Tooth preparation guide device and method of preparing tooth for dental prosthesis

Abstract

Dental preparation uses a tooth preparation guide custom-made liar fitting with teeth of a patient. The preparation guide includes one or more guide channels for guiding a cutting tool. The preparation guide enables modification of the teeth as planned with high level of precision. A dental prosthesis for installing onto prepared teeth of the patient is provided before preparation of the teeth. The prosthesis includes features that are complementary to the prepared teeth. The prosthesis can be installed immediately after preparing the teeth using the preparation guide. With the high level of accuracy and precision in the preparation of teeth, no modification of the prosthesis would be needed for installation.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A dental preparation guide apparatus in a single body, the single body apparatus comprising a lingual sidewall, a buccal sidewall opposing the lingual sidewall, and an occlusal wall interconnecting the lingual and buccal sidewalls to form the single body, wherein the lingual sidewall, the buccal sidewall and the occlusal wall in combination define an interior space in which to receive a tooth comprising a buccal surface, a lingual surface, a mesial surface, a distal surface and an occlusal surface such that the lingual surface faces the lingual sidewall, the buccal surface faces the buccal sidewall, mid the occlusal surface faces the occlusal wall,
 the apparatus further comprising a guide channel formed in the single body and shaped to receive a cutting tool and guide the cutting tool to travel along a trajectory;   the guide channel comprising two opposing channel surfaces that are substantially parallel to each other and extend along the trajectory such that the cutting tool is constrained by the two opposing surfaces while traveling along the trajectory, the guide channel further comprising at least one anti-tilting configuration formed into at least one of the two channel surfaces and configured to engage with the cutting tool for preventing or reducing tilting of the cutting tool in a plane parallel to a direction of movement of the cutting tool at a given point of the trajectory while the cutting tool travels along the trajectory;   wherein the guide channel comprises a buccal section, a lingual section, and an interconnecting section interconnecting the buccal and lingual sections, which are connected to provide the guide channel as a single integrated, channel that allows the cutting tool to travel through the buccal, interconnecting and lingual sections of the guide channel without having to remove the cutting tool therefrom; and   wherein when viewing in a direction toward the occlusal wall, the buccal section extends generally along the buccal sidewall, and the lingual section extends generally along the lingual sidewall.   
     
     
       2. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the buccal section is configured to cause a portion of the cutting tool to enter into a buccal area of the interior space between the buccal sidewall and the tooth such that the portion of the cutting tool cuts at least part of the buccal surface while traveling, in the buccal section;
 wherein the lingual section is configured to cause the portion of the cutting tool to enter into a lingual area of the interior space between the lingual sidewall and the tooth such that the portion of the cutting tool cut at least part of the lingual surface while traveling in the lingual section; and   wherein the interconnecting section is configured to cause the portion of the cutting tool to enter into an abutting area of the interior space between the tooth and an immediately neighboring tooth such that the portion of the cutting tool cut at least part of the mesial or distal surface while traveling in the interconnecting section.   
     
     
       3. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein when viewing in the direction toward the occlusal wall, a tangential line of the buccal section at a point thereof is parallel to a tangential line of the lingual section at a point thereof,
 wherein the at least one anti-titling configuration comprises a first engagement structure and a second engagement structure extending, along the trajectory and substantially parallel to each other, the first and second engagement structures being configured to engage respectively with first and second counterpart structures of the cutting tool, wherein engagement of the first and second engagement structures respectively with the first and second counterpart structures is to prevent or reduce tilting of the cutting tool in the plane parallel to the movement direction and further to prevent disengagement of the cutting tool from the guide channel while traveling along the trajectory except where a port of entry or discharge of the cutting tool is provided.   
     
     
       4. The apparatus of  claim 3 , Wherein the guide channel further comprises a second interconnecting section that further interconnects the buccal and lingual sections to provide the guide channel in the form of a closed loop when viewing in the direction toward the occlusal wall. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the guide channel further comprises another section extending front either the buccal section or the lingual section, wherein when viewing in the direction toward the occlusal wall, a tangential line of the other section at a point thereof is parallel to a tangential line of the interconnecting section at a point thereof. 
     
     
       6. The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the guide channel further comprises another section extending front either the buccal section or the lingual section, wherein when viewing in the direction toward the occlusal wall, a tangential line of the other section at a point thereof is parallel to a tangential line of the interconnecting section at a point thereof, wherein the other section does not interconnect between the buccal and lingual sections, which makes the guide channel in the form of an open loop. 
     
     
       7. The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the guide channel is configured to allow a proximal portion of the cutting tool pass through the occlusal wall while allowing a distal portion of the cutting tool extends into the interior, wherein each of the first and second counterpart structures is in a spherical shape as part of the cutting tool, and wherein each of the first and second engagement structures is a channel portion of the guide channel to accommodate traveling of the spherical shape therethrough. 
     
