Method for manufacturing orthodontic appliance

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for designing an orthodontic appliance according to partial designation of a tooth by using a computer, comprising the steps of: (S01) displaying the dentition of a patient; (S02) setting up all the teeth in the dentition so as to display the dentition in a post-orthodontic state; (S03) designating a tooth in the dentition; (S04) designating a specific portion of the designated tooth; (S05) inputting the thickness of the orthodontic appliance to come into contact with the designated specific portion of the designated tooth; and (S06) setting a gap for a portion, of the orthodontic appliance, to come into contact with the designated portion of the designated tooth.

Description

Method of manufacturing an orthodontic device

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for designing and manufacturing a dental orthodontic device that is printed (molded) by a 3D printer using a computer.

[0002] The present invention relates to a technology that displays digital information obtained by scanning a patient's oral condition using a 3D scanner on a screen, and designs a precise orthodontic device by partially designating the teeth while reflecting the characteristics of each tooth in a state where the teeth are set up for orthodontic purposes.

[0003] The conventional method of manufacturing orthodontic devices is as follows.

[0004] First, the practitioner identifies the patient's oral structure and then creates a tooth model identical in shape to the tooth. Generally, the patient's tooth model is made by creating a mold of the patient's oral structure and then using plaster or similar materials. The conventional general technique involves creating a clear aligner for the patient by high-temperature pressing a sheet-type polyol material in the up-and-down direction onto the plaster model of the tooth made in this way using a molding machine.

[0005] Recently, technology is also widely used in which 3D scanning data of a patient's tooth structure is transmitted to a dental laboratory, and the laboratory creates a tooth model based on the received information and accordingly manufactures clear aligners using a compression method.

[0006] An advanced technology for manufacturing orthodontic devices using a 3D printer has been introduced in Korean Registered Patent No. 10-2500642. The aforementioned patent technology relates to a method of displaying the oral condition of a patient, selecting a tooth to be corrected, and inputting thickness and spacing values ​​of an orthodontic device to achieve the purpose of correction.

[0007] However, the aforementioned patented technology is characterized by a technical feature of partially designing the orthodontic device that contacts the tooth in question, targeting only the tooth subject to correction. It has limitations in that it does not consider teeth that are not subject to correction and cannot reflect partial differences in a single tooth in the orthodontic device.

[0008] The method for manufacturing a clear aligner according to the present invention has the technical objective of significantly reducing the time and effort required to produce a dental orthodontic device by directly printing the dental orthodontic device with a 3D printer without creating a separate tooth model, thereby increasing the convenience and economic efficiency of manufacturing the dental orthodontic device.

[0009] The present invention has as its technical objective the design of an orthodontic device capable of securing more precise corrective force through precise design of the part of the device that contacts not only the teeth to be corrected but also the teeth not to be corrected.

[0010] The present invention addresses the technical challenge of designing a more sophisticated and efficient orthodontic device by reflecting the partial characteristics of teeth in the design of the orthodontic device.

[0011] In order to solve the technical problems described above, the present invention,

[0012] A technical solution comprises the steps of: displaying the patient's dentition (S01); setting up all teeth in the dentition and displaying the dentition in a post-orthodontic state (S02); designating a tooth in the dentition (S03); designating a specific part of the designated tooth (S04); setting the thickness of the orthodontic device that contacts the designated part of the designated tooth (S05); and setting the gap between the tooth and the orthodontic device that contacts the designated part of the designated tooth (S06).

[0013] In order to solve the technical problems described above, the present invention,

[0014] In setting the gap between the orthodontic device and the tooth, the technical solution includes the step (S06) of setting the gap to a separate value for the part where the orthodontic device contacts a specific part.

[0015] In order to solve the technical problems described above, the present invention,

[0016] The step (S05) of setting the thickness of the orthodontic device that contacts a designated part of a designated tooth is a technical solution in which the thickness is set to 0 (zero) so that the orthodontic device is not formed in the designated part.

[0017] The method for manufacturing an orthodontic device according to the present invention has the effect of increasing the convenience of manufacturing and improving the economic efficiency of manufacturing by designing and manufacturing the orthodontic device using a computer and a 3D printer.

