JP7565865B2 - A method for producing dentures that allows for highly accurate fitting of artificial teeth to sockets - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to dentures and methods for manufacturing dentures, and in particular to a method for manufacturing dentures using computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM).

Patent Document 1 discloses an artificial tooth that has a shape corresponding to a denture base that is designed and machined on CAD based on three-dimensional data. The artificial tooth described in Patent Document 1 is provided with a means for restricting rotation around the tooth axis at the site that should come into contact with the denture base, and the restricting means has a shape that does not engage with the denture base in the tooth axis direction.

Patent Document 2 discloses a method for manufacturing a denture base having a base portion, a number of sockets formed adjacent to the base portion in which artificial teeth are placed, a first notch provided in a partition between the multiple sockets to partially lower the partition, and artificial teeth fixed to the sockets of the denture base.

Patent document 3 discloses an artificial tooth that has a protruding portion to be embedded in the inside corner of the recess of the denture base, and when embedded in the inside corner, the protruding portion does not come into contact with the inside corner, but forms a specified gap between the inside corner and the protruding portion.

Patent document 4 discloses a method for producing a denture comprising a denture base and at least two artificial teeth arranged on the denture base.

WO 2015/125573 JP 2018-102853 A WO 2015/194449 International Publication No. WO 2018/069317

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a denture that improves the fitting accuracy of the artificial teeth to the socket.

The present invention, which solves the above problems, is described below. For ease of understanding, the reference symbols in the specification and drawings are written in parentheses, but the present invention is not limited to these.

A method for manufacturing a denture according to one aspect of the present invention includes the steps of:
A step of preparing an artificial tooth (1, 1A) and a denture base (3, 3A) provided with a concave socket (2, 2A) into which the artificial tooth (1, 1A) is to be embedded;
applying adhesive (12) to the socket (2, 2A);
a step of embedding the artificial tooth (1, 1A) into the socket (2, 2A) to which the adhesive (12) has been applied;
Including,
one or more grooves (9, 10, 13, 9A, 10A) are provided on at least one of a surface (5) of the artificial tooth (1, 1A) that is to be inserted into the socket (2, 2A) and an inner surface (6) that defines the socket (2, 2A);
The one or more grooves (9, 10, 13, 9A, 10A) include a groove (9, 9A, 13) extending lingually,
The step of embedding the artificial tooth (1, 1A) in the socket (2, 2A) comprises:
forming a discharge hole (11, 11A) for discharging the adhesive (12) by exposing the terminal end (9a, 9b) side of the groove (9, 9A, 13) extending toward the tongue side from the denture base (3, 3A);
Discharging the adhesive (12) from the discharge hole (11, 11A);
has.

The denture of one aspect of the present invention comprises:
An artificial tooth (1, 1A);
a denture base (3, 3A) provided with a concave socket (2, 2A) into which the artificial tooth (1, 1A) is embedded;
Equipped with
one or more grooves (9, 10, 13, 9A, 10A) are provided on at least one of a surface (5) of the artificial tooth (1, 1A) that is to be inserted into the socket (2, 2A) and an inner surface (6) that defines the socket (2, 2A);
The one or more grooves (9, 10, 13, 9A, 10A) include a groove (9, 9A, 13) extending lingually,
The end (9a, 9b) side of the groove (9, 9A, 13) extending toward the tongue side is exposed from the denture base (3, 3A),
The artificial teeth (1, 1A) and the denture base (3, 3A) are bonded and fixed by an adhesive (12), and the adhesive (12) is disposed in the one or more grooves (9, 10, 13, 9A, 10A).

The present invention provides a denture that improves the fitting accuracy of the artificial teeth to the socket.

Frontal cross-sectional view of denture (representative example of embodiment 1) Oblique view of artificial tooth (embodiment 2) Occlusal view of the right side of the artificial teeth of the lower denture FIG. 3 is a bottom view of an artificial tooth in the lower canine region (embodiment 3). Cross-sectional view of the frontal part of a denture (known in the art) Denture frontal cross-sectional view (embodiment 4) Denture frontal cross-sectional view (embodiment 5) Base view of connected artificial teeth Conceptual diagram of denture design process program Conceptual diagram of denture design process program Conceptual diagram of denture design process program Conceptual diagram of denture design process program Conceptual diagram of denture design process program Conceptual diagram of denture design process program Conceptual diagram of denture design process program Conceptual diagram of denture design process program Conceptual diagram of denture design process program Conceptual diagram of denture design process program Conceptual diagram of denture design process program Conceptual diagram of denture design process program Conceptual diagram of denture design process program Conceptual diagram of denture design process program Conceptual diagram of denture design process program Conceptual diagram of denture design process program Conceptual diagram of denture design process program Conceptual diagram of denture design process program FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for manufacturing a denture. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example of a process for forming a discharge hole. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example of a process for discharging an adhesive from a discharge hole. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example of a process for forming a discharge hole. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example of a process for discharging an adhesive from a discharge hole.

(Background to this disclosure)
In recent years, a method of manufacturing a denture with a base has begun to be put into practical use. The denture base is designed on a computer using CAD/CAM technology, the denture base except for the part where the artificial teeth are to be inserted is manufactured by cutting using an NC machine tool or 3D printing, and the artificial teeth are attached to the artificial teeth insertion part of the denture base (called a socket) by using an adhesive to attach a ready-made artificial tooth or an artificial tooth manufactured by 3D printing. In addition, in general, considering that there may be an error in the fit between the denture base and the artificial teeth, the socket is often made larger than the shape of the artificial tooth so that a gap (offset) is formed between the artificial tooth and the socket. However, in reality, due to the influence of the amount of adhesive applied and the viscosity, it is difficult to accurately insert the artificial teeth into the socket at the position designed on the computer. In addition, since the operation of inserting and bonding each artificial tooth into the socket is done manually, the thickness of the adhesive is likely to vary, which has a significant impact on the establishment of the occlusal contact relationship of the entire denture, and is also a factor that impairs labor saving.

In other words, even if dentures can be designed with the correct occlusion on a computer, they will be affected by errors in reality, and the occlusion will need to be adjusted, which not only negates the labor-saving benefits of digitalization, but also serves as a major obstacle to the manufacture of high-precision dentures.

In this procedure, it is difficult to control the amount of adhesive applied, and differences in experience are likely to occur. If a large amount of adhesive is used, the adhesive will leak onto the surface of the artificial tooth or onto the polished surface of the denture base when the artificial tooth is inserted. This not only reduces labor savings, but also requires the need to wipe off the leaked adhesive and, in some cases, cumbersome work such as cutting and polishing, which can impair the aesthetics of the artificial tooth, the appearance of the denture, and the original design shape.

In Patent Document 1, a restricting means is provided at the site that should come into contact with the denture base, and is shaped so as not to engage with the denture base in the tooth axis direction, preventing the artificial tooth from moving in the rotational direction around the tooth axis. However, it is difficult to control the vertical lifting of the artificial tooth due to the thickness of the adhesive.

Patent Document 2 discloses a method for controlling leakage of adhesive from between the socket and the artificial tooth by partially lowering the partition wall provided between multiple adjacent sockets in the denture base in which the artificial teeth are placed. However, lowering the partition wall of the socket does not compensate for the bond strength between the artificial tooth and the denture base, and there is a concern that the artificial tooth may fall off due to being unable to withstand the occlusal contact between the artificial teeth when there is no food in the mouth, or the occlusal pressure when food is present during eating, or the impact when food is crushed.

Patent Document 3 discloses artificial teeth that can be securely attached to a denture base that has been designed and formed using CAD/CAM. However, designing the protruding portion of the artificial tooth to be inserted according to the inside corner of the recessed portion of the denture base and separately forming the artificial tooth may require highly accurate and complicated processes. In addition, in the case of ready-made artificial teeth, the shape of the inside corner is determined before the design of the denture base, making this method difficult to use. Furthermore, the effect of the amount of adhesive applied is not taken into consideration, making it difficult to ensure a stable fit with the artificial teeth.

Patent Document 4 discloses a denture manufacturing method that includes the step of manufacturing at least two artificial teeth with a common arrangement support for the artificial teeth connected to at least two artificial teeth. The denture manufacturing method described in Patent Document 4 aims to improve the fitting accuracy of multiple artificial teeth and sockets, but because the common support is arranged in places that should be responsible for morphologically important functions, such as the labial surface and occlusal surface that come into contact with the external appearance, removing the support leaves behind cutting marks, which can require very complicated work such as restoring the surface properties and adjusting the occlusal relationship.

In order to solve the above problems, the inventors have investigated a method for fabricating dentures using computer-aided design (CAD/CAM) that allows for more efficient work without compromising the labor-saving benefits, that achieves high accuracy in fitting artificial teeth to sockets, and that establishes high-precision occlusal contact relationships between the upper and lower jaws. More specifically, the inventors have investigated a method for fabricating dentures that fills the sockets evenly with adhesive during the operation of bonding the artificial teeth to the sockets, minimizes leakage outside the socket, eliminates unnecessary adjustment work, and is less affected by the amount of adhesive applied.

