid communication with a cavity 416 that is defined together by the first and second moulds 410, 420 as best shown in the view of FIG. 4E. Further, with continued reference to FIGs. 4D and 4E, the second mould 420 has an opening 422 defined therein. This opening 422 is disposed in fluid communication with the cavity 416 that is defined together by the first and second moulds 410, 420 as best shown in the view of FIG. 4E.

Additionally, in an embodiment, the at least one opening may also include an opening, for example, the opening 414 for facilitating air to egress the manufacturing mould during filling of the manufacturing mould 418 with the at least one target material via either or both the openings 412, 422.

Additionally, in an embodiment, the method 100 may further include coating inner surfaces 410a, 420a of the first and second moulds 410, 420 with an anti-adhesive agent 424, as shown best in the views of FIGs. 4C, 4D, and 4E, for preventing the first and second moulds 410, 420 from adhering to the at least one target material. In one embodiment, the anti-adhesive agent 424 may include Iso-K. In another embodiment, the anti-adhesive agent 424 may include Osaka 100 or die master aqua (for example from Renfert).

At step 114 of the method 100 shown in FIG. 1, the method 100 further includes filling the manufacturing mould 418 i.e., the cavity 416 of the manufacturing mould 418 with at least one target material. As shown in the exemplary view of FIG. 4F, the cavity 416 of the manufacturing mould 418 is shown filled with a target material 426 via the pair of openings 412, 422.

Furthermore, at step 116, the method 100 further includes curing the at least one target material 426 to manufacture the dental restoration. In an embodiment, the at least one target material 426 may be cured using a chemical curing agent. In another embodiment, the at least one target material 426 may be cured using a light source, for example, an Ultraviolet (UV) light source. In yet another embodiment, the at least one target material 426 may be cured using a heat source. In an alternative embodiment, the at least one target material 426 may be using a combination of two or more of the chemical curing agent, the light source, and the heat source.

In an alternative embodiment, the method 100 may additionally, or optionally, include filling pre-determined regions of the cavity 416 in the manufacturing mould 418 with a first target material to form occlusal contact surfaces and approximal contact surfaces of the dental restoration.

Additionally, or optionally, in a further embodiment, the method 100 may include filling the manufacturing mould 418 with a second target material successively over the first target material. In this embodiment using a layering, the second target material would be dissimilar in hardness/elasticity or strength to the first target material upon curing. At step 118, the method 100 further includes separating the first mould 410 and the second mould 420 from each other to obtain the manufactured dental restoration 440 as shown best in the view of FIG. 4G. Additionally, or optionally, in an embodiment herein, the method 100 may further include rendering the 3D dental restoration model 400 to a pre-determined size larger than a size associated with the obtained geometry. The pre-determined size of the 3D dental restoration model 400 would be selected for producing each of the first and second moulds 410, 420 of the manufacturing mould 418 to account for shrinkage of the at least one target material 426 upon curing.

In an embodiment, the at least one target material 426 may be transparent or translucent. In a further embodiment, the at least one target material 426 may consist of: polymers, ceramic materials, polymer compositions, and composites.

In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the manufacturing mould 418 may be reusable to produce more than one dental restoration

440.

Additionally, or optionally, in an embodiment, the method 100 further includes dividing the 3D dental restoration model 400 into more than two 3D models for forming the manufacturing mould 418 using the more than two moulds, for example, the first mould 410, the second mould 420, and other additional moulds (not shown) that can be attached to one another for forming the manufacturing mould 418. Modifications to embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as "including", "comprising", "incorporating", "have", "is" used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.