Workflow at a Glance
The Medit Model Builder workflow consists of 7 steps, which must be followed in a specific sequence. After assigning the data, the user proceeds to the Overview step to review the imported scan data. Working in the final 3 steps is optional, and the user can proceed to “Complete“ right upon creating the model base.
Overview | Check the imported scan data. | |
Area Designation | Designate the area for base creation. | |
Data Editing | Edit and trim data using the wide array of functions provided. | |
Data Alignment | Move data to the occlusal plane of a virtual articulator. | |
Base Creation | Create the base for the model. | |
Die Creation | Create dies that will be used in the base model. | |
Attachments | Add support elements or other attachments to the model. | |
Labeling | Label the model, either engraving or embossing the text. | |
Complete |
Finish the model creation process and save the results to Medit Link.
⚠️ Paid Feature Saving and exporting the completed design as an STL file is a paid feature. Pricing may vary based on your scanner ownership status and location. For more details about payment, please visit the Medit Help Center or click here. |
Overview
Overview is the landing page of Medit Model Builder, where the imported data is shown.
1. Check your scan data for any holes or issues that may require editing. Ensure the data is not trimmed too close to the teeth and includes some gingiva data.
2. Once you're finished, click the "Area Designation" icon at the top to start creating the model.
Area Designation
In the first step, the teeth portion of the scan data is automatically detected, and a section of the data is selected to designate the area that will be used to create the model base. Although this step is automated, it is recommended that the user review the selection to ensure accuracy.
Toolbox
Split View | Show the maxilla and mandible in split view. | |
Show Maxilla | Show only the maxilla on the screen. | |
Show Mandible | Show only the mandible on the screen. | |
Expand Selection | Expand the automatically selected area on the scan data. | |
Polyline Selection | Select all entities within a polyline shape drawn on the screen. | |
Brush Selection |
Select all entities on a freehand-drawn path on the screen. |
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Invert Selected Area | Invert the selection. | |
Deselection Mode | When on, this function deselects the area using various tools. | |
Clear All Selections | Clear all selected areas. | |
Reset |
Undo all the actions done in this mode and restore all elements to their original position. |
1. If needed, adjust the selection area by moving the “Expand Selection” slider at the bottom of the screen.
Before “Expand Selection” | After “Expand Selection” |
- If for any reason the data is not automatically selected, you can use other data selection tools to do it manually - "Polyline Selection" or “Brush Selection.“ The former is useful for selecting both the front and inside of the data.
Selecting with the brush | Selecting with the polyline tool |
Use the "Split View" to view and adjust the maxilla and mandible if you are creating a model for both arches.
2. Click “Next” when finished or select the icon of the next step at the top.
Data Editing
The goal of this step is to edit and prepare the scan data for further work. The Data Editing step provides tools for refining the imported scan data, removing the need for preparation in other programs. Clean scan data ensures a faster workflow and more accurate design results.
Using the available tools, users can trim excess or unnecessary data, modify the data surface, and fill any holes that may be present.
Toolbox
Polyline Selection | Selects all entities within a polyline shape drawn on the screen. | |
Brush Selection |
Selects all entities on a freehand-drawn path on the screen. |
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Invert Selected Area | Invert the data selection. | |
Deselection Mode | When on, this function deselects the area using various tools. | |
Clear All Selection | Clears all selected areas. | |
Delete Selected Area | Delete the data from the selected area. | |
Fill Holes | Fill empty spaces in the 3D mesh data. | |
Sculpting | Sculpt data by adding, removing, smoothing or morphing. |
How to Edit Data
1. Use various tools to select the area you would like to edit.
The "Polyline" tool removes all the data within the polyline shape drawn on the screen while the "Brush" tool removes only the front-facing data.
2. You can revert the selection by clicking “Invert Selected Area”.
3. To delete the selected area, click the “Delete Selected Area”.
How to Fill Holes in Data
Using the “Fill Holes” function, you can fill in the holes left from scanning or fill in the
areas deleted in the program.
1. Maximum Perimeter of a Hole (mm): Set the maximum size of holes (mm) to be filled up. Note that any holes exceeding the size you set will not be filled.
2. Use Neighboring Colors for Filled Holes: When the “Use Neighboring Colors for Filled Holes” box is checked, the program will use the colors around the holes for filling. Otherwise, the filled areas will be grey.
