[Construction of inlay axial surface using B-Spline curve network].
OBJECTIVE
To realize the requirement of adjacent area accuracy, axial surface physical contour and smoothness in the process of inlay computer-aided design (CAD).


METHODS
A compromised method was brought forward that some assistant 3-D constraint lines from occlusion to gingiva were used to lead the inlay contour on axial corner and other characterized areas, and two perpendicular 3-D constructing lines at adjacent area were used to construct accurate 3-D configuration of this area. The axial surface was completely defined by the network of specified curves which were two constructing lines and four borders.


RESULTS
Inlay axial surface was smooth, the contour was consistent with the residual tooth body and the 3-D configuration in adjacent area was accurate.


CONCLUSIONS
It is feasible to realize the inlay axial surface accuracy, smoothness, and consistency using the method of special distributed 3-D B-Spline curve network.
Liu
Ming-li
ML
Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China.
Wang
Yong
Y
Lv
Pei-jun
PJ
D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D007284:Inlays / Q000379:methods*; D003765:Models, Dental; D015203:Reproducibility of Results