Patent Publication Number: US-11660174-B2

Title: Dental devices and systems and methods for making the same

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/842,788, which was filed on Mar. 15, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This relates to dental devices and systems and methods for making the same. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The loss of one&#39;s teeth is one of the biggest health issues in the world today—millions of people are affected by this condition. Moreover, as people continue to live longer, this condition will continue to grow and more and more people will rely on dentures to replace some or all of their teeth as they age. Dentures, however, can be embarrassing for some people to wear. Many elderly people, for example, rely on dentures to carry out many of their daily activities. For instance, not only can dentures provide one with the ability to chew and enjoy a good meal, they can also help people speak properly, as well as put on a confident smile. 
     Although dentures provide many advantages to a patient, the patient may be required to visit their dental practitioner (e.g., a prosthodontist) multiple times and the practitioner may also have to rely upon an equal number of laboratory procedures (which can include things such as individually setting teeth in wax forms based on data provided by a dentist, which can be time consuming and labor intensive) before the dentist can obtain a suitable set of dentures with the right look, feel, and fit. At each visit, the practitioner may send an interim denture back to a denture manufacturer for any adjustments that might need to be made, which can require the manual labor of highly skilled technicians. Because of this, denture fabrication appears to be more of an art than a science—a particular adjustment to a denture, performed by a given technician on a given day, may be different than the same adjustment by the same technician on a different day. Any slight error in the placement of one or more teeth in a denture (e.g., a lower or mandibular denture) may render it incompatible with a counterpart denture (e.g., an upper or maxillary denture). This error-prone and inefficient process of fine tuning a denture increases dental costs, and can frustrate both the practitioner and the patient. Thus, there is a need for improved dental devices and systems and methods for the same. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This relates to dental devices and systems and methods for making the same. It is an object to make it easier and more efficient for dental practitioners, patients, and dental device laboratories to arrive at one or more suitable dental devices (e.g., dentures) for the patient in as few as a single patient visit, which can be more economical and efficient than conventional dental procedures and techniques. Moreover, it is an object to make dentures that are produced in a more consistent manner over time, such that an otherwise “identical” set of dentures produced one month should be substantially similar to another set of “identical” dentures produced later in time. 
     In at least one embodiment, a dental arch device is provided. The arch device can be similar to an upper denture, and can correspond and fit to an upper portion of a patient&#39;s mouth, such as an upper or maxillary jaw. Alternatively, the arch device can be similar to a lower denture, and can correspond and fit to a lower portion of a patient&#39;s mouth, such as a lower or mandibular jaw. For example, an arch device can be constructed to fit to a corresponding one of a patient&#39;s upper (or maxillary) and lower (or mandibular) teeth and gum portions. The arch device can serve as at least a partial replacement one or more teeth of that portion. The arch device can be composed of one or more materials or compounds that are compatible with a patient&#39;s mouth. More particularly, the compounds can be chemically compatible with the inside of a patient&#39;s mouth. For example, the compounds can include polymethyl methacrylate (“PMMA”) thermoplastic. 
     The arch device can be smaller than a full or conventional denture. A typical denture includes a set of teeth coupled to a uniform base material. The uniform base material includes a lingual section (e.g., the curved teeth retaining portion of the denture facing a tongue or oral cavity) coupled to the teeth, and a framework or flange section that provides overall structural integrity to the denture and that extends from the lingual section to a border of the denture. When the arch device is used to fabricate a denture, base material can be added to the base of the arch device to form a flange for the resulting denture. In this manner, the arch device can constitute a lingual portion of the denture that is integrated to a distinct flange portion. 
     The arch device can be employed during a patient&#39;s fitting session. For example, the arch device can be inserted and coupled to a corresponding portion of the patient&#39;s mouth. It can often be the case, however, that even when an arch device is suitably sized for a patient, the arch device may not fit precisely or comfortably in the patient&#39;s mouth. Thus, in at least one embodiment, the arch device can be adjustable. More particularly, the arch device can be constructed from one or more materials that allow the arch device to be pliable or flexible. The arch device may not always be adjustable, however. Rather, the arch device may only be adjustable when subjected to certain temperatures. For example, the arch device may only be adjustable when heated above certain temperatures. Thus, during a patient visit, if a particular arch device selected by a dental practitioner appears to be insertable into the patient&#39;s mouth, but may need certain minor adjustments, there would be no need to send the arch device to a dental device manufacture for any adjustments. Rather, the practitioner can simply heat the arch device to at least a predefined temperature, and can make the necessary adjustments to the arch device on the spot. For example, the arch device can be subjected to heat for a few minutes, and then it can be adjusted to the shape needed for a comfortable fit, and then can be re-inserted into the patient&#39;s mouth to check the fit. This adjustment process can be repeated until the arch device fits properly and comfortably in the patient&#39;s mouth. 
     In at least one embodiment, a pair of arch devices is provided. The arch devices can be a match, and can include an upper or maxillary device that is similar to an upper denture, and a corresponding lower or mandibular device that is similar to a lower denture. 
     In at least one embodiment, a kit of dental arch devices is provided. The kit can include variably sized pairs of counterpart or matching arch devices. Each pair may include an upper or maxillary arch device and a lower or mandibular arch device, and one pair can be larger than another pair. In these embodiments, a practitioner can select one or more of the pairs of arch devices from the kit during a denture fitting session. For example, a first pair can be selected and inserted in a patient&#39;s mouth (e.g., one arch device at a time or both arch devices simultaneously). If the selected arch devices are too large or too small for the particular patient, a pair having a different size can be selected, and the fitting can be repeated until a suitable pair is identified. Any adjustments that may be required to each arch device of the pair can be made in the manner described above. 
     In at least one embodiment, an arch device fabrication apparatus can be provided. The apparatus can include a mold device having separable upper and lower portions. The mold device can be composed of metal (e.g., brass beryllium, etc.), and can include specific structural features, and can be sized and shaped to produce one or more arch devices. In at least one embodiment, the mold device can be manufactured from a master arch device that may be created from a master denture. For example, the mold device can be constructed from one or more master dentures that have certain portions (e.g., some or all of its base material) removed so as to form a suitably sized and shaped arch device. 
     In at least one embodiment, a base compound can be employed in the manufacture of an arch device. The base compound can have specific chemical properties that allow a completed arch device to behave in a certain manner when subjected to heat. For example, the base compound can have properties that allow a completed arch device to be adjustable in shape when subjected to sufficient heat. In general, it can be advantageous to have the “sufficient” heat be at a level not normally accessible by a patient in order to prevent the patient from changing the fit inadvertently. 
     In at least one embodiment, the base compound can include a mixture of polymer and monomer. The base compound can be formed by mixing predefined amounts of polymer with a corresponding amount of monomer, and can be cooled or frozen to form a dough-like substance suitable for fabricating an arch device. 
     In at least another embodiment, the arch device fabrication apparatus can also include an inlay device. The inlay device can be a curve-shaped tray configured to retain a set of teeth during manufacture of the arch device. The inlay device can be composed of any suitable material (e.g., silicone), and can be sized and shaped similar to an arch device to be manufactured. The inlay device can also include multiple recesses for receiving the set of teeth during production of the arch device. 
     The inlay device can be constructed using any suitable process. In at least one embodiment, the inlay device can be manufactured by using a master arch device (e.g., similar to the master arch device described above) and a mold device (e.g., similar to the mold device described above). More particularly, a master arch device can be at least partially enclosed by upper and lower portions of the mold device, and an inlay compound can be injected into the mold device to fill vacant areas within the mold device and around the master arch device. In this manner, the inlay device can be employed to manufacture an arch device that can have similar physical characteristics of the master arch device used to create that inlay device. The inlay compound can, for example, include one or more types of silicone. In at least one embodiment, the inlay device can also include one or more types of epoxy. 
     Other dental devices similar to an arch device are also provided. For example, in at least one embodiment, a denture form device can be provided. The denture form device can resemble a denture, but can be composed of material that allows the denture form device to be adjustable. In at least one embodiment, a fabrication apparatus, similar to the fabrication apparatus for an arch device, is also provided for fabricating a denture form device. 
     Moreover, various techniques for fabricating dentures are provided in various embodiments. For example, dentures can be fabricated by leveraging one or more of an arch device and a denture form device, in conjunction with one or more of computer-aided design (“CAD”), computer-aided manufacturing (“CAM”), three-dimensional (3D) printing, and the like. 
     In at least one embodiment, a denture is provided. The denture can include an arch-shaped lingual portion. The lingual portion can include a base and a plurality of teeth disposed on the base. The denture can also include a distinct flange portion, the flange portion being integrated to the base. 
     In at least one embodiment, an arch device for coupling to a jaw is provided. The arch device can include an arch-shaped base and a plurality of teeth disposed on the base. A shape and fit of the arch device can be adjustable when the arch device is subjected to a predefined temperature. 
