Patent Description:
Dental prosthetic systems can include components such as a dental implant, an intermediate component such as an abutment, and a prosthesis such as a crown or bridge. An impression or scan of the implant site can be used to record information of the implant within the patient's mouth to help fabricate the prosthesis and/or an intermediate component. In some instances, a coping (e.g., an impression coping or a scan body) can be mated with the dental implant or intermediate component to help record the position and orientation of the implant or intermediate component in the patient's mouth.

For implants and/or abutments with a non-round interface or outer shape, it can be desirable to know the rotational position of an underlying component so that the upper component can be registered (e.g., aligned) with the underlying component. In other words, to be able to align the non-round interface or outer shape of the upper component with the non-round interface or outer shape of the underlying component. For some components, such as a bridge, mating with an underlying non-round component can be complicated because it is also desirable to provide non-engaging surfaces that can allow some "play" between the bridge and the underlying component.

<CIT> relates to a digitizable dental implant replica, which relates to a replica of a dental implant that is able to be scanned by means of an extraoral scanner once it has been positioned on an impression post in the patient's dental impression tray.

<CIT> relates to system for dental implant restoration.

The dependent claims are directed to optional features and preferred embodiments.

In aspects of the present invention, there are provided a system configured to record a position and orientation of a dental component and a method of fabricating a second dental component that is configured to align with a first dental component in a patient's mouth according to the independent claims.

Preferred embodiments are set out in the dependent claims and in the remaining part of the description.

Provided are various dental components. Provided are also systems and methods to align dental components. In some implementations, the systems and methods can be used to create upper components (e.g., a crown or bridge) that do not engage the underlying components (e.g., an intermediate component or an implant), but yet can be aligned with the orientation of the underlying component.

In certain implementations according to the invention, a system can be configured as defined in claim <NUM>.

In some instances, the coping can comprise an impression coping that is configured to be embedded in an impression medium to record the position and orientation of the dental component. In some instances, the coping can comprise a scan body that is configured to be scanned to record the position and orientation of the dental component.

In various implementations, the coping can include an external surface comprising the orientation feature. The coping can also include an internal surface comprising the anti-rotational feature. In some instances, the orientation feature and/or the anti-rotational feature of the coping can comprise a protrusion, a recess, a pin, or a groove.

In some instances, the second anti-rotational feature of the replica can be positioned on the first anti-rotational feature of the replica. The second anti-rotational feature of the replica is positioned on a surface configured to mate with an adjacent component, wherein the adjacent component comprises the coping, an abutment, and/or a prosthesis. In some instances, the first anti-rotational feature and/or the second anti-rotational feature of the replica can comprise a protrusion, a recess, a pin, or a groove.

In some implementations, the system can further comprise the dental component. The dental component can comprise a dental implant or an adapter configured to mate with the dental implant.

In various implementations, the system can be configured to align the dental component with another dental component. The dental components can have non-circular outer cross-sectional interfaces. For example, the non-circular outer cross-sectional interfaces can include trioval or quadrioval interfaces. In some implementations, the system can further comprise the other dental component. The other dental component can be configured to mate with the second anti-rotational feature of the replica, but not with the first anti-rotational feature of the replica. The other dental component can comprise an abutment and/or a prosthesis.

In certain implementations according to the invention, a method of fabricating a second dental component according to claim <NUM> is provided.

In various implementations, the method can further comprise mating the coping with the first dental component. The coping can comprise an anti-rotational feature configured to mate with the anti-rotational feature of the first dental component. The method can further comprise recording the orientation feature of the coping mated with the first dental component to record the position and orientation of the first dental component. The method can also include unmating the coping from the first dental component.

In some methods, the orientation feature has been recorded by embedding the orientation feature in an impression medium. In some methods, the orientation feature has been recorded by scanning the orientation feature.

In some methods, the first dental component and the second dental component can have non-circular outer cross-sectional interfaces. For example, the non-circular outer cross-sectional interfaces can include trioval or quadrioval interfaces.

In some instances, the first dental component can be a dental implant or an adapter configured to mate with the dental implant.

In some implementations, creating the second dental component can comprise creating an abutment and/or a prosthesis.

In certain implementations, a replica can be configured to transfer the orientation of a first dental component to a second dental component. The replica can include an external surface comprising a first anti-rotational feature and a second anti-rotational feature. In some implementations, the first anti-rotational feature corresponds to an anti-rotational feature of the first dental component, and the second anti-rotational feature does not correspond to the anti-rotational feature of the first dental component.

