Computer aided design and deformation of the complete crown

In this paper we present a novel approach to build the standard crown database based on the sketch of the standard tooth, and then deform the crown to fit the patient using an efficient volumetric approach. Take example for the mandibular first molar, some key lines are collected from standard tooth pictures. Then we edit these lines to build the skeleton of the digital tooth model, and convert the skeleton model into triangle mesh. During the design process, it's important to refer the standard die stone tooth model. After all of the models are designed, a standard crown database is built with them. The database provides a template for users to design the special complete crown for certain patient. In design process, we deform the template in global based on the neighbor teeth, and then use an efficient and easy-to-implement volumetric approach to adjust it in local based on the occlusion of the patient. According to the final result, the method of designing and deforming the complete crown using CAD technology is feasible, efficient and precise, the complete crown fits the patient very well. It is also an important part of the homemade dental CAD/CAM system. ? 2008 IEEE.EI