Compare Orthodontic Treatment Planning Tools

Abstract

A comparative orthodontic treatment planning tool provides multiple treatment plan options based on a single initial dental data set. The user can use the treatment planning tool to select a treatment plan based on factors including cost, treatment duration, treatment complexity, and material or feature selection. Tooth arrangements at different treatment stages can be compared. In some cases, the tooth arrangement at one treatment stage can be overlaid on the tooth arrangement at a different treatment stage, or overlaid on the tooth arrangements of different treatment plans.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application based on patent application number 201680023872.7 (PCT / IB2016 / 000532) filed on April 22, 2016, and entitled “Comparative Orthodontic Treatment Planning Tool” (date of entry into the Chinese national phase: October 24, 2017). Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of orthodontics. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for comparing orthodontic treatment plans. Background Art

[0003] The primary goal of orthodontics is to realign a patient's teeth to a position where they function optimally and have an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The doctor's goal is to get the patient from their current state (the "initial alignment") to the treatment goal (the "final alignment"). There are many different ways to achieve this goal, and these are known as "treatment options." The method used by the doctor to help the patient reach their goal is known as a "treatment plan."

[0004] Specifically, braces such as fixed braces and archwires are applied to the patient's teeth to gradually reposition the teeth from an initial arrangement to a final arrangement. As outlined above, braces (archwires and brackets) have been used for decades to correct and maintain tooth positioning. Over time, through a series of clinical diagnoses and adjustments to the braces, orthodontists adjust the archwires and brackets to move the teeth to their final positions. However, because archwires and brackets can be unsightly, uncomfortable, and cumbersome for patients, removable polymer shell appliances (e.g., aligners) have been developed to correct teeth. Aligners, such as those manufactured by Align Technology, Inc. of San Jose, CA, are commonly used to correct teeth. Clear aligners like these are virtually invisible and offer greater convenience. Unlike patients with braces, patients wearing these aligners have the freedom to eat whatever they want because they are removable. Furthermore, removable aligners make teeth easier to care for and clean.

[0005] The system includes designing and / or manufacturing a plurality of, and typically all, of the aligners to be worn by the patient before the aligners are applied to the patient and the teeth are repositioned (i.e., at the beginning of treatment). Typically, designing and planning a customized treatment for a patient includes using computer-based three-dimensional planning and design tools, such as those from Align Technology, Inc. The design of the aligners can rely on computer simulations of a series of planned, successive tooth arrangements, with each aligner being designed to be worn on the teeth and to resiliently reposition the teeth to each planned tooth arrangement.

[0006] Typically, treatment plans are based on a prescription that is based on an input and provides an output. However, different clinicians may vary based on their understanding of various orthodontic parameters, and their views on how a case can ideally be treated often differ. Patients may also have different goals and different budgets. Since a set of aligners is typically manufactured before treatment begins, a robust comparative treatment planning tool is needed that allows the patient and physician to view different options when making a decision on a treatment plan. In view of the foregoing, it is desirable to have a method and system that provides an interactive and dynamic orthodontic treatment planning tool. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to an embodiment, a method for orthodontic treatment planning using a comparative orthodontic treatment planning tool is provided. The treatment planning tool receives an initial dental data set including an initial tooth arrangement. The initial dental data set is used to generate at least one treatment plan to move teeth from the initial arrangement. Each treatment plan includes a plurality of treatment phases. At least two different treatment phases are displayed on a screen, allowing a user to compare the tooth positions of the at least two different treatment phases. The user is then enabled to select an end phase based on the comparison of the tooth positions of the at least two different phases.

[0008] According to another embodiment, a system for comparing orthodontic treatment plans is provided. The system includes a computer connected to a server, the computer including a processor and a computer-readable medium having instructions that, if executed, cause the computer to generate at least one treatment plan for a patient based on an initial set of dental data received by the computer. The plan includes a plurality of planned sequential tooth arrangements for moving teeth along a treatment path from an initial arrangement toward a selected final arrangement. The plan also includes a series of one or more treatment stages for moving teeth along the treatment path. The computer-readable medium contains instructions that, if executed, further cause the computer to display the tooth arrangement for each of the one or more treatment stages, enable a user to compare the tooth arrangements of at least two different treatment stages, and enable the user to select a treatment plan after comparing the tooth arrangements.