In some implementations, the replica can be configured to mate with an anti-rotational feature of a coping to replicate the position and orientation of the first dental component.

In some instances, the replica can be configured to mate with the second dental component via the second anti-rotational feature of the replica, but not via the first anti-rotational feature of the replica.

In some instances, the first anti-rotational feature and/or the second anti-rotational feature of the replica can comprise a protrusion, a recess, a pin, or a groove.

In certain implementations, a multi-unit prosthesis can be configured to align with a dental component. The multi-unit prosthesis can comprise an anti-rotational feature. In some instances, the anti-rotational feature can be configured to mate with an anti-rotational feature of a replica of the dental component. In some instances, the anti-rotational feature of the prosthesis can be configured to not mate with an anti-rotational feature of the dental component.

<FIG> is a schematic of example dental components and of an example workflow. One or more of the dental components can provide a system and/or method to align dental components. One of the components can be an underlying component such as a component implanted in a patient's mouth. As examples, the underlying component can be a dental implant or an intermediate component (e.g., an adapter) coupled with the dental implant. Another component can be an upper or lower component that is to be coupled (directly or indirectly) with the underlying component. For example, the upper component can be an abutment, a prosthesis, or a prosthesis coupled to an abutment. The example system and method can advantageously be used to align dental components that have non-circular outer cross-sectional interfaces (e.g., trioval interfaces, quadrioval interfaces, etc.) and/or multi-unit prostheses (e.g., bridges) also having non-circular outer cross-sectional interfaces.

As an overview, the system <NUM> (and/or workflow) can include any one or more of the following components: the underlying component <NUM>, a coping <NUM>, a replica <NUM>, and/or an upper component <NUM>. The system <NUM> can include any one, two, three, or all four of the components alone or in combination with other components. In some instances, the system <NUM> can be configured to record a position and orientation of the underlying component <NUM>. The underlying component <NUM> can have an anti-rotational feature <NUM>. In some implementations, the system <NUM> can include the coping <NUM>. The coping <NUM> can include an anti-rotational feature <NUM> that is configured to mate with the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the underlying component <NUM>. The coping <NUM> can also include an orientation feature <NUM> that is configured to convey the orientation of the underlying component <NUM>. In some implementations, the system <NUM> can include the replica <NUM> (e.g., configured to replicate the position and orientation the underlying component <NUM>). The replica <NUM> can include a first anti-rotational feature <NUM> and a second anti-rotational feature <NUM>. The first anti-rotational feature <NUM> can correspond to the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the underlying component <NUM>, while the second anti-rotational feature <NUM> does not correspond to the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the underlying component <NUM>. As such, the first anti-rotational feature <NUM>, and not the second anti-rotational feature <NUM>, of the replica <NUM> can be configured to mate with the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the coping <NUM>. In some implementations, the system <NUM> can include the upper component <NUM> (e.g., an abutment and/or a prosthesis). The upper component <NUM> can include an anti-rotational feature <NUM> that is configured to mate with the second anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the replica <NUM>, but not with the first anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the replica <NUM>. In use, the orientation of the underlying component <NUM> can be transferred to the replica <NUM> via the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the coping <NUM> and to the upper component <NUM> via the second anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the replica <NUM>. As such, the upper component <NUM> (and/or any component coupled with the upper component <NUM>) can be aligned with the underlying component <NUM>. However, since the upper component <NUM> does not mate with the first anti-rotation feature <NUM> of the replica <NUM>, the upper component <NUM> also does not mate with the first anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the underlying component <NUM>. As such, "play" can also be provided between the underlying component <NUM> and the upper component <NUM>.

Each of the components will now be described in more detail.

In some implementations, the system <NUM> may include the underlying component <NUM>. The underlying component <NUM> can be a component that is implanted at least partially underlying the gingival line in the patient's mouth. Accordingly, the underlying component <NUM> is not limited to components coupled to the patient's lower jaw, but can be coupled to the patient's upper jaw. In some implementations, the underlying component <NUM> can be a dental implant or an intermediate component (e.g., an adaptor or an abutment) configured to mate (e.g., directly or indirectly) with the dental implant. The underlying component <NUM> can have an anti-rotational feature <NUM>, e.g., configured to mate (e.g., engage or be indexed) with another component to reduce and/or prevent rotational movement between the components. The anti-rotational feature <NUM> is not particularly limited in number. For example, the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the underlying component <NUM> can have <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, etc. anti-rotational features, or can have a range of anti-rotational features formed by such values (e.g., from <NUM> to <NUM> features, etc.).

