In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to methods for
producing demonstration models of dentition, which may be used for a
variety of purposes, including, for example, installing dental implants
in a patient and designing orthodontic devices. According to certain
embodiments of the invention, methods for installing dental implants in a
patient are provided. The methods generally comprise producing a
demonstration model of a patient's teeth and a pilot hole for a dental
implant and using the model as,a guide for drilling a pilot hole at the
implant site. According to such embodiments, the step of producing the
demonstration model comprises (a) capturing a digital image of patient's
mouth region using a digital image acquisition system, (b) performing a
digital image segmentation of the patient's teeth apart from a set of
volumetric data (to produce a segmented image of the teeth), (c)
identifying the implant site for the dental implant within the segmented
image, (d) deriving the pilot hole and dimensions thereof at the implant
site within the segmented image, and (e) manufacturing a real-sized
demonstration model of the patient's teeth with the pilot hole disposed
therein. The invention provides that a drill sleeve may be secured to the
real-sized demonstration model within the pilot hole to produce a
transfer tray, which may then be placed in the patient's mouth. According
to such embodiments, the drill sleeve may be used as a guide for the
pilot drill, such that the implant may thereafter be installed in the
patient's mouth.