[0018] The method for manufacturing an orthodontic device according to the present invention has the effect of improving the corrective force and precision of the orthodontic device by reflecting not only the teeth to be corrected but also the teeth not to be corrected in the design of the orthodontic device.

[0019] The method for manufacturing an orthodontic device according to the present invention has the effect of improving the corrective force and precision of the orthodontic device by partially considering the teeth differently in the design of the orthodontic device.

[0020] Figure 1 illustrates a tooth being designated according to the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a portion of a tooth being designated according to the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates the step of setting the thickness and gap of a calibration device according to the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a calibration device designed according to the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a calibration device designed according to the present invention.

[0025] FIGS. 6a and FIGS. 6b illustrate other embodiments of a calibration device designed according to the present invention.

[0026] FIGS. 7a and FIGS. 7b illustrate other embodiments of a calibration device designed according to the present invention.

[0027] The present invention is,

[0028] Step of displaying the patient's dentition; (S01)

[0029] A step of aligning all teeth in the above set-up and displaying the above set-up in a post-correction state; (S02)

[0030] Step of designating a tooth in the above dentition; (S03)

[0031] Step of designating a specific part of the designated tooth; (S04) and

[0032] In setting a gap between the orthodontic device and the tooth, the method includes the step of setting a gap with respect to the part where the orthodontic device contacts the specific part; (S06).

[0033] In setting the thickness of the orthodontic device in contact with the designated part of the designated tooth, the best form is to set the thickness to 0 (zero) so that the orthodontic device is not formed in the designated part.

[0034] Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing a transparent orthodontic device using a 3D printer according to the present invention will be described in detail step by step.

[0035] The technical terms used below are used merely to describe the following embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Unless otherwise specifically defined in the present invention, technical terms should be understood as conveying the meaning generally understood and used by a person skilled in the art.

[0036] The present invention relates to a method (program) for designing a calibration device using a computer. Here, the computer includes all various devices capable of performing computational processing and providing results to a user, and is configured to include an input processing unit, a computational unit, and an output unit.

[0037] In this specification, images relating to a tooth model are multidimensional images, such as two-dimensional or three-dimensional images showing the overall arrangement of teeth, and include all images obtained by medical image processing methods using tomography. For example, they include various types of images such as CT (Computer tomography) images, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Computed Tomography (NMR(CT)), Position Emission Tomography (PET), CBCT (Conebeam CT), and Oral Scanner images.

[0038] In this specification, "tooth to be corrected" refers to a tooth that is misaligned or abnormally rotated, and for which repositioning or / and rotation of the tooth is required through orthodontics.

[0039] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0040] Step S01 is a step of displaying the patient's dentition, and Step S02 is a step of aligning (setting up) all the teeth in the above dentition and displaying the dentition in the state after correction.

[0041] The inside of the patient's oral cavity is photographed using a 3D scanner, and the patient's dental information obtained in this way is stored in a computer. The operator retrieves the patient's dental information stored in the computer and displays it on an imaging device (monitor, etc.) (Step S01). The operator selects the teeth to be corrected from the displayed teeth and performs a process (set-up) to modify the selected teeth into a corrected state. In this way, the corrected dental image is completed and the corrected dental image is displayed on the screen (Step S02).

[0042] Step S03 is a step of designating a tooth in the dental arch. Figure 1 illustrates the designation of a tooth according to the present invention.

[0043] Human teeth consist of 28 to 32 teeth. A unique number for each of these teeth is stored in a computer in advance, and when the operator inputs or selects a specific number among the teeth, the tooth corresponding to that number is designated. Once a tooth is designated, it is displayed to be distinguished from other teeth by changing its color or other means. Unlike the above method, the method of designating a tooth in step S03 also allows for immediate designation using a cursor movement means such as a mouse.

[0044] The step of designating a specific tooth (S03) may designate a single tooth or designate multiple adjacent teeth simultaneously. Even when designating multiple teeth simultaneously, the designation method is the same as previously described.

[0045] FIG. 2 illustrates a part of a tooth being designated according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 illustrates a step of setting the thickness and gap of an orthodontic device according to the present invention.

[0046] Step S04 is the step of designating a specific part of the tooth designated in Step S03.

[0047] Step S04 is a step of designating a specific part of a designated tooth, and includes designating one or more of the upper surface or multiple sides of each tooth. Each human tooth has a different shape, and the upper surface and sides of each tooth also have unique shapes. Taking these points into consideration, the present invention includes a method of varying the thickness of an orthodontic device for each part of the tooth.