In <FIG>, the anti-rotational feature <NUM> is disposed on an external surface of the underlying component <NUM>. However, the anti-rotational feature <NUM> can be disposed on an internal surface of the underlying component <NUM>. In some instances, the anti-rotational feature <NUM> can be disposed on both an external and internal surface of the underlying component <NUM>. The anti-rotational feature <NUM> is also not particularly limited in shape and size. In the case where the one anti-rotational feature <NUM> includes more than one anti-rotational feature, one of the anti-rotational features can be the same as another one of the anti-rotational features, or one of the anti-rotational features can be different than another one of the anti-rotational features. The anti-rotational feature <NUM> can include a protrusion, a recess, a pin, a groove, a snap-fit feature, or the like. In the example shown in <FIG>, the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the underlying component <NUM> includes two anti-rotational features (e.g., two protrusions) that can mate with coping <NUM>.

In some implementations, the system includes the coping <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, the coping <NUM> has an anti-rotational feature <NUM> configured to mate with the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the underlying component <NUM>. By mating with the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the underlying component <NUM>, the coping <NUM> can convey (and/or transfer) the position and orientation of the underlying component <NUM> to another component (e.g., via the anti-rotational feature <NUM>). The anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the coping <NUM> can be complementary to the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the underlying component. In the example shown in <FIG>, the anti-rotational feature <NUM> (e.g., two recesses) of the coping <NUM> mates with the anti-rotational feature <NUM> (e.g., two protrusions) of the underlying component <NUM>. Since the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the coping <NUM> is complementary to the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the underlying component <NUM>, similar to the underlying component <NUM>, the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the coping <NUM> is not particularly limited in number. For example, the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the coping <NUM> can include <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, etc. anti-rotational features, or can have a range of anti-rotational features formed by such values (e.g., from <NUM> to <NUM> features, etc.).

The anti-rotational feature <NUM> is disposed on an internal surface of the coping <NUM> (e.g., if the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the underlying component <NUM> is on an external surface of the underlying component <NUM>), on an external surface of the coping <NUM> (e.g., if the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the underlying component <NUM> is on an internal surface of the underlying component <NUM>), or on both an internal and external surface of the coping <NUM> (e.g., if the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the underlying component <NUM> is on both an external and internal surface of the underlying component <NUM>). In <FIG>, the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the coping <NUM> is disposed on an internal surface (e.g., to mate with the anti-rotational feature <NUM> on the external surface of the underlying component <NUM>). The anti-rotational feature <NUM> is also not particularly limited in shape and size. In the case where the anti-rotational feature <NUM> includes more than one anti-rotational feature, one of the anti-rotational features can be the same as another one of the anti-rotational features, or one of the anti-rotational features can be different than another one of the anti-rotational features. The anti-rotational feature <NUM> can include a protrusion, a recess, a pin, a groove, a snap-fit feature, and or like. As described herein, by mating with the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the underlying component <NUM> (e.g., via the anti-rotational feature <NUM>), the coping <NUM> can convey the position and orientation of the underlying component <NUM>.

The coping <NUM> also includes an orientation feature <NUM>. The orientation feature <NUM> is configured to provide the orientation of the coping <NUM> such that the position and orientation of the underlying component <NUM> can be captured, for example, in a recording medium. In some instances, the coping <NUM> can include an impression coping. The impression coping can be configured to be embedded in an impression medium (schematically represented by reference <NUM> in <FIG> at step 1B) to record the position and orientation of the underlying component <NUM>. The impression coping can be a transfer or pick-up type coping. The impression medium can be any of those known in the art or yet to be developed. For example, the impression medium can include a curable resin. In some instances, the coping <NUM> can include a scan body. The scan body can be configured to be scanned to record the position and orientation of the underlying component <NUM>. The scan body can be scanned using any technique known in the art or yet to be developed. For example, the scan body can be scanned optically. As another example, the scan body can be scanned mechanically.