3. Press the “Apply” button to apply the results.
How to Sculpt Data
You can make changes to data by sculpting it using such tools as “Add,” “Remove,”
“Smooth,” “Morph.”
Toolbox: Sculpting
Add |
Use the mouse to add on parts of the data. Hotkey: 1 |
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Remove |
Use the mouse to remove parts of the data. Hotkey: 2 |
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Smooth |
Use the mouse to smooth parts of the data. Hotkey: 3 |
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Morph |
Use the mouse to morph parts of the data. Hotkey: 4 |
Windows | macOS |
Data Alignment
Align the data with the virtual occlusal plane to properly place the data on the base.
If the alignment has already been done in Medit Scan for Clinics or Medit Scan for Labs, you can skip this step. However, we recommend checking the alignment to ensure proper positioning of the data on the base.
Toolbox
Align with Occlusal Plane by Three Points | Select three points on the maxilla or mandible to align with the occlusal plane. | |
Align with Occlusal Plane by Four Points |
Select four points on the maxilla or mandible to align with the occlusal plane. It is beneficial when there are no anterior teeth. |
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Delete Marker Point | Remove the points selected for alignment. | |
Detach Data | Separate the aligned data and move it to the original position. | |
Multi-View | When on, this function shows data from four different angles. |
1. As shown in the image below, select three or four points on the data. Then it will
be automatically aligned to the occlusal plane.
If there are no anterior teeth, click "Align with Occlusal Plane by Four Points" at the bottom of the screen and select four points on the corresponding teeth on both sides.
2. Adjust the data around in the Multi-View on the right to adjust its position on the occlusal plane.
3. Turn off the Multi-View to only show the occlusal plane part on the screen.
Use the View Cube at the bottom of each view for flexible 3D environment orientation.
As shown below, the base may not be created correctly if the model is misaligned. Make sure that the model is properly aligned for best results.
4. Click “Next” when finished.
Base Creation
The Base Creation step is the key to model creation. You can select the base type and adjust it across various parameters such as base height, wall thickness, number of drain holes, and more.
Toolbox
Base Type | Select one of the available base types: ABO, Plate or Plateless Model. | |
Total Height (mm) |
Use this slider to adjust the total height of the model, including the base and scan data.
ℹ️ Note
The total height of the model can be up to 99mm. It might be useful to check the maximum height of the model available to print with your 3D printer to set a height limitation. |
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Hollow Shape |
Hollow out the base and adjust the wall thickness.
ℹ️ Note
Hollowing out the shape is useful when printing the model using less material. Each type of base can be hollowed out. |
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Wall Thickness (mm) |
Use this slider to adjust the thickness of the walls once you choose to hollow out the model.
ℹ️ Note
The range of wall thickness is 2 - 4 mm. It might be useful to check your 3D printer recommended settings to make a correct decision on the wall thickness. |
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Straight / Curved (Straight) |
Make the base at the edge of the scan data straight.
ℹ️ Note
Only available for the Plateless Models. |
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Straight / Curved (Curved) |
Make the base at the edge of the scan data curved.
ℹ️ Note
Only available for the Plateless Models. |
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Create Drain Holes |
Create drain holes to drain out uncured resin and set their quantity, diameter and distance from the base.
ℹ️ Note
Using drain holes is useful for resin printing since they help remove the excess resin and ensure that no material gets stuck inside the model.
ℹ️ Note
Only available for the Plateless Models. |
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Infill | Create a honeycomb structure inside the hollow base. | |
Bevel | Turn on to create a bevel. | |
Preview | Preview the model before moving to the next step. |
Check out the difference between straight and curved bases below.
Straight | Curved |
1. First, select a base type among the three available options: ABO, plate, and plateless.
ABO |
Create an ABO model. This orthodontic option creates a maxillary base with seven angles, while the mandibular base takes an elliptical form. |
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Plate |
Create a plate model. The plate will follow the shape of the scan data. |
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Plateless |
Create a plateless model. Usually made in a horseshoe shape, the base will recreate the shape of scan data. |
- You can adjust the height of the base using the up/down arrows located by the scan data. Or use the slider at the bottom to get precise measurements.
2. If you want the base to be empty inside as shown on the image below, turn on
“Hollow Shape.”
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The hollowed-out base can be further customized by adjusting the wall
thickness.
3. Create drain holes for hollow models by clicking the “Create Drain Holes” icon at
the bottom and turning on the toggle. Check parameter options available for drain
holes and adjust them as needed.
Parameter | Explanation |
Number of Holes | Specify the desired number (from 1 to 15) of drain holes for each arch. |
Hole Diameter (mm) | Specify the diameter of drain holes (applied to all of them) |
Distance from the Base | Specify the desired position of drain holes as counted from the base of the model. |
- You can move the drain holes freely from left to right by clicking on the circle and dragging it horizontally.
4. Turning on the “Infill” feature will create a honeycomb inside the hollowed-out
base. This is a helpful feature for 3D printing as it will improve the strength of the
printed model.
5. Click on "Bevel" to turn the toggle on and off. Turning the "Bevel" option on is
helpful for 3D printing because it makes it easier to separate the printed model
from the build plate.
6. Before moving to the next mode, click “Preview” to visualize and examine all adjustments you have made in this mode.
7. Click "Next" when finished.
Die Creation
In Die Creation, you can create individual dies that are detachable from the base model. Customize your dies easily using the numerous options provided, such as die gap, pin height, extra gap from margin, etc.
There are also additional ways to create dies, such as “Cutout Dies” and “Extra Dies.”
If needed, adjust the area by moving the “Expand Selection” slider at the bottom of the screen.
Note that working in this step is optional.
If you turn on the “Bevel” and “Create Drain Holes” options in the Base Creation step, they will be automatically applied to dies in this step. Your created dies will be beveled and have drain holes near the bottom of the slots.
Toolbox
Add Die | Add die to the base. | |
Margin Line | Draw the margin line on a prepped tooth. | |
Adjacent Teeth Selection | Select the adjacent teeth instead of using margin lines to create the die. | |
Set Die Insertion Path from View Point | Adjust and set the die insertion path from your view direction. | |
Delete | Delete current die. | |
Die Numbering | Add teeth numbers on the dies. | |
Cutout Dies | Create dies that are detachable from the base. | |
Extra Dies | Create additional dies along with a base with trimmed margin line. | |
Die Option |
Customize the die.
ℹ️ Note
Save your adjustable options as custom presets for quick access. |
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Preview | Preview the die before moving to the next step. |
1. Form information will be available immediately if you have imported the case
from Medit Link. If you want to create individual dies for adjacent teeth, click "Add
Die" to open Form Information.
2. In Form Information, select the tooth number you want to create a die for.
3. Use the margin line for prepped teeth and the gingiva line for adjacent teeth when creating the die. Margin line information generated with Medit Scan for Clinics/
Labs will be imported.
Toolbox
Curvature Display Mode | You can use the toggle to turn the Curvature Display Mode on and off based on your preferences. | |
Section View | You can use the toggle to turn the Section View on and off based on your preferences. | |
Auto Creation | Create a margin line automatically based on the multiple points selected. | |
Manual Creation | Draw your own line using the left mouse button to drag and select the points. | |
Edit |
Edit the points on the margin line using your mouse. Left click to add points, right click to delete points. |
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Delete | Delete the margin line. | |
Exit | Exit and return to Die Creation step. |
4. Engrave teeth numbers on your dies when creating multiple ones. Click “Die Numbering” to automatically itemize the dies with their corresponding tooth number and check results through the preview option.
5. Customize the die in “Die Option” using the various parameters provided.
Die Option
Parameter | Explanation |
Extra Gap from Margin | Adjust the extra gap space between margin line and the base. |
Die Horizontal Gap | Adjust the horizontal gap between the die and the base. |
Die Vertical Gap | Adjust the vertical gap between the die and the base. |
Pin Height | Adjust the height of the pin. |
Margin Trimming Depth | Specify the additional depth that needs trimming from the margin line. |
Margin Extrusion Length | Specify the length of the margin that is extruding. |
Each of the dies will be saved separately when saving the output files to Medit Link.
6. Click the “Preview” icon to see the die model in the base.
Die Creation: Margin Line
Use the Margin Line Imported from Medit Scan for Clinics
1. Once you are in “Die Creation,” dies will be created automatically if you already have a margin line for the prepared teeth in Medit Scan for Clinics. The margin line will be displayed on the scan data straightaway.