[0009] According to yet another embodiment, a method for orthodontic treatment planning using an orthodontic treatment planning system is provided. The orthodontic treatment planning system includes a computer and a comparative treatment planning tool. An initial dental data set including an initial tooth arrangement is received at the computer. Using the comparative treatment planning tool and the initial dental data set, a plurality of different treatment plans are generated to move teeth from the initial arrangement toward a target arrangement. Each of the treatment plans includes a plurality of treatment phases. The target arrangement of each of at least two different treatment plans is simultaneously displayed on a screen, enabling a user to select a desired treatment plan based on the tooth positioning of the target arrangement of the at least two different dental plans. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The present invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a dental appliance according to an embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 is a flow chart of a process for treatment planning and manufacturing of orthodontic appliances according to an embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3A is a screenshot of a compare treatment plan tool illustrating a graphical representation of treatment stages in a treatment plan, according to an embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3B is a screenshot of a compare treatment plan tool illustrating a graphical representation of split screen screenshots comparing different treatment phases, according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3C is a screenshot of a compare treatment plan tool illustrating a graphical representation of a treatment phase superimposed on another treatment phase, according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 is a screenshot of a compare treatment plan tool illustrating a graphical representation of treatment stages in a treatment plan according to a different embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 is a screenshot of a compare treatment plan tool illustrating a graphical representation of treatment stages in a treatment plan according to another embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 is a screenshot of a compare treatment plan tool illustrating a graphical representation of treatment stages in a treatment plan according to yet another embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7is a flow chart illustrating a method of orthodontic treatment planning utilizing a comparative orthodontic treatment planning tool according to an embodiment.

[0020] Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method of performing orthodontic treatment planning using an orthodontic treatment planning system including a computer and a comparative treatment planning tool according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The present invention provides an improved system and method for handling the delivery of orthodontic treatment plans that can be customized for each patient to be treated. The system and method of the present invention include generating more than one treatment plan for a patient and providing additional options for customized treatment plans. The comparative orthodontic treatment plan tool provides dentists and orthodontists with the ability to collaborate with patients and manufacturers to make informed decisions in orthodontic treatment planning. The comparative treatment plan tool described herein provides patients with more opportunities for customization and budget planning, and to make decisions in collaboration with orthodontists. Orthodontists can also use the comparative treatment plan tool to work with specialists such as oral surgeons, prosthodontists, and restoratives, and generalists can use the comparative treatment plan tool to work with orthodontists and other specialists.

[0022] In various embodiments, a comparative treatment planning tool used with a computing system can be used to perform orthodontic treatment plans and the design of dental braces therefor. Such a computing system can include one or more computing devices having, for example, a processor and a memory. The memory can include various types of information, including data (e.g., dentition measurements, uploaded scanned tooth data, and / or digital model data), and / or executable instructions for performing the methods described herein. Various embodiments can include one or more input and / or output interfaces. Such interfaces can be used, for example, to connect a computing device to one or more input or output devices. For example, the system can include connectivity with a scanning device, a camera, a keyboard, and / or other peripheral devices.

[0023] Some embodiments can include a network interface. Such an interface can provide, for example, processing on another networked computing device. In some cases, such a device can be used to obtain information about the patient or the executable instructions used in the various embodiments provided herein.

[0024] The comparative treatment plan tool described herein provides physicians, patients, and manufacturers with more information, as well as additional options in treatment planning, product selection, and ordering procedures. The comparative treatment plan tool is also used to inform and educate patients about multiple different treatment plans (and their respective pricing) in conjunction with a visual tool that can display predicted tooth alignment at different stages or under different plans. Treatment plans can be customized for individual patients and typically take into account patient-specific factors, such as the patient's tooth positioning, desired movement, treatment goals and timing, pricing, complexity of treatment, and other clinical considerations.

[0025] In addition, the comparative treatment plan tool described herