US Patent 7474932 Dental computer-aided design (CAD) methods and systems

The present specification describes systems and methods for interactive three-dimensional dental imaging. More specifically, the present methods and systems provide for interactive computer-aided design (CAD) in dental applications. According to one of many possible embodiments, an interactive dental computer-aided design (CAD) system includes a graphical user interface for displaying at least one three-dimensional (3D) image for viewing by an operator, an access interface for receiving input from the operator, and a prosthesis design module providing design tools for creating a virtual 3D model of a dental prosthesis responsive to operator input.