WO2025185820A1

WO2025185820A1 - Methods and devices for casting a restoration matrix for placement over a tooth or a set of teeth as part of a restoration process for restoring said tooth

Info

Publication number: WO2025185820A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/055834
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marco Annucci
Original assignee: Exocad GmbH
Current assignee: Exocad GmbH
Priority date: 2024-03-06
Filing date: 2024-03-06
Publication date: 2025-09-12
Anticipated expiration: 2026-09-06
Also published as: WO2025185820A8

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of dental technology. More particularly, the invention relates to a computer-implemented method, a computer program product, a computer device, and a manufacturing system for providing a casting matrix configured for casting a restoration matrix for placement over a tooth or a set of teeth as part of a restoration process for restoring said tooth. The method comprising the following steps: providing a 3D digital dental model of said tooth (41) or set of teeth (4) comprising said tooth (41), wherein a representation of said tooth (41) in the 3D digital dental model is a restored version of said tooth (41), generating, using the 3D digital dental model, a 3D digital restoration matrix model of the restoration matrix (3), the 3D digital restoration matrix model enveloping said tooth (41) or said set of teeth (4), generating, using the 3D digital restoration matrix model, a 3D digital casting matrix model of the casting matrix (2), providing said 3D digital casting matrix model as a template for manufacturing said casting matrix (2), wherein the 3D digital casting matrix model is generated such that the casting matrix (2) is manufactured as a single piece closed structure, or a multi-pieces construction that together form the casting matrix enclosing a casting cavity (22) to be filled with a restoration matrix material for casting the restoration matrix (3).

Description

Methods and devices for casting a restoration matrix for placement over a tooth or a set of teeth as part of a restoration process for restoring said tooth

The invention relates to the field of dental technology. More particularly, the invention relates to a computer-implemented method for providing a template for a casting matrix configured for casting a restoration matrix for placement over a tooth or a set of teeth as part of a restoration process for restoring said tooth. The invention furthermore relates to a computer program product, a computer device and a manufacturing system for providing a casting matrix.

Dental veneers are thin shells or covers made of materials such as porcelain or composite resin, which are placed or applied over teeth or on the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance or correct damages, e.g. chipped sections, discolorations etc. They are a popular cosmetic dental treatment option that can improve the color, shape, and size of teeth, and can also address issues such as ground down, chipped or misaligned teeth. One way of applying a veneer on a tooth is to cover the tooth with a casting mold, hereinafter called a restoration matrix, which forms a cavity or restoration space, i.e. a gap between the tooth and the restoration matrix, in which a veneer composite can be filled, which then covers a surface of the tooth. The veneer composite applied to the tooth can then be hardened to form the desired veneer on the tooth. This process can also be used for other tooth restoration processes, such as the application of a filling, a crown, an onlay, and inlay or the like. The restoration space has to be designed accordingly.

One current approach for manufacturing the restoration matrix comprises the manufacture of a so-called mock-up, also called a dental stone model, which is a model of the patient’s teeth and gingiva. The mock-up may be made of plaster and includes the desired restorations, i.e. surface regions that are missing on the patient’s tooth or teeth due to abrasion are filled with the mock-up material in a way that mimics the restoration. In other words, the mock-up fills the same volume as the patient’s teeth and gingiva, including the restorations, but with the mock-up material, such as plaster. The mock-up is then utilized to produce the restoration matrix by hand. For this purpose, a tray with a suitable shape, such as an impression tray used to obtain dental impressions, is filled with a restoration matrix material. The mock-up is then pressed teeth-first into the restoration matrix material. The restoration matrix material, which is usually silicone, is cured and forms the restoration matrix.

The generation of a mock-up is time consuming and expensive. Furthermore, a lot of experience is necessary to produce the restoration matrix with the above-described manual approach: The amount and distribution of the restoration matrix material to be applied into the impression tray, as well as the correct placement of the mock-up into the restoration matrix material is crucial for the quality of the restoration matrix, and thus ultimately for the success of the restoration. On the other hand, it is currently not possible to directly 3D print the restoration matrix, because no suitable restoration matrix material for a 3D printing process is currently available.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide for methods and corresponding products to allow for the efficient and fast production of a restoration matrix for placement over a tooth or a set of teeth in a patient’s oral cavity and for application of a restoration composite onto said tooth or at least one tooth of the set of teeth as part of a restoration process for restoring said tooth or set of teeth.