As a result, the inventors have come up with a method of producing dentures that fills the socket evenly with adhesive during the operation of joining the artificial teeth to the socket, minimizes leakage outside the socket, eliminates unnecessary adjustment work, and is less affected by the amount of adhesive applied. In other words, the inventors have come up with a method of producing dentures that allows for more efficient work without compromising the labor-saving benefits of computer-aided (CAD/CAM) denture production, provides a high degree of fit of the artificial teeth to the socket, and enables the occlusal contact relationship between the upper and lower jaws to be established with high precision.

The method for producing a denture according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises the steps of:
A step of preparing an artificial tooth (1, 1A) and a denture base (3, 3A) provided with a concave socket (2, 2A) into which the artificial tooth (1, 1A) is to be embedded;
applying adhesive (12) to the socket (2, 2A);
a step of embedding the artificial tooth (1, 1A) into the socket (2, 2A) to which the adhesive (12) has been applied;
Including,
one or more grooves (9, 10, 13, 9A, 10A) are provided on at least one of a surface (5) of the artificial tooth (1, 1A) that is to be inserted into the socket (2, 2A) and an inner surface (6) that defines the socket (2, 2A);
The one or more grooves (9, 10, 13, 9A, 10A) include a groove (9, 9A, 13) extending lingually,
The step of embedding the artificial tooth (1, 1A) in the socket (2, 2A) comprises:
forming a discharge hole (11, 11A) for discharging the adhesive (12) by exposing the terminal end (9a, 9b) side of the groove (9, 9A, 13) extending toward the tongue side from the denture base (3, 3A);
Discharging the adhesive (12) from the discharge hole (11, 11A);
has.

In the method for producing a denture according to the second aspect of the present invention,
The preparing step includes preparing an artificial tooth (1) having a first groove (9) extending from a base surface (7) of the artificial tooth (1) to the tongue side surface (5a) and a second groove (10) extending from the base surface (7) of the artificial tooth (1) to a buccal or labial side surface (5b);
The end (9a) of the first groove (9) extending along the lingual side surface (5a) is located on the crown side of the lingual cervical line (8) of the artificial tooth (1);
The end (10b) of the second groove (10) extending along the buccal or labial side surface (5b) may be located closer to the root than the buccal or labial cervical line (8) of the artificial tooth (1).

In the method for producing a denture according to the third aspect of the present invention,
The preparing step includes preparing a denture base (3A) provided with a third groove (9A) extending from a concave bottom surface (6a) of the socket (2A) facing the base surface (7) of the artificial tooth (1, 1A) to a lingual concave side surface (6b) and a fourth groove (10A) extending from the concave bottom surface (6a) of the socket (2A) to a buccal or labial concave side surface (6c);
an end (9b) of the third groove (9A) extending along the lingual concave surface (6b) reaches the lingual outer surface (6d) of the denture base (3A);
The end (10b) of the fourth groove (10A) extending along the buccal or labial concave side surface (6c) may not reach the buccal or labial outer surface (6e) of the denture base (3A).

In the fourth aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a denture is
The cross-sectional area of the one or more grooves (9, 10, 13, 9A, 10A) when cut in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the one or more grooves (9, 10, 13, 9A, 10A) may be 0.01 ^mm2 or more and 10.0 ^mm2 or less.

In the fifth aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a denture is
The cross-sectional area of the one or more grooves (9, 10, 13, 9A, 10A) when cut in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the one or more grooves (9, 10, 13, 9A, 10A) may increase toward the tongue side.

In the sixth aspect of the present invention, a method for producing a denture is provided,
The preparing step includes:
creating denture base design data (D3) for the denture base (3) by a computer;
producing the denture base (3) based on the denture base design data (D3) by a production device;
having
Creating the denture base design data (D3) may involve creating the denture base design data (D3) having a concave socket (D2) based on artificial tooth shape data (D1) that does not have the first groove (9) and the second groove (10).

In the seventh aspect of the present invention, a method for producing a denture is
The preparing step includes:
creating denture base design data (D3A) for the denture base (3A) by a computer;
producing the denture base (3A) based on the denture base design data (D3A) by a production device;
having
Creating the denture base design data (D3A) may involve creating the denture base design data (D3A) based on artificial tooth shape data (D1A) having a first convex portion (D15) and a second convex portion (D16) corresponding to the shapes of the third groove (9A) and the fourth groove (10A), wherein the denture base design data (D3A) is provided with a concave socket (D2A) having a third groove (D9A) and a fourth groove (D10A) on its inner surface.

In the eighth aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a denture is
The artificial tooth (1, 1A) may have at least two or more adjacent tooth portions selected from a central incisor portion, a lateral incisor portion, a canine portion, a first premolar portion, a second premolar portion, a first molar portion, and a second molar portion.

In the ninth aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a denture is
The base surface (7) of the artificial tooth (1) is provided with a continuous groove (14) that is provided continuously across at least two or more adjacent tooth portions,
The one or more grooves (9, 10, 13) are provided in the surface (5) of the artificial tooth (1),
The continuous groove (14) may be in communication with the one or more grooves (9, 10, 13).

The denture of the tenth aspect of the present invention comprises:
An artificial tooth (1, 1A);
a denture base (3, 3A) provided with a concave socket (2, 2A) into which the artificial tooth (1, 1A) is embedded;
Equipped with
one or more grooves (9, 10, 13, 9A, 10A) are provided on at least one of a surface (5) of the artificial tooth (1, 1A) that is to be inserted into the socket (2, 2A) and an inner surface (6) that defines the socket (2, 2A);
The one or more grooves (9, 10, 13, 9A, 10A) include a groove (9, 9A, 13) extending lingually,
The end (9a, 9b) side of the groove (9, 9A, 13) extending toward the tongue side is exposed from the denture base (3, 3A),
The artificial tooth (1, 1A) and the denture base (3, 3A) are adhesively fixed by an adhesive (12), and the adhesive (12) may be disposed in the one or more grooves (9, 10, 13, 9A, 10A).

In the denture of the eleventh aspect of the present invention,
The one or more grooves (9, 10, 13) include a first groove (9) extending from the base surface (7) of the artificial tooth (1) to the lingual side surface (5a) and a second groove (10) extending from the base surface (7) of the artificial tooth (1) to the buccal or labial side surface (5b);
The end (9a) of the first groove (9) extending along the lingual side surface (5a) is located on the crown side of the lingual cervical line (8) of the artificial tooth (1);
The end (10a) of the second groove (10) extending along the buccal or labial side surface (5b) may be located closer to the root than the buccal or labial cervical line (8) of the artificial tooth (1).

In the denture of the twelfth aspect of the present invention,
The one or more grooves (9, 10, 13, 9A, 10A) include a third groove (9A) extending from a concave bottom surface (6a) of the socket (2A) facing the base surface (7) of the artificial tooth (1, 1A) to a tongue-side concave side surface (6b), and a fourth groove (10A) extending from the concave bottom surface (6a) of the socket (2A) to a cheek-side or lip-side concave side surface (6c),
an end (9b) of the third groove (9A) extending along the lingual concave surface (6b) reaches the lingual outer surface (6d) of the denture base (3A);
The end (10b) of the fourth groove (10A) extending along the buccal or labial concave side surface (6c) may not reach the buccal or labial outer surface (6e) of the denture base (3A).

In the denture of the thirteenth aspect of the present invention,
The artificial tooth (1, 1A) may have at least two or more adjacent tooth portions selected from a central incisor portion, a lateral incisor portion, a canine portion, a first premolar portion, a second premolar portion, a first molar portion, and a second molar portion.

In the denture of the fourteenth aspect of the present invention,
The base surface (7) of the artificial tooth (1) is provided with a continuous groove (14) that is provided continuously across at least two or more adjacent tooth portions,
The one or more grooves (9, 10, 13) are provided in the surface (5) of the artificial tooth (1),
The continuous groove (14) communicates with the one or more grooves (9, 10, 13);
An adhesive (12) may be disposed thereon.

The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings show the most effective example for ease of understanding, but the present invention is not limited to this example.

Figure 1 shows a frontal cross-sectional view of a representative example of a denture 20. The denture 20 includes an artificial tooth 1 and a denture base 3 having a socket 2 for inserting the artificial tooth 1. The socket 2 has a space 4 for adhesive 12. The space 4 is a gap that is provided in consideration of the fitting tolerance between the artificial tooth 1 and the denture base 3. In the figure, the left side of the denture 20 shows the cheek side, and the right side shows the tongue side. Note that in the example shown in Figure 1, a molar is described as the artificial tooth 1. The material of the adhesive 12 is not particularly limited, and in addition to known adhesives, acrylic room temperature polymerizing resins and liquid materials for forming the denture base 3 using a 3D printer or the like can also be used.