     
       8. A method of providing a dental restoration kit, the method comprising:
 providing a first 3D image data representing one or more teeth of a patient before a desired preparation of the one or more teeth for installing a desired dental prosthesis;   before the desired preparation and before making the desired dental prosthesis, determining an axis of insertion along which the desired dental prosthesis should approach the one or more teeth for engaging the desired dental prosthesis with the one or more teeth after the desired preparation, wherein the axis of insertion is determined relative to the one or more teeth;   generating a second 3D image data representing the one or more teeth after the desired preparation;   producing the dental preparation guide apparatus of  claim 3  based on the first 3D image data and the second 3D image data, wherein the interior space of the dental preparation guide apparatus is configured to receive the one or more teeth for engagement therewith, wherein the guide channel of the dental preparation guide apparatus is configured to guide the cutting tool comprising a burr for cutting at least part of the one or more teeth for the desired preparation; and   producing the desired prosthesis based on the first 3D image data arid the second 3D image data.   
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 8 , wherein determining the axis of insertion comprises:
 processing the first 3D image data to orient a 3D image of the one or more teeth in multiple directions;   providing information of undercuts in multiple directions of orientation of the 3D image; and   choosing a direction of orientation of the 3D image as the axis of insertion based on the information of the undercuts.   
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 8 , wherein generating the second 3D image data comprises processing the first 3D image data with the input of an area of cutting and depth of cutting, wherein the single body apparatus further comprises a port configured to allow the burr to enter into or discharged from the guide channel, wherein the port is located in a portion of the single body that corresponds to another tooth received by the interior space, wherein the guide channel further comprises a non-cutting access way interconnecting between the port and one of the buccal section, the interconnecting section and the lingual section, wherein the non-cutting access way does not cause the burr to cut the other tooth received by the interior space. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 8 , wherein generating the second 3D image data comprises processing the first 3D image data with the input of one or more selected from the group consisting of an orientation of the burr, a diameter of the burr, a length of the burr, tapered shape information of the burr, a position of the burr relative to the one or more teeth, a distance between a rotational axis of the burr and an exterior surface of the one or more teeth, and a level of the burr relative to the one or more teeth, wherein each of the first and second counterpart structures is in a spherical shape as part of the burr, and wherein each of the first and second engagement structures is a channel portion of the guide channel to accommodate traveling of the spherical shape therethrough. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 8  wherein producing the desired prosthesis comprises:
 generating a fourth 3D image data of the desired prosthesis; and 
 making the desired prosthesis using the fourth 3D image data. 
 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 8 , further comprising providing the burr, wherein at least one of the first and second counter-part structures is in a spherical shape as part of the burr, and wherein at least one of the first and second engagement structures is a channel portion of the guide channel to accommodate traveling of the spherical shape therethrough. 
     
     
       14. A method of making devices for dental procedure, comprising:
 providing a first 3D image data representing one or more teeth of a patient before a desired preparation of the one or more teeth for installing a desired dental prosthesis;   before the desired preparation, generating a first image illustrating a first prospective shape of the one or more teeth that would exist after installation of a first dental prosthesis;   before the desired preparation, providing the first image for the patient's review of the first image;   subsequent to the patient's approval of the first image and before the desired preparation, causing to make the first dental prosthesis based on the first image; and   subsequent to the patient's approval of the image, making the dental preparation guide apparatus of  claim 3  based on the first 3D image data, wherein the interior space of the dental preparation guide apparatus is configured to fit at least part of the one or more teeth, wherein the guide channel of the dental preparation guide apparatus is configured to guide the cutting tool comprising a burr to travel along the trajectory to cut the one or more teeth for fitting the first dental prosthesis without the need of additional substantial cutting of the one or more teeth.   
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 before the desired preparation, generating a second 3D image data representing a prospective, prepared shape of the one or more teeth that would exist after the desired preparation thereof, wherein the single body apparatus further comprises a port configured to allow the burr to enter into or discharged from the guide channel, wherein the port is located in a portion of the single body that corresponds to another tooth received by the interior space, wherein the guide channel further comprises a non-cutting access way interconnecting between the port and one of the buccal section, the interconnecting section and the lingual section, wherein the non-cutting access way does not cause the burr to cut the other tooth received by the interior space.   
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 before the desired preparation, generating a second image illustrating a second prospective shape of the one or more teeth that would exist after installation of a second dental prosthesis;   before the desired preparation, providing a plurality of images comprising the first and second images for the patient's review; and   receiving the patient's approval of the first image rather than the second image, wherein the first and second prospective shapes differ in at least one selected from the group consisting of length, width, surface curvature, embrasure and shading.   
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 subsequent to providing the first image and prior to the patient's approval, receiving the patient's request to modify the first image;   changing the first prospective shape based on the patient's request to modify the first image; and   providing art modified first image illustrating the changed first prospective shape for the patient's approval.   
     
     
       18. A method of dental procedure, comprising:
 making a first dental prosthesis and a preparation guide device in accordance with the method of  claim 14 , wherein at least one of the first and second counterpart structures is in a spherical shape as part of the burr, and wherein at least one of the first and second engagement structures is a channel portion of the guide channel to accommodate traveling of the spherical shape therethrough; and   providing the first dental prosthesis and the preparation guide device to a dental practitioner for preparing the one or more teeth and installing the first dental prosthesis onto the one or more teeth after preparation.   
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 18 , further comprising: providing the burr along with the first dental prosthesis and the dental preparation guide apparatus, wherein the dental preparation guide apparatus further comprises a guide groove formed along the at least one guide channel, wherein the burr comprises an elongated body with a bump between two ends thereof, wherein the elongated body is configured to fit in the at least one guide channel of the preparation guide device and the bump is configured to fit the guide groove such that the guide channel and the guide groove in combination position and orient the burr relative to the one or more teeth in a predetermined manner. 
     