This objective is being met according to the present invention by providing a computer-implemented method with the features according to claim 1 , a computer program product with the features according to claim 12, a computer device with the features according to claim 13 and a manufacturing system with the features according to claim 14.

According to one aspect of the invention, a computer-implemented method is suggested, which is configured for providing a template for a casting matrix. The casting matrix is configured for casting a restoration matrix, in particular by way of an injection molding process.

As part of said method, a 3D digital dental model of the tooth or the set of teeth in the patient’s oral cavity is provided, wherein a representation of said tooth in the 3D digital dental model is a restored version of said tooth. The 3D digital dental model (3D digital teeth model) may, e.g., be generated using scan data of the patient’s oral cavity. For example, the patient’s teeth and/or jaw in the oral cavity may be scanned using a scanner, e.g., an optical scanner. This is called an intraoral scan. The obtained scan data may be used to provide the 3D digital dental model of the scanned teeth of the oral cavity. Alternatively, an impression of the patient’s teeth in the oral cavity, i.e., a negative imprint of the teeth, may be taken. Either this impression may be scanned, e.g., using an optical scanner, or the negative imprint provided by the impression may be used to generate a positive reproduction of the patient’s teeth, i.e., a 3D physical dental stone model or cast, which is then scanned, e.g., by the optical scanner to provide the scan data used to generate the 3D digital dental model.

The 3D digital dental model may further comprise soft tissue, like a gingiva, in addition to the hard tissue in form of the teeth, i.e., the 3D digital dental model may be provided in form of a 3D digital tissue model of at least a section of the patient’s oral cavity. The 3D digital tissue model may be generated using scan data of the patient’s oral cavity. For example, the patient’s tissue in the oral cavity may be scanned using a scanner, e.g., an optical scanner. The achieved scan data may be used to provide the 3D digital tissue model of the scanned tissue of the oral cavity. Alternatively, an impression of the patient’s tissue in the oral cavity, i.e., a negative imprint of hard and soft tissue may be taken. Either this impression may be scanned, e.g., using an optical scanner or the negative imprint provided by the impression may be used to generate a positive reproduction of the patient’s tissue, i.e., a 3D physical tissue model or cast, which is scanned, e.g., by the optical scanner to provide the scan data used to generate the 3D digital tissue model.

The 3D digital dental model may be provided from a dataset and represent the patient’s tooth or teeth before a degradation has occurred, which makes a restoration necessary. Alternatively, the 3D digital dental model may be based on a representation of the patient's teeth in a current, degraded state, but include a restoration performed on the said tooth or set of teeth. For this purpose, a denturist or dental technician may take the scanned 3D digital dental model and work to restore the dental structure on a computer workstation, by digitally adding layers to the teeth, which are to be restored in the restoration process. Thus, herein, a 3D digital dental model stands for a digital representation of the already restored dental structure of the patient, in which a representation of the tooth to be restored is in fact already the restored version of said tooth.

