Digital Model Fabrication at ZFX
Intraoral scanners help to improve the quality of preparations and impressions by providing direct visual control opportunities. High-quality scans are produced, which are serving as basis for computer-aided manufacturing of dental prostheses. The only weak point within the conventional workflow is physical models, which aren’t suitable for the control of fit due its‘ low accuracy. With the specially developed Zfx™ Digital-intraModel System the company is now presenting a solution for this problem.
The system consists of a software module and separately available hardware components – plinths for upper and lower jaws, pins for model fixation on the plates and an intercuspidator. The module “Digital intraModel System” is used to transfer the digital data set of the impression into a model. Therefore the selection is made for the model type, the scan positioning between the plates, the determination of the preparation borders respectively emergence profile (implant model) and the segmentation. This digital model data is submitted to Zfx, where the production is done via highly precise synthetic laser sintering.
It is then delivered to the lab whether it be cement retained models or implant models which would include the suitable model analogs. The analogs have been especially developed by Zfx for ensuring the highest fitting accuracy during the positioning thereof. They are available for all Zimmer Biomet implant types and most other common implant systems. The high accuracy is guaranteed by the patented fixation process via a locating pin, which is guided through printed holes in the model as well as in the analog (plug system). This means that the intended position is exactly tranferred from the software; an incorrect positioning is impossible.
The models can be fixed on to plinths and put in the intercuspidator, which is used to carry out protrusion and laterotrusions movements. The system is compatible with an average articulator (e.g. Artex®, Amann Girrbach) and can be implemented easily in it by means of an adapter plate. Tests reveal, that the accuracy of the models is sufficient for even checking the fit of complex screw retained implant-supported bridges.