In the denture 20, a groove 9 extending from the base surface 7 of the artificial tooth 1 to above the cervical line 8 on the lingual side, and a groove 10 extending from the base surface 7 of the artificial tooth 1 to below the cervical line 8 on the labial or buccal side are provided on the surface 5 of the implanted portion of the artificial tooth 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the grooves 9 and 10 may be provided on the inner surface 6 of the socket 2 of the denture base 3, or on both. In this specification, the groove 9 may be referred to as the "first groove 9" and the groove 10 may be referred to as the "second groove 10".

The surface 5 of the implanted portion of the artificial tooth 1 refers to the surface of the artificial tooth 1 that is placed in the socket 2. For example, the surface 5 is the surface of the artificial tooth 1 that faces the inner surface 6 of the socket 2, and has a base surface 7 and side surfaces 5a, 5b of the artificial tooth 1 when the denture 20 is viewed from the side. The side surface 5a is the tongue side surface of the artificial tooth 1, and the side surface 5b is the cheek side surface of the artificial tooth 1. The cervical line 8 refers to the boundary line between the crown and root of the artificial tooth 1. For example, the cervical line 8 may indicate the depth to which the artificial tooth 1 is implanted into the socket 2.

The shape, material, and manufacturing method of the artificial tooth 1 are not particularly limited, and those based on known technology may be used. For example, ready-made artificial teeth made of acrylic resin mass-produced using a mold, or artificial teeth designed to a shape that meets the needs of each individual patient using dental CAD/CAM technology and machined or laminated molded may be used. The shape of the artificial tooth 1 may be a single tooth with each part being independent, or two or more parts may be connected. For example, the artificial tooth 1 has at least one of a central incisor portion, a lateral incisor portion, a canine portion, a first premolar portion, a second premolar portion, a first molar portion, and a second molar portion.

The denture base 3 is a base on which the artificial teeth 1 are placed. The denture base 3 has sockets 2 formed therein for embedding the artificial teeth 1. The material of the denture base 3 is not particularly limited, and may be made of any material made by known technology, such as PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), PC (polycarbonate), or PA (polyamide).

The socket 2 is a concave portion on the surface of the denture base 3. The base of the artificial tooth 1 is inserted into the socket 2. The base of the artificial tooth 1 is the portion on the base surface 7 side of the artificial tooth 1, and is the portion that is adhered to the denture base 3. The socket 2 is formed in a concave shape to match the external shape of the base of the artificial tooth 1. In other words, the socket 2 is formed in a concave shape that surrounds at least a portion of the base of the artificial tooth 1. The socket 2 is formed along the arrangement direction of the artificial teeth 1.

The artificial tooth 1 is adhered and fixed to the denture base 3 by an adhesive 12. The adhesive 12 is provided in the space 4 between the surface 5 of the artificial tooth 1 and the inner surface 6 of the socket 2.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, grooves 9 and 10 are provided on the base surface 7 side of the artificial tooth 1. The groove 9 is formed on the base surface 7 of the artificial tooth 1 and on the lingual side surface 5a of the artificial tooth 1. Specifically, when viewed from the side of the artificial tooth 1, the groove 9 extends from near the center of the artificial tooth 1 on the base surface 7 toward the lingual side, and extends on the lingual side surface 5a of the artificial tooth 1 toward the cusp side (crown side). For example, the groove 9 is formed in a straight line from near the center of the artificial tooth 1 toward the lingual side. The end 9a side of the groove 9 formed on the lingual side surface 5a of the artificial tooth 1 is exposed from the denture base 3. Specifically, the end 9a of the groove 9 formed on the lingual side surface 5a of the artificial tooth 1 is located on the crown side of the cervical line 8 of the artificial tooth 1. The cervical line 8 is a line indicating the height of the artificial tooth 1 to be embedded in the socket 2. Therefore, the distance from the base surface 7 of the artificial tooth 1 to the end 9a of the groove 9 on the tongue side 5a of the artificial tooth 1 is greater than the depth of the socket 2. As a result, when the artificial tooth 1 is embedded in the socket 2, the end 9a of the groove 9 is exposed from the denture base 3, forming a discharge hole 11. The discharge hole 11 discharges excess adhesive 12 provided between the surface 5 of the artificial tooth 1 and the inner surface 6 of the socket 2 when the artificial tooth 1 is adhesively fixed to the socket 2. The size of the discharge hole 11 is not particularly limited, but is 0.01 ^mm2 or more and 10.0 ^mm2 or less in terms of opening area, and preferably 0.1 ^mm2 or more and 4.0 ^mm2 or less.

The groove 10 is formed on the base surface 7 of the artificial tooth 1 and the buccal side surface 5b of the artificial tooth 1. Specifically, when viewed from the side of the artificial tooth 1, the groove 10 extends from the center of the artificial tooth 1 toward the buccal side on the base surface 7, and extends on the buccal side surface 5b of the artificial tooth toward the cusp side (crown side). For example, the groove 10 is formed in a straight line from near the center of the artificial tooth 1 toward the buccal side. The groove 10 is not exposed from the denture base 3. Specifically, the end 10a of the groove 10 formed on the buccal side surface 5b of the artificial tooth 1 is located closer to the tooth root than the cervical line 8 of the artificial tooth 1, and is not located closer to the crown than the cervical line 8 of the artificial tooth 1. Therefore, the distance from the base surface 7 of the artificial tooth 1 to the end 10a of the groove 10 on the buccal side surface 5b of the artificial tooth 1 is smaller than the depth of the socket 2. As a result, when the artificial tooth 1 is embedded in the socket 2, the groove 10 is not exposed from the denture base 3.

The cross-sectional area of the grooves 9 and 10 is 0.01 ^mm2 or more and 10.0 ^mm2 or less, preferably 0.1 ^mm2 or more and 4.0 ^mm2 or less. Here, the cross-sectional area of the grooves 9 and 10 means the area of a cross section cut in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the grooves 9 and 10. The shape of the cross section of the grooves 9 and 10 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a semicircle, an ellipse, a trapezoid, or a triangle. The grooves 9 and 10 allow the adhesive 12 to easily flow toward the tongue side, or toward the lip side or cheek side, and allow the filling amount to be controlled without excess or deficiency. In addition, the grooves 9 and 10 are formed in a straight line, but are not limited thereto. For example, the grooves 9 and 10 may be formed in a curved line. In addition, the cross-sectional area of the grooves 9 and 10 may change in the extension direction of the grooves 9 and 10. For example, the cross-sectional area of the grooves 9 and 10 may increase from the cheek side toward the tongue side. Alternatively, the cross-sectional area of grooves 9 and 10 may be constant.

In addition, in the example shown in Figure 1, groove 9 and groove 10 are shown as independent grooves to illustrate the basic requirements, but the present invention is not limited to this. As will be described later in Figure 2, a single groove may be formed that runs from above the cervical line 8 on the lingual side, through the base surface 7, to below the cervical line 8 on the labial or buccal side. In other words, groove 9 and groove 10 may be connected to form a single groove.

Figure 2 shows an example of an artificial tooth 1 in a denture 20. In the example shown in Figure 2, the artificial tooth 1 is a canine. In the example shown in Figure 2, the groove 9 extending from the base surface 7 to above the cervical line 8 on the lingual side, and the groove 10 extending from the base surface 7 to below the cervical line 8 on the labial or buccal side are formed by a single groove 13. In other words, the groove 13 traverses from above the cervical line 8 on the lingual side, via the base surface 7, to below the cervical line 8 on the labial or buccal side. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and each groove may be independent.

More specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the groove 9 and the groove 10 are integrally formed to form one groove 13. The groove 13 is provided continuously from the lip side 5b of the artificial tooth 1 to the lingual side 5a on the base surface 7 of the artificial tooth 1. For example, the groove 13 is formed linearly from the lip side 5b of the artificial tooth 1 to the lingual side 5a on the base surface 7 of the artificial tooth 1. The cross-sectional area of the groove 13 changes from the lip side 5b of the artificial tooth 1 to the lingual side 5a. Here, the cross-sectional area of the groove 13 means the area of a cross section cut in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the groove 13 extends. For example, the cross-sectional area of the groove 13 may be increased continuously or stepwise from the lip side 5b of the artificial tooth 1 to the lingual side 5a. This makes it easier for the adhesive 12 to flow to the lingual side. The cross-sectional area of the groove 13 is 0.01 ^mm2 or more and 10.0 ^mm2 or less, and preferably 0.1 ^mm2 or more and 4.0 ^mm2 or less. The cross-sectional shape of the groove 13 is not particularly limited and may be, for example, a semicircular shape, an elliptical shape, a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, or the like.