     In at least one embodiment, a kit for use in providing at least one suitable denture for a patient&#39;s mouth is provided. The kit can include a first pair of upper and lower arch devices. The kit can also include at least a second pair of upper and lower arch devices. Each of the first pair and the at least a second pair of arch devices can be configured to fit to corresponding portions of a patient&#39;s mouth. A size of the upper and lower arch devices of the first pair can be different from a size of the upper and lower arch devices of the at least a second pair. A shape of each of the upper and lower arch devices of the first and the at least a second pair can be adjustable when that device is subjected to a predefined amount of heat. 
     In at least one embodiment, a partial arch device is provided. The partial arch device can include a base and a plurality of teeth positioned along the base. The base can include at least one groove disposed adjacent at least one tooth of the plurality of teeth. The at least one groove can configured to receive at least one tooth in a patient&#39;s mouth. The partial arch device can be adjustable in shape when the partial arch device is subjected to a predefined temperature. 
     In at least one embodiment, an inlay device for use in fabricating an arch device is provided. The inlay device can include a curved tray. The tray can include a recess that spans from one end of the tray to another end of the tray. The recess can have a plurality of teeth receptors each configured to receive a respective tooth of a plurality of teeth. The inlay device can also include at least one ear coupled to the curved tray. The at least one ear can be configured to couple to at least one ear receptor of a mold device. 
     In at least one embodiment, a mold device for fabricating an arch device is provided. The mold device can include a lower portion having a first arch-shaped recess and a first injection slot, and an upper portion having a second arch-shaped recess and a second injection slot. The first and second injection slots can form an injection hole when the lower and upper portions are combined. The first recess can be configured to receive an inlay device, and the second recess can be configured to receive a base compound injected through the injection hole. 
     In at least one embodiment, a method for fabricating an arch-shaped device for coupling to a patient&#39;s mouth is provided. The method can include disposing each of a plurality of teeth into respective teeth receptors of an inlay device, positioning the inlay device in a recess of a lower portion of a mold device, and coupling the lower portion to an upper portion of the mold device to sandwich the inlay device therebetween. The method can also include injecting a base compound into an injection hole of the mold device, and processing the base compound to integrate the base compound with the plurality of teeth. 
     In at least one embodiment, a method of fabricating a base compound operative to form a base of an arch device is provided. The method can include mixing a plurality of materials together. The materials can be mixed in a predefined ratio. The mixture can exhibit properties suitable for bonding to a plurality of teeth during fabrication of the arch device. The method can also include processing the mixture to provide the base compound. 
     In at least one embodiment, a method of fabricating an inlay compound operative to form an inlay device for a mold is provided. The method can include mixing a plurality of materials together. The materials can be mixed in a predefined ratio. The mixture can exhibit properties for retaining a plurality of teeth during fabrication of an arch device. The method can also include curing the mixture at a predefined temperature to provide the inlay compound. 
     In at least one embodiment, a method of fabricating an inlay device for a mold device is provided. The method can include disposing a master arch device on an upper portion of the mold device, and coupling the upper portion to a lower portion of the mold device to sandwich the master arch device therebetween. An injection slot of the upper portion and an injection slot of the lower portion can form an injection hole of the mold device when the upper and lower portions are coupled together. The method can also include injecting an inlay compound into the injection hole and processing the injected compound to provide the inlay device. 
     In at least one embodiment, a denture form device is provided. The denture form device can include a unitary structure having a base portion and a flange portion, and a plurality of teeth integrated with the base portion. The denture form device can be adjustable when the denture form device is subjected to heat. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other features of the present invention, its nature and various advantages will be more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG.  1    shows a front perspective view of an arch device configured to fit to a maxillary portion of a patient&#39;s mouth, in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG.  2    is a top view of an arch device configured to fit to a mandibular portion of a patient&#39;s mouth, in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG.  3 A  shows top views of lower and upper portions of a mold device and an inlay device of an arch device fabrication apparatus for fabricating an arch device, in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG.  3 B  shows a partial top view of the lower portion of the mold device of  FIG.  3 A  and of the inlay device of  FIG.  3 A , in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG.  3 C  shows a front view of a base compound supplying device coupled to the mold device of  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B , and coupled to a base compound container, in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG.  3 D  shows a perspective view of various components of the base compound container of  FIG.  3 C , in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG.  3 E  shows a front perspective view of a polymerization press coupled to the mold device of  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B , in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG.  3 F  is a perspective view of a demoulding kit for demoulding a mold device, in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG.  4    shows a top view of a set of teeth disposed in a tray, in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG.  5    shows a front perspective view of a denture form device, in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG.  6    shows a perspective view of a denture, in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of lower and upper portions of another mold device, including another inlay device and another set of teeth, in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG.  8    is an illustrative process for constructing an arch device, in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG.  9    is an illustrative process for fabricating a base compound, in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG.  10    is an illustrative process for fabricating an inlay compound, in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG.  11    is an illustrative process for constructing an inlay device, in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG.  12    shows a front perspective view of a clamping device coupled to a mold device, in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG.  13    is a perspective view of an inlay device that is accessible in a mold device after demoulding the mold device, in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG.  14 A  shows perspective views of a master denture coupled to an upper portion of a mold device, in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG.  14 B  shows a top perspective view of a silicone lower portion of a mold device that can be formed from silicone poured over the master denture and the upper portion of the mold device of  FIG.  14 A , in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG.  14 C  shows a top perspective view of a tube at least partially surrounding a lower portion of the mold device of  FIG.  14 A , the lower portion having an inlay device formed and disposed therein, in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG.  15    is an illustrative process for fabricating a denture, in accordance with at least one embodiment; and 
         FIG.  16    is another illustrative process for fabricating a denture, in accordance with at least one embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG.  1    shows a front perspective view of an arch device  100  configured to fit to a maxillary portion of a patient&#39;s mouth.  FIG.  2    is a top view of an arch device  200  configured to fit to a mandibular portion of a patient&#39;s mouth. As shown in  FIG.  1   , arch device  100  can include an arch-shaped or curved base  110  and a set of teeth  120  disposed on base  110  in a predefined order. Similarly, arch device  200  can include an arch-shaped base  210  and a set of teeth  220  disposed on base  210  in a predefined order. For the sake of brevity, the following description is only made for arch device  100 . However, it should be appreciated that a similar description can be made for arch device  200 . 
     Teeth  120  can be similar to teeth that one may have at an upper or maxillary portion of his mouth, or a lower or mandibular portion of his mouth. Each one of teeth  120  can be a standard tooth provided by a teeth or denture laboratory. For example, teeth  120  can be prefabricated, and can come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. As such, there may be thousands of teeth to choose from, with each tooth being constructed to occupy a predetermined location of a denture, for example. Moreover, each of teeth  120  can correspond to a specific position on a particular denture. For example, teeth identified or labeled as N13 and IN2 for an F type denture (not shown) can correspond to specific locations on a particular type of upper denture. 
     As shown in  FIG.  1   , teeth  120  can be disposed in a predefined manner on one side of base  110 . Accordingly, arch device  100  can resemble teeth on a portion of a patient&#39;s gum. Arch device  100  can be composed of any suitable material. For example, arch device  100  can be composed of acrylic thermoplastic. This material can provide arch device  100  with the ability to change shape or adjust when arch device  100  is subjected to at least a predefined temperature. 
     Arch  100  can be employed as part of a patient&#39;s denture fitting session. In at least one embodiment, arch  100  can be included as part of a kit or set of arch devices (not shown). This kit can include, for example, variably sized pairs of matching upper or maxillary and lower or mandibular arch devices. During a fitting session, for example, one or more arch devices can be selected from the kit for a patient to try on. If a selected arch device is too large for the patient&#39;s mouth, for example, a smaller arch device can be selected. 
     When a suitably sized arch device is identified, it may generally fit in a corresponding portion of the patient&#39;s mouth, but may not necessarily fit precisely and comfortably in the mouth. In these instances, the identified arch device can be subjected to at least a predetermined temperature, which may cause the arch device to be pliable or flexible. That is, the arch device can become adjustable for a short period of time (which is related to the heating). 
     In at least one embodiment, the arch device can change from a rigid state to an adjustable state while positioned in a patient&#39;s mouth. In these embodiments, the arch device can be composed of material that allows it to become adjustable when subjected to a predefined range of temperatures (e.g., when subjected to a warm fluid that is not high enough to damage intra-oral tissue, such as 100° F. to 130° F.). In at least another embodiment, the adjustability of the arch device can be limited to a higher range of temperatures (e.g., between 130° F. and at least 212° F.), and thus, may need to be adjusted outside of a patient&#39;s mouth (e.g., by a dental practitioner or in a laboratory, which can require an additional patient visit after the laboratory processing session). In these embodiments, the arch device can be composed of slightly different materials or compounds. Regardless of what temperature is required to change the arch device to the adjustable state, the adjusted arch device can be left to cool for a predefined time, and the adjustment process can be repeated until the arch device fits precisely and comfortably in a corresponding portion of the patient&#39;s mouth. 