In a further step, a 3D digital restoration matrix model of the restoration matrix is generated, using the 3D digital dental model. The 3D digital restoration matrix model is generated such that it envelopes said tooth or said set of teeth. In other words, the 3D digital restoration matrix model is configured such that a restoration matrix manufactured in the shape of the 3D digital restoration matrix model and placed on top or over the patient’s tooth or set of teeth will cover the same, and, where a restoration is desired on a tooth, the restoration matrix forms a restoration space, i.e. a gap between the tooth and the restoration matrix, in which a restoration composite can be filled and thus applied to the tooth. The restoration composite will then be allowed to harden and thus form the desired restored tooth. This process can also be used for a number of tooth restoration processes, such as the application of a veneer, a filling, a crown, an onlay, and inlay or the like. The restoration space has to be designed accordingly to accommodate the type and size of the restoration. In a following step, the 3D digital restoration matrix model is used to generate a 3D digital casting matrix model of the casting matrix. The 3D digital casting matrix model is a digital representation of the casting matrix. The 3D digital casting matrix model is generated such that the casting matrix is manufactured as a single piece closed structure, or a multi-piece construction, in particular as a two-piece or two-part construction, that together form the casting matrix enclosing a casting cavity to be filled with the restoration matrix material for casting the restoration matrix. Finally, the 3D digital casting matrix model is provided as a template for manufacturing the casting matrix. If the casting matrix is to be manufactured as a multi-piece construction, it may be filled with the restoration matrix material before the multiple pieces are put together to form the casting matrix. Both as single piece closed structure or as multi-piece construction, the casting matrix may comprise at least one access opening, such as a hole, for inserting the restoration matrix material into the casting cavity.

Once the casting matrix is manufactured, it can be used to manufacture the restoration matrix. For this purpose, the restoration matrix material is inserted into the casting cavity. Once the restoration matrix material is hardened, the restoration matrix can be removed from the casting matrix. The casting matrix may be manufactured as an injection molding matrix, or a mold designed for an injection molding process. In this case the 3D digital casting matrix model is generated accordingly.

The restoration matrix may be made of a soft restoration material, such as silicone. Advantageously, the restoration matrix is made of a transparent or semi-transparent restoration matrix material, such as a transparent or semitransparent silicone. This has the advantage that a light curable restoration composite can be used for the restoration process, which can be cured by illumination of the applied composite through the restoration matrix after application on the tooth or teeth. In a preferred embodiment, material properties of a predetermined restoration matrix material of the restoration matrix and/or material properties of a predetermined casting matrix material of the casting matrix are incorporated as parameters in the process of generating said 3D digital casting matrix model of the casting matrix. In particular, material properties regarding the expansion and/or contraction of the corresponding material during curing or settling may be taken into account. For example, when a predetermined restoration matrix material is to be utilized, which is known to contract by a certain amount x (e.g. 10%) during settling, the 3D casting matrix model may be designed for having a restoration matrix cavity and/or a restoration space that is larger than originally intended by that same or close to that amount x. This way, said material properties of the predetermined restoration matrix material and/or the predetermined casting matrix material is anticipated during the process. The goal is an intimate connection between restoration matrix and the dental structure of the patient during the restoration process.

Advantageously, in the process of generating said 3D digital casting matrix model of the casting matrix, it is taken into account that a material layer is applied to an inside surface of the casting cavity prior to filling the casting cavity with the restoration matrix material. Such a material layer may be a non-stick or lubrication material such as an oil or a powder, which facilitates the easy removal of the restoration matrix from the casting matrix, thus preventing damage to the restoration matrix during removal from the casting matrix. Taking into account the application of such a material layer may in particular mean that the casting cavity is planned with a slightly larger volume, or with additional micro-cavities along the inside wall of the casting cavity configured for improved retainment of the material layer.

In utilizing the finished restoration matrix, a dentist or dental technician will place the restoration matrix over the patient’s tooth or set of teeth, possibly covering parts of the gingiva. He/she will then use an injection needle to apply or inject the restoration composite into the restoration space formed between the inside wall of the restoration matrix cavity and the tooth to be restored. If the material of the restoration matrix is soft enough, the injection needle can penetrate the restoration matrix wall and thus form an application channel through the restoration matrix to the restoration space of the restoration matrix cavity.

In an advantageous embodiment, one or more application channel(s) may already be formed during the manufacturing of the restoration matrix. In particular, in a preferred embodiment the 3D digital casting matrix model is generated such that the casting matrix comprises at least one non-anatomical protrusion extending towards a tooth element in the casting matrix, the tooth element representing said tooth in the patient’s oral cavity. In the casting matrix, said protrusion represents or forms the application channel in the restoration matrix for applying said restoration composite onto said tooth.

