Patent ID: 6048206
Filing Date: 2000-04-11
Classification: A61C

Abstract:
A method of adapting a bridge structure to fit anchoring elements in a patient's jaw, said bridge structure comprising a plurality of connectors, which are each adapted to be connected to one of the anchoring elements when the bridge structure is being attached in a patient's jaw, and a tooth-supporting means extending between the connectors, said method comprising the steps ofa) determining a first reference plane for the bridge structure and a second reference plane for a model of the patient's jaw with the anchoring elements arranged therein, said reference planes being mutually parallel when the bridge structure is mounted on the model;b) mounting an extension member on each of the anchoring members in the model;c) mounting the bridge structure such that the first reference plane lies in a predetermined plane;d) controlling a tool, which is movable perpendicularly to the predetermined plane, to shorten each of the connectors in such a manner that the end surface of each connector is parallel with the predetermined plane after shortening and is located at a distance b from the predetermined plane;e) mounting the model such that its reference plane lies in the predetermined plane.;f) controlling the tool to shorten each of the extension members such that the end surface is parallel with the predetermined plane after shortening and is located at a distance c from the predetermined plane which is equal to a-b, a being a desired total height of the model and the bridge structure perpendicularly to the reference planes; andg) permanently fixing the bridge structure to the extension members and loosening the bridge structure with extension members from the model.