     When both an upper (or maxillary) and a lower (or mandibular) arch device are required, any adjustments made to an upper or lower arch device may require corresponding adjustments to the other arch device, and each of the upper and lower arch devices can be continually adjusted until they interact with each other properly inside the patient&#39;s mouth. Typically, a patient&#39;s upper and lower teeth position can be governed by the patient&#39;s mandibular or lower jaw. Thus, it can be preferable to make suitable adjustments to the lower arch first, and then make corresponding adjustments to the upper arch device (e.g., such that teeth of the upper arch device can properly align with those of the lower arch device). 
     In at least one embodiment, each arch device can be further processed to form a complete set of dentures for the patient. For example, a base material (e.g., wax or acrylic portion) can be added to each arch device (e.g., to base  110 ) to form a complete denture that includes a lingual portion and a distinct flange portion. This step can be performed either directly by a dental practitioner during a patient visit, or by a laboratory technician. If it is performed by the latter, the patient can be required to make at least another visit after the laboratory procedure. 
     In at least one embodiment, a pair of upper and lower arch devices (e.g., arch devices  100  and  200 ) can be provided over-the-counter (e.g., at a pharmacy) to a patient or customer as a measuring device for fabricating an emergency denture. The patient can adjust the over-the-counter arch devices (e.g., by subjecting the arch devices to warm or hot water as described above) until the arch devices fit and interact with one another or the patient&#39;s opposing, existing teeth or dentures properly. If desired, the patient can send the adjusted arch devices, which can serve as measuring devices, to a denture laboratory to create a complete set of replacement dentures. 
     Patients having dental implants installed during a visit often are often provided a temporary partial or full denture to bring home, since a permanent denture can often take months (e.g., four to six months) to fabricate. The temporary denture is often prepared in an advance for the patient, and may require the patient to have made multiple prior visits to fabricate. Thus, in at least one embodiment, an arch device is provided for fabrication of a temporary, emergency/spare, or long-term implant denture. 
     In at least another embodiment, the base of an arch device, suitable for use as an implant denture, can be similar to any one of arch devices  100  and  200 , and can include a base coupled to a set of teeth. However, the base can have a unique form that is distinct from a base of an arch device (e.g., base  110  of arch device  100 ) that may be used in non-implant dentures. That is, the structural features of at least the base of an implant arch device can be optimized for use as an implant supported prosthesis. For example, the base of a modified arch device can include one or more recesses, dimples, or the like for interfacing with a patient&#39;s implants. 
     In at least another embodiment, an arch device, suitable for use as an implant denture, can include a universal pickup channel along a portion of its base. This channel can be molded into the base as either a series of recesses or a single long recess, and can be configured to dispose along a patient&#39;s gum line such that the series of recesses (or single long recess) reside on any dental implants (e.g., metal screw, etc.) already embedded in the patient&#39;s gums. The channel can be cold cured (e.g., with acrylic) to anchor, polymerize, or otherwise couple, to the implanted material. When the implant finally fuses with the patient&#39;s bone (e.g., after a few months), the modified arch device can be further adjusted, if needed. 
     An arch device having a uniquely formed base or a pickup channel, as described above, can also be reinforced to maintain its structural integrity. For example, the arch device can be coated, or otherwise integrated, with a reinforcing material or agent (e.g., a Teflon strip). The arch device can be coated with this reinforcing material at any suitable point during or after fabrication of the arch device. 
     In at least one embodiment, an arch device having a universal pickup channel can be fabricated using a mold device similar to mold device  301 . However, a recess of an upper portion of the mold device can include a ridge or protruding feature that forms the universal pickup channel in the base of the arch device (e.g., where base compound, such as base compound  359 , can flow about or around the ridge, and when cured, results in a universal pickup channel of the resulting arch device). The ridge can also receive a reinforcing agent (e.g., Teflon strip) described above for reinforcing the arch device when fabricated. A fabrication process for an arch device having a universal pickup channel can thus be similar to process  800 , but may also include disposing at least one reinforcing agent adjacent, along, or onto a ridge of a recess of an upper portion of a mold device (e.g., prior to injecting the base compound) such that a resulting arch device can be reinforced with a reinforcing agent, and include a pickup channel. 
     In at least another embodiment, an arch device may not include a unique form or a pickup channel as described above. Rather, a practitioner may drill, or otherwise form, one or more pickup channels along the base of the arch device, as needed, depending on the number of implants that need to be accommodated by the arch device. 
     Some patients may have existing teeth, but may require a “flipper” device or a bridge to substitute for one or more missing teeth. Thus, in at least one embodiment, an arch device can be similarly modified to form a partial arch device. In these embodiments, select portions of a complete arch device can be trimmed or cut to form one or more grooves for receiving a patient&#39;s existing teeth. The modified arch device can then only include teeth that correspond to the patient&#39;s missing teeth. As with a complete arch device, the modified arch device can also be adjusted (e.g., as described above) to fit in the patient&#39;s mouth and function as an instant flipper or bridge. Any cut portions of the modified arch device can also be cold cured (e.g., with acrylic) to smoothen any sharp edges or surfaces. In at least one embodiment, when the modified arch device is used to provide a bridge for a patient, one or more implants or abutments can be prepared, and the corresponding teeth of the modified arch device can be fitted to the implants or abutments (e.g., similar to how the above-described universal pickup channel of the modified arch device can be integrated with dental implants). 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 F , an arch device fabrication apparatus can include a mold device  301  having a lower portion  310  that is separable from an upper portion  320 . The apparatus can also include an inlay device  330 , and a base compound supplying device  340  for supplying or injecting a base compound  359  into mold device  301 . The apparatus can also include at least one base compound container  350  for storing base compound  359  and for providing base compound  359  to supplying device  340 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  3 D , for example, compound container  350  can include a containing portion  351  for storing base compound  359 , and one or more caps  352  for at least partially sealing containing portion  351 . Compound container  350  can also include a supplying or injection cap  353  having a compound injection nozzle (or tube)  354 . Caps  352  can seal lower and upper openings of compound container  350  and can be removed when base compound  359  is to be supplied or injected. For example, prior to injecting base compound  359 , caps  352  can be removed, injection cap  353  can be secured (e.g., screwed) to one opening of compound container  350 , and the other opening of compound container  350  can be coupled to a piston (e.g., hydraulic aggregate type piston) (not shown) of supplying device  340 . Compound container  350  can be configured to store any suitable amount of base compound  359  required to produce an arch device, such as arch device  100  or  200 . When compound container  350  is coupled to supplying device  340 , base compound  359  can be supplied to or injected into mold device  301 , as shown in  FIG.  3 C . 
     Each of lower and upper portions  310  and  320  of mold device  301  can be composed at least partially of metal (e.g., brass beryllium). Lower portion  310  can include an arch-shaped recess  312 , and upper portion  320  can include a similar arch-shaped recess  322 . As shown in  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B , for example, recess  312  can be shaped and sized to receive inlay device  330 . 
     Lower portion  310  can include one or more fastening passages  314  that can correspond to and can interact with or fit to fasteners  324  of upper portion  320 . Additionally, lower and upper portions  310  and  320  can include openings  315  and  325  that can lead to supplying or injection slots  316  and  326 , respectively. Injection slots  325  and  326  can form a supplying or injection hole  317 , when lower and upper portions  310  and  320  are coupled to one another. Injection hole  317  can be large enough to receive at least a portion of injection nozzle or tube  354  of compound container  350 . Each of lower and upper portions  310  and  320  can also include ends  319  and  329 , respectively, that protrude slightly from a corresponding body of lower and upper portions  310  and  320 . Ends  319  and  329  can be gripped or held onto to decouple lower and upper portions  310  and  320  from one another (described in more detail below). 
     In at least one embodiment, mold device  301  can be constructed by using a master arch device. For example, mold device  301  can be constructed by using one or more off-the-shelf or master dentures that have certain portions (e.g., base material or flange portion) removed to form a suitably sized and shaped master arch device (e.g., similar to arch devices  100  and  200 ). The master arch device can be used to create each of lower and upper portions  310  and  320  so as to form appropriately sized and shaped recesses  312  and  322 . In this way, when mold device  301  is used to manufacture other arch devices, a resulting arch device can have a size, a shape, and structural features similar to that of the master arch device. 
     In some instances, mold  301  can also be a dedicated mold used to fabricate the teeth (e.g., teeth  120 ). Mold  301  can have respective receptors (not shown) in recess  312  corresponding to each tooth. Each of these receptors can be shaped and sized according to the desired anatomy of the corresponding tooth. As part of fabricating the teeth, one or more compounds can be supplied into mold  301  so as to fill each of the teeth receptors and form the respective teeth. The teeth can subsequently be removed from mold  301  by blowing air thereon. Additionally, the teeth can then be finished by polishing or other finishing processes. 
     The structure of mold device  301  can be rigid, and thus, can limit the variability in the dimensions or tolerance of each fabricated tooth (e.g., to about 2 micrometers). However, any polishing of the teeth can change their shape and size, and thus increase their dimensional variabilities. This can prevent the teeth from fitting snugly back into the respective teeth receptors of mold  301  during later arch device fabrication. When this increase in dimensional tolerance is not desired, the teeth may not be polished. However, when polishing is desired, inlay device  330  can be employed to provide the added tolerance needed. 