Advantageously, the 3D digital casting matrix model is generated such that the casting matrix is manually breakable after casting the restoration matrix in order to remove said casted restoration matrix from the casting matrix. In other words, the casting matrix can be broken by hand, preferably without the help of additional tools.

The at least one non-anatomical protrusion may in addition function as a support column for structurally supporting a cover of the casting matrix. In other words, the protrusion links one inner wall of the casting cavity to another inner wall, such as an opposite inner wall, and thus enhance the structural stability of the casting matrix. This is in particular useful when a wall of the casting matrix is configured to be made thin enough for it to be broken manually, possibly without the aid of a tool, for extracting the finished restoration matrix.

According to a preferred embodiment, the 3D digital casting matrix model is generated such that the casting matrix comprises regions with a low wall thickness of less than 500 pm, less than 250 pm, or less than 100 pm. Said region is preferably located away or opposite to a tooth element or teeth element region, where the shape of the casting matrix inner wall mimics the shape of the tooth or set of teeth to be restored. Advantageously, the low wall thickness region has a size and shape configured to allow the extraction of the finished restoration matrix from the casting matrix once the low wall thickness region has been broken and removed. The opening of the casting matrix can then be performed after breaking part of the casting matrix enclosure manually, in particular without the use of a tool, e.g. similar to opening and peeling a cooked egg.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the 3D digital casting matrix model is generated such that the casting matrix comprises one or more section(s), which after removal of the restoration matrix from the casting matrix remain intact and mechanically connected to the restoration matrix as residual sections. For this purpose, the residual section may comprise at the inner surface of the casting cavity a surface structure that improves an adherence to the restoration matrix material. Alternatively or in addition, the residual section may be configured with such higher rigidity as to remain intact under mechanical forces at which other sections of the casting matrix break, in particular by having a different thickness and/or a different surface or volume structure.

Such residual sections may contribute to the structural integrity and stability of the restoration matrix when used during the restoration process. Because the restoration matrix is usually built out of an elastic restoration matrix material, it might deform when the restoration material is injected with high pressure into it and onto the tooth. The residual sections stemming from the casting matrix are more rigid than the restoration matrix material and can thus limit or prevent this deformation. Furthermore, as the residual sections may improve on the overall durability of the restoration matrix, a restoration matrix material may be utilized, which is less expensive. In order to allow for light-induced curing of the restoration material through the restoration matrix, the restoration matrix should be transparent or semitransparent to the utilized light. In this case, the residual sections may be transparent or semi-transparent as well, and/or they may be placed at sections of the restoration matrix that do not cover the restoration space.

The 3D digital casting matrix model may be sent to a manufacturing device and used there as a template for manufacturing the casting matrix. The manufacturing device will preferably manufacture the casting matrix as a physical copy of the template. The casting matrix may be manufactured by using any appropriate manufacturing method such as machining, 3D printing, casting, or a combination thereof.

According to further aspects of the invention, a computer program product, a computer device, and a manufacturing system are provided. Any features described herein in connection with the computer-implemented method may also be used alone or in suitable combinations in these further aspects of the invention.

The computer device may comprise a processor and a memory. The memory may store program instructions executable by the processor, whereby execution of the program instructions by the processor causes the computer device to perform the steps of the method according to any of the embodiments described herein.

The manufacturing system may comprise the computer device and the manufacturing device configured to manufacture the casting matrix, whereby execution of the program instructions by the processor further causes the computer device to control the manufacturing device to manufacture the casting matrix using the 3D digital casting matrix model as template. Some examples of embodiments of the present invention will be explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 shows a flow diagram of a process for obtaining a casting matrix according to an advantageous embodiment;

Fig. 2 shows schematically a manufacturing system for manufacturing the casting matrix;

Fig. 3 shows schematically a cross-sectional view on a process of restoring a tooth with the help of a restoration matrix;

Fig. 4 shows a similar situation as in Fig. 3 as a schematic 3D view;

Figs. 5, 6, and 7 each show a schematic of a cross-sectional view of a casting matrix according to three different preferred embodiments, Fig. 8 shows the restoration matrix that can be manufactured with a casting matrix according to Fig. 5 or Fig. 7; and

Fig. 9 shows a restoration matrix having a residual section stemming from the casting matrix.