     
       20. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the interior space defined by the lingual sidewall, the buccal sidewall and the occlusal wall is configured to receive one or more additional teeth, wherein the single body apparatus further comprises a port configured to allow the cutting tool to enter into or discharged from the guide channel, wherein the port is located in a portion of the single body that corresponds to one of the one or more additional teeth, wherein the guide channel further comprises a non-cutting access way interconnecting between the port and one of the buccal section, the interconnecting section and the lingual section, wherein the non-cutting access way does not cause the cutting tool to cut the tooth or one or more additional teeth. 
     
     
       21. A method of preparing a tooth for dental restoration, the method comprising:
 providing the apparatus of  claim 1  for preparation of a tooth comprising a buccal surface, a lingual surface, a mesial surface, a distal surface and an occlusal surface;   engaging the apparatus with the tooth such that the tooth is received in the interior space and such that the lingual surface faces the lingual sidewall, the buccal surface faces the buccal sidewall, and the occlusal surface faces the occlusal wall;   inserting the cutting tool comprising a burr into the guide channel via an insertion hole;   traveling the burr along the trajectory of the guide channel comprising the buccal section, lingual section and inter-connecting section, by which the burr cuts side surface of the tooth comprising at least part of the lingual surface, at least part of the buccal surface and at least part of the mesial or distal surface; and   wherein during traveling of the burr along the trajectory, the burr is not removed from the wide channel until completion of the cutting side surfaces of the tooth.   
     
     
       22. The method of  claim 21 , wherein when viewing in the direction toward the occlusal wall, a tangential line of the buccal section at a point thereof is parallel to a tangential line of the lingual section at a point thereof,
 wherein the at least one anti-titling configuration comprises a first engagement structure and a second engagement structure extending along the trajectory and substantially parallel to each other, the first and second engagement structures being configured to engage respectively with first and second counterpart structures of the cutting tool, wherein engagement of the first and second engagement structures respectively with the first and second counterpart structures is to prevent or reduce tilting of the cutting tool in the plane parallel to the movement direction and further to prevent disengagement of the cutting tool from the guide channel while traveling along the trajectory except where a port of entry or discharge of the cutting tool is provided.   
     
     
       23. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the cutting tool comprises an inserting structure connected to a dentist's handpiece, in which the inserting structure is inserted between the two surfaces, wherein the inserting structure comprises at least one counterpart structure configured to engage with the at least one anti-tilting feature of the guide channel. 
     
     
       24. A system for dental preparation, comprising:
 the apparatus of  claim 1 ;   a dental handpiece comprising an inserting structure, wherein the inserting structure and a burr constitutes a cutting tool to be received by the guide channel of the apparatus; and   the inserting structure comprising at least one counterpart structure configured to engage with the at least one anti-tilting configuration of the guide channel such that the inserting structure is constrained by the at least one anti-tilting configuration of the guide channel rather than the burr.   
     
     
       25. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the cutting tool comprises a burr and an inserting structure that are connected to a dentist's handpiece, wherein the inserting structure is inserted between and constrained by the two channel surfaces of the guide channel, wherein the inserting structure comprises at least one counterpart structure configured to engage with the at least one anti-tilting configuration of the guide channel. 
     
     
       26. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein when the cutting tool is received by the guide channel, the inserting structure is constrained by the guide channel whereas the burr is not directly constrained by the guide channel. 
     
     
       27. A dental preparation guide apparatus in a single body, the single body apparatus comprising a lingual sidewall, buccal sidewall opposing the lingual sidewall, and an occlusal wall interconnecting the lingual and buccal sidewalls to form the single body, wherein the lingual sidewall, the buccal sidewall and the occlusal wall in combination define an interior space in which to receive two or more teeth comprising a first tooth and a second tooth,
 wherein the lingual sidewall comprises a first lingual sidewall and a second lingual sidewall, the buccal sidewall comprises a first buccal sidewall and a second buccal sidewall, the occlusal wall comprises a first occlusal wall and a second occlusal wall;   wherein the first: lingual sidewall and the first buccal sidewall oppose each other and are configured to sandwich the first tooth when the first and second teeth are received in the interior space;   wherein the second lingual sidewall and the second buccal sidewall oppose each other and are configured to sandwich the second tooth when the first and second teeth are received in the interior space;   wherein the first occlusal wall interconnecting between the first lingual sidewall and the first buccal sidewall and is configured to overlap the first tooth when the first and second teeth are received in the interior space;   wherein the second occlusal wall interconnecting between the second lingual sidewall and the second buccal sidewall and is configured to overlap the second tooth when the first and second teeth are received in the interior space;   wherein the apparatus further comprises a first guide channel formed in the single body and shaped to receive a cutting tool and guide the cutting tool along a first trajectory, the first guide channel comprising a first engagement structure configured to engage with a first counterpart structure of the cutting tool and further configured to prevent disengagement of the cutting tool from the first guide channel while traveling along the first trajectory; and   wherein the single body comprises a second guide channel formed in the second occlusal wall and shaped to receive the cutting tool or another cutting tool to guide the same along the second guide channel.   
     
     
       28. The apparatus of  claim 27 , wherein the first and second teeth are adjacent with each other with no tooth therebetween and with no missing tooth therebetween, wherein the first guide channel and the second guide channel are connected together and form a single connected channel such that the cutting tool received in the first guide channel can travel to the second guide channel without having to be removed from the first guide channel. 
     