     Inlay device  330  can be composed of any suitable material. For example, inlay device  330  can be at least partially composed from an inlay compound (e.g., described in more detail below), such as silicone. Inlay device  330  can include an arch-shaped tray  332 . Tray  332  can include an entry point  337  configured to receive base compound  359  through injection hole  317  of mold device  301 . Tray  332  can also include ears  338 , which can be shaped and sized to fit into corresponding ear receptors  318  of mold device  301 . This can, for example, help to align inlay device  330  with recess  312 , and retain inlay device  330  in position. Tray  332  can include recess  332  that extends from one end  333  to another end  335 . Recess  332  can be shaped and sized to receive a portion of base compound  358 , which can form a base of a resulting arch device (e.g., any one of arch devices  100  and  200 ). Additionally, recess  332  can include multiple teeth receptors  336  that can each be shaped and sized to receive a particular tooth of a set of teeth. Referring briefly to  FIG.  4   ,  FIG.  4    is an example of a set of teeth  420  that can be used to form an arch device. Each tooth receptor  336  can have a depth sufficient to prevent base compound  359  from flowing into that receptor when a corresponding tooth of teeth  420  is disposed therein. That is, when a corresponding tooth is disposed in a tooth receptor, and when base compound  359  flows into recess  332 , base compound  359  can only flow around a portion of that tooth, but not into the tooth receptor itself. 
     Referring back to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 F , in at least one embodiment, inlay device  330  can also be constructed by using a master arch device, which can be similar to the master arch device used to construct mold device  301 . To create inlay device  330 , for example, the master arch device can be positioned in mold device  301  (e.g., in recess  322 ), and an inlay compound (described in more detail below) can be injected into injection hold 317 of mold device  301 . Since the master arch device may not occupy the entire empty volume within mold device  301  (e.g., the master arch device may not occupy recess  312 ), the injected inlay compound can fill these empty areas, and can be cured therein. When mold device  301  is subsequently opened, inlay device  330 , having a footprint of tooth recesses that correspond to the teeth of the master arch device, can be removed from mold device  301 . 
     In at least one embodiment, the apparatus can also include an injection hole sealing component  360 . As shown in  FIG.  3 A , sealing component  360  can resemble a ball, and can be composed of any suitable material. For example, sealing component can be a metal (e.g., steel) ball. During manufacture of an arch device, sealing component  360  can be inserted into injection hole  317 . For example, sealing component  360  can be inserted deep enough into injection hole  317 , so as to allow injection tube  354  to be insertable into injection hole  317 , and to allow base compound  359  to be injectable into mold device  301  (e.g., into unoccupied areas of recesses  312  and  322 ). Base compound  359  can then be processed to form the base (e.g., any one of bases  110  and  210 ) of a resulting arch device. 
     In at least one embodiment, the arch fabrication apparatus can also include a polymerization press  370  for polymerizing injected base compound  359  into mold device  301 . As shown in  FIG.  3 E , for example, polymerization press  370  can be controlled (e.g. electrically) to provide heat at a range of temperatures, and can include, among other features, a heating portion  372  that can receive and fit to mold device  301  for heating base compound  359 . 
     Although not shown, in at least one embodiment, an arch device fabrication apparatus can also include one or more post-processing tools for post-processing an arch device formed in mold device  301 . For example, these post-processing tools can include one or more polishing and trimming tools for removing excess material from, and finishing the arch device. 
     Moreover, in at least one embodiment, the arch device fabrication apparatus can also include a demoulding kit for uncoupling lower and upper portions  310  and  320  from one another. As shown in  FIG.  3 F , for example, a demoulding kit  380  can include a demoulding device  382 , a compressed air supply device  384 , and various other tools (e.g., hammers, etc.) that can be useful in decoupling lower portion  310  from upper portion  320 . In at least one embodiment, demoulding device  382  can include a slot for engaging either one of end  319  of lower portion  310  of mold  301  and end  329  of upper portion  320  of mold  301 . For example, after device  382  is engaged to either end  319  or  329 , pressure can be applied to separate lower and upper portions  310  and  320 . In at least another embodiment, pneumatically powered pistons (not shown) can be used to push against each of ends  319  and  329  to separate lower and upper portions  310  and  320 . When lower and upper portions  310  and  320  are uncoupled, a resulting arch device formed in mold device  301  can subsequently be removed from mold device  301 . 
     It should be appreciated that not all of the components shown in  FIGS.  3 A- 3 F  may be required during fabrication of an arch device. For example, in at least one embodiment, inlay device  330  may not be employed during fabrication of an arch device. In these embodiments, the teeth (e.g., teeth  120  or  420 ) can be disposed directly into respective receptors (not shown) of recess  312  of lower portion  310  that are shaped with minimal tooth anatomy (e.g., a slightly larger receptor for each tooth). This can avoid some of the above-described tolerance issues with processed teeth and can allow mold  301  to be used for general tooth production. 
     It should also be appreciated that other components or devices can be employed in each step of the fabrication of an arch device. Additionally, although  FIG.  3 A  only shows lower and upper portions  310  and  320  each having a single recess, respectively, it should be appreciated that each of lower and upper portions  310  and  320  can include more than one recess. For example, lower portion  310  can include two or more recesses similar to recess  312 , and upper portion  320  can include two or more recesses similar to recess  320 . In this manner, mold device  301  can be employed to simultaneously fabricate multiple arch devices. 
     It should be appreciated that different molds (e.g. similar to mold device  301 ) can be provided. For example, different teeth laboratories can fabricate teeth of different shapes and sizes. Different molds can thus be constructed to accommodate these teeth. 
     Additionally, although an apparatus for fabricating an arch device has been described above with respect to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 F , it should be appreciated that a similar apparatus can be provided to fabricate a partial arch device (e.g., such as the partial arch device described above). 
     Moreover, a similar apparatus can be provided to fabricate other dental devices, such as a denture, a denture form device, and the like. 
       FIG.  5    shows a perspective view of a denture  500  (e.g., a mandibular denture). As shown in  FIG.  5   , denture  500  can be larger than any one of arch devices  100  and  200 , and can include a unitary structure  505  having a base or lingual portion  510  and a flange portion  515 , and a set of teeth  520  integrated to one side of base portion  510 . Flange portion  515  can provide a framework for maintaining the structural integrity of denture  500 . 
       FIG.  6    shows a perspective view of a denture form device  600  that can be adjustable, similar to an arch device (e.g., arch devices  100  and  200 ). However, whereas an arch device may not include a flange portion (e.g., base material of a denture, such as flange portion  515  of denture  500 ), denture form device  600  can include such a portion. Thus, denture form device  600  can resemble an actual denture in shape and size. As shown in  FIG.  6   , for example, denture form device  600  can include a unitary structure  605  having a base or lingual portion  610  and flange portion  615 , and a set of teeth  620  disposed on base or lingual portion  610 , similar to an actual denture (e.g., denture  500 ). 
     Rather than being substantially rigid and inflexible as actual dentures tend to be, denture form device  600  can be composed of one or more materials that can become flexible or adjustable when subjected to heat. For example, denture form device  600  can be at least partially composed of thermoplastic, and can become at least partially adjustable when heated in warm or hot water (e.g., at about 175° F.) similar to arch devices  100  and  200 . Moreover, as shown in  FIG.  6   , denture form device  600  can include a bump or fold  612  that can further allow denture form device  600  to adjust when heated. For example, bump  612  can allow adjustment of a width of the arch shape of base portion  610 . 
     Denture form device  600  can be used as a temporary or permanent denture. In at least one embodiment, denture form device  600  can be selected, processed (e.g., trimmed), and subjected to heat for a predefined time (e.g., immersed in hot water at about 175° F. for about three minutes). When heated, denture form device  600  can be adjustable in shape (e.g., the width of the arched base portion can be adjusted). In this adjustable state, denture form device  600  can be inserted into a patient&#39;s mouth, coupled to a corresponding portion of the mouth, and adjusted as needed. After denture form device  600  is adjusted, it can be processed and used as a model to form a wax try-in or finished denture. As some examples, the borders of adjusted device  600  can be trimmed, final impressions can be made (e.g., using alginate), teeth mold, shade, and position can be selected, vertical dimensions can be established, and bite can be registered. 
     Because of its adjustability, denture form device  600  can also be used to obtain a physical model of a patient&#39;s maxillary jaw. For example, denture form device  600  can be used as a denture data point acquisition device, which can acquire information needed to fabricate an actual denture. 