Figure 3a is an occlusal view of the right side of the artificial tooth portion of an exemplary mandibular denture 20A, and Figure 3b shows an enlarged view of the mandibular canine portion TL3 shown in the Z1 portion of Figure 3a, viewed from the base surface 7 side. The mandibular denture 20A shown in Figure 3a has mandibular central incisor portion TL1, mandibular lateral incisor portion TL2, mandibular canine portion TL3, mandibular first premolar portion TL4, mandibular second premolar portion TL5, mandibular first molar portion TL6, and mandibular second molar portion TL7 on both the left and right sides. The mandibular central incisor portion TL1, mandibular lateral incisor portion TL2, mandibular canine portion TL3, mandibular first premolar portion TL4, mandibular second premolar portion TL5, mandibular first molar portion TL6, and mandibular second molar portion TL7 are arranged in a dental arch shape, i.e., a U-shape. The mandibular central incisor region TL1, the mandibular lateral incisor region TL2, and the mandibular canine region TL3 are included in the anterior teeth region, and the mandibular first premolar region TL4, the mandibular second premolar region TL5, the mandibular first molar region TL6, and the mandibular second molar region TL7 are included in the molar region.

As shown in FIG. 3a, the labial side refers to the side of the anterior teeth that comes into contact with the external appearance when the mouth is opened, and the cheek side refers to the side of the molar teeth that comes into contact with the buccal mucosa in the oral cavity, both of which refer to the outer side of the dental arch. The lingual side refers to the side that comes into contact with the tongue and refers to the inner side of the dental arch. In the description of this specification, for the sake of convenience, in order to clearly define the range of the extension direction of the grooves 9, 10 provided in the artificial tooth 1 or socket 2, the labial side refers to the entire area on the side that comes into contact with the external appearance when the mouth is opened, with the incisal edge that divides the anterior teeth in the labial-lingual direction as the boundary line L1. The cheek side refers to the area on the side that comes into contact with the external appearance when the mouth is opened, with the occlusal edge that connects the buccal cusp tips of the molar teeth as the boundary line L2. The tongue side refers to the area on the side that comes into contact with the tongue from the boundaries L1, L2 of the anterior teeth and molar teeth. In addition, in the upper jaw, the side that corresponds to the tongue side of the lower jaw is usually called the palate side, but in this specification, the term tongue side is used consistently.

In the example of the mandibular canine TL3 in FIG. 3b, the groove 9 is provided on the distal side on the tongue side of the mandibular canine TL3. The groove 9 extending from the center of the base surface 7 of the mandibular canine TL3 to the side surface 5a on the tongue side extends in a direction intersecting the boundary line L1 on the distal side of the mandibular canine TL3. Specifically, the extension direction A1 of the groove 9 is more distal than the direction perpendicular to the boundary line L1 at the center of the base surface 7 of the mandibular canine TL3. This makes the discharge hole 11 of the adhesive 12 less noticeable on the tongue side. The groove 10 is also provided on the distal side of the mandibular canine TL3 on the labial side. The groove 10 extending from the center of the base surface 7 to the side surface 5b on the labial side extends in a direction intersecting the boundary line L1 on the distal side of the mandibular canine TL3. Specifically, the extension direction A2 of the groove 10 is more distal than the direction perpendicular to the boundary line L1 at the center of the base surface 7 of the mandibular canine TL3. This makes it possible to prevent the side surface 5b of the mandibular canine TL3 from being chipped at the groove 10 when the denture is viewed from the front when a transparent denture base is used, making it possible to manufacture a denture with excellent aesthetics. Note that the extension directions A1 and A2 of the groove 9 and groove 10 shown in FIG. 3b are only examples and are not limited to these. For example, the extension directions A1 and A2 of the groove 9 and groove 10 may be parallel to the frontal section from the base surface 7 or parallel to the sagittal section. Note that in FIG. 3b, the example of the mandibular canine 3b is used for the explanation, but this is not limiting. The configuration shown in FIG. 3b may be applied to other artificial teeth.

Figure 4 shows an example of a frontal cross section of a denture 100 made using known CAD/CAM technology, in which when adhesive 112 or the like is applied to the inner surface 106 of the socket 102 and an artificial tooth 101 is inserted, a bias occurs in the space 104 of the adhesive 112 between the tongue side and the cheek side. The dashed arrow in the figure indicates the direction in which the artificial tooth 101 is displaced from its original insertion position. According to known technology, a space 104 of the adhesive 112 is provided between the socket 102 and the artificial tooth 101.

However, it is practically impossible to manually determine the appropriate amount of adhesive 112 and fix the artificial tooth 101 precisely at the center of the socket 102, and it is necessary to fix it along the buccal or lingual partition as shown in Figure 4. As a result, the space 104 of the adhesive 112 becomes uneven between the lingual and buccal sides.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the artificial tooth 101 is embedded in the socket 102 closer to the buccal side than the target position in the design, the space 104 of the adhesive 112 on the buccal crown axial surface becomes thinner than expected, and the amount of adhesive 112 filled is excessive. As a result, the adhesive 112 may leak beyond the socket 102 on the buccal side, requiring wiping, and the coating of the adhesive 112 also increases on the base surface 107 of the artificial tooth 101, increasing the occlusal height. On the other hand, on the lingual side, the amount of adhesive 112 provided in the space between the artificial tooth 101 and the socket 102 is insufficient, and the adhesive 112 is not filled up to the height of the cervical line 108 on the lingual crown axial surface, increasing the possibility of a periodontal pocket-like cavity being formed. In such a case, the troublesome task of additionally filling the adhesive 112 must be performed, or if the denture is completed without additionally filling the adhesive 112, it becomes a nest of plaque, resulting in an unsanitary denture. In addition, the coating of the adhesive 112 becomes thin on the base surface 107, and the occlusal vertical dimension becomes low, so the designed occlusal contact cannot be established. On the base surface 107, there are areas where the space 104 of the adhesive 112 is blocked between the cheek side and the tongue side, so it is difficult to make the adhesive 112 flow from the narrow side of the space 104 to the wide side.

That is, in the example shown in Figure 4, the two-dimensional deviation when the artificial tooth 101 is inserted develops into a three-dimensional deviation, which increases the complexity of the denture manufacturing process and also affects the quality in terms of hygiene and functionality. Note that while the example shown in Figure 4 shows a case where the artificial tooth 101 is biased toward the cheek side on the inner surface 106 of the socket 102, the same can be said when it is biased toward the tongue side.

Figure 5 shows an exemplary denture 20 in frontal section. In the example shown in Figure 5, the artificial tooth 1 is embedded in the socket 2 near the buccal side. The dashed arrow in the figure indicates the direction in which the artificial tooth 1 deviates from the designed embedding position due to the deviation of the space 4. In the example shown in Figure 5, the surface 5 of the artificial tooth 1 is provided with a groove 9 extending above the cervical line 8 on the lingual side, and a groove 10 extending below the cervical line 8 on the labial or buccal side. This allows the adhesive 12 to easily flow toward the lingual side or toward the labial or buccal side through the grooves 9, 10, making it possible to control the occurrence of overfilling or underfilling. Furthermore, the groove 10 extends below the cervical line 8 on the labial or buccal side, while the groove 9 opens above the cervical line 8 on the lingual side to form an exhaust hole 11. This means that if excess adhesive 12 is generated, it will be exhausted only to the lingual side, making it possible to reduce the cumbersome task of wiping off the adhesive 12.

Figure 6 shows an example of a denture 20A in which grooves 9A and 10A are provided on the inner surface 6 of the socket 2A of the denture base 3A. In the example shown in Figure 6, the inner surface 6 of the socket 2A of the denture base 3A is provided with groove 9A that is exposed to the outside of the denture base 3 from the base surface 7 of the artificial tooth 1A, and groove 10A that extends below the cervical line 8 on the labial or buccal side. As mentioned above, the two grooves 9A, 10A may be independent, or may be integrated. In this specification, groove 9A may be referred to as the "third groove 9A" and groove 10A may be referred to as the "fourth groove 10A".

Furthermore, the denture 20 may be configured by combining an artificial tooth 1 with grooves 9 and 10 as shown in Fig. 1 with a denture base 3A having a socket 2A with grooves 9A and 10A as shown in Fig. 5. In either case, the effect is the same, and the adhesive 12 can be easily caused to flow toward the tongue side, or toward the lips or cheeks through the grooves 9, 10, 9A, and 10A, making it possible to control the amount of filling to be excessive or insufficient.

In more detail, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the denture 20A includes an artificial tooth 1A and a denture base 3A having a concave socket 2A into which the artificial tooth 1A is embedded. The artificial tooth 1A does not have grooves 9 and 10 on the surface 5. For example, a ready-made artificial tooth can be used as the artificial tooth 1A. The denture base 3A has a third groove 9A and a fourth groove 10A on the inner surface 6 that defines the socket 2A. The third groove 9A extends from the concave bottom surface 6a of the socket 2A that faces the base surface 7 of the artificial tooth 1A to the concave side surface 6b on the lingual side. The fourth groove 10A extends from the concave bottom surface 6a of the socket 2A to the concave side surface 6c on the buccal side. The end 9b of the third groove 9A that extends on the concave side surface 6b on the lingual side reaches the outer surface 6d on the lingual side of the denture base 3A. As a result, the end 9b of the third groove 9A is exposed from the denture base 3A, forming a discharge hole 11A. The end 10b of the fourth groove 10A, which extends along the buccal concave surface 6c, does not reach the buccal outer surface 6e of the denture base 3A.