One possible process for obtaining a casting matrix is described in the following with reference to Fig. 1 , which shows a flow diagram of the process. In a first step 101 , a set of teeth in a patient’s oral cavity is scanned. Based on the data obtained from the scan, in a next step 102 a 3D digital dental model of the set of teeth is generated, in which a representation of the tooth to be restored is a restored version of said tooth. Thus, the generated 3D digital dental model comprises a 3D digital tooth model of the tooth to be restored. The actual tooth or set of teeth may have been prepared for the reconstruction, for example ground to a suitable size and shape in anticipation for a veneer reconstruction.

In a next step 103, using the 3D digital dental model, a 3D digital restoration matrix model of the restoration matrix is generated, the 3D digital restoration matrix model enveloping said tooth or said set of teeth. Then, in a further step 104, using the 3D digital restoration matrix model, a 3D digital casting matrix model of the casting matrix, which is provided as a template for manufacturing said casting matrix. Finally, in a step 105, the casting matrix is manufactured, using the 3D digital casting matrix model as a template.

A manufacturing system for manufacturing the casting matrix is shown schematically in Fig. 2. The manufacturing system comprises a processor 54, input/output (i/o) devices 50, such as a monitor and a keyboard, a scan device 52, a memory 56, and a manufacturing device 58. The scan device 52 can be used to scan a physical dental stone model of the patient or directly scan the inside of the patient’s oral cavity. With the scan data, the processor 54 may generate the 3D digital dental model and store it in the memory 56. The processor 54 can further provide a CAD environment and communicate this environment with a technician using the i/o devices 50. The manufacturing device 58, here shown as a 3D printer, receives the 3D digital casting matrix model and uses it as a template for manufacturing the casting matrix.

A cross-sectional view on a process of restoring a tooth 41 with the help of a restoration matrix 3 is shown schematically in Fig. 3. Fig. 4 shows a similar situation as a schematic 3D view. The tooth 41 to be restored is part of a set of teeth 4 in a patient’s oral cavity (not shown). The restoration matrix 3 is placed over the set of teeth 4, covering them and parts of the gingiva. The restoration matrix 3 has one or multiple restoration matrix cavities 31 to accommodate the set of teeth 4, including the tooth 41. However, in the cross- sectional view of Fig. 3, only the restoration matrix cavity 31 incorporating the tooth 41 is shows. It is larger than the tooth 41 such that there is a restoration space 33 formed in it, between the restoration matrix 3 and the tooth 41 .

The restoration space 33 acts as a casting mold in which a restoration composite is injected through an application channel 35 inside the restoration matrix 3. The restoration composite is applied via an injection needle 36, which is inserted into the application channel 35 into the restoration space 33. The application channel 35 may in fact be formed by injection needle 36 being pushed into and through the wall and the bulk of the restoration matrix 3. Alternatively, it may be produced when manufacturing the restoration matrix 3. Once the restoration composite covers the tooth 41 and fills out the restoration space 33, it is allowed to settle or cure, for example with the help of UV light illumination through the restoration matrix 3, which is made of a transparent material for this purpose. Finally, the restoration matrix 3 can be removed and the restored tooth or teeth can be worked on by the dentist or dental technician, to finalize the restoration process.

The Figs. 6, 7, and 8 each show a schematic of a cross-sectional view of a casting matrix 2 according to a different preferred embodiment. The casting matrix in all three cases comprise a casting cavity 22 and an access opening 26. Through the access opening 26, the casting cavity 22 is filled with the restoration composite, which is then cured to form the restoration matrix. The casting matrix 2 has a tooth region 25, which includes a shape of the targeted tooth including the restoration. The region of the casting matrix 2 supporting the tooth region 25 (here in the top of the Figures) can be made with a sufficient thickness for mechanical stability. In contrast, the region opposite the tooth region 25 (here at the bottom) and on the connecting side walls are preferably made thinner and/or using a more brittle material. This way, after curing the restoration matrix, these regions can be broken by hand to remove the finished restoration matrix.

