Method and system for assisting in applying an orthodontic treatment

Abstract

A method and system for providing information for correct placement of one or more brackets on one or more corresponding teeth according to a predetermined treatment scheme. A virtual representation of a three-dimensional teeth arrangement of one or both jaws of the individual with brackets placed on said teeth is obtained, wherein the position and orientation of the brackets on said teeth being designed so as to achieve a desired treatment outcome. The virtual representation is processed to generate an output data, the output data driving a display, such as a computer monitor or a printed "hard-copy", to display an image of at least one tooth with a bracket thereon, the displayed image having three-dimensional qualities indicative of said at least one tooth as viewed from a defined viewpoint. The invention can be applied to the placement of brackets onto the buccal side of the teeth as well as onto the lingual side of the teeth.

Description

[0001] The present invention is generally in the field of orthodontics. More specifically, the present invention relates to a computerized method and system for assisting an orthodontist in applying orthodontic treatment.[0002] Orthodontic treatment has the object of aligning and repositioning teeth for both functional and aesthetic purposes. This is achieved by the use of a variety of orthodontic appliances including, brackets, wires (arch wires), coil springs and elastics. In combination, these appliances are fixed to teeth in such a manner that orthodontic forces and moments cause the teeth to move in the desired direction.[0003] There are currently acceptable guidelines in orthodontics which define the optimal dental and skeletal relations which should be the goal of orthodontic treatments. A summary of these guidelines can be found in Straight Wire, the Concept and Appliances, by Laurence F. Andrews, L. A. Well, Co., San Diego, Calif., USA, 1989. These guidelines are based on b...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

0006] The present invention provides a method and system for providing information to assist in the correct placement of brackets on teeth. In accordance with the invention, an image is displayed on a screen, for example, a computer screen, which shows a segment of the teeth, including at least one tooth, with brackets placed thereon in a position in orientation in which the brackets are to be attached to the teeth to achieve the desired treatment result. The image of the teeth segment displayed in this manner has three-dimensional ("3-D") qualities and resembles a view as viewed by the orthodontist from a defined viewpoint. This viewpoint is typically a preferred viewpoint and corresponds to that from which the teeth are viewed when a bracket is applied thereon. At times there may be a number of preferred viewpoints and in

Problems solved by technology

It should, however, be noted that the virtual representation need not be presentable on a screen as such and it is at times sufficient for it to exist within the vial environment of the computer in a manner that permits to generate output data that in turn drives the display of an image of a segment of the tooth with a bracket placed thereon.

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