     Although  FIG.  6    only shows a maxillary denture form device, it should be appreciated that a similar mandibular denture form device (not shown) can also be provided, and can also be used to obtain a physical model of a patient&#39;s mandibular jaw. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  5  and  6   , a denture and a denture form device can be larger than an arch device, since they can each include base material or a flange portion not included in an arch device. Thus, a mold having larger recesses (e.g., larger than recesses  312  and  322 ) can be employed to fabricate these devices.  FIG.  7    is a perspective view of lower and upper portions  710  and  720 , respectively, of a mold device  701 , including an inlay device  730  and teeth  780 . Mold device  701  can be similar to mold device  301 , inlay device  730  can be similar to inlay device  330 , and teeth  780  can be similar to teeth  420 . As shown in  FIG.  7   , however, lower and upper portions  710  and  720  can include larger recesses  712  and  722 , respectively, than recesses  312  and  322 , which can accommodate more of a base compound (e.g., base compound  359 ) to form a larger dental device. 
       FIG.  8    is an illustrative process  800  for constructing an arch device (e.g., any one of arch devices  100  and  200 ). Process  800  can begin at step  802 . At step  804 , the process can include disposing each of a plurality of teeth into respective teeth receptors of an inlay device. For example, the process can include disposing each of a plurality of teeth  420  into respective teeth receptors  336  of inlay device  330 . In at least one embodiment, the teeth can be pre-arranged in a predefined order in various containers of a teeth tray (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  4   ) such that they can be easily accessible during the fabrication of the arch device. 
     In at least one embodiment, the process can also include, prior to or after disposing the teeth on the inlay device, applying bonding material to at least one tooth of the plurality of teeth. For example, the process can include, prior to or after disposing teeth  420  on inlay  330 , applying bonding material (e.g., a monomer, etc.) to at least one tooth of teeth  420 . This can assist the teeth in bonding to a later injected base compound (e.g., base compound  359 ). 
     In at least one embodiment, the process can also include, after disposing the plurality of teeth on the inlay device, adjusting a position of at least one tooth of the plurality of teeth. For example, the process can also include, after disposing teeth  420  on inlay  330 , adjusting a position of at least one tooth of teeth  420  (e.g., using a tool, such as a screwdriver and the like). This can ensure that each tooth is positioned properly in the inlay, and later in a mold device. 
     At step  806 , the process can include positioning the inlay device in a recess of a lower portion of a mold device. For example, the process can include positioning inlay device  330  in recess  312  of lower portion  310  of mold device  301 . 
     At step  808 , the process can include coupling the lower portion to an upper portion of the mold device to sandwich the inlay device therebetween. For example, the process can include coupling lower portion  310  to upper portion  320  of mold device  301  to sandwich inlay device  330  therebetween. 
     In at least one embodiment, the process can also include, prior to coupling the lower and upper portions together, applying a layer of mold release agent to a recess of the upper portion. For example, the process can include, prior to coupling lower and upper portions  310  and  320  together, applying a layer of mold release agent to recess  322 . The mold release agent can include silicone and/or Teflon, which can assist in separating a base (e.g., such as base  110  or  210 , formed from base compound  359 ) from the upper portion of the mold device at a later stage of the process. In at least one embodiment, the process can also include applying a layer of mold release agent to the recess of the lower portion of the mold device as well. 
     In at least one embodiment, the process can also include, prior to coupling the lower and upper portions together, positioning a sealing component in any one of an injection slot of the lower portion and an injection slot of the upper portion of the mold device. For example, the process can include, prior to coupling lower and upper portions  310  and  320  together, positioning sealing component  360  in any one of injection slots  325  and  326 . 
     At step  810 , the process can include injecting a base compound into an injection hole of the mold. For example, the process can include injecting base compound  359  into injection hole  317  of mold device  301 . As described above with respect to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 F , compound container  350  can be coupled to base compound supplying device  340  to supply or inject base compound  359  into mold device  301 . This can be accomplished by coupling a piston (not shown) of supplying device  340  to one end of compound container  350  (e.g., that is opposite the end of container  350  to which injection cap  353  is coupled), and controlling the piston to force base compound  359  out of injection nozzle  354 . This step can continue until some of the injected base compound begins to overflow out of injection hole  317  (e.g., around openings  315  and  325 ). 
     In at least one embodiment, prior to injecting the base compound, the process can also include increasing a temperature of the base compound. For example, prior to injecting base compound  359  (which may have been subjected to lower temperatures, at or near freezing), the process can include increasing the temperature of base compound  359 . More particularly, the process can include increasing the temperature of compound container  350 . 
     In at least one embodiment, prior to injecting the base compound, the process can also include releasing any air that may exist in an injection nozzle of a base compound supplying device to prevent the air from being injected into the mold device. For example, prior to injecting base compound  359 , the process can also include releasing any air that may exist in injection nozzle  354  of compound container  350  when coupled to base compound supplying device  340  to prevent the air from being injected into mold device  301 . 
     At step  812 , the process can include processing the base compound to integrate the base compound with the plurality of teeth. For example, the process can include processing injected base compound  359  to integrate base compound  359  with teeth  420 . More particularly, the process can include polymerizing base compound  359  using polymerization press  370 . For example, mold device  301  can be coupled to heating portion  372  of polymerization press  370 , and can be subjected to one or more heat cycles at a predefined temperature. For example, mold device  301  can be heated by polymerization press  370  for approximately six minutes at approximately 125° C. After polymerization, the process can also include cooling the mold. For example, the process can include cooling mold device  301  by submersing mold device  301  in cold tap water for about four minutes. 
     In at least one embodiment, the process can also include demoulding the mold device. For example, the process can include demoulding mold device  301  (e.g., by separating lower portion  310  from upper portion  320 ). particularly, the process can include removing one or more fasteners between the lower and upper portions of the mold. For example, the process can include removing fasteners  324  from fastening passages  314 . When mold device  301  is demoulded, an arch device (e.g., similar to arch devices  100  and  200 ), that is formed by the processed base compound  359  and teeth  420 , can be accessed. 
     In at least one embodiment, a demoulding device (e.g., demoulding device  382 ) can be employed to separate the lower and upper portions of the mold device. In these embodiments, the process can include engaging the demoulding device to predefined portions of the mold. For example, the process can include engaging demoulding device  382  (e.g., via a slot of device  382 ) to any one of ends  319  and  329 . The process can also include applying force to the demoulding device to separate the lower and upper portions. For example, the process can also include applying force to demoulding device  392  to separate lower and upper portions  310  and  320 . In at least another embodiment, the process can additionally, or alternatively, include engaging one or more pneumatically powered pistons to ends  319  and  329  to apply opposite forces thereon to separate lower and upper portions  310  and  320 . 
     In some instances, the resulting arch device, formed from the integrated base compound and teeth, can be adhered or stuck to the upper portion after demoulding. To remove the arch device from the upper portion, the process can include applying a force onto the arch device to separate the arch device from the upper portion. For example, the process can include applying a force (e.g., via compressed air, via one or more of a soft metal screw driver and a hammer, etc.) to the arch device to separate the arch device from upper portion  320 . 
     In at least one embodiment, after demoulding, the process can include processing the arch device. For example, after demoulding mold device  301 , the process can include processing one or more of arch devices formed from integrated base compound  359  and teeth  420 . Processing can include inspecting, trimming, cleaning, and polishing the arch device. For example, the process can include inspecting the arch for damage or distortions in shape. As another example, the process can include removing any excess material from the arch device. This can involve using one or more of a high-speed grinder, an acrylic bur, a blowing tool, and an arbor band on a Baldor Lathe to flash, blow, or trim off the excess material. As yet another example, the process can include adding one or more base materials to the base of the arch to form a denture, and then polishing the resulting denture. The polishing can involve applying a medium and fine grit flours of pumice to select portions of the arch device via a rag wheel (not shown). Additionally, or alternatively, this can also involve applying a final luster acrylic polish to select portions of the arch device via a rag wheel (also not shown). It should be appreciated that any suitable portion of the resulting denture can be polished. 
     In at least one embodiment, the process can also include cleaning the mold and inlay devices. For example, the process can include cleaning mold device  301  (e.g., recesses  312  and  322  of lower and upper portions  310  and  320 , respectively) and inlay device  330 . This can ensure that the mold and inlay devices are still structurally suitable for use in fabricating further arch devices. 
     Although process  800  has been described above for making an arch device, it should be appreciated that a similar process can be employed to make other dental devices, such as a denture or a denture form device. For example, mold  501  and inlay  530  can be employed to fabricate one or more of these dental devices. Because various steps to fabricate these dental devices can be similar to those for an arch device, their description is not repeated. 
       FIG.  9    is an illustrative process  900  for fabrication a base compound (e.g., base compound  359  suitable for use in fabricating an arch device). Process  900  can begin at step  902 . At step  904 , the process can include mixing a plurality of materials together, the materials being mixed in a predefined ratio, and the mixture exhibiting properties suitable for bonding to a plurality of teeth during fabrication of the arch device. For example, the process can include mixing a plurality of materials together that have properties suitable for forming at least a base portion of an arch (e.g., base  110  of arch  100 ) and suitable for bonding to a plurality of teeth (e.g., teeth  120 ) during the fabrication of the arch device. Because the resulting base compound can form a base of an adjustable arch device, it can be preferable to select materials or compounds that allow a resulting base to behave in certain ways when manipulated (e.g., when subjected to different temperatures. 