For example, the third groove 9A and the fourth groove 10A are formed in a straight line. The cross-sectional areas of the third groove 9A and the fourth groove 10A are 0.01 ^mm2 or more and 10.0 ^mm2 or less, and preferably 0.1 ^mm2 or more and 4.0 ^mm2 or less. Here, the cross-sectional areas of the third groove 9A and the fourth groove 10A mean the areas of the cross sections cut in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the third groove 9A and the fourth groove 10A, respectively. The cross-sectional shapes of the third groove 9A and the fourth groove 10A are not particularly limited, and may be, for example, semicircular, elliptical, trapezoidal, or triangular. The third groove 9A and the fourth groove 10A allow the adhesive 12 to easily flow in the tongue side direction, or the lip side or cheek side direction, and the filling amount can be controlled without excess or deficiency. In addition, the third groove 9A and the fourth groove 10A are described as being formed in a straight line, but are not limited thereto. For example, the third groove 9A and the fourth groove 10A may be formed in a curved line. The cross-sectional areas of the third groove 9A and the fourth groove 10A may vary or be constant in the direction in which the third groove 9A and the fourth groove 10A extend. For example, the cross-sectional areas of the third groove 9A and the fourth groove 10A may increase continuously or stepwise toward the tongue side.

Figure 7 shows an example of an artificial tooth 1 to be bonded to a denture 20B, viewed from the base surface 7. The upper row shows the upper jaw, and the lower row shows the lower jaw. In this case, the artificial tooth 1 is connected to at least two adjacent teeth of 14 types, including the central incisor portion, the lateral incisor portion, the canine portion, the first premolar portion, the second premolar portion, the first molar portion, and the second molar portion, on both the left and right sides. In the example shown in Figure 7, the surface 5 of the implanted portion of the artificial tooth 1 is provided with a groove 9 extending from the base surface 7 of the artificial tooth 1 to above the cervical line 8 on the lingual side, and a groove 10 extending from the base surface 7 of the artificial tooth 1 to below the cervical line 8 on the labial side or the buccal side. As described in the explanation of Figure 3, the grooves 9 and 10 are not limited to the example in which they are provided on the distal side and extend in a direction intersecting the boundary line L1, but may be provided in a direction parallel to the frontal section from the base surface 7, or in a direction parallel to the sagittal section. By using artificial teeth 1 with two or more teeth, the socket 2 also eliminates the partitions between each tooth, making it possible to evenly distribute the amount of adhesive 12 applied. As a result, it becomes possible to control deviations in the occlusal vertical dimension, and in addition to the drainage effect of the groove 9 that extends above the cervical line 8 on the lingual side, it is also possible to reduce errors caused by excess adhesive 12.

In more detail, the denture 20B has an upper artificial tooth 1U and a lower artificial tooth 1L. The upper artificial tooth 1U has, from the center on both the left and right sides, a maxillary central incisor portion TU1, a maxillary lateral incisor portion TU2, a maxillary canine portion TU3, a maxillary first premolar portion TU4, a maxillary second premolar portion TU5, a maxillary first molar portion TU6, and a maxillary second molar portion TU7. The maxillary central incisor portion TU1, the maxillary lateral incisor portion TU2, the maxillary canine portion TU3, the maxillary first premolar portion TU4, the maxillary second premolar portion TU5, the maxillary first molar portion TU6, and the maxillary second molar portion TU7 are arranged in a dental arch shape, i.e., a U-shape, when viewed from the base surface 7 side. In the maxillary artificial tooth 1U, a continuous groove 14 is provided that is formed across the base surface 7 of the maxillary central incisor portion TU1, the maxillary lateral incisor portion TU2, the maxillary canine portion TU3, the maxillary first premolar portion TU4, the maxillary second premolar portion TU5, the maxillary first molar portion TU6, and the maxillary second molar portion TU7. The groove 14 is formed in a U-shape when viewed from the base surface 7 side. The grooves 9 and 10 are connected to the groove 14. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the grooves 9 and 10 are provided in the maxillary central incisor portion TU1, the maxillary canine portion TU3, the maxillary first premolar portion TU4, the maxillary second premolar portion TU5, and the maxillary first molar portion TU6, but are not provided in the maxillary lateral incisor portion TU2 and the maxillary second molar portion TU7.

The mandibular artificial tooth 1L has, from the center on both the left and right sides, a mandibular central incisor portion TL1, a mandibular lateral incisor portion TL2, a mandibular canine portion TL3, a mandibular first premolar portion TL4, a mandibular second premolar portion TL5, a mandibular first molar portion TL6, and a mandibular second molar portion TL7. The mandibular central incisor portion TL1, the mandibular lateral incisor portion TL2, the mandibular canine portion TL3, the mandibular first premolar portion TL4, the mandibular second premolar portion TL5, the mandibular first molar portion TL6, and the mandibular second molar portion TL7 are arranged in a dental arch shape, i.e., a U-shape, when viewed from the base surface 7 side. In the mandibular artificial tooth 1L, grooves 14 are provided across the base surface 7 of the mandibular central incisor portion TL1, the mandibular lateral incisor portion TL2, the mandibular canine portion TL3, the mandibular first premolar portion TL4, the mandibular second premolar portion TL5, the mandibular first molar portion TL6, and the mandibular second molar portion TL7. The grooves 14 are formed in a U-shape when viewed from the base surface 7 side. The grooves 9 and 10 are connected to the groove 14. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the grooves 9 and 10 are provided in the mandibular central incisor portion TL1, the mandibular canine portion TL3, the mandibular second premolar portion TL5, and the mandibular first molar portion TL6, but are not provided in the mandibular lateral incisor portion TL2, the mandibular first premolar portion TL4, and the mandibular second molar portion TL7.

Figures 8a to 8f are conceptual diagrams of an exemplary method for producing a denture 20. Figures 8a to 8f show an example of a process in which the gingival portion of the virtual shape data D3 of the denture base 3 is deleted using virtual shape data D1 of an artificial tooth that does not include the groove 9 extending above the cervical line 8 on the lingual side and the groove 10 extending below the cervical line 8 on the labial or buccal side, virtual shape data D3 of the denture base 3 is created based on a computer-aided design program that forms a socket D2, the denture base 3 is produced based on the virtual shape data D3, and the artificial tooth 1 including the grooves 9 and 10 is embedded in the socket 2 of the denture base 3 to form the grooves 9, 10 and the discharge hole 11. Note that Figures 8a to 8c show the design process using a computer-aided design program (CAD), Figure 8d shows the production process using a computer-aided manufacturing system (CAM), and Figures 8e and 8f show the denture assembly process.

First, as shown in Figure 8a, in the artificial teeth arrangement and gingival formation process in the computer-aided design program, the shape of the bite plate, etc., which records the shape of the oral mucosa of the patient's upper and lower jaws and their relative positional relationship, is read into virtual space, and artificial teeth arrangement and gingival formation are performed. At this stage, grooves 9 and 10 are not included in the virtual shape data D1 of the artificial teeth.

Next, as shown in Figure 8b, in the socket formation process, the virtual shape data D1 of the artificial tooth is subtracted and deleted from the gingiva portion of the virtual shape data D3 of the denture base 3. Since the virtual shape data D1 of the artificial tooth does not include the grooves 9 and 10, the socket D2 has a shape without grooves. Finally, as shown in Figure 8c, the three-dimensional shape data D3 of the denture base 3 with the socket D2 formed therein is output to a computer-aided manufacturing system (CAM). The data format is not particularly limited, and any known format can be used. The STL format is generally used.

Next, as shown in Figure 8d, in the denture base manufacturing process, the denture base 3 is manufactured by a computer-aided manufacturing system (CAM) based on the three-dimensional shape data D3 of the denture base 3. Note that the manufacturing process of the denture base 3 by a computer-aided manufacturing system (CAM) can use known techniques, such as a milling method using an NC cutting machine or an additive manufacturing method using a 3D printer.

Next, as shown in FIG. 8e, adhesive 12 is applied to the socket 2 of the denture base 3, and the artificial tooth 1 is embedded. Here, the artificial tooth 1 is different from the virtual shape data D1 of the computer-aided design program, and the artificial tooth 1 that is embedded includes each groove 9, 10.

As a result, as shown in Figure 8f, grooves 9, 10 and a discharge hole 11 are formed between the artificial tooth 1 and the denture base 3, so that even if the artificial tooth 1 is biased toward the labial, buccal or lingual side when it is inserted, the adhesive 12 can be easily made to flow and the amount of filling can be controlled.