In the casting matrix 2 shown in Fig. 6, the tooth region 25 and the thin-walled region opposite the tooth region 25 are connected via a protrusion 23. The protrusion 23 produces the application channel 35 in the finished restoration matrix, and also provides structural stability to the casting matrix 2.

The casting matrices 2 shown in Figs. 5 and 6 are Finally, are manufactured as a single piece closed structure. In contrast, Fig. 7 shows a two-part construction of a casting matrix 2, which comprises a tooth part 28 and a cover part 29. These two parts 28, 29 can be produced separately and connection by various coupling means, such as gluing or welding, before injecting the casting matrix 2 with the restoration composite through the access opening 26.

The resulting restoration matrix 3 that may result from either one of the casting matrices shown in Figs. 5 and 7, is shown schematically in Fig. 8. The tooth region 25 of the casting matrix 2 has left a restoration matrix cavity 31 in the restoration matrix 3, which can accommodate the tooth to be restored and the restoration material that is injected through the restoration matrix 3 and onto the tooth.

Fig. 9 shows a restoration matrix 3 having a residual section 21. The residual section 21 is a part of the casting matrix 2 that has been left intact and still connected to the restoration matrix 3 in order to improve the rigidity and/or structural integrity of the restoration matrix 3. The residual section 21 may be placed at any suitable region of the restoration matrix 3. Furthermore, there may be multiple residual sections 21 attached to the restoration matrix 3.

Reference Numbers:

2 casting matrix

21 residual sections

22 casting cavity

23 protrusion

25 tooth region

26 access opening

28 tooth part

29 cover part

3 restoration matrix

31 restoration matrix cavity

33 restoration space

35 application channel

36 injection needle

4 set of teeth

41 tooth

50 input/output devices

52 scan device

54 processor

56 memory

58 manufacturing device, 3D printer

Claims

Claims:

1 . A computer-implemented method for providing a template for a casting matrix (2) configured for casting a restoration matrix (3) for placement over a tooth (41 ) or a set of teeth (4) in a patient’s oral cavity and for application of a restoration composite onto said tooth (41 ) or at least one tooth (41 ) of the set of teeth (4) as part of a restoration process for restoring said tooth (41 ) or set of teeth (4), the method comprising the following steps: providing a 3D digital dental model of said tooth (41 ) or set of teeth (4) comprising said tooth (41 ), wherein a representation of said tooth (41 ) in the 3D digital dental model is a restored version of said tooth (41 ), generating, using the 3D digital dental model, a 3D digital restoration matrix model of the restoration matrix (3), the 3D digital restoration matrix model enveloping said tooth (41 ) or said set of teeth (4), generating, using the 3D digital restoration matrix model, a 3D digital casting matrix model of the casting matrix (2), providing said 3D digital casting matrix model as a template for manufacturing said casting matrix (2), wherein the 3D digital casting matrix model is generated such that the casting matrix (2) is manufactured as a single piece closed structure, or a multi-piece construction that together form the casting matrix enclosing a casting cavity (22) to be filled with a restoration matrix material for casting the restoration matrix (3).

2. Method according to claim 1 , wherein in the process of generating said 3D digital casting matrix model of the casting matrix (2), material properties of a predetermined restoration matrix material of the restoration matrix (3) and/or of a predetermined casting matrix material of the casting matrix (2) are incorporated.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the process of generating said 3D digital casting matrix model of the casting matrix (2), it is taken into account that a material layer is applied to an inside surface of the casting cavity (22) prior to filling the casting cavity (22) with the restoration matrix material.

4. Method according to one of the previous claims, wherein the 3D digital casting matrix model is generated such that the casting matrix (2) is manufactured as a mold designed for an injection molding process.

5. Method according to one of the previous claims, wherein the 3D digital casting matrix model is generated such that the casting matrix (2) comprises at least one non-anatomical protrusion (23) extending towards a tooth element representing said tooth (41 ), wherein said protrusion (23) represents an application channel (35) in the restoration matrix (3) for applying said restoration composite onto said tooth (41 ).