     In at least one embodiment, the materials can include a polymer and a monomer (e.g., a pre-mixed monomer-plasticizer in the form of a clear liquid), which can be processed to form acrylic thermoplastic. These materials or compounds can be mixed in a predefined ratio, such as, for example, 63.5% polymer and 36.5% monomer, by weight. For example, the process can include weighing and mixing predefined amounts of the polymer (e.g., 381 grams) and monomer (e.g., 219 grams) in a mixing apparatus for a predetermined time (e.g., for a time sufficient to ensure that no dry polymer remains at the lower end of the mixing apparatus). The mixture can be prepared in any amount suitable to fill one or more compound containers (e.g., compound container  350 ). 
     At step  906 , the process can include processing the mixture to provide the base compound. For example, the process can include processing the mixture of polymer and monomer to provide the base compound. In the embodiments described above, where polymer and monomer are used in the mixture of materials or compounds, the process can include sealing the mixing apparatus to allow the mixture to change from a relatively thick dispersion to a homogenous dough-like mixture, which can be suitable for forming a base of an arch device (e.g., base  110  of arch device  100 ). 
     When polymer and monomer are selected as the materials or compounds of the mixture, the process can also include maintaining the sealed mixing apparatus at a relatively constant temperature (e.g., in a freezer or a temperature-controlled room). When the sealed mixing apparatus is maintained at a lower temperature (e.g., below 25° C.) for a prolonged period of time, the monomer can at least partially separate from the plasticizer, can be absorbed by the polymer, and some of the plasticizer can rise relative to the rest of the mixture. To prevent this from occurring, the process can also include occasionally stirring the mixture until the mixture becomes a dough-like base compound (e.g., base compound  359 ). The base compound can be transferred from the mixing apparatus to one or more compound containers (e.g., compound containers  350 ), which can then be sealed (e.g., with respective caps  352 ). Where the need arises, the process can also include lowering the temperature (e.g., by freezing) of the compound containers to prevent the base compound from thickening or undergoing polymerization. In some instances, it can be preferable to use the base compound within about twenty minutes after it is removed from a freezer to prevent the base compound from transforming into a liquid. 
     As described above, an inlay device (e.g., inlay devices  330  and  530 ) can be produced from an inlay compound. The inlay compound can be formed using any suitable process, and can be composed of any suitable type of material. In at least one embodiment, it can be desirable for the inlay compound to behave in certain ways under different conditions when used during the fabrication of an arch device. For example, it can be desirable for the inlay compound to be capable of providing sufficient retaining force to teeth (e.g., teeth  420 ) during an arch device fabrication process, such that the teeth do not shift in position. To provide this, the inlay compound should exhibit at least a predefined hardness. 
     As another example, it can be desirable that the inlay compound withstand sufficient wear and tear during a demoulding step in an arch fabrication process (e.g., the demoulding step of process  800 ). To provide this, the inlay compound should exhibit at least a predefined resistance to various forces when hardened. As yet another example, it can be desirable that the inlay compound be curable in a short amount of time. 
     In at least one embodiment, the inlay compound can include silicone. In addition to silicone, the inlay compound can also include an activator that functions as a catalyst. The silicone can include one or more types of silicone. For example, the silicone can include one or more of P-60 and P-70 from Silicones, Inc. P-60 and P-70 can have a hardness of at least 65, which can provide sufficient retaining force to teeth in a mold, and can withstand certain wear and tear during demoulding of the mold. Moreover, P-60 and P-70 can also cure relatively quickly (e.g., in about twenty minutes at 120° C.), can withstand heat during the fabrication of an arch device, and can resist from chemically interacting with a base compound (e.g., base compound  359 ). 
       FIG.  10    is an illustrative process  1000  for fabricating an inlay compound. Process  1000  can begin at step  1002 . At step  1004 , the process can include mixing a plurality of materials together, the materials being mixed in a predefined ratio, and the mixture exhibiting properties for retaining a plurality of teeth in place during fabrication of an arch device. For example, the process can include mixing P-60 (or P-70) and an activator together in a predefined ratio (e.g., ten parts P-60 (or P-70) to one part activator). The mixture can exhibit properties for retaining teeth (e.g., teeth  420 ) during the fabrication of an arch device (e.g., arch device  100  or  200 ). 
     At step  1006 , the process can include processing the mixture at a predefined temperature to provide the inlay compound. For example, the process can include subjecting the mixture under a vacuum (e.g., by degassing under a vacuum of at least 29 inches of mercury for a few minutes). 
       FIG.  11    is an illustrative process  1100  for constructing an inlay device (e.g., similar to inlay device  330 ). Process  1100  can be similar to process  800  and can employ an inlay device fabrication apparatus similar to arch device fabrication apparatus described above with respect to  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B . The inlay device fabrication apparatus can include one or more components that can be the same as or similar to those of the arch device fabrication apparatus. For example, the inlay device fabrication apparatus can include mold device  301  and compound container  350 , or a similar mold device and a similar compound container. 
     Process  1100  can begin at step  1102 . At step  1104 , the process can include disposing a master arch device on an upper portion of a mold device. For example, the process can include disposing a master arch device, which can be similar to arch device  100  or  200 , on upper portion  320  of mold device  301 . More particularly, the process can include disposing the master arch device on recess  322  of upper portion  320 . 
     At step  1106 , the process can include coupling a lower portion of the mold to the upper portion to sandwich the master arch device, where an injection slot of the lower portion and an injection slot of the upper portion forms an injection hole of the mold device when the lower and upper portions are coupled together. For example, the process can include coupling lower portion  310  of mold device  301  to upper portion  320  to sandwich the master arch device, where injection slot  316  of lower portion  310  and injection slot  326  of upper portion  320  form injection hole  317  when lower and upper portions  310  and  320  are coupled together. This coupling step can be similar to the coupling of lower and upper portions of a mold device described above with respect to  FIG.  8   . 
     In at least one embodiment, the process can include, prior to coupling the lower and upper portions of the mold device together, applying a mold release agent to select areas of the lower and upper portions. For example, the process can include applying a mold release agent (e.g., Teflon) to select portions of lower and upper portions  310  and  320  of mold device  301 . Additionally, prior to the coupling in step  1106 , the process can also include positioning a sealing component in any one of an injection slot of the lower portion and an injection slot of the upper portion of the mold. For example, this positioning step can be similar to the positioning step described above with respect to  FIG.  8   . 
     At step  1108 , the process can include injecting an inlay compound into the injection hole. For example, the process can include injecting an inlay compound (described in more detail below) into injection hole  317 . This injection step can be similar to the injection of a base compound into a mold device described above with respect to  FIG.  8   . In at least one embodiment, the inlay compound can be injected until the inlay compound fills empty areas within the mold device, and reaches injection slots of the lower and upper portions of the mold device. More particularly, the inlay compound can be injected until it fills recess  312  and reaches injection slots  316  and  326  (e.g., an inner opening end of injection hole  317 ). A different material can subsequently be injected to fill the entirety of injection slots  316  and  326  (and thus, injection hole  317 ). For example, acrylic or a compound similar to base compound  359  can be used to fill the injection slots. In this manner, the material (e.g., acrylic) can prevent the inlay device from potential tearing during a demoulding step at a later stage in the process. 
     At step  1110 , the process can include processing the injected inlay compound to provide the inlay device. For example, the process can include processing the injected inlay compound to provide inlay device  330 . This can involve clamping the mold to keep the mold under pressure, and subjecting the mold (and thus the injected inlay compound) to heat for a predefined time (e.g., approximately 30 minutes).  FIG.  12    shows a front perspective view of a clamping device  1200  coupled to a mold  1201  (which can be similar to mold device  301 ). Clamping device  1200  can be used to keep the mold under pressuring during heating. As shown in  FIG.  12   , clamping device  1200  can include a plate  1202  and a bolt  1204  secured to a base  1206 . Bolt  1204  can be screwed through a portion of base  1206 . With a key  1208 , bolt  1204  can be released upward or screwed downward to push plate  1202  toward mold  1201 . 
     Referring back to  FIG.  11   , in at least one embodiment, the process can include, after processing the inlay compound, demoulding the mold device to access an inlay device. For example, the process can include, after processing the inlay compound, demoulding mold device  301  to access an inlay device that can be similar to inlay device  330 . This demoulding step can be similar to the demoulding of mold device  301  described above with respect to  FIG.  8   .  FIG.  13    is a perspective view of an inlay device  1330  that can be accessible after demoulding a mold device. For example, inlay device  1330  can be formed from an inlay compound injected into a mold device, and can be accessible after demoulding the mold device. Inlay device  1330  can be similar to inlay device  330 , but does not include an entry point (e.g., similar to entry point  337 ) and that does not include ears (e.g., similar to ears  338 ). 