     
       29. The apparatus of  claim 27 , wherein the first and second teeth are immediately next to each other with no tooth therebetween and with no missing tooth therebetween, wherein the first guide channel and the second guide channel are separate from each other and a portion of the single piece body blocks between the first and second channels such that the cutting tool received in the first guide channel must be removed from the first guide channel in order to be received in the second guide channel, wherein the first guide channel comprises a second engagement structure configured to engage with a second counterpart structure of the cutting tool, wherein engagement of the first and second engagement structures respectively with the first and second counterpart structures is to prevent or reduce tilting of the cutting tool is the plane parallel to the movement direction while traveling along the first trajectory. 
     
     
       30. The apparatus of  claim 27 , wherein a missing tooth exists between the first and second teeth,
 wherein the lingual sidewall further comprises a third lingual sidewall located between the first lingual sidewall and the second lingual sidewall;   wherein the buccal sidewall further comprises a third buccal sidewall located between the first buccal sidewall and the second buccal sidewall;   wherein the occlusal wall further comprises a third occlusal wall located between the first occlusal wall and the second occlusal wall;   wherein the third lingual sidewall, the third buccal sidewall and the third occlusal wall at least partially surrounds a space of the missing tooth when the first and second teeth are received in the interior space; and   wherein the first guide channel comprises a second engagement structure configured to engage with a second counterpart structure of the cutting tool, wherein engagement of the first and second engagement structures respectively with the first and second counterpart structures is to prevent or reduce tilting of the cutting tool in the plane parallel to the movement direction while traveling along the first trajectory.   
     
     
       31. The apparatus of  claim 30 , wherein the single body comprises a third guide channel formed in the third occlusal wall and shaped to receive the cutting tool or another cutting, tool to guide the same along the third guide channel,
 wherein the first guide channel and the second guide channel are connected together via the third guide channel and form a single connected channel such that the cutting tool received in the first guide channel can travel to the second guide channel without having to be removed from the first guide channel.   
     
     
       32. The apparatus of  claim 30 , wherein the single body does not comprise a guide channel in the third occlusal wall,
 wherein the first guide channel and the second guide channel are separate from each other and a portion of the third occlusal wall blocks between the first and second channels such that the cutting tool received in the first guide channel must be removed from the first guide channel in order to be received in the second guide channel.   
     
     
       33. The apparatus of  claim 27 , wherein a third tooth exist between the first and second teeth,
 wherein the lingual sidewall further comprises a third lingual sidewall located between the first lingual sidewall and the second lingual sidewall;   wherein the buccal sidewall further comprises a third buccal sidewall located between the first buccal sidewall and the second buccal sidewall;   wherein the occlusal wall further comprises a third occlusal wall located between the first occlusal wall and the second occlusal wall;   wherein the third lingual sidewall, the third buccal sidewall and the third occlusal wall at least partially surrounds the third tooth when the first, second and third teeth are received in the interior space; and   wherein the first guide channel comprises a second engagement structure configured to engage with a second counterpart structure of the cutting tool, wherein engagement of the first and second engagement structures respectively with the first and second counterpart structures is to prevent or reduce tilting of the cutting tool in the plane parallel to the movement direction while traveling along the first trajectory.   
     
     
       34. The apparatus of  claim 33 , wherein the single body comprises a third guide channel formed in the third occlusal wall and shaped to receive the cutting tool or another cutting tool to guide the same along the third guide channel,
 wherein the first guide channel and the second guide channel are connected together via the third guide channel and form a single connected channel such that the cutting tool received in the first guide channel can travel to the second guide channel without having to be removed from the first guide channel.   
     
     
       35. The apparatus of  claim 27 , wherein the first guide channel comprises a first buccal section, a first lingual section, and a first interconnecting section interconnecting the first buccal and first lingual sections to provide the first guide channel as a single integrated channel that allows the cutting tool to travel between the first lingual section and the first buccal section without having to remove the cutting tool therefrom,
 wherein when viewing in a direction toward the occlusal wall, the first buccal section extends generally along the first buccal sidewall, and the first lingual section extends generally along the first lingual sidewall; and   wherein the first guide channel comprises a second engagement structure configured to engage with a second counterpart structure of the cutting tool, wherein engagement of the first and second engagement structures respectively with the first and second counterpart structures is to prevent or reduce tilting of the cutting tool in the plane parallel to the movement direction while traveling along the first trajectory.   
     
     
       36. The apparatus of  claim 35 , wherein the first buccal section is configured to cause a portion of the cutting tool to enter into a buccal area of the interior space between the first buccal sidewall and the first tooth for cutting at least part of a buccal surface of the first tooth while traveling in the first buccal section when the first and second teeth are received in the interior space;
 wherein the first lingual section is configured to cause the portion of the cutting tool to enter into a lingual area of the interior space and between the first lingual sidewall and the tooth for cutting at least part of a lingual surface of the first tooth while traveling in the first lingual section when the first and second teeth are received in the interior space; and   wherein the first interconnecting section is configured to cause the portion of the cutting tool to enter into the interior space for cutting at least part of a mesial or distal surface of the first tooth while traveling in the first interconnecting section when the first and second teeth are received in the interior space.   
     
