The present invention provides a method of making and aligning digital
images from oral tissues, dental implants, healing components, and dental
restorations to design and manufacture dental implant retained
restorations. Image data about the space available for the planned
restoration, orientation of dental implants or abutments and aesthetic
contour and occlusion of the prosthesis are all integrated into a virtual
three-dimensional model of the prosthesis that can be sent to the
clinician or laboratory to validate design intent and to manufacture the
prosthesis. The virtual model is used by either a conventional rapid
prototyping machine to produce a castable pattern or a number controlled
mill to machine the restoration.