     Referring back to  FIG.  11   , in at least one embodiment, after demoulding, the process can include processing the inlay device. For example, after demoulding mold device  301 , the process can include processing inlay device  1330 . Processing can include one or more of inspecting, trimming, and cleaning the inlay device. For example, the process can include inspecting the inlay for damage, air bubbles, or distortions in shape. As another example, the process can include trimming any flash from the inlay device. As yet another example, the process can include trimming off portions of the inlay device to form an entry point and at least one ear. Continuing with the example, the process can include trimming of portions of inlay device  1330  to form an entry point (e.g., similar to entry point  337  of inlay device  330 ) and ears (e.g., similar to ears  338  of inlay device  330 ). More particularly, the process can include trimming portions of inlay device  1330  such that the entry point aligns with an injection slot of the lower portion of the mold (e.g., injection slot  316  of lower portion  310  of mold device  301 ). The entry point can align with the injection slot such that a base compound (e.g., base compound  359 ) injected during fabrication of an arch device does not obstruct and displace with inlay device  1330  during injection. Referring briefly to  FIG.  3 B , for example, entry point  337  can expand towards an inside of inlay device  330 , such that any injected base compound can flow smoothly into inlay device  330 . Returning to  FIG.  11   , the process can also include trimming portions of inlay device  1330  such that the ears can fit in corresponding ear receptors of the mold device (e.g., similar to ear receptors  318  of mold device  301 ). 
     In at least one embodiment, the process can also include cleaning the mold and inlay devices. For example, the process can include cleaning mold device  301  (e.g., recesses  312  and  322  of lower and upper portions  310  and  320 , respectively) and the inlay device. 
     Although process  1100  has been described above for making an inlay device suitable for use in fabricating an arch device, it should be appreciated that a similar process can be employed to make an inlay device suitable for use in fabricating a denture or any device shaped like a denture. For example, denture  500  or denture form device  600  can be used as a master cast or device for fabricating an inlay device suitable for use in fabricating similar dental devices. More particularly, a mold device, such as mold device  701  of  FIG.  7   , can be employed along with denture  500  or denture form device  600  to fabricate an inlay device similar to inlay device  730  of  FIG.  7   . The fabrication of an inlay device, such as inlay device  730 , can be similar to the process for fabricating in inlay device, such as inlay device  330 , and thus, its description is not repeated. 
     As described above, it may be difficult to use a rigid mold device (such as a metal mold device) to fabricate a dental device, since the teeth receptors of a rigid mold device may not tolerate large variabilities in teeth dimensions. Although an inlay device (e.g., inlay device  330  or  730 ) can be used to absorb some of this variability, an epoxy mold device substantially similar to the original mold device can be made and employed to fabricate dental devices. In this way, an inherent inlay area can be provided in the resulting epoxy mold device for accommodating variabilities in the dimensions of teeth. 
       FIG.  14 A  shows perspective views of a master denture  1400  coupled to an upper portion  1420  of a mold device. Denture  1400  can be similar to denture  500 , and the mold device can be similar to mold device  701 . In at least one embodiment, an epoxy mold device fabrication process can include using master denture  1400  and upper portion  1420  to form a complementary lower portion of an epoxy mold device. More particularly, the process can include aligning and at least partially surrounding upper portion  1420  with a tube or pipe (e.g., PVC) (not shown). The process can then include pouring silicone to fill the empty areas within the tube and around master denture  1400  and upper portion  1420 .  FIG.  14 B  shows a top perspective view of a silicone lower portion  1450  of a mold device that can be formed from the poured silicone. The silicone lower portion can then be used to form a final epoxy casting. For example, the process can include pouring epoxy onto silicone lower portion  1450  and curing the epoxy to form an epoxy upper portion of a mold device. 
     In at least another embodiment, rather than first fabricating a silicone lower portion of a mold device, and then pouring epoxy onto the silicone lower portion to form an epoxy upper portion of a mold device, the process can include sandwiching a master denture between upper and lower portions of a mold device to form an inlay device (e.g., similar to the process for forming inlay device  330 ), and then pouring the epoxy onto the inlay device and the lower portion of the mold device. For example,  FIG.  14 C  shows a top perspective view of a tube  1498  at least partially surrounding a lower portion  1410  of the mold device having an inlay device  1430  formed and disposed therein. The process can include pouring the epoxy onto the surrounded lower portion  1410  and inlay device  1430 , and curing the epoxy to form an epoxy upper portion of a mold device. In at least one embodiment, the process can also include, prior to the pouring, applying a coating of mold release agent to tube  1498 , lower portion  1410 , and inlay device  1430 , and applying degassed epoxy material into or onto lower portion  1410  and inlay device  1430 . The process can also include using a vibrating device to vibrate lower portion  1410 , inlay device  1430 , and tube  1498  to prevent air from being trapped in the poured epoxy. 
     It should be appreciated that, any suitable materials or compounds (e.g., other than epoxy) can also be used to fabricate a mold device. Additionally, although an epoxy mold device has been described above as being fabricated using a master denture and an upper portion of a master mold device, it should also be appreciated that similar epoxy mold devices can be fabricated using a master arch device (e.g., arch device  100  or  200 ) and a corresponding upper portion of a master mold device (e.g., upper portion  320  of mold device  301 ), a master denture form device (e.g., denture form device  600 ) and a corresponding upper portion of a master mold device (e.g., upper portion  720  of mold device  301 ), and the like. 
     Although the fabrication of an arch device has been described above with respect to  FIG.  8   , it should be appreciated that an arch device (partial or full) can also be fabricated using any other methods. These methods can include, for example, computer-aided design (“CAD”), computer-aided manufacturing (“CAM”), three-dimensional (3D) printing, and the like. Moreover, one or more of these methods can also leveraged to fabricate other dental devices (e.g., denture form device  600 ), as well as partial and full dentures (e.g., dentures  500  and  1400 ). 
     Computer-aided design (“CAD”) and computer-aided manufacturing (“CAM”) systems can deliver products rapidly and with unprecedented accuracy of fit. These systems have been successfully employed to fabricate various dental products. For example, CAM production or CAM-milling techniques have been successfully used to fabricate reliable crowns. However, conventional CAD and CAM techniques have failed to efficiently and reliably fabricate dentures. One of the biggest challenges with CAM of dentures has to do with poor fitting of teeth in CAM-milled denture bases. As briefly described above, dentures are chiefly composed of at least two distinct materials—a pink acrylic for the base (e.g., gingiva) and flange portion and a white acrylic (or porcelain) for the teeth. Some dentures can include three or more different materials, depending on a number of layers that make up the teeth. For example, some teeth can be made of at least two layers of acrylic of slightly different colors, and sometimes even three or more layers). Because typical CAM milling “work” blocks of uniform material, the fabricated teeth are limited to single-layer teeth, which can be inferior to two- or higher-layer teeth (e.g., in structural integrity, look, and feel). Consequently, the current state-of-the art in CAM milling of dentures involves milling the gingiva portion, and then gluing third-party manufactured teeth to the CAM-milled gingiva. 
     However, while CAM-milled gingiva holes (e.g., for receiving or coupling to the teeth) can be fabricated with tolerances on the order of about 10 microns, the dimensions of third-party manufactured teeth can have much larger variations or tolerances, especially due to any polishing and finishing processes that occur after the teeth are pressed. This can make it difficult to accurately fit the teeth in corresponding CAM-milled gingiva holes. Moreover, even if CAM-milled denture teeth can be fabricated to aesthetically compete with multi-layer conventionally fabricated teeth, the milled teeth may still require polishing or processing after milling, which may create similar dimensional variations. 
     Additionally, to fabricate dental devices using CAD and CAM techniques, it is necessary to obtain a model of a patient&#39;s mouth, and to create a design of a denture based on the model. However, conventional techniques of creating a physical model of a patient&#39;s mouth can include various steps, such as taking multiple impressions, fabricating models and a custom impression tray, creating a master cast, and determining jaw and occlusal relationships. Because these steps can require multiple patient visits, conventional modeling techniques are unable to leverage the speed and economics of CAD and CAM denture fabrication. 
     Thus, in various embodiments, the efficiencies of CAD and CAM techniques are leveraged to fabricate dental devices, dentures, and the like, while overcoming one or more of the above-described shortcomings. 
     In at least one embodiment, a denture form device (e.g., denture form device  600 ) can be employed to obtain a physical model of a patient&#39;s mouth during a CAD and CAM denture fabrication process. More particularly, when a denture form device is inserted and adjusted to fit to a corresponding portion of a patient&#39;s mouth (e.g., as described above with respect to  FIG.  6   ), the adjusted denture form device can serve as a physical model of the portion of the patient&#39;s mouth, and can provide data including, but not limited to, final impressions anatomy, anatomic landmarks and extensions, vertical dimension, midline, centric relation, smile line, incisal length, interpupillary and ala tragus planes, tooth size, shade, and mold. This model can be provided to a CAD system (e.g., by scanning using a 3-D scanner or the like) for generating a denture model of a corresponding denture. This denture model can then be provided to a CAM system for fabricating an actual denture. 