     
       37. The apparatus of  claim 35 , wherein when viewing in the direction toward the occlusal wall, a tangential line of the first buccal section at a point thereof is parallel to a tangential line of the first lingual section at a point thereof, wherein each of the first and second counterpart structures is in a spherical shape as part of the cutting tool, and wherein each of the first and second engagement structures is a channel portion of the first guide channel to accommodate traveling of the spherical shape therethrough. 
     
     
       38. The apparatus of  claim 35 , wherein the first guide channel further comprises a second interconnecting section that further interconnects the first buccal section and the first lingual section to provide the first guide channel in the form of a closed loop when viewing in the direction toward the occlusal wall, wherein each of the first and second counterpart structures is in a spherical shape as part of the cutting tool, and wherein each of the first and second engagement structures is a channel portion of the first guide channel to accommodate traveling o I the spherical shape therethrough. 
     
     
       39. The apparatus of  claim 35 , wherein the first guide channel further comprises another section extending from either the first buccal section or the first lingual section, wherein when viewing in the direction toward the occlusal wall, a tangential line of the other section at a point thereof is parallel to a tangential line of the first interconnecting section at a point thereof, wherein the single body apparatus further comprises a port configured to allow the cutting tool to enter into or discharged from the first guide channel, wherein the port is located in a portion of the single body that corresponds to one of the two or more teeth received by the interior space, wherein the first guide channel further comprises a non-cutting access way interconnecting between the port and one of the buccal section, the interconnecting section and the lingual section, wherein the non-cutting access way does not cause the cutting tool to cut the two or more teeth. 
     
     
       40. The apparatus of  claim 35 , wherein the first guide channel further comprises another section extending from either the first buccal section or the first lingual section, wherein when viewing in the direction toward the occlusal wall, a tangential fine of the other section at a point thereof is parallel to a tangential line of the first interconnecting section at a point thereof, wherein the other section does not interconnect between the first buccal section and the first lingual section to make the guide channel in the form of an open loop, wherein the single body apparatus further comprises a port configured to allow the cutting tool to enter into or discharged from the first guide channel, wherein the port is located in a portion of the single body that corresponds to one of the two or more teeth received by the interior space, wherein the first guide channel further comprises a non-cutting access way interconnecting between the port and one of the buccal section, the interconnecting section and the lingual section, wherein the non-cutting access way does not cause the cutting tool to cut the two or more teeth. 
     
     
       41. The apparatus of  claim 27 , wherein the first guide channel comprises two substantially parallel and opposing surfaces formed in the single body, wherein the two surfaces are configured to receive the cutting tool therebetween and to constrain the cutting tool while traveling along the trajectory. 
     
     
       42. The apparatus of  claim 41 , wherein the cutting tool comprises an inserting structure connected to a dentist's handpiece, in which the inserting structure is inserted between the two surfaces and constrained by the two surfaces while the cutting tool is traveling along the trajectory. 
     
     
       43. A system for dental preparation, comprising:
 the apparatus of  claim 41 ;   a dental handpiece with an inserting structure connected to the dental handpiece; and   wherein the inserting structure is configured to be inserted between and constrained by the two surfaces of the first guide channel.   
     
     
       44. A method of dental procedure, comprising:
 providing a dental prosthesis for installing onto one or more teeth of a patient, the one or more teeth comprising a first tooth comprising an occlusal surface, a buccal side, a lingual side, a distal side and a mesial side;   providing a preparation guide device in a single piece far use in preparing the one or more teeth of the patient for installing the dental prosthesis, wherein the preparation guide device is custom-made to fit at least part of the one or more teeth and comprises at least one guide channel configured to guide a cutting tool, wherein the at least one guide channel comprises a first single channel that the cutting tool can travel along a first trajectory thereof, the first single channel comprising a first engagement structure and a second engagement structure extending along the first trajectory and substantially parallel to each other;   mounting the preparation guide device over the one or more teeth such that the preparation guide device fit the at least part of the one or more teeth;   providing the cutting tool comprising a burr, the cutting tool further comprising a first counterpart structure and a second counterpart structure;   engaging the cutting tool with the first single channel such that the first and second counterpart structures of the burr engage respectively with the first and second engagement structures of the first single channel;   moving the burr along the first trajectory to cut the first tooth on three or four of the buccal, lingual, distal and mesial sides without having to remove the burr from the preparation guide device, which completes preparation of the first tooth for installing the dental prosthesis onto the first tooth without the need of an additional preparation guide for preparing the first tooth and without the need of an additional substantial cutting of the first tooth, wherein engagement of the first and second engagement structures with the first and second counterpart structures prevents or reduces tilting of the burr in a plane parallel to a direction of movement of the bur at a given point of the first trajectory and further prevents disengagement of the burr from the first single channel while the burr is traveling along the trajectory except where a disengagement configuration is provided; and   installing the dental prosthesis onto the first tooth so as to surround the three or four of the buccal, lingual, distal and mesial sides of the first tooth.   
     
     
       45. The method of  claim 44 , wherein cutting of the three or four sides leaves at least a portion of the four sides uncut, wherein the uncut portion comprises a contact point of the first tooth that contacts a neighboring tooth, wherein at least one of the first and second counterpart structures is in a spherical shape as part of the cutting tool, and wherein at least one of the first and second engagement structures is a channel portion of the first single channel to accommodate traveling of the spherical shape therethrough. 
     