[0048] An orthodontic device mounted on a tooth comes into close contact with various surfaces of the tooth (lingual, buccal, labial, mesial, distal, etc.). The present invention is technically characterized by varying the thickness of the orthodontic device according to the characteristics of each surface of the tooth for a part of the orthodontic device that comes into contact with a single tooth.

[0049] In other words, regarding orthodontic appliances that contact specific teeth, the thickness of the contact portion is not set uniformly; instead, the thickness of a specific part of the appliance contacting a particular tooth is varied according to the characteristics of that tooth.

[0050] The thickness of the orthodontic appliance for each face of a specific tooth is determined by considering various factors such as ease of use of the appliance and securing effective orthodontic force.

[0051] While the operator may directly designate specific parts of a tooth using a cursor movement means such as a mouse, it is also possible to simply designate them by inputting unique numbers by pre-storing unique numbers for each tooth and its parts. Such designation methods may include various modifications in addition to those described, and all such modifications, as simple design changes, shall be considered to fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0052] Meanwhile, the present invention includes simultaneously designating several adjacent teeth and designating all sides in one direction for the designated multiple teeth. For example, a plurality of adjacent teeth of the upper or lower jaw may be designated (including cases where all teeth are designated), and a lingual side (direction toward the tongue) or a buccal side (direction toward the cheek) may be designated for the designated teeth. Alternatively, a palatal side (direction toward the roof of the mouth) may be designated for the designated teeth. Thickness is applied to the orthodontic device that contacts the lingual side, buccal side, and palatal side of the designated teeth.

[0053] The orthodontic appliance formed in this way is applied to the correction of arch expansion or arch constriction. For the correction of arch constriction, the orthodontic appliance on the buccal side is made thicker, and for the correction of arch expansion, the orthodontic appliance on the lingual side or / and palatal side is made thicker.

[0054] For the correction of arch expansion or arch constriction, it is also possible to form one or more of the lingual, buccal, and palatal surfaces of the orthodontic appliance without curvature. An entire side of the orthodontic appliance is formed smoothly with a sufficient thickness, without conforming to the shape of the teeth. In this case, a greater orthodontic force will be introduced to the teeth overall.

[0055] Meanwhile, to correct arch expansion or arch constriction, it is possible to form a transverse reinforcement on the side where the corrective force of the orthodontic device is applied. The reinforcement is configured to apply and maintain a stronger corrective force. The reinforcement is installed on the lingual, buccal, and palatal surfaces of the orthodontic device where additional corrective force is required. The reinforcement may be in the form of a simple beam or an H-beam. However, the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcement can be varied, such as circular or triangular. When the orthodontic device is printed with the reinforcement designed, the device will be formed thicker and protrude by the shape of the reinforcement at the part where the reinforcement is formed.

[0056] Step S05 is the step of setting the thickness of the orthodontic device that contacts the part specified in Step S04 on the tooth specified in Step S03.

[0057] The present invention is characterized by varying the thickness of the orthodontic appliance partially for a single tooth. Once the step of designating a tooth and a portion thereof is completed, the practitioner performs the process of setting the thickness of the orthodontic appliance for that portion. As previously explained, the thickness of the orthodontic appliance is determined by considering various factors, such as ease of use of the appliance and securing effective orthodontic force.

[0058] When a corresponding part of the tooth is selected, an input window (pop-up menu) automatically appears, and the operator can set the thickness value by entering a specific value into the input window or by gradually adjusting the value by pressing the (+) / (-) buttons (for example, setting the value of one button to 0.05mm).

[0059] The method for manufacturing an orthodontic device according to the present invention includes not only varying the thickness of the orthodontic device for each tooth, but further varying the thickness of the orthodontic device partially for specific teeth.

[0060] For example, the operator may design the thickness of each part of the orthodontic device that contacts the anterior teeth and molars, respectively, so that the orthodontic force of the orthodontic device according to the present invention is effectively distributed and applied.

[0061] In the case of teeth where securing orthodontic force is particularly required, it would be desirable to set a larger thickness value for the portion of the orthodontic device that contacts the tooth.