The orientation feature <NUM> can include a protrusion, a recess, a pin, a groove, or the like. In some instances, the orientation feature <NUM> can include an edge of the coping <NUM>. For example, in the example shown in <FIG>, the coping <NUM> has an orientation feature <NUM> comprising an edge of the external surface. In some instances, where the underlying component <NUM> has a non-round (e.g., non-circular) outer cross sectional interface, the orientation feature can be the outer cross-sectional shape, e.g., a trioval interface, a quadrioval interface, etc. In various implementations, the coping <NUM> can have an external surface comprising the orientation feature <NUM>. In some implementations, the coping <NUM> can have an internal surface comprising the orientation feature <NUM>. In some instances, the orientation feature <NUM> of the coping <NUM> can be disposed on both an external and internal surface. As described herein, the coping <NUM> can convey the position and orientation of the underlying component <NUM> in a recording medium and/or to another component, such as to the replica <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the system <NUM> includes the replica <NUM>. The replica <NUM> is configured to replicate the position and orientation of the underlying component <NUM> and/or to transfer the orientation of the underlying component <NUM> to an upper component <NUM>. The replica <NUM> includes a first anti-rotational feature <NUM>. The first anti-rotational feature <NUM> corresponds to the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the underlying component <NUM>. As such, the first anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the replica <NUM> is configured to mate with the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the coping <NUM> to replicate the position and orientation of the underlying component <NUM> in the coping <NUM>. Since the first anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the replica <NUM> corresponds to the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the underlying component <NUM>, the first anti-rotational feature <NUM> is also not particularly limited in number, shape, and/or size. Also like the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the underlying component <NUM>, the first anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the replica <NUM> can be disposed on an external surface, on an internal surface, or on both an external and internal surface of the replica <NUM>. The first anti-rotational feature <NUM> can include a protrusion, a recess, a pin, a groove, a snap-fit feature, or the like.

The replica <NUM> also includes a second anti-rotational feature <NUM>. The second anti-rotational feature <NUM> is not particularly limited in number, shape, and/or size. Also, the second anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the replica <NUM> can be disposed on an external surface, on an internal surface, or on both an external and internal surface of the replica <NUM>. The second anti-rotational feature <NUM> can include a protrusion, a recess, a pin, a groove, a snap-fit feature, or the like. In <FIG>, the second anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the replica <NUM> does not correspond to the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the underlying component <NUM>, and so does not mate with the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the coping <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the second anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the replica <NUM> can extend from the first anti-rotational features <NUM>. In some instances, the second anti-rotational feature <NUM> can be positioned on the first anti-rotational features <NUM>. In some instances, the second anti-rotational feature <NUM> can be positioned separately from the first anti-rotational feature <NUM>. The second anti-rotational feature <NUM> is positioned on a surface configured to mate with an adjacent component (e.g., with the coping <NUM>, the upper component <NUM>, etc.).

By mating with the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the coping <NUM> (e.g., via the first anti-rotational feature <NUM>) and mating with the upper component <NUM> (e.g., via the second anti-rotational feature <NUM>), the replica <NUM> can transfer the orientation of the underlying component <NUM> to the upper component <NUM>. As such, the upper component <NUM> can align with the underlying component <NUM>. In other words, if the upper component <NUM> and the underlying component <NUM> each has a non-round (e.g., non-circular) outer cross sectional interface, both non-round (e.g., non-circular) outer cross sectional interface can be aligned. For some upper components <NUM>, e.g., a multi-unit prosthesis such as a bridge, it may be desirable to provide non-engaging surfaces that can allow some "play" between the upper component <NUM> and the underlying component <NUM>. For some such cases, as will be described with respect to the upper component <NUM>, the first anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the replica <NUM> (which corresponds with the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the underlying component <NUM>) can be configured to not mate with the upper component <NUM>.

For example, with continued reference to <FIG>, the upper component <NUM> is a component that is configured to be coupled with the underlying component <NUM> and implanted above the gingival line in the patient's mouth. Accordingly, the upper component <NUM> can be a component coupled to the patient's lower jaw or upper jaw. In some implementations, the upper component <NUM> can be an abutment and/or a prosthesis (e.g., single or multi-unit prosthesis).