2. Examine the margin line.
3. Add or delete points using your mouse. Left-click to add points, right-click to delete points.
4. When completed, click "Next." You will see the restoration ready.
Create a Margin Line in Medit Model Builder
If you have not created a margin line for the prepared tooth in Medit Scan for Clinics, you can draw it manually in Medit Model Builder.
1. In Die Creation step, click “Margin Line” at the bottom of the screen.
2. You can then choose between “Auto Creation” or “Manual Creation.”
3. You can edit or delete the margin line.
View Curvature
Select the area to specify the margin line. Then check the curvature by turning on
the function at the bottom of the screen. The surface curvature of the scan data is
displayed in various colors.
If the color is redder, it is more embossed and if the color is bluer, it is more engraved.
You can use the color expression interval slider to adjust the color radius.
View Cross Section
When creating or editing the margin line, this feature shows you the cross-sectional display based on your mouse location; this feature can be turned on and off. It prevents any areas from being hidden when zoomed in closely and allows you to check the magnified margin more carefully.
Attachment
In this step, users can add support elements or other attachments to the model base to customize the design and functionality of the dental model.
ℹ️ Note
Note that working in this mode is optional.
This step is available only when both arches data was imported.
Toolbox
Removing Overlapping Areas | Select the overlapping data you wish to remove. | |
Add Support Pin | Attach pins to the model base for support. (max. 5) | |
Manage Pin #1 | Manage the support pin #1. | |
Add Attachment | Add hinges, support elements, or articulators to the model base. (max. 5) | |
Manage Attachment #1 | Manage attachment #1. | |
Diameter (mm) |
Adjust the diameter of the support pin.
ℹ️ Note
The range of diameter is 5 - 10 mm. |
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Distance from the Base (mm) | Adjust the pin’s distance from the base. | |
Delete | Delete the selected element. |
1. Check the placement of the automatically attached pins.
2. Use “Add Support Pin” to add more pins if needed. A maximum of 5 can be added. If any of the pins are displayed in orange, their placement is not optimal, or it may be coinciding with the drain holes. Adjust the pin’s placement by dragging it until it is blue.
3. You can also make individual changes to each pin’s thickness and position. Click the pin’s management button to adjust the “Diameter” and “Distance From the Base” sliders.
Adjusting “Distance From the Base” can help shorten the pin if you can’t avoid placing it near the drain holes.
4. To delete any pin, make sure the corresponding management button is selected and click “Delete.”
5. Use "Add Attachment" to attach elements other than support pins to the model. You can choose from the provided elements or import custom-designed elements from your local storage. A maximum of 5 attachments is allowed.
6. Attachments will have a 3D manipulator for you to scale, translate or rotate the element.
Similarly to pins, if the attached element is displayed in orange, you must adjust its placement.
7. To delete an attachment, make sure the corresponding management button for an attachment is selected and click “Delete.”
8. Click “Next” when finished.
Labeling
The Labeling step allows users to add and manage labels on the model base. The first two labels will be automatically created upon entering the mode.
ℹ️ Note
Note that working in this mode is optional.
Toolbox
Add label | Add a label to the base. | |
Manage Label #1 | Manage Label #1. | |
Manage Label #2 | Manage Label #2 | |
Label |
Enter the text to appear on the label.
ℹ️ Note
You can change the default label text in the program settings. |
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Font | Choose a font for the label from the list. | |
Size | Set the size for the labels. | |
Embossing/Engraving (Engraving) | Label the model by engraving. | |
Embossing/Engraving (Embossing) | Label the model by embossing. | |
Rotate 180° | Turn the selected label by 180°. | |
Delete | Delete the current label. |
1. Check the placement of the automatically attached labels. If the label and the articulator are overlapping, they will be displayed in orange. Move the text or go back to the Attachments step to adjust the articulators' position.
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Add labels to the model by embossing or engraving. You can adjust the “Depth” slider or enter a specific value for each label.
2. Add more labels if needed by clicking the “Add Label” button. A maximum of 6 can be created.
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You can rotate any of the created labels by clicking it and then using Rotate 180°.
3. Click, hold, and drag each label to adjust its position. To delete any, click the label and then the "Delete" icon.
4. The size and font for each label text can be changed individually.
5. Click “Next” in the bottom right corner when finished.
Complete
Once you finish the model creation process, click the last icon on top of the screen to save the results to your Medit Link case.
1. Enter a project file name and click "Save."
2. Check your file project and the created model in Medit Link.
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