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the at least one non-anatomical protrusion (23) functions as a support column for structurally supporting a cover of the casting matrix (2).

7. Method according to one of the previous claims, further comprising a step of manufacturing the casting matrix (2), using the 3D digital casting matrix model as the template, the manufactured casting matrix being a physical copy of the respective template.

8. The method of claim 7, the casting matrix (2) being manufactured using one or multiple of the following: machining, 3D printing, casting.

9. Method according to one of the previous claims, wherein the 3D digital casting matrix model is generated such that the casting matrix (2) is manually breakable after casting the restoration matrix (3) in order to remove said casted restoration matrix (3) from the casting matrix (2).

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the 3D digital casting matrix model is generated such that the casting matrix (2) comprises regions with a wall thickness of less than 500 pm, less than 250 pm, or less than 100 pm.

11 . The method of claim 10, wherein the 3D digital casting matrix model is generated such that the casting matrix (2) comprises one or more section(s), which after removal of the restoration matrix (3) from the casting matrix (2) remain intact and mechanically connected to the restoration matrix (3) as residual sections.

12. A computer program product for providing a template for a casting matrix (2) configured for casting a restoration matrix (3) for placement over a tooth (41 ) or a set of teeth (4) in a patient’s oral cavity and for application of a restoration composite onto said tooth (41 ) or at least one tooth (41 ) of the set of teeth (4) as part of a restoration process for restoring said tooth (41 ) or set of teeth (4), the program instructions being executable by a processor (54) of a computer device to cause the computer device to: provide a 3D digital dental model of said tooth (41 ) or set of teeth (4) comprising said tooth (41 ), wherein a representation of said tooth (41 ) in the 3D digital dental model is a restored version of said tooth (41 ), generate, using the 3D digital dental model, a 3D digital restoration matrix model of the restoration matrix (3), the 3D digital restoration matrix model enveloping said tooth (41 ) or said set of teeth (4), generate, using the 3D digital restoration matrix model, a 3D digital casting matrix model of the casting matrix (2), provide said 3D digital casting matrix model as a template for manufacturing said casting matrix (2), wherein the 3D digital casting matrix model is generated such that the casting matrix (2) is manufactured as a single piece closed structure, or a multi-piece construction that together form the casting matrix enclosing a casting cavity (22) to be filled with a restoration matrix material for casting the restoration matrix (3).

13. A computer device for providing a template for a casting matrix (2) configured for casting a restoration matrix (3) for placement over a tooth (41 ) or a set of teeth (4) in a patient’s oral cavity and for application of a restoration composite onto said tooth (41 ) or at least one tooth (41 ) of the set of teeth (4) as part of a restoration process for restoring said tooth (41 ) or set of teeth (4), the computer device comprising a processor and a memory storing program instructions executable by the processor, execution of the program instructions by the processor causing the computer device to: provide a 3D digital dental model of said tooth (41 ) or set of teeth (4) comprising said tooth (41 ), wherein a representation of said tooth (41 ) in the 3D digital dental model is a restored version of said tooth (41 ), generate, using the 3D digital dental model, a 3D digital restoration matrix model of the restoration matrix (3), the 3D digital restoration matrix model enveloping said tooth (41 ) or said set of teeth (4), generate, using the 3D digital restoration matrix model, a 3D digital casting matrix model of the casting matrix (2), provide said 3D digital casting matrix model as a template for manufacturing said casting matrix (2), wherein the 3D digital casting matrix model is generated such that the casting matrix (2) is manufactured as a single piece closed structure, or a multi-piece construction that together form the casting matrix enclosing a casting cavity (22) to be filled with a restoration matrix material for casting the restoration matrix (3).

14. A manufacturing system comprising the computer device of claim 13, the manufacturing system further comprising a manufacturing device configured to manufacture the casting matrix (2), execution of the program instructions by the processor further causing the computer device to control the manufacturing device to manufacture the casting matrix (2) using said 3D casting matrix model as a template, the manufactured casting matrix (2) being a physical copy of the template.