A scanner for scanning a dental site comprises a base, a detector mounted to the base, and an optical element to redirect light reflected off of the dental site towards the detector along a detection axis in a first direction. Two or more flexures couple the optical element to the base, wherein the two or more flexures maintain an alignment of the optical element to the detector with changes in temperature.

A method of obtaining three-dimensional data includes: obtaining three-dimensional reference data with respect to an object; aligning, on the three-dimensional reference data, a first frame obtained by scanning a first region of the object; aligning, on the three-dimensional reference data, a second frame obtained by scanning a second region of the object, at least a portion of the second region overlapping the first region; and obtaining the three-dimensional data by merging the first frame with the second frame based on an overlapping portion between the first region and the second region.

A method of obtaining three-dimensional data includes: obtaining three-dimensional reference data with respect to an object; aligning, on the three-dimensional reference data, a first frame obtained by scanning a first region of the object; aligning, on the three-dimensional reference data, a second frame obtained by scanning a second region of the object, at least a portion of the second region overlapping the first region; and obtaining the three-dimensional data by merging the first frame with the second frame based on an overlapping portion between the first region and the second region.

A method and a device for the simplified inspection of the compatibility of the positions of master tubes in a surgical guides with respect to the positions in a predetermined plan in a computer model. For example, during virtual planning, the virtual surgical guide includes master tubes having an axis that is the axis (e.g., an installation axis) along which a dental implant will be installed. The virtual surgical guide can be manufactured, e.g., by substrative methods and additive methods. As discussed herein, the accuracy of the physical surgical guide can be checked physically or virtually.

A dental implantation assessment method includes the steps of creating a 3D teeth model; setting up a reference line, creating a health status table, and forming a multi-level frame model for an implant placement position on the teeth model; dividing each level of the frame model into a centered implant module and multiple surrounding test modules; dividing each test module into multiple assessment zones, and combining the latter with the health status table; selecting and placing a dental implant model in the frame model, and defining one assessment zone in each test module that contacts with a periphery of the dental implant model as a selected zone; and lastly, computing assessment values assigned to the selected zones to determine an object type of the dental implant model. A dentist can decide an optimal dental implant through dental implant model size selection and implantation simulation to ensure successful dental implant surgery.

A dental implantation assessment method includes the steps of creating a 3D teeth model; setting up a reference line, creating a health status table, and forming a multi-level frame model for an implant placement position on the teeth model; dividing each level of the frame model into a centered implant module and multiple surrounding test modules; dividing each test module into multiple assessment zones, and combining the latter with the health status table; selecting and placing a dental implant model in the frame model, and defining one assessment zone in each test module that contacts with a periphery of the dental implant model as a selected zone; and lastly, computing assessment values assigned to the selected zones to determine an object type of the dental implant model. A dentist can decide an optimal dental implant through dental implant model size selection and implantation simulation to ensure successful dental implant surgery.

Apparatuses and methods for customized retainers to prevent relapse. In particular, described herein are customized retainers, and methods and apparatuses for making customized retainers that specifically reenforce and prevent movement of one or more teeth having a higher likelihood of relapse following completion of an orthodontic treatment plan.

Apparatuses and methods for customized retainers to prevent relapse. In particular, described herein are customized retainers, and methods and apparatuses for making customized retainers that specifically reenforce and prevent movement of one or more teeth having a higher likelihood of relapse following completion of an orthodontic treatment plan.

A method for producing a dental adaptive element for alleviating recession of gingiva around an alveolar socket of a patient includes: obtaining images of a tooth; creating a 3D model having a crown part and a root part based on the images; obtaining a boundary curve on the 3D model between the crown part and the root part; on the root part of the 3D virtual model, obtaining an imaginary surface that protrudes in a direction from the crown part toward the root part; extracting a sub-model from the 3D model by removing a portion of the root part that extends between the imaginary surface and an end of the root part; and producing a dental adaptive element according to the sub-model.

A method for producing a dental adaptive element for alleviating recession of gingiva around an alveolar socket of a patient includes: obtaining images of a tooth; creating a 3D model having a crown part and a root part based on the images; obtaining a boundary curve on the 3D model between the crown part and the root part; on the root part of the 3D virtual model, obtaining an imaginary surface that protrudes in a direction from the crown part toward the root part; extracting a sub-model from the 3D model by removing a portion of the root part that extends between the imaginary surface and an end of the root part; and producing a dental adaptive element according to the sub-model.