Through the transfer of orientation between components, the upper component <NUM> can be configured to align with the underlying component <NUM>. For example, the first anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the replica <NUM> can correspond to the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the underlying component <NUM>, and the upper component <NUM> can be configured to mate with the second anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the replica <NUM>. In some instances, the underlying component <NUM> and the upper component <NUM> can have non-circular outer cross-sectional interfaces, e.g., trioval interfaces, quadrioval interfaces, etc. In some instances (e.g., where the upper component <NUM> is an intermediate component such as an abutment), a prosthesis can be fabricated to couple with the upper component <NUM> such that the prosthesis can be aligned with the underlying component <NUM>. As described herein, the upper component <NUM> can be a multi-unit (or multi-tooth) prosthesis (e.g., a bridge) or can be one or more abutments that can couple to a multi-unit prosthesis. In some such instances, the multi-unit prosthesis can comprise an anti-rotational feature <NUM>. The anti-rotational feature <NUM> can be configured to mate with the second anti-rotational feature <NUM> of a replica <NUM>. On the other hand, the anti-rotational feature <NUM> can be configured to not mate with the first anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the replica <NUM> that corresponds to the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the underlying component <NUM>. As such, the multi-unit prosthesis can be configured to enter into contact with the underlying component <NUM> but a "play" at least around one axis, is allowed between the multi-unit prosthesis and the underlying component <NUM>.

As an example of the workflow, the underlying component <NUM> can be placed in the patient's mouth. The coping <NUM> (e.g., an impression coping or a scan body) can be positioned to mate with the underlying component <NUM> (see <FIG> at step 1A). In some instances, the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the coping <NUM> can mate with the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the underlying component <NUM>. The orientation feature <NUM> of the coping <NUM> mated with the underlying component <NUM> can be recorded to record the position and orientation of the underlying component <NUM> in relation with its environment (i.e. adjacent teeth and soft tissue). The coping <NUM> can be unmated from the underlying component <NUM>. The replica <NUM> can be mated with the coping <NUM> (e.g., with the recording medium, see <NUM> at step 1B). The orientation feature <NUM> can be recorded with respect to the underlying component <NUM> to convey the position and orientation of the underlying component <NUM> in the patient's mouth. A model <NUM> of at least a part of the patient's mouth adjacent the replica <NUM> mated with the coping <NUM> can be formed. The coping <NUM> (e.g., with the recording medium <NUM>) can be unmated from the replica <NUM>, leaving the replica <NUM> in the model (see <FIG> at step 1C). The upper component <NUM> (e.g., an abutment and/or a prosthesis) can be created such that the upper component <NUM> can mate with the second anti-rotational feature <NUM>, but not the first anti-rotational feature <NUM>, of the replica <NUM>(see <FIG> at step 1C). In this example, since the first anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the replica <NUM> can correspond to the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the underlying component <NUM>, the upper component <NUM> also does not mate with the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the underlying component <NUM>. Although the upper component <NUM> can mate with the second anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the replica <NUM>, since the underlying component <NUM> does not have a corresponding feature with the second anti-rotational feature <NUM>, the upper component <NUM> can be configured to not mate with the underlying component <NUM>. After the upper component <NUM> is fabricated, it can be unmated with the replica <NUM> and placed on the underlying component <NUM>, aligned but not engaging (see <FIG> at step 1D).

<FIG> shows other example dental components and/or systems <NUM> which can include any one or more of the following components: an underlying component <NUM>, a coping <NUM>, a replica <NUM>, and/or an upper component (e.g., an abutment and/or prosthesis) <NUM>. <FIG> shows an example underlying component <NUM> having an anti-rotational feature <NUM> (e.g., three protrusions). The underlying component <NUM> has a non-round outer shape. <FIG> shows an example coping <NUM> having an anti-rotational feature <NUM> (e.g., three recesses) which can mate with the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the underlying component <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The example coping <NUM> also includes an orientation feature <NUM> disposed on the side opposite the anti-rotational feature <NUM>. The orientation feature <NUM> can take the form of non-round outer shape. <FIG> shows an example system <NUM> that can include one of the following components: the example underlying component <NUM> and/or the example coping <NUM>. <FIG> shows a cross-section of the underlying component <NUM> shown in <FIG> coupled with the coping <NUM> shown in <FIG>. In <FIG>, the anti-rotational feature <NUM> (e.g., three protrusions) on the external surface of the underlying component <NUM> mates with the anti-rotational feature <NUM> (e.g., three recesses) on the internal surface of the coping <NUM> in such a way that the non-round outer shape of the underlying component <NUM> is aligned with the non-round outer shape of the coping <NUM>. In other words, the relative position between the anti-rotational feature and the non-round outer shape of the underlying component and the relative position between the anti-rotational feature and the non-round outer shape of the coping <NUM> is defined such that when the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the underlying component <NUM> mates with the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the coping <NUM> their respective non-round outer shape are aligned.

