Device for detecting and determining the color of dental crowns

Abstract

The device for diagnosing and determining the method of fabricating the color of dental crowns is a design in the field of dental prosthetics aimed at achieving the highest color match between the crown and adjacent healthy teeth, such that the crown is indistinguishable from the healthy teeth. Our design is a mobile accessory accompanied by dedicated software supported by artificial intelligence to bring advancements in the field of dental prosthetics. This design assists the laboratory in selecting a combination or arrangement of porcelains for the crown that achieves the closest color match with the adjacent teeth of the prosthesis. By analyzing the color of adjacent teeth under normal, yellow, and white light, and focusing on the color spectrum and optical properties, it predicts a precise outcome.

Description

Device for detecting and determining the color of dental crowns

[0001] This innovation has been designed in the field of dental prosthetics, which can be utilized by dentists to achieve therapeutic and aesthetic goals.

[0002] Dental caries represents the most prevalent infectious disease in humans, characterized by the progressive demineralization and destruction of tooth structure. This condition arises in the presence of fermentable carbohydrates and specific bacteria, notablyStreptococcus mutans, which plays a critical role in its pathogenesis. When a tooth experiences extensive damage, restorative procedures such as the application of dental crowns are necessary for the reconstruction of the affected tooth structure.

[0003] When a tooth is lost due to factors such as decay, trauma, or congenital absence of a permanent tooth, it is essential to replace it with a dental implant. Following the placement of the implant fixture, an implant crown must be affixed to restore both function and aesthetics.

[0004] A standard dental crown must exhibit adequate retention, achieve a precise fit, and align seamlessly with the preparation margin. Additionally, it should replicate the contours of the dental arch and enhance the patient's overall aesthetics. A key aesthetic criterion for dental crowns is their color, which should closely match the surrounding natural dentition.

[0005] The color of a dental crown must closely match the natural teeth of the patient, replicating both the hue and optical properties of healthy dentition.

[0006] Currently, the most commonly used dental crowns that effectively mimic tooth color include PFM (porcelain fused to metal), PFZ (porcelain fused to zirconia), and full ceramic crowns. Each type is fabricated using different techniques and exhibits unique optical and color properties.

[0007] Traditionally, dentists select the color of dental crowns using color guides, such as the Vita Color Shade, and communicate their choices to the laboratory. Recent innovations, including US Patent No. 17974651, suggest the addition of tints to the laminate based on images of the natural tooth to achieve the desired color. However, these methods do not provide a comprehensive solution for combining materials that can replicate all the optical characteristics of a crown.

[0008] The device for diagnosing and determining the method of fabricating the color of dental crowns is a design in the field of dental prosthetics aimed at achieving the highest color match between the crown and adjacent healthy teeth, such that the crown is indistinguishable from the healthy teeth. This device is a mobile accessory supported by AI-based software, capable of accurately identifying the color of natural teeth. It then reports the method for creating that color and its optical properties based on the type of crown, the core of the tooth, and the fabrication process, suggesting combinations or arrangements of different porcelains and tints.

[0009] Fabricating a crown in such a way that it is indistinguishable from the adjacent natural tooth is particularly important in aesthetic areas of the mouth or the smile line for dental patients. This issue has also posed a challenge for dentists, as visual errors in color matching or the laboratory's inability to create the correct shade can lead to additional costs and, more importantly, may result in patient dissatisfaction.

[0010] Our solution is based on accurate color detection and providing precise instructions for crown fabrication to dentists and laboratories. Our device is a portable accessory equipped with two flashlights that connects to a mobile phone. The mobile’s camera captures three images of the teeth adjacent to the crown: one under normal light, one under yellow light, and one under white light. Additionally, this accessory is equipped with a color detection module that records the light reflection from the tooth.

[0011] The data from the color detection module are transmitted via Bluetooth to AI-based software installed on the mobile phone. This software analyzes the collected data and images. It then provides dentists and laboratories with detailed instructions on mixing different porcelain colors, arranging various porcelains or shades, and adding tints, along with additional recommendations to optimize the fabrication process to achieve the desired color.

[0012] Among the advantages of this design are high accuracy, increased patient satisfaction, elimination of visual errors caused by human factors, reduced costs, and decreased tensions between the dentist, the patient, and the laboratory.

[0013] Additional features of the present invention elucidated through the accompanying drawings, of which:Fig. 1

[0014] Three different views of the invention include a mobile-connected accessory.Fig. 2

[0015] Overview of the device's components.