9a to 9f are conceptual diagrams of an exemplary method for producing a denture 20A. Figures 9a to 9f show an example of a process in which virtual shape data D1A of an artificial tooth including rib-shaped protrusions D15 and D16 formed by inverting outward a groove 9 extending above the cervical line 8 on the lingual side and a groove 10 extending below the cervical line 8 on the labial or buccal side is used to delete the gingival portion of virtual shape data D3A of a denture base 3A, virtual shape data D3A of the denture base 3A is created based on a computer-aided design program to form a socket D2A, the denture base 3A is produced based on the virtual shape data D3A, and an artificial tooth 1A not including the grooves 9 and 10 is embedded into a socket 2A of the denture base 3A to form the grooves 9A, 10A and the discharge hole 11A. Figures 9a to 9c show the design process using a computer-aided design program (CAD), Figure 9d shows the manufacturing process using a computer-aided manufacturing system (CAM), and Figures 9e and 9f show the denture assembly process.

The steps shown in Figures 9a to 9f are substantially the same as those shown in Figures 8a to 8f, but the virtual shape data D1A of the artificial tooth includes rib-shaped convex portions D15 and D16 formed by inverting grooves 9 and 10 outward, and the virtual shape data D1A of the artificial tooth is subtracted from the gingival portion of the virtual shape data D3A of the denture base 3A using the convex portions D15 and D16 to form a socket D2A with grooves D9A and D10A. Furthermore, in the actual manufacturing process, an artificial tooth 1A without a groove is embedded, which is different from the steps shown in Figures 8a to 8f.

As a result, grooves 9A, 10A and discharge hole 11A are formed between the artificial tooth 1A and the denture base 3A, so even if the artificial tooth 1A is biased toward the labial, buccal or lingual side when it is inserted, the adhesive 12 can be easily made to flow and the amount of filling can be controlled. Another advantage is that since the grooves 9A, 10A and discharge hole 11A are formed on the socket 2A side, there is no need to provide grooves 9, 10 on the artificial tooth 1A, and artificial teeth of known shapes can be used.

10a to 10f are conceptual diagrams of an exemplary method for producing a denture 20C. Figures 10a to 10f show an example of a process in which virtual shape data D1A of an artificial tooth including rib-shaped protrusions D15 and D16 formed by inverting groove 9 extending above the cervical line 8 on the lingual side and groove 10 extending below the cervical line 8 on the labial or buccal side is used to delete the gingival portion of virtual shape data of denture base 3A, virtual shape data D3A of denture base 3A is created based on a computer-aided design program that forms socket D2, denture base 3A is produced based on the virtual shape data D3A, and artificial tooth 1 including each groove 9 and 10 is embedded into socket 2A of denture base 3A, thereby forming each groove 9, 10, 9A, 10A and discharge holes 11 and 11A. Note that Figures 10a to 10c show the design process using a computer-aided design program (CAD), Figure 10d shows the manufacturing process using a computer-aided manufacturing system (CAM), and Figures 10e and 10f show the denture assembly process.

To form a socket D2A including grooves 9A and 10A in the denture base 3A, the contents of the computer-aided design program and computer-aided manufacturing system shown in Figures 10a to 10c are the same as those in the process shown in Figures 9a to 9d, but the artificial tooth 1 is inserted in the same manner as in the process shown in Figures 8e and 8f, including the grooves 9 and 10.

By providing grooves 9, 10, 9A, 10A on both sides of the artificial tooth 1 and the socket 2A, a groove with a larger cross-sectional area is formed between the artificial tooth 1 and the denture base 3A than in the process shown in Figures 8a to 8f and 9a to 9f, making it easier to flow the adhesive 12 and control the amount of filling. This makes it possible to select a type of adhesive 12 with a low viscosity, and to use a quick-curing resin that tends to form a thick coating.

In addition, the extension directions of the grooves 9, 10, 9A, and 10A do not need to be the same on the artificial tooth 1 side and the denture base 3A side, and they can be opened in different directions, allowing the adhesive 12 to be distributed in multiple directions.

An example of a method for manufacturing the denture 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 shows an example of a flowchart of the process for manufacturing the denture 20 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 11, the method for manufacturing the denture 20 includes steps ST1 to ST3.

Step ST1 is a process of preparing an artificial tooth 1 and a denture base 3. Specifically, step ST1 is a process of preparing an artificial tooth 1 and a denture base 3 having a concave socket 2 into which the artificial tooth 1 is embedded.

The artificial tooth 1 is provided with a first groove 9 extending from the base surface 7 to the lingual side surface 5a of the artificial tooth 1, and a second groove 10 extending from the base surface 7 to the buccal side surface 5b of the artificial tooth 1. In the artificial tooth 1, the end 9a of the first groove 9 extending on the lingual side surface 5a is located closer to the crown than the lingual cervical line 8 of the artificial tooth 1, and the end 10a of the second groove 10 extending on the buccal side surface 5b is located closer to the root than the buccal cervical line 8 of the artificial tooth 1. The cross-sectional area of the first groove 9 when cut in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the first groove 9 may be 0.01 ^mm2 or more and 10.0 ^mm2 or less, and may be preferably 0.1 ^mm2 or more and 4.0 ^mm2 or less. The cross-sectional area of the second groove 10 when cut in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the second groove 10 may be 0.01 ^mm2 or more and 10.0 ^mm2 or less, and preferably 0.1 ^mm2 or more and 4.0 ^mm2 or less. The cross-sectional areas of the first groove 9 and the second groove 10 may be larger toward the tongue side.

The denture base 3 is obtained, for example, by carrying out a design process using a computer-aided design program (CAD) and a manufacturing process using a computer-aided manufacturing system (CAM).

Step ST1 includes steps ST11 and ST12 as processes for preparing the denture base 3.

Step ST11 is a process of creating denture base design data D3 for the denture base 3 by a computer. Step ST11 is a design process using a computer-aided design program (CAD) as shown in Figures 8a to 8c.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8a, artificial tooth shape data D1 is placed on denture base design data D3 formed on a computer with a gingival portion where no socket is provided. Artificial tooth shape data D1 is shape data for an artificial tooth that does not have a groove on the base surface. Artificial tooth shape data D1 is placed so as to overlap the gingival portion of denture base design data D3.

Next, as shown in FIG. 8b, the gingival portion of the denture base design data D3 that overlaps with the artificial tooth shape data D1 is deleted on the computer. The portion of the denture base design data D3 from which the gingival portion has been deleted becomes the socket D2.

Next, as shown in FIG. 8c, the artificial tooth shape data D1 is deleted on the computer, and denture base design data D3 in which the socket D2 is provided is obtained. The denture base design data D3 is output to a manufacturing device that manufactures the denture base 3.

Step ST12 is a process for producing the denture base 3 based on the denture base design data D3. Step ST12 is a production process using a computer-aided manufacturing system (CAM) as shown in Figure 8d.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8d, a denture base 3 is produced by a production device based on the denture base design data D3. The production device may be a cutting device using an NC machine tool, a 3D printer, or the like. In this way, a denture base 3 is obtained that has a concave socket 2 into which an artificial tooth 1 is to be embedded.

Step ST2 is a process of applying adhesive 12 to the socket 2. Step ST2 is a denture assembling process shown in Figure 8e. In step ST2, adhesive 12 is applied to the socket 2 as shown in Figure 8e.

Step ST3 is a process of embedding the artificial tooth 1 into the socket 2 to which the adhesive 12 has been applied. Step ST3 is a denture assembly process shown in FIG. 8f. In step ST3, as shown in FIG. 8f, the artificial tooth 1 is embedded into the socket 2 to which the adhesive 12 has been applied. Step ST3 includes steps ST31 and ST32.

Step ST31 is a process of forming the discharge hole 11. FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example of the process of forming the discharge hole 11. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the adhesive 12 is omitted from the illustration to facilitate the explanation. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the artificial tooth 1 is embedded in the socket 2 to which the adhesive 12 is applied. The depth of the socket 2 is approximately equal to the cervical line 8 of the artificial tooth 1. In the artificial tooth 1, the end 9a of the first groove 9 extending on the lingual side surface 5a is located on the crown side of the cervical line 8. Therefore, when the artificial tooth 1 is embedded in the socket 2, the end 9a side of the first groove 9 is exposed from the denture base 3. In other words, the end 9a side of the first groove 9 is not blocked by the concave side surface 6b of the socket 2 of the denture base 3. As a result, a discharge hole 11 for discharging excess adhesive 12 can be formed on the lingual side surface 5a of the artificial tooth 1.

Step ST32 is a process of discharging the adhesive 12 from the discharge hole 11. Figure 13 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example of the process of discharging the adhesive 12 from the discharge hole 11. In the example shown in Figure 13, when the artificial tooth 1 is embedded in the socket 2 to which the adhesive 12 has been applied, the excess adhesive 12 is discharged from the discharge hole 11 through the first groove 9.

When the artificial tooth 1 is embedded in the socket 2 to which the adhesive 12 has been applied, the artificial tooth 1 may be embedded in the socket 2 while the cheek side surface 5b of the artificial tooth 1 is in contact with the concave side surface 6b of the socket 2. This prevents the adhesive 12 from leaking from the cheek side, and makes it easier for the adhesive 12 to be discharged from the discharge hole 11 formed on the tongue side.

The excess adhesive 12 discharged from the discharge hole 11 is removed, and once the adhesive 12 has hardened, the denture 20 shown in Figure 8f is completed.

As another example, an example of a method for manufacturing denture 20A shown in FIG. 6 will be described. Each step of the method for manufacturing denture 20A is the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 11.

As shown in FIG. 11, the manufacturing method for denture 20A includes steps ST1 to ST3.

Step ST1 is a process of preparing an artificial tooth 1A and a denture base 3A. Specifically, step ST1 is a process of preparing an artificial tooth 1A and a denture base 3A having a concave socket 2A into which the artificial tooth 1A is embedded.

The artificial tooth 1A is an artificial tooth in which no groove is provided on the surface 5 facing the socket 2A. The denture base 3A is provided with a third groove 9A extending from the concave bottom surface 6a of the socket 2A facing the base surface 7 of the artificial tooth 1A to the lingual concave side surface 6b, and a fourth groove 10A extending from the concave bottom surface 6a of the socket 2A to the buccal concave side surface 6c. The end 9b of the third groove 9A extending on the lingual concave side surface 6b reaches the lingual outer surface 6d of the denture base 3A. In other words, the end 9b of the third groove 9A is exposed from the outer surface 6d of the denture base 3A. The end 10b of the fourth groove 10A extending on the buccal concave side surface 6c does not reach the buccal outer surface 6e of the denture base 3A. The cross-sectional area of the third groove 9A when cut in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the third groove 9A may be 0.01 ^mm2 to 10.0 ^mm2 , preferably 0.1 ^mm2 to 4.0 ^mm2 . The cross-sectional area of the fourth groove 10A when cut in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the fourth groove 10A may be 0.01 ^mm2 to 10.0 ^mm2 , preferably 0.1 ^mm2 to 4.0 ^mm2 . The cross-sectional areas of the third groove 9A and the fourth groove 10A may be larger toward the tongue side.

The denture base 3A is obtained, for example, by carrying out a design process using a computer-aided design program (CAD) and a manufacturing process using a computer-aided manufacturing system (CAM).

Step ST1 includes steps ST11 and ST12 as processes for preparing the denture base 3A.

Step ST11 is a process for creating denture base design data D3A for denture base 3A by a computer. Step ST11 is a design process using a computer-aided design program (CAD) as shown in Figures 9a to 9c.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9a, the artificial tooth shape data D1A is placed on the denture base design data D3A formed on the computer with the gingival portion where no socket is provided. The artificial tooth shape data D1 is placed so as to overlap the gingival portion of the denture base design data D3.

Here, the artificial tooth shape data D1A is shape data of an artificial tooth in which a first convex portion D15 and a second convex portion D16 corresponding to the third groove 9A and the fourth groove 10A, respectively, are provided on the base surface. The first convex portion D15 protrudes from near the center of the base surface of the artificial tooth shape data D1A and extends across the lingual side surface. The end of the first convex portion D15 extending across the lingual side surface is located closer to the crown side than the cervical line 8. The second convex portion D16 protrudes from near the center of the base surface of the artificial tooth shape data D1A and extends across the buccal side surface. The end of the second convex portion D16 extending across the buccal side surface is located closer to the root side than the cervical line 8.

Next, as shown in Figure 9b, the gingival portion of the denture base design data D3A that overlaps with the artificial tooth shape data D1A is deleted on the computer. In the denture base design data D3A, the portion from which the gingival portion has been deleted becomes the socket D2A, the third groove D9A, and the fourth groove D10A.

Next, as shown in FIG. 9c, the artificial tooth shape data D1A is deleted on the computer, and denture base design data D3A in which the socket D2A is provided is obtained. The denture base design data D3 is output to a manufacturing device that manufactures the denture base 3A.

Step ST12 is a process for producing denture base 3A based on denture base design data D3A. Step ST12 is a production process using a computer-aided manufacturing system (CAM) as shown in Figure 9d.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9d, a denture base 3A is produced by a production device based on denture base design data D3A. The production device may be a cutting device using an NC machine tool, a 3D printer, or the like. In this way, a denture base 3A is obtained that has a concave socket 2A into which an artificial tooth 1A is to be embedded, a third groove 9A, and a fourth groove 10A.

Step ST2 is a process of applying adhesive 12 to socket 2A. Step ST2 is a denture assembling process shown in Figure 9e. In step ST2, adhesive 12 is applied to socket 2A as shown in Figure 9e.

Step ST3 is a process of embedding the artificial tooth 1A into the socket 2A to which the adhesive 12 has been applied. Step ST3 is a denture assembling process shown in FIG. 9f. In step ST3, as shown in FIG. 9f, the artificial tooth 1A is embedded into the socket 2A to which the adhesive 12 has been applied. Step ST3 includes steps ST31 and ST32.

Step ST31 is a process of forming the discharge hole 11A. FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example of the process of forming the discharge hole 11A. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the adhesive 12 is omitted from the illustration to facilitate the explanation. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the artificial tooth 1A is embedded in the socket 2A to which the adhesive 12 is applied. The depth of the socket 2A is approximately equal to the cervical line 8 of the artificial tooth 1A. In the denture base 3A, the third groove 9A and the fourth groove 10A are provided on the inner surface 6 of the socket 2A. Specifically, the third groove 9A extends from the concave bottom surface 6a of the socket 2A facing the base surface 7 of the artificial tooth 1A to the concave side surface 6b on the tongue side. The fourth groove 10A extends from the concave bottom surface 6a of the socket 2A to the concave side surface 6c on the cheek side. In addition, the end 9b of the third groove 9A, which extends along the lingual concave surface 6b, reaches the lingual outer surface 6d of the denture base 3A, and the end 10b of the fourth groove 10A, which extends along the buccal concave surface 6c, does not reach the buccal outer surface 6e of the denture base 3A.

When the artificial tooth 1A is inserted into the socket 2A, the third groove 9A and the fourth groove 10A on the inner surface 6 of the socket 2A are blocked by the artificial tooth 1A via the adhesive 12. At this time, the end 9b of the third groove 9A extending along the concave surface 6b on the lingual side reaches the outer surface 6d on the lingual side of the denture base 3A and is connected to the outside of the denture base 3A, so that a discharge hole 11A for discharging excess adhesive 12 is formed at the end 9b of the third groove 9A.

Step ST32 is a process of discharging excess adhesive 12 from discharge hole 11A. Figure 15 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example of the process of discharging adhesive 12 from discharge hole 11A. In the example shown in Figure 15, when artificial tooth 1A is embedded in socket 2A to which adhesive 12 has been applied, excess adhesive 12 is discharged from discharge hole 11A through third groove 9A.

When embedding the artificial tooth 1A in the socket 2A to which the adhesive 12 has been applied, the artificial tooth 1A may be embedded in the socket 2A while the cheek side 5b of the artificial tooth 1A is in contact with the concave side 6b of the socket 2A. This prevents the adhesive 12 from leaking from the cheek side, and makes it easier for the adhesive 12 to be discharged from the discharge hole 11A formed on the tongue side.

The denture 20C shown in Figures 10a to 10f, which combines the artificial tooth 1 with the denture base 3A, can be manufactured by combining the manufacturing methods for the denture 20 and denture 20A described above. In addition, the denture 20B shown in Figure 7, which has an artificial tooth 1 connected to multiple teeth, can also be manufactured by carrying out a manufacturing method similar to that for the denture 20 described above.

Furthermore, steps ST1 to ST3 shown in FIG. 11 are examples, and the manufacturing method of dentures 20, 20A, 20B, and 20C is not limited to these steps. For example, the manufacturing method may include additional steps, or steps ST1 to ST3 may be combined, divided, or deleted.

The dentures 20, 20A, 20B, 20C manufactured by the above manufacturing method improve the fitting accuracy of the artificial teeth 1, 1A to the sockets 2, 2A. In addition, because the adhesive 12 is placed in the grooves 9, 10, 9A, 10A, the adhesion to the artificial teeth 1, 1A is improved. Therefore, with the fitting accuracy between the artificial teeth 1, 1A and the sockets 2, 2A improved, the artificial teeth 1, 1A and the denture base 3.3A can be bonded and fixed with high precision.

In this embodiment, an example in which multiple grooves 9, 10, 9A, 10A are formed in the artificial tooth 1 and/or denture base 3A has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is sufficient that one or multiple grooves 9, 9A, 13 extending toward the tongue side are provided on at least one of the surface 5 of the artificial tooth 1, 1A that is inserted into the socket 2, 2A and the inner surface 6 that defines the socket 2, 2A. In other words, the grooves 10, 10A extending toward the cheek side or lip side are not a required configuration.

In this embodiment, an example is described in which the artificial teeth 1, 1A are mainly molar portions, and therefore an example is described in which the opposite side to the tongue side is the cheek side. However, if the artificial teeth 1, 1A are central incisors, lateral incisors, or canines, the opposite side to the tongue side may be replaced with the lip side.

Reference Signs List 1, 1A Artificial tooth 2, 2A Socket 3, 3A Denture base 4 Space for adhesive 5 Surface of artificial tooth 5a Lingual side 5b Buccal or labial side 6 Inner surface of socket 6a Concave bottom surface 6b Lingual concave side 6c Buccal or labial concave side 6d Lingual outer surface 6e Buccal or labial outer surface 7 Base surface of artificial tooth 8 Cervical line 9 First groove 9A Third groove 10 Second groove 10A Fourth groove 11, 11A Discharge hole 12 Adhesive 13 Groove 14 Continuous groove 20, 20A, 20B, 20C Denture D1, D1A Artificial tooth shape data D2, D2A Socket D3, D3A Denture base design data D9A Third groove D10A Fourth groove D15 First convex portion D16 Second convex portion 101 Artificial tooth 102 Socket 103 Denture base 104 Adhesive space 106 Socket inner surface 108 Cervical line 112 Adhesive 120 Denture

Claims (14)

A step of preparing an artificial tooth (1, 1A) and a denture base (3, 3A) provided with a concave socket (2, 2A) into which the artificial tooth (1, 1A) is to be embedded;
applying adhesive (12) to the socket (2, 2A);
a step of embedding the artificial tooth (1, 1A) into the socket (2, 2A) to which the adhesive (12) has been applied;
Including,
one or more grooves (9, 10, 13, 9A, 10A) are provided on at least one of a surface (5) of the artificial tooth (1, 1A) that is to be inserted into the socket (2, 2A) and an inner surface (6) that defines the socket (2, 2A);
The one or more grooves (9, 10, 13, 9A, 10A) include a groove (9, 9A, 13) extending lingually,
The step of embedding the artificial tooth (1, 1A) in the socket (2, 2A) comprises:
forming a discharge hole (11, 11A) for discharging the adhesive (12) by exposing the terminal end (9a, 9b) side of the groove (9, 9A, 13) extending toward the tongue side from the denture base (3, 3A);
Discharging the adhesive (12) from the discharge hole (11, 11A);
having
How dentures are manufactured. The preparing step includes preparing an artificial tooth (1) having a first groove (9) extending from a base surface (7) of the artificial tooth (1) to the tongue side surface (5a) and a second groove (10) extending from the base surface (7) of the artificial tooth (1) to a buccal or labial side surface (5b);
The end (9a) of the first groove (9) extending along the lingual side surface (5a) is located on the crown side of the lingual cervical line (8) of the artificial tooth (1);
The end (10b) of the second groove (10) extending along the buccal or labial side surface (5b) is located closer to the tooth root than the buccal or labial cervical line (8) of the artificial tooth (1).
A method for manufacturing the denture according to claim 1. The preparing step includes preparing a denture base (3A) provided with a third groove (9A) extending from a concave bottom surface (6a) of the socket (2A) facing the base surface (7) of the artificial tooth (1, 1A) to a lingual concave side surface (6b) and a fourth groove (10A) extending from the concave bottom surface (6a) of the socket (2A) to a buccal or labial concave side surface (6c);
an end (9b) of the third groove (9A) extending along the lingual concave surface (6b) reaches the lingual outer surface (6d) of the denture base (3A);
an end (10b) of the fourth groove (10A) extending on the buccal or labial concave side surface (6c) does not reach the buccal or labial outer surface (6e) of the denture base (3A);
A method for manufacturing a denture according to claim 1 or 2. The cross-sectional area of the one or more grooves (9, 10, 13, 9A, 10A) when cut in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the one or more grooves (9, 10, 13, 9A, 10A) is 0.01 ^mm2 or more and 10.0 ^mm2 or less.
A method for manufacturing the denture according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The cross-sectional area of the one or more grooves (9, 10, 13, 9A, 10A) when cut in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the one or more grooves (9, 10, 13, 9A, 10A) increases toward the tongue side.
A method for manufacturing the denture according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The preparing step includes:
creating denture base design data (D3) for the denture base (3) by a computer;
producing the denture base (3) based on the denture base design data (D3) by a production device;
having
Creating the denture base design data (D3) includes creating the denture base design data (D3) in which a concave socket (D2) is provided based on artificial tooth shape data (D1) in which the first groove (9) and the second groove (10) are not provided.
A method for manufacturing the denture according to claim 2. The preparing step includes:
creating denture base design data (D3A) for the denture base (3A) by a computer;
producing the denture base (3A) based on the denture base design data (D3A) by a production device;
having
Creating the denture base design data (D3A) includes creating the denture base design data (D3A) having a concave socket (D2A) with the third groove (D9A) and the fourth groove (D10A) on its inner surface, based on artificial tooth shape data (D1A) having a first convex portion (D15) and a second convex portion (D16) corresponding to the shapes of the third groove (9A) and the fourth groove (10A);
A method for manufacturing the denture according to claim 3. The artificial tooth (1, 1A) has at least two or more adjacent tooth portions selected from a central incisor portion, a lateral incisor portion, a canine portion, a first bicuspid portion, a second bicuspid portion, a first molar portion, and a second molar portion.
A method for manufacturing the denture according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The base surface (7) of the artificial tooth (1) is provided with a continuous groove (14) that is provided continuously across at least two or more adjacent tooth portions,
The one or more grooves (9, 10, 13) are provided in the surface (5) of the artificial tooth (1),
The continuous groove (14) communicates with the one or more grooves (9, 10, 13).
A method for manufacturing a denture according to claim 8. An artificial tooth (1, 1A);
a denture base (3, 3A) provided with a concave socket (2, 2A) into which the artificial tooth (1, 1A) is embedded;
Equipped with
one or more grooves (9, 10, 13, 9A, 10A) are provided on at least one of a surface (5) of the artificial tooth (1, 1A) that is to be inserted into the socket (2, 2A) and an inner surface (6) that defines the socket (2, 2A);
The one or more grooves (9, 10, 13, 9A, 10A) include a groove (9, 9A, 13) extending lingually,
The end (9a, 9b) side of the groove (9, 9A, 13) extending toward the tongue side is exposed from the denture base (3, 3A),
the artificial tooth (1, 1A) and the denture base (3, 3A) are bonded and fixed by an adhesive (12), and the adhesive (12) is disposed in the one or more grooves (9, 10, 13, 9A, 10A);
Dentures. The one or more grooves (9, 10, 13) include a first groove (9) extending from the base surface (7) of the artificial tooth (1) to the lingual side surface (5a) and a second groove (10) extending from the base surface (7) of the artificial tooth (1) to the buccal or labial side surface (5b);
The end (9a) of the first groove (9) extending along the lingual side surface (5a) is located on the crown side of the lingual cervical line (8) of the artificial tooth (1);
an end (10a) of the second groove (10) extending along the buccal or labial side surface (5b) is located closer to the tooth root than the buccal or labial cervical line (8) of the artificial tooth (1);
11. The denture of claim 10. The one or more grooves (9, 10, 13, 9A, 10A) include a third groove (9A) extending from a concave bottom surface (6a) of the socket (2A) facing the base surface (7) of the artificial tooth (1, 1A) to a tongue-side concave side surface (6b), and a fourth groove (10A) extending from the concave bottom surface (6a) of the socket (2A) to a cheek-side or lip-side concave side surface (6c),
an end (9b) of the third groove (9A) extending along the lingual concave surface (6b) reaches the lingual outer surface (6d) of the denture base (3A);
an end (10b) of the fourth groove (10A) extending on the buccal or labial concave side surface (6c) does not reach the buccal or labial outer surface (6e) of the denture base (3A);
A denture according to claim 10 or 11. The artificial tooth (1, 1A) has at least two or more adjacent tooth portions selected from a central incisor portion, a lateral incisor portion, a canine portion, a first bicuspid portion, a second bicuspid portion, a first molar portion, and a second molar portion.
A denture according to any one of claims 10 to 12. The base surface (7) of the artificial tooth (1) is provided with a continuous groove (14) that is provided continuously across at least two or more adjacent tooth portions,
The one or more grooves (9, 10, 13) are provided in the surface (5) of the artificial tooth (1),
The continuous groove (14) communicates with the one or more grooves (9, 10, 13);
The adhesive (12) is disposed in the continuous groove (14).
14. The denture of claim 13.

Images