<FIG> shows an example replica <NUM> that is configured to replicate the position and orientation of an underlying component (e.g., underlying component <NUM> shown in <FIG>). The replica <NUM> has a first anti-rotational feature <NUM> that can correspond to an anti-rotational feature of the underlying component (e.g., anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the underlying component <NUM> shown in <FIG>). The anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the replica <NUM> shown in <FIG> and the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the underlying component <NUM> shown in <FIG> are both in the shape of <NUM> protrusions, even though the exact shapes can differ. For example, the outer shape can appear similar, while the first anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the replica <NUM> can include a recessed portion in the center of a protrusion. As shown in <FIG>, the replica <NUM> can also have a second anti-rotational feature <NUM>. The second anti-rotational feature <NUM> can extend from the first anti-rotational feature <NUM> and can be different in shape and/or size than the first anti-rotational feature <NUM>. <FIG> shows an example upper component <NUM> (e.g., an abutment) having an anti-rotational feature <NUM> (e.g., three recesses) which can mate with the second anti-rotational feature of a replica (e.g., second anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the replica <NUM> shown in <FIG> shows an example system <NUM> that can include one of the following components: the example replica <NUM> and/or the example upper component <NUM>. <FIG> shows a cross-section of the replica <NUM> shown in <FIG> coupled with the upper component <NUM> shown in <FIG>. In <FIG>, the anti-rotational feature <NUM> (e.g., three recesses) on the internal surface of the upper component <NUM> mates with the second anti-rotational feature <NUM> (e.g., three protrusions) on the external surface of the replica <NUM> in such a way that the non-round outer shape of the upper component is aligned with the non-round outer shape of the of the replica <NUM>.

In other words, the relative position between the anti-rotational feature and the non-round outer shape of the upper component <NUM> and the relative position between the second anti-rotational feature and the non-round outer shape of the replica <NUM> is defined such that, when the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the upper component <NUM> mates with the second anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the replica <NUM>, their respective non-round outer shape are aligned.

<FIG> shows another cross-section of the example replica <NUM> shown in <FIG> coupled with the example upper component <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The first anti-rotational feature <NUM> (e.g., three protrusions) on the external surface of the replica <NUM> however does not mate with the internal surface of the upper component <NUM> (e.g., feature <NUM>). In some instances, the feature <NUM> (e.g., <NUM> recesses) of the upper component <NUM> can have a larger size (e.g., compared with the first anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the replica <NUM>), or the first anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the replica <NUM> can have a smaller size compared to the feature <NUM>. Since the first anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the replica (which can correspond to the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the underlying component <NUM>) does not mate with the upper component <NUM>, the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the underlying component <NUM> also does not mate with the upper component <NUM>. <FIG> shows a cross-section of the example underlying component <NUM> shown in <FIG> coupled with the example upper component <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The anti-rotational feature <NUM> (e.g., three protrusions) on the external surface of the underlying component <NUM> does not mate with the feature <NUM> (e.g., <NUM> recesses) on the internal surface of the upper component <NUM>.

<FIG> shows another cross-section of the example underlying component <NUM> shown in <FIG> coupled with the example upper component <NUM> shown in <FIG>. <FIG> shows a longitudinal cross-section of the example underlying component <NUM> shown in <FIG> coupled with the example upper component <NUM> shown in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the underlying component <NUM> does not reach the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the upper component <NUM>. <FIG> also shows the anti-rotational feature <NUM> on the external surface of the underlying component <NUM> does not mate with the feature <NUM> on the internal surface of the upper component <NUM>.

<FIG> show other example dental components and/or systems which can include any one or more of the components. <FIG> shows an example underlying component <NUM> having an anti-rotational feature <NUM> (e.g., three protrusions). <FIG> shows an example coping <NUM>. The coping <NUM> can include an anti-rotational feature <NUM> (e.g., three recesses) configured to mate with the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the underlying component <NUM>. In this example, the coping <NUM> also includes a cut free <NUM> to avoid engagement with a second anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the replica. The coping <NUM> also can include an orientation feature <NUM> (e.g., protrusions and recesses). The orientation feature <NUM> can provide the orientation of the coping <NUM> such that the position and orientation of the underlying component <NUM>, when mated, can be captured.

