Creating my own library by modifying the library
There are three folders in the “Exocad” folder – CAD-Data, DentalCADApp, and DentalDB. DentalCADApp is today’s main subject. Open DentalCADApp, library, and teeth.
Creating "generic_new" folders
Creating a "generic_new" in the teeth folder
There is the “generic” library in the teeth folder and I’m going to explain how to create my own library by modifying it. Click the generic folder and copy and paste it with Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V. Change the name of ‘generic-Copy’ to “generic_new“.
Creating a "generic_new" in the pontics folder
Create the generic_new folder in the pontics folder as well. Copy and paste and rename it as “generic_new”.
Creating a "generic_new" in the metadata foler
Lastly, same for the metadata folder. Copy and paste, then rename it as “generic_new”.
Now, I have a new library called generic_new.
Setting the default library to "generic_new"
Open DentalCADApp, bin, and run the DentalCADApp.exe file.
First, select Tools and Settings. Set “Tooth library to use” as “generic_new” instead of generic. Select OK. Close and launch exocad program again. Select Load and Load Project. Open “generic_new” in the metadata folder.
There are “lowerjaw.dentalProject” and “upperjaw.dentalProject”. Let me explain based on the upper jaw. Let’s open upperjaw.dentalProject.
Loading scan data for reference
Then, Load Jaw scan which is loading scan data for reference. Select any one and open it.
Up to this step, it’s the same as the previous lesson, setting up the library. Select NEXT and NEXT.
Modifying the library as I want
This is “Free-Forming”. Hide Jaw scans. Modify each tooth as you want.
What you can do in Free-Forming step
For example, reduce the contour of tooth #6, modify the lingual side shape, or modify the occlusal surface height as you want.
Modifying the library as I want
Let me over-edit it to demonstrate how the change is reflected.
I’m making the occlusal surface flat.
Saving Changes in tooth library
Select Expert mode and right-click the tooth. Select “Save Tooth Library Model”. “Saving changes in tooth library” pops up asking if you want to save tooth #16 to #6 in the generic_new upperjaw folder. Select Yes.
Checking the changes were applied
Let me load the library. Launch DentalCADApp.exe again. Select Load and Load Project. Open “generic_new” library in the “library” and “metadata” folders. Let’s check if the occlusal surface is flat.
Select Next. Here’s the new library.
Hide Jaw scans. This new library has the flat occlusal surfaces.
Checking the changes were applied to an actual case in exocad
Let me open exocad and see if the new library is applied to an actual case. Load the “14-element bridge” case. Here’s a sample case. Select “Design” to begin.
As you see, tooth #26 has the flat occlusal surface. However, tooth #16 still has an old occlusal surface. It’s because this tooth is a pontic.
Editing the pontic library
Now, I need to modify the pontic library of tooth #16 as well. Editing the pontic library is the same as the last lesson. Run the “Tooth Model Editor” program by double-clicking the “ToothModelEditor.exe” file.
Let’s open the new library in the “generic_new” folder. Select teeth, generic_new, and upperjaw. There’s the “6.eoff” file.
Drop the file here saying, “Drop tooth model files or folders here to convert them to pontic”. Here’s the pontic and the overwriting message pops up. Select Yes and OK. Now, tooth #6 is updated in library > pontics > generic_new > upperjaw. Let me load this file and begin designing the same case.
The library has been applied. Hide Antagonists. The pontic is well applied in the new library.
In this way, you can create your own library by modifying the shape of the existing library.
In my opinion, a good design means creating aesthetically and functionally excellent teeth quickly and easily. This means a good library with my style is essential. I think today’s lesson, creating a library by modifying the existing library, is a much easier than my previous lessons. Try our today’s lesson.
You are welcome to leave any questions or suggestions as to how to edit the library more easily. See you next time.