[0016] In, we see various views of the accessory connected to a mobile phone. For a closer examination, we see the details in:

[0017] The mobile accessory consists of a holder block 9 to which the other components are attached. The holder block 9 is stabilized on rail 8 by a spring clamp 1 in Fig. 2B and screw 10. This assembly is connected to the mobile phone by a tightening clamp 11.

[0018] Our accessory is made up of two flashlights 3 in Fig. 2A and a color detection module model TCS3200 4 in Fig. 2A. The two flashlights include an upper white flashlight 3 and a lower yellow flashlight 3 in Fig. 2A, which the dentist uses, with the help of the software installed on the mobile phone, to take three photos of the teeth adjacent to the treated tooth: one without a flashlight and two with the white and yellow flashlights 3.

[0019] The software is connected via Bluetooth module 2 in Fig. 2C to ESP32 microcontroller 5 in Fig. 2E, which executes the commands for the flashlights 3 in Fig. 2A. During the image capture, the color detection module 4 in Fig. 2A receives light reflections from the teeth in each mode and sends the data to microcontroller 5 in Fig. 2E. The collected information is then transmitted to the software via Bluetooth module 2 in Fig. 2C.

[0020] The software installed on the mobile phone 7 analyzes the images and data obtained from the color detection module 4, using artificial intelligence and other information provided to the software, such as the type of crown and fabrication method, sends a combination of instructions on how to mix different porcelain colors, arrange various porcelains or porcelain colors, and how to add tints, along with other recommendations for optimizing the fabrication process to the dentist and laboratory.

[0021] The holder block 9 can be moved along rail 8 to position it appropriately based on the dimensions of the mobile phone 7 using spring clamp 1 in Fig. 2B and screw 10.

[0022] The power for the accessory assembly is supplied through USB cable 6 connected to the mobile phone 7.Examples

[0023] The dentist prepares the tooth that requires a crown. The core of this tooth may be made of composite, amalgam, or a cast post. After preparing the tooth, the dentist connects this accessory to the mobile phone and then captures three images according to the software guidance. These three images include one taken under normal light, one under yellow light, and one under white light. The yellow and white lights are produced using the two flashlights of this device.

[0024] The images are then analyzed by software trained with artificial intelligence, which provides its analysis, including a combination of different porcelain colors and the arrangement of layer placement, to the laboratory technician.

[0025] As a result, the laboratory can achieve the closest color match using this design.

[0026] This invention can be widely used in dental offices and clinics for restorative and aesthetic treatments.

[0027] 1. Spring clamp

[0028] 2. Bluetooth module

[0029] 3. Flashlight

[0030] 4. Color detection module model TCS3200

[0031] 5. ESP32 microcontroller

[0032] 6. USB cable

[0033] 7. Mobile phone

[0034] 8. Rail

[0035] 9. Equipment accessory holder block

[0036] 10. Screw

[0037] 11. Accessory tightening clamp

[0038]

[0039]

[0040]

[0041] US17974651A1

[0042] CN202310238230.0A

[0043] US18294073A1

[0044] NPL1:

Claims

The device for detecting and determining the color of dental crowns is based on the analysis of the color of adjacent healthy teeth and suggests a method for creating the desired color of the dental crown in such a way that the crown color is indistinguishable from that of the adjacent healthy tooth.According to Claim 1, this device is an accessory that connects and attaches to a mobile phone.According to Claim 1, the accessory consists of two flashlights: one yellow and one white.According to Claims 1, this device captures three images of the treatment area under normal light, with the yellow flashlight, and with the white flashlight, guided by the software.According to Claim 1, the color detection module of this device also receives the light reflections from the healthy teeth while capturing images and operating the flashlights.According to Claim 1: The command for flashing and receiving data from the color detection module is transmitted via Bluetooth to the microcontroller from the software.According to Claim 1, the data received by the color detection module is transferred and collected by the microcontroller, and then transmitted to the software via Bluetooth.According to Claim 1, the software installed on the mobile phone analyzes the captured images along with the received data.According to Claim 1, the software receives additional information from the dentist, including the type of crown and the method of crown fabrication.According to Claim 1, the software will provide the dentist and laboratory with a combination of instructions on how to mix different porcelain colors, arrange various porcelains or porcelain colors, add tints, and other recommendations for optimizing the fabrication process.According to Claim 1, the position of this accessory is adjusted by the dentist using the holding clamp and screw on the rail.According to Claim 1, this accessory is attached to the mobile phone by a clamp.According to Claim 1, the power for the accessory assembly is supplied through a USB cable connected to the mobile phone.

Images