<FIG> shows an example replica <NUM> that is configured to replicate the position and orientation the underlying component <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The replica <NUM> has a first anti-rotational feature <NUM> (e.g., <NUM> protrusions) that corresponds to the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the underlying component <NUM>. The replica <NUM> can also have a second anti-rotational feature <NUM> (e.g., <NUM> smaller protrusions or pins). In this example, the second anti-rotational feature <NUM> is positioned on the first anti-rotational feature <NUM>. <FIG> shows an example upper component <NUM>. The upper component <NUM> has an anti-rotational <NUM> (e.g., <NUM> recesses) which can mate with the second anti-rotational feature <NUM>, but not with the first anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the replica <NUM> (e.g., feature/surface <NUM>).

<FIG> show other example dental components and/or systems which can include any one or more of the components. <FIG> shows an example underlying component <NUM> having an anti-rotational feature <NUM> (e.g., three protrusions). <FIG> shows an example coping <NUM>. The coping <NUM> can include an anti-rotational feature <NUM> (e.g., three recesses) configured to mate with the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the underlying component <NUM>. The coping <NUM> also can include an orientation feature <NUM> (e.g., protrusions and recesses). <FIG> shows an example replica <NUM> that is configured to replicate the position and orientation the underlying component <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The replica <NUM> has a first anti-rotational feature <NUM> that corresponds to the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the underlying component <NUM>. The replica <NUM> can also have a second anti-rotational feature <NUM> (e.g., a smaller protrusion or pin). In this example, the second anti-rotational feature <NUM> is positioned on a surface configured to mate with an adjacent component (e.g., a coping, an abutment, a prosthesis, etc.). The coping <NUM> in <FIG> does not include an additional anti-rotational feature to mate with the second anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the replica <NUM> shown in <FIG> shows an example upper component <NUM>. The upper component <NUM> has an anti-rotational <NUM> (e.g., a recess) which can mate with the second anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the replica <NUM>. The upper component <NUM> does not mate with the first anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the replica <NUM> (e.g., feature/surface <NUM>).

<FIG> show other example dental components and/or systems <NUM> which can include any one or more of the components. <FIG> shows an example underlying component <NUM> having an anti-rotational feature <NUM> (e.g., three protrusions). <FIG> shows an example coping <NUM>. The coping <NUM> can include an anti-rotational feature <NUM> (e.g., three recesses) configured to mate with the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the underlying component <NUM>. The coping <NUM> also can include an orientation feature <NUM> (e.g., protrusions and recesses). <FIG> shows an example replica <NUM> that is configured to replicate the position and orientation the underlying component <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The replica <NUM> has a first anti-rotational feature <NUM> (e.g., <NUM> protrusions) that corresponds to the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the underlying component <NUM>. The replica <NUM> can also have a second anti-rotational feature <NUM>. In this example, the second anti-rotational feature <NUM> is a grooved surface configured to mate with an adjacent component (e.g., a coping, an abutment, a prosthesis, etc.). The coping <NUM> in <FIG> does not include an additional anti-rotational feature to mate with the second anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the replica <NUM> shown in <FIG> shows an example upper component <NUM>. The upper component <NUM> has an anti-rotational <NUM> which can mate with the second anti-rotational feature <NUM>, but not with the first anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the replica <NUM> (e.g., feature/surface <NUM>).

<FIG> shows the example replica <NUM> shown in <FIG> coupled with the example upper component <NUM> shown in <FIG>. <FIG> shows a cross-section of the example replica <NUM> coupled with the example upper component <NUM> shown in <FIG> shows another cross-section of the example replica <NUM> coupled with the example upper component <NUM> shown in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the second anti-rotational feature of the <NUM> of the replica <NUM> can be configured to mate with the anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the upper component <NUM>. However, the upper component <NUM> (e.g., surface/feature <NUM>) does not mate with the first anti-rotational feature <NUM> of the replica <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A system (<NUM>) configured to record a position and orientation of a dental component, the system comprising:
a coping (<NUM>) comprising:
an anti-rotational feature (<NUM>) that is configured to mate with an anti-rotational feature of the dental component, and
an orientation feature (<NUM>) that is configured to convey the orientation of the dental component; and
a replica (<NUM>) of the dental component comprising:
a first anti-rotational feature (<NUM>) that corresponds to the anti-rotational feature of the dental component, and
a second anti-rotational feature (<NUM>) that does not correspond to the anti-rotational feature of the dental component, wherein the second anti-rotational feature of the replica is positioned on a surface configured to mate with an adjacent component, wherein the adjacent component comprises the coping, an abutment, and/or a prosthesis.