     
       46. The method of  claim 44 , wherein the first single channel is configured to cut the four of the buccal, lingual, distal and mesial sides, wherein cutting of the four sides entirely encircles the first tooth when viewing in a direction toward the occlusal surface, wherein the dental prosthesis comprises a ring structure contacting the four sides of the first tooth that are cut using the first single channel, wherein at least one of the first and second counterpart structures is in a spherical shape as part of the cutting tool, and wherein at least one of the first and second engagement structures is a channel portion of the first single channel to accommodate traveling of the spherical shape therethrough. 
     
     
       47. The method of  claim 44 , wherein the first single channel is configured to cut the four of the buccal, lingual, distal and mesial sides, wherein cutting of the four sides does not entirely encircle the first tooth and leaves at least part of one of the four sides uncut when viewing in a direction toward the occlusal surface, wherein the dental prosthesis comprises a C-shaped structure contacting the four sides of the first tooth that are cut using the first single channel, wherein the single piece device further comprises a port configured to allow the burr to enter into or discharged from the single channel, wherein the port is located in a portion of the single piece device that corresponds to one of the one or more teeth, wherein the single channel further comprises a non-cutting access way interconnecting between the port and one of the buccal section, the interconnecting section and the lingual section, wherein the non-cutting access way does not cause the burr to cut the one or more teeth. 
     
     
       48. The method of  claim 44 , wherein the one or more teeth comprise a first tooth and a second tooth, wherein cutting the one or more teeth comprises cutting the first tooth and then cutting the second tooth, wherein the preparation guide device is not disconnected from the one or more teeth between cutting the first tooth and cutting the second tooth, and wherein the first single channel is further configured to cut the second tooth in addition to cutting the first tooth without having to remove the burr from the first single channel, wherein the single piece device further comprises a port configured to allow the burr to enter into or discharged from the single channel, wherein the port is :located in a portion of the single piece device that corresponds to one of the one or more teeth, wherein the single channel further comprises a non-cutting access way interconnecting between the port and one of the buccal section, the interconnecting section and the lingual section, wherein the non-cutting access way does not cause the burr to cut the one or more teeth. 
     
     
       49. The method of  claim 44 , wherein the one or more teeth comprise a first tooth and a second tooth, wherein cutting the one or more teeth comprises cutting the first tooth and then cutting the second tooth, wherein the preparation guide device is not disconnected from the one or more teeth between cutting the first tooth and cutting the second tooth, and wherein the at least one channel comprises a second single channel that is distinct from the first single channel and configured to cut the second tooth. 
     
     
       50. The method of  claim 44 , wherein providing the dental prosthesis comprises receiving the dental prosthesis from a third party or making the dental prosthesis in-house, wherein providing the preparation guide device comprises receiving the preparation guide device from a third party or making the preparation guide device in-house. 
     
     
       51. The method of  claim 44 , further comprising:
 causing to provide a 3D image data representing the one or more teeth of the patient before preparation sufficient to install the dental prosthesis, wherein causing to provide the 3D image data comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of:   scanning of the patient's oral features using a 3D scanning device;   taking an impression of the patient's oral features;   producing a 3D model of the patient's oral features from the impression; and   scanning the 3D model using a 3D scanning device.   
     
     
       52. The method of  claim 44 , wherein the first single channel comprises two substantially parallel and opposing surfaces formed in the single piece such that the cutting tool is constrained by the two opposing surfaces while traveling along the first trajectory. 
     
     
       53. The method of  claim 52 , wherein the burr is engaged with the first single channel via an inserting structure connected to a dentist's handpiece, in which the inserting structure is inserted between the two surfaces and constrained by the two opposing surfaces while traveling along the first trajectory.  
     
     
       54. A dental preparation guide apparatus in a single body, the single body apparatus comprising a lingual sidewall, a buccal sidewall opposing the lingual sidewall, and an occlusal wall interconnecting the lingual and buccal sidewalls to form the single body, wherein the lingual sidewall, the buccal sidewall and the occlusal wall in combination define an interior space in which to receive a tooth comprising a buccal surface, a lingual surface, a mesial surface, a distal surface and an occlusal surface such that the lingual surface faces the lingual sidewall, the buccal surface faces the buccal sidewall, and the occlusal surface faces the occlusal wall,
 wherein the single body comprising a first guide channel formed in the occlusal wall and shaped to engage with a first cutting tool to guide the first cutting tool to travel along a first trajectory;   wherein when viewing in a direction toward the occlusal wall, the first guide channel comprising a section that extends generally along at least part of the buccal sidewall;   wherein the single body comprising a second guide channel formed in at least one of the buccal and lingual sidewalls and shaped to engage with the first cutting tool or a second cutting tool to guide the same to travel along a second trajectory; and   wherein when viewing in a direction toward the buccal sidewall, the second guide channel extends generally along at least part of the occlusal wall.   
     
     
       55. The apparatus of  claim 54 , wherein the occlusal wall comprises an interior surface facing, the occlusal surface of the tooth when the tooth is received in the interior space, wherein the second guide channel extends generally along the interior surface of the occlusal wall when viewing in the direction toward the buccal sidewall; and
 wherein the buccal side wall comprises an interior surface facing the buccal surface of the tooth when the tooth is received in the interior space, wherein the first guide channel extends generally along the interior surface of the buccal wall when viewing in the direction toward the occlusal wall.   
     
