Provided is a joining structure for processing which joins reliably and without misalignment a dental CAD/CAM block to be machined to a block holder for holding same onto a processing device. An engagement protrusion is formed on a block-side joint surface of a block to be processed, and an engagement recess is formed on a holder-side joint surface of a block holder. An adhesive retaining space is formed therebetween. An adhesive is applied thereto, and the engagement protrusion and the engagement recess are engaged and joined. The engagement protrusion formed on the block to be processed is rectangular or substantially rectangular. If the engagement protrusion extends from the front surface towards the back surface of the block to be processed, the protrusion can removed from a mold (shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B) by moving the protrusion in the direction of the arrow (shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B).

Provided is a joining structure for processing which joins reliably and without misalignment a dental CAD/CAM block to be machined to a block holder for holding same onto a processing device. An engagement protrusion is formed on a block-side joint surface of a block to be processed, and an engagement recess is formed on a holder-side joint surface of a block holder. An adhesive retaining space is formed therebetween. An adhesive is applied thereto, and the engagement protrusion and the engagement recess are engaged and joined. The engagement protrusion formed on the block to be processed is rectangular or substantially rectangular. If the engagement protrusion extends from the front surface towards the back surface of the block to be processed, the protrusion can removed from a mold (shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B) by moving the protrusion in the direction of the arrow (shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B).

Methods for tracking progress of a patient undergoing orthodontic treatment are provided. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a 3D model of a dental arch. The 3D model can be generated by receiving a plurality of images of the dental arch, at least some of the images including a portion of the dental arch together with a portion of a reference element. A registration can be determined between an image and at least one other image using the portions of the reference element in the respective images to improve registration accuracy. The plurality of images can be stitched together according to the determined registrations to generate the 3D model of the dental arch. The method can further include assessing progress of the orthodontic treatment by comparing the 3D model of the dental arch to a previous 3D model representing an earlier state of the dental arch.

Methods for tracking progress of a patient undergoing orthodontic treatment are provided. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a 3D model of a dental arch. The 3D model can be generated by receiving a plurality of images of the dental arch, at least some of the images including a portion of the dental arch together with a portion of a reference element. A registration can be determined between an image and at least one other image using the portions of the reference element in the respective images to improve registration accuracy. The plurality of images can be stitched together according to the determined registrations to generate the 3D model of the dental arch. The method can further include assessing progress of the orthodontic treatment by comparing the 3D model of the dental arch to a previous 3D model representing an earlier state of the dental arch.

A clamping holder (100) for a dental blank (103), having a first holder part (105-1) for inserting the dental blank (103); a second holder part (105-2) which is connected or can be coupled to the first holder part (105-1); a clamping device (125) for exerting a clamping force on the dental blank (103) between the first holder part (105-1) and the second holder part (105-2); and a pneumatic element (107-1, . . . , 107-4) for releasing or generating the clamping force.

A clamping holder (100) for a dental blank (103), having a first and a second clamping element (105-1, 105-2) for clamping the dental blank (103); and a magnetic mechanism (107-1, 107-2) for pushing apart the first and second clamping elements (105-1, 105-2) in an opening position.

A clamping holder (100) for a dental blank (103), having a first and a second clamping element (105-1, 105-2) for clamping the dental blank (103); and a magnetic mechanism (107-1, 107-2) for pushing apart the first and second clamping elements (105-1, 105-2) in an opening position.

A machinable preform for shaping into dental restorations is described that comprises material having suitable strength for use in dental applications without requiring further processing after shaping to strengthen the material (such as sintering). In one embodiment, a preform is comprised of a machinable dental material having a Vickers hardness value in the range of 4 HV GPa to 20 HV GPa, and comprises a body and a stem that extends from the outer surface of the body that supports the body during shaping. A method for making the machinable preform, and a kit comprising a machinable preform and a grinding tool, are also described.

A handheld vise for dental crowns includes a vise block, an elongated handle extending from the vise block, a linear screw embedded in the vise block, and first and second jaws. The second jaw may be arcuate on a gripping surface thereof to conform to the shape of a dental crown. The handheld vise is sized for quickly and readily securing a dental crown such as a stainless-steel dental crown for use in pediatric dentistry. An elastomeric material may be used on the gripping surfaces of the vise. A radius of curvature of the gripping surface of the second jaw may be between about 25-35 mm. A height of the jaws may be between about 2-5 mm, and a distance between the first jaw and a vertex of the second jaw may range from about 3-10 mm. A method and kit for forming crowns including the handheld vise are disclosed.

A handheld vise for dental crowns includes a vise block, an elongated handle extending from the vise block, a linear screw embedded in the vise block, and first and second jaws. The second jaw may be arcuate on a gripping surface thereof to conform to the shape of a dental crown. The handheld vise is sized for quickly and readily securing a dental crown such as a stainless-steel dental crown for use in pediatric dentistry. An elastomeric material may be used on the gripping surfaces of the vise. A radius of curvature of the gripping surface of the second jaw may be between about 25-35 mm. A height of the jaws may be between about 2-5 mm, and a distance between the first jaw and a vertex of the second jaw may range from about 3-10 mm. A method and kit for forming crowns including the handheld vise are disclosed.