     In at least one embodiment, a physical model of a patient&#39;s mouth can additionally, or alternatively, be obtained via an intra-oral scan of the mouth. For example, the scan can obtain information on intra-oral cavity, remaining teeth (if any), implants (if any), soft tissue, skeletal devices (e.g., from CT scans), external facial features across a range of facial gestures, jaw movement, and the like. The scanned data can be integrated using software to create a digital model of the patient&#39;s mouth that is suitable for creating a denture design that has proper fit, alignment, and occlusion. 
     In at least one embodiment, an arch device (e.g., arch device  100  or  200 ) can be combined with CAD and CAM techniques to fabricate a denture. For example, a physical model of a patient&#39;s mouth (e.g., obtained by using a denture form device, such as denture form device  1300 , or by intra-oral scan of the patient&#39;s mouth) can be provided to a system (e.g., a computer system) that has access to a database of digital models (e.g., pre-scanned and pre-stored models) of multiple arch devices. 
     The system can select an arch device that matches the physical model. For example, the system can select the arch device based on the size of the arch device and the size of the teeth of the arch device. As another example, the system can select the arch device based on tooth shade, photographs of patient&#39;s existing teeth, and the like. As yet another example, the system can select the arch device based on general patient information, such as gender, patient preferences, clinician or practitioner preferences, and the like. 
     In instances where none of the available arch device models is a close match with the physical model, each arch device model can be augmented with a tolerance range (e.g., either by manual input or via one or more digital scans of the corresponding actual arch devices). This additional data for each arch device model can provide information on an amount of adjustment (e.g., in any dimension) that can be made to each arch device, while maintaining the structural and aesthetic integrity of each arch device. In this manner, the system can identify an arch device that most closely matches the physical model. Moreover, the system can also provide adjustment information on how (e.g., in what dimensions and to what degree) the arch device should be adjusted to achieve a proper fit. A dental practitioner (e.g., a clinician) can then select the actual arch device corresponding to the chosen arch device model, and can adjust the arch device based on the adjustment information. In at least one embodiment, the system can also obtain a digital scan of the adjusted arch device to create an adjusted arch device model. The system can further determine if the adjusted arch device will provide a good fit based on the adjusted model. The above process can be repeated until a suitable arch device, with the proper adjustments, is identified. 
     This model can be provided to a CAD system (e.g., by scanning using a 3-D scanner or the like) for generating a denture model of a corresponding denture. This denture model can then be provided to a CAM system for fabricating an actual denture. After an appropriate arch device is selected and adjusted, a digital model of a CAM-fabricated denture base (e.g., via milling or 3-D printing) can be manipulated in size and orientation (e.g., a channel can be formed in the digital model of the denture base) so as to guide an integration of the arch device to the CAM-fabricated denture base. This can ensure that proper occlusion in the digital model of the denture base is maintained in a final denture. 
     Since an arch device already includes teeth, it may not be necessary to CAM a gingiva base portion that includes holes for receiving teeth. This can eliminate the above-described problem of teeth variations or tolerances. Rather, a CAM-milled denture base may only be required to include a relatively tolerant surface (e.g., on the order of millimeters, and not microns) for integrating to a base of the arch device, which can be fabricated within any tolerance ranges. 
     In at least one embodiment, each arch device digital model can be partitioned into two or more model components, which can provide more flexibility in the model comparison or matching process. For example, each model can be partitioned into sub-models, such as a sub-model for an anterior set of teeth, another sub-model for the left posterior set of teeth, and yet another sub-model for the right posterior set of teeth. 
       FIG.  15    is an illustrative process  1500  for fabricating a denture. Process  1500  can begin at step  1502 . At step  1504 , the process can include generating a digital model of a patient&#39;s mouth. For example, the process can include a digital model of a patient&#39;s mouth via an intra-oral scan of the mouth. As another example, the process can include generating a digital model of a patient&#39;s mouth using a denture form device such as denture form device  600 . In this example, the process can include coupling the denture form device to a corresponding portion of the patient&#39;s mouth, and adjusting the denture form device until it couples precisely comfortably to the patient&#39;s mouth. Alternatively, the process can include adjusting the denture form device prior to coupling to the patient&#39;s mouth. 
     At step  1506 , the process can include identifying an arch device model that correlates with the digital model. For example, the process can include identifying an arch device model out of multiple stored arch device models that correlates or is similar to the digital model of the patient&#39;s mouth. 
     At step  1508 , the process can include milling a denture base based on the arch device model. For example, the process can include CAM-milling a denture base out of one or more series of milling blocks to form a flange portion of a denture. The flange portion can be milled to integrate with an arch device that corresponds to the arch device model. 
     At step  1510 , the process can include integrating the denture base to an arch device that corresponds to the arch device model. For example, the process can include integrating the CAM-milled denture base to an arch device (e.g., arch device  100  or  200 ) that corresponds to the identified arch device model that correlates with the digital model of the patient&#39;s mouth. 
     In at least one embodiment, a block device that includes an arch device pre-integrated with denture base material (e.g., flange portion material) is provided. The arch device can be identified (e.g., using the model comparison and matching techniques described above) as being suitable for a patient, and the corresponding block device can be milled to shape a flange portion out of the pre-integrated denture base material to form a denture. In this manner, it may not be necessary to integrate an arch device to a CAM-milled flange portion, since the flange base material is already pre-integrated with the arch device. This can also provide an exact match (e.g., in shade, formulation, etc.) between a base of the arch device and the milled portion of the denture base material. 
     In at least one embodiment, multi-material or multi-layer milling blocks are provided to form one or more dentures. More particularly, each block can include an arch of tooth-colored material (e.g., acrylic) in one or more layers of varying shades (e.g., to produce multi-layer teeth). The arch of material can be embedded in gingiva-colored material (e.g., acrylic), and can include indentations along a surface to distinguish teeth portions from intra-dental gingiva portions. 
     In at least one embodiment, a series of multi-material milling blocks is provided to form multiple dentures. The blocks in the series can include arch tooth-colored material of different sizes (e.g., different dimensions of tooth-colored layers), similar to individual arch devices of different sizes, and can be used to form different sized dentures. 
     Each multi-material block can correspond to a block model that can be scanned and stored in one or more computing components of a system. These models can be accessed during a denture fabrication process to identify a suitable milling block based on a model of a patient&#39;s mouth. 
       FIG.  16    is another illustrative process  1600  for fabricating a denture. Process  1600  can begin at step  1602 . At step  1604 , the process can include generating a digital model of a patient&#39;s mouth. For example, the process can include generating a digital model of a patient&#39;s mouth via an intra-oral scan of the mouth. As another example, the process can include generating a digital model of a patient&#39;s mouth using a denture form device such as denture form device  600 . 
     At step  1606 , the process can include identifying multi-material milling block of a plurality of multi-material milling blocks that correlates with the digital model. For example, the process can include identifying a multi-material milling block of multiple multi-material milling blocks by accessing pre-stored computer models of the milling blocks. Any one of the models that correlates or closely matches the digital model of the patient&#39;s mouth can be selected. 
     At step  1608 , the process can include milling the multi-material milling block to fabricate the denture. For example, the process can include CAM-milling the identified multi-material milling block to fabricate a denture that corresponds to the patient&#39;s mouth. 
     In at least one embodiment, a denture can be fabricated via a CAM-milling technique similar to conventional CAM-milling (e.g., where a flange portion of a denture is milled with gingiva holes for coupling to third-party manufactured teeth). However, rather than milling gingiva holes (e.g., the holes on the base portion of the denture for receiving or coupling to the teeth) to have sizes that exactly correspond to the sizes of the corresponding teeth (e.g., as in conventional CAM-milling), the gingiva holes can instead be fabricated with varying tolerances along their depths. More particularly, an interior anatomy at the root of a tooth can have a large tolerance relative to that of an occlusal anatomy of the tooth (e.g., the labial and lingual surfaces that meet other teeth). Thus, the gingiva holes can be milled with larger tolerances deeper into the holes that support the teeth. In this manner, the larger tolerances at the lower ends of the holes can accommodate larger tolerances of the roots of the corresponding teeth. 
     In at least one embodiment, a denture can be fabricated using 3-D printing techniques. For example, rather than integrating an identified arch device (e.g., using the model comparison technique described above) with a CAM-milled flange, the identified arch device can be integrated with a 3-D printed flange. As another example, rather than milling a gingiva portion with holes that have varying tolerances along their depths (e.g., as described above), a gingiva portion can be 3-D printed with holes having such varying tolerances. 
     Although various CAD, CAM, and 3-D printing fabrication techniques have been described above with respect to fabricating full dentures, it should be appreciated that similar techniques can be provided and employed to fabricate partial dentures. 
     The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that one or more features of an embodiment can be combined with one or more features of another embodiment to provide systems and/or methods without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     Additionally, it is to be understood that the steps of each of processes  800 ,  900 ,  1000 ,  1100 ,  1500 , and  1600  are merely illustrative and that the steps can be modified, added, or omitted. 
     Moreover, the previously described embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and not of limitation. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments, and the invention is limited only by the claims which follow.