Video-assisted margin marking for dental models

Abstract

Tools are described for preparing digital dental models for use in dental restoration production processes, along with associated systems and methods. Dental modeling is improved by supplementing views of three-dimensional models with still images of the modeled subject matter. Video data acquired during a scan of the model provides a source of still images that can be displayed alongside a rendered three-dimensional model, and the two views (model and still image) may be synchronized to provide a common perspective of the model's subject matter. This approach provides useful visual information for disambiguating surface features of the model during processing steps such as marking a margin of a prepared tooth surface for a restoration. Interactive modeling tools may be similarly enhanced. For example, tools for margin marking may synchronize display of margin lines between the still image and the model so that a user can interact with either or both of the visual representations, with changes to a margin reflected in both displays.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 947,012, filed Jun. 29, 2007.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]This disclosure relates to dentistry, and more particularly to tools and techniques for marking margins on three-dimensional digital models of dentition.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Recent advances in dental technology have made it possible to capture highly accurate digital dental impressions. Current scanning techniques conceptually provide sufficient resolution to directly prepare physical models for a variety of dental restorations such as bridges, crowns, and the like, as well as dental appliances, dental prostheses, and so forth. However, intra-oral scanning presents numerous physical obstacles to obtaining accurate three-dimensional data around important areas such as the margin of a prepared tooth surface. This includes collapse of the ti...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]A digital production process for dental restorations is improved by supplementing views of three-dimensional models with still images of the modeled subject matter. Video data acquired during a scan of the model provides a source of still images that can be displayed alongside a rendered three-dimensional model, and the two views (model and still image) may be synchronized to provide a common perspective of the model's subject matter. This approach provides useful visual information for disambiguating surface features of the model during processing steps such as marking a margin of a prepared tooth surface for a restoration. Interactive modeling tools may be similarly enhanced. For example, tools for margin marking may synchronize display of margin lines between the still image and the model so that a user can interact with either or both of the visual representations.

Problems solved by technology

However, intra-oral scanning presents numerous physical obstacles to obtaining accurate three-dimensional data around important areas such as the margin of a prepared tooth surface.

In such situations, ambiguities in the resulting three-dimensional scan cannot be readily identified or resolved based solely upon the resulting three-dimensional model.

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