     
       56. The apparatus of  claim 54 , wherein the first guide channel further comprises another section, which is configured to have the first cutting tool pass through the occlusal wall such that the first cutting tool extends into the interior space, and further such that the first cutting tool cuts one of the mesial and distal surfaces when the first cutting tool travels in the other section. 
     
     
       57. A method of preparing a tooth for dental restoration, the method comprising:
 providing the apparatus of  claim 54  for preparation of a tooth comprising a buccal surface, a lingual surface, a mesial surface, a distal surface and an occlusal surface;   engaging the apparatus with the tooth such that the tooth is received in the interior space and such that the lingual surface faces the lingual sidewall, the buccal surface faces the buccal sidewall, and the occlusal surface faces the occlusal wall;   inserting the first cutting tool comprising a burr into the first guide channel of the apparatus, whereby a cutting portion of the burr enters into the interior space and between the buccal sidewall and the tooth;   cutting at least part of the buccal surface of the tooth while traveling the burr along the first guide channel;   inserting the first cutting tool or a second cutting tool comprising a burr into the second guide channel, whereby a cutting portion of the burr of the first or second cutting tool enters into the interior space and between the occlusal wall and the tooth, wherein inserting the into the second guide channel can occur either before or after cutting the buccal surface; and   cutting at least part of the buccal surface of the tooth while traveling the burr of the first or second cutting tool along the second guide channel.   
     
     
       58. The apparatus of  claim 54 , wherein the first guide channel comprises two substantially parallel and opposing surfaces formed in the single body such that the first cutting tool is constrained by the two opposing surfaces while traveling along the first trajectory. 
     
     
       59. The apparatus of  claim 58 , wherein the first cutting tool is to be engaged with the first guide channel via an inserting structure connected to a dentist's handpiece, in which the inserting structure is inserted between the two surfaces and constrained by the two surfaces while the first cutting tool is traveling along the trajectory. 
     
     
       60. A system for dental preparation, comprising:
 apparatus of  claim 58 ;   a dental handpiece with an inserting structure connected to the dental handpiece; and   wherein the inserting structure is configured to be inserted between the two surfaces of the first guide channel and constrained by the two surfaces while the first cutting tool is traveling along the first trajectory.   
     
     
       61. A dental preparation guide apparatus in a single body, the single body apparatus comprising a lingual sidewall, buccal sidewall opposing the lingual sidewall, and an occlusal wall interconnecting the lingual and buccal sidewalls to form the single body, wherein the lingual sidewall, the buccal sidewall and the occlusal wall in combination define an interior space in which to receive a tooth comprising a buccal surface, a lingual surface, a mesial surface, a distal surface and an occlusal surface such that the lingual surface faces the lingual sidewall, the buccal surface faces the buccal sidewall, and the occlusal surface faces the occlusal wall,
 wherein the single body comprises a guide channel formed through at least one of the lingual and buccal sidewalls and shaped to engage with a cutting tool to guide the cutting tool along a trajectory, the guide channel comprising two opposing channel surfaces that are substantially parallel to each other and extending along the trajectory such that the cutting tool is constrained by the two opposing surfaces while traveling along the trajectory; and   wherein the guide channel is configured to cause a portion of the cutting tool to enter into the interior space and to be inserted between the occlusal wall and the tooth such that the portion of the cutting tool cuts at least part of the occlusal surface while traveling in the guide channel.   
     
     
       62. The apparatus of  claim 61 , wherein the guide channel comprises a port configured to permit the entry of the cutting tool into the guide channel, wherein the port of the guide channel is formed through the occlusal wall such that the cutting tool enters into the guide channel formed in the at least one of the lingual and buccal sidewalls via the port through the occlusal wall, wherein the guide channel comprises an anti-tilting configuration formed into at least one of the two channel surfaces and configured to engage with the cutting tool for preventing or reducing tilting of the cutting tool in a plane parallel to a direction of movement of the cutting tool at a given point of the trajectory while the cutting tool travels along the trajectory. 
     
     
       63. The apparatus of  claim 62 , wherein the cutting tool is to be engaged with the guide channel via an inserting structure connected to a dentist's handpiece, in which the inserting structure is inserted between the two surfaces, wherein the inserting structure comprises a counterpart structure configured to engage with the anti-tilting configuration of the guide channel such that the inserting structure is further constrained by the guide channel rather than the cutting tool. 
     
     
       64. A method of preparing a tooth for dental restoration, the method comprising:
 providing the apparatus of  claim 62  far preparation of a tooth comprising a buccal surface, a lingual surface, a mesial surface, a distal surface and an occlusal surface, wherein the anti-titling configuration comprises a first engagement structure and a second engagement structure extending along the trajectory and substantially parallel to each other, the first and second engagement structures being configured to engage respectively with first and second counterpart structures of the cutting tool, wherein engagement of the first and second engagement structures respectively with the first and second counterpart structures is to prevent or reduce tilting of the cutting tool in the plane parallel to the movement direction and further to prevent disengagement of the cutting tool from the guide channel while traveling along the trajectory except where a port of entry or discharge of the cutting tool is provided;   integrating the apparatus with the tooth such that the tooth is received in the interior space and such that the lingual surface faces the lingual sidewall, the buccal surface faces the buccal sidewall, and the occlusal surface faces the occlusal wall;   engaging the guide channel of the apparatus with the cutting tool comprising a burr, whereby a cutting portion of the burr enters into the interior space and between the occlusal wall and the tooth; and   traveling the burr along the guide channel while running the burr, thereby cutting at least part of the occlusal surface of the tooth.   
     
