Computed Tomography and Metrology

Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits

Computed Tomography in modern Dental Laboratories

CT as Basis for Restaurations and Jaw Models

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Model of the maxila for restorations to be done with.


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Model of the maxila for restorations to be done with.

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By performing a CT scan of the impression of a dentition a digital model of the teeth to be primed is generated. On the basis of this model inlays, onlays, coronas, etc. can be prepared in the computer. After computing the complete inlay or corona geometry the data sets are reproduced on a very precise dental drill before they are submitted to quality control.

Process Integrated Quality Control

For the determination of reliability and stability of the restaurations material thickness is checked throughout the manufacturing process in order to cope with the high quality standards.
Additionally reference bodies are measured in pre-determined intervals in order to check the accuracy of measurement with regard to systematic deviations/errors.

Area of Accuracy

By conducting an actual/actual value comparison between impression and reference possible deviations are shown. The deviations are usually within a range of ± 150 µm. Larger deviations are due to bad impressions. The following figure demonstrates such a comparison in a miscolored representation.

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Savings Potential

By optimized manufacturing cycles the following saving potentials occur:

Manufacturing of inlays, coronas, etc.:

  • Faster Process
  • Lower costs of manufacturing
  • Reliable quality control
  • Lower investment costs in medical practise

Operative dentistry:

  • Simple data archiving
  • No distortions due to fast data generation

Future

The application of CT in modern dental laboratories is an innovative and metrological enhancement of the present process cycle.