[0062] In addition, the step of setting the thickness of the correction device (S05) may set the thickness to 0 (zero) so that the correction device is not formed in the designated part.

[0063] When correction is required due to tooth intrusion, forming an orthodontic appliance on the occlusal surface (corresponding to the upper surface or chewing surface of the molars) is very effective. Correction of intrusion becomes possible through the mastication action of the teeth.

[0064] However, if an orthodontic appliance is formed on the occlusal surface even when intrusion correction is not necessary, this area is not only unnecessary for correction but also causes significant hindrance to the patient's chewing activity and adversely affects the temporomandibular joint. If an orthodontic appliance is partially unnecessary on the occlusal surface, setting the appliance level for that tooth's occlusal surface to zero ensures that no appliance is formed in that area. Meanwhile, by minimizing the thickness of the appliance within a range that does not affect the orthodontic force, the patient's discomfort during wear can be reduced.

[0065] Step S06 is a step of specifying a gap between the tooth of the orthodontic device that contacts the part specified in Step S04 and the tooth specified in Step S03. It is a step of setting a gap for the corresponding part of the orthodontic device that contacts a specific part of the tooth to be corrected (the specific part may be a specific side of the tooth).

[0066] The present invention is characterized by the technical feature of setting a gap between a tooth and an orthodontic device by setting the gap differently for each tooth as well as partially for each tooth. For example, if orthodontic treatment is required to push a molar (large molar) or / or premolar (small molar) towards the buccal side (towards the cheek), the gap should be minimized so that the orthodontic device is tightly fitted towards the lingual side (towards the tongue). Meanwhile, on the buccal side, the thickness of the orthodontic device can be minimized or set to zero, and it is desirable to form a predetermined gap between the orthodontic device and the tooth. Conversely to the above case, if orthodontic treatment is required to push the tooth towards the lingual side, a design opposite to the above description will be implemented. On the other hand, if orthodontic treatment to extrude the tooth is required, the extrusion treatment can be made easier by forming a more generous (large) gap on the tooth surface (occlusal surface or incisal surface) of the tooth to be extruded.

[0067] Ultimately, the present invention is characterized by adjusting the gap of the contact portion of the orthodontic device according to the characteristics of each tooth and the characteristics of each side of the tooth. Modified embodiments as described above are also considered to fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0068] Meanwhile, if it is advantageous for the orthodontic appliance to penetrate as deeply as possible into a specific interdental space (the space between teeth), it is desirable to minimize the gap with the appliance on the sides of the teeth adjacent to that interdental space. Furthermore, if particularly strong orthodontic force is required, it is desirable to partially increase the thickness of the appliance.

[0069] As previously described in the method for setting thickness values, when a portion of the orthodontic appliance is specified, an input window (pop-up menu) automatically appears, and the operator can enter a specific value into the input window or gradually adjust the value by pressing the (+) / (-) buttons.

[0070] The descriptions regarding the configuration and effects as described above are for an embodiment of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the claims of the present invention. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications are possible within the scope of not altering the technical concept of the present invention, and such simple design changes are considered to fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0071] The method for manufacturing an orthodontic device according to the present invention increases the convenience of manufacturing and improves the economic efficiency of manufacturing by designing and manufacturing the orthodontic device using a computer and a 3D printer.

Claims

1. In a method for manufacturing an orthodontic device using a computer, Step of displaying the patient's dentition; (S01) A step of aligning all teeth in the above set-up and displaying the above set-up in a post-correction state; (S02) Step of designating a tooth in the above dentition; (S03) Step of designating a specific part of the designated tooth; (S04) and In setting a gap between the orthodontic device and the tooth, the method includes the step of setting a gap with respect to the part where the orthodontic device contacts the specific part; (S06). A method for manufacturing an orthodontic device according to the designation of a tooth portion, characterized by setting the thickness of the orthodontic device in contact with the designated portion of the tooth to 0 (zero) so that the orthodontic device is not formed in the designated portion, thereby allowing the orthodontic force of the orthodontic device to be effectively distributed and acted upon.

2. In Paragraph 1, The method for setting the gap and thickness above is, A method for manufacturing an orthodontic device based on partial tooth designation, characterized by inputting a specific numerical value into an input window or gradually adjusting the value by pressing (+) / (-) buttons.

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