     
       65. A dental preparation apparatus, comprising:
 a single body including a buccal wall and an occlusal wall, wherein the buccal wall and the occlusal wall define an interior space configured to receive a plurality of teeth such that the occlusal wall overlays occlusal surfaces of the plurality of teeth; and   at least one guide channel formed in the single body and configured to receive a cutting assembly and to guide the cutting assembly along a tool path for cutting one of the plurality of teeth positioned in the interior space, the at least one guide channel includes a first engagement structure configured to engage the cutting assembly to keep the cutting assembly in the at least one guide channel while the cutting assembly moves along the tool path,   wherein the first engagement structure defines a first guide groove and a second guide groove opposing the first guide groove, wherein the first and second guide grooves are configured to receive a guide projection of the cutting assembly and allow rotation of a cutting tool of the cutting assembly, and the guide projection has a spherical shape.    
     
     
       66. The dental preparation apparatus of claim 65, wherein the at least one guide channel includes a first guide channel and a second guide channel spaced apart from one another, wherein a portion of the single body is between the first guide channel and the second guide channel, and wherein when the cutting assembly is in the first guide channel, the cutting assembly must be removed from the first guide channel to be placed in the second guide channel.  
     
     
       67. The dental preparation apparatus of claim 65, wherein the first engagement structure extends along the at least one guide channel and is configured to slidably contact a complementary engagement feature of the cutting assembly to keep the cutting assembly in the at least one guide channel.  
     
     
       68. The dental preparation apparatus of claim 65, wherein the cutting assembly includes a rotatable burr and a handpiece holding the rotatable burr, wherein the first engagement structure includes a slot configured engage a portion of the handpiece while the rotatable burr is positioned in the interior space.  
     
     
       69. The dental preparation apparatus of claim 65, wherein the cutting assembly includes a burr and is configured to contact the at least one guide channel to prevent contact between the burr and the dental preparation apparatus while the cutting assembly moves along the tool path.  
     
     
       70. The dental preparation apparatus of claim 65, wherein the tool path is a veneer tool path extending along an occlusal region or buccal region of the interior space.  
     
     
       71. A dental preparation apparatus, comprising:
 a unitary body including a buccal wall and an occlusal wall, wherein the buccal wall and the occlusal wall together define an interior space configured to receive a plurality of teeth; and   at least one guide channel formed in the unitary body and configured to receive a cutting assembly and to guide the cutting assembly along the interior space to cut one of the plurality of teeth at least partially covered by the unitary body, wherein a section of the at least one guide channel is configured to prevent the cutting assembly from being pulled out of the at least one guide channel.    
     
     
       72. The dental preparation apparatus of claim 71, wherein the at least one guide channel includes a first guide channel and a second guide channel spaced apart from one another, wherein a portion of the unitary body is between the first guide channel and the second guide channel such that the cutting assembly, when in the first guide channel, must be removed from the first guide channel to be placed in the second guide channel.  
     
     
       73. A dental preparation guide apparatus comprising:
 a single body including a buccal sidewall and an occlusal wall connected to the buccal sidewall to form the single body, wherein the buccal sidewall and the occlusal wall in combination define an interior space configured to receive a tooth; and   a guide channel formed in the single body and shaped to receive a cutting assembly and guide the cutting assembly to travel along a trajectory, the guide channel comprising two opposing channel surfaces that extend along the trajectory such that the cutting assembly is constrained by the two opposing channel surfaces while the cutting assembly moves along the trajectory, the guide channel is configured to engage with the cutting assembly for inhibiting tilting of the cutting assembly in a plane parallel to a movement direction of the cutting assembly at a given point of the trajectory while the cutting assembly travels along the trajectory.    
     
     
       74. The dental preparation guide apparatus of claim 73, wherein the single body is configured to permit at least part of the cutting assembly to enter into a buccal area of the interior space between the buccal sidewall and the tooth such that the cutting assembly cuts at least part of a buccal surface of the tooth while traveling in a buccal section of the guide channel; and
 wherein the single body is configured to permit at least part of the cutting assembly to enter into an abutting area of the interior space between the tooth and an immediately neighboring tooth such that the cutting assembly cuts at least part of the mesial or distal surface of the tooth while traveling in the single body.    
     
     
       75. The dental preparation guide apparatus of claim 73, further comprising a first engagement structure and a second engagement structure extending along the trajectory and substantially parallel to each other, the first and second engagement structures being configured to engage respectively with first and second counterpart structures of the cutting assembly, wherein engagement of the first and second engagement structures respectively with the first and second counterpart structures is to prevent disengagement of the cutting assembly from a section of the guide channel while traveling along the trajectory.  
     
     
       76. The dental preparation guide apparatus of claim 73, wherein the guide channel is configured to allow a proximal portion of the cutting assembly to pass through the occlusal wall while allowing a distal portion of the cutting assembly to extend into the interior space, wherein each of first and second counterpart structures of the cutting assembly is in a spherical shape as part of the cutting tool, and wherein each of the first and second engagement structures is configured to accommodate traveling of the spherical shape therethrough.