The feature-based modeling of standard tooth in a dental prosthetic database

This paper presents a feature-based approach that creates standard teeth models in database to provide the topological construction of the model for dental CAD. The approach arises from the basic idea that every tooth has its individual features and can be implemented in three steps. In the first step, the features on teeth are defined according to the oral anatomy. In the second step, Nurbs surfaces are applied so that the forms of standard teeth can be represented via establishing the topological relationship of features. Here, these feature-based surfaces have the capability of being local controlled that guarantees the accuracy of dental design. In the last step, feature curves are presented to describe the topological construction of dental ridges and grooves. Through these curves, the occlusal surface can be changed globally, simplifying dental design. It is finished with the establishment of standard database composed of 28 standard models constructed by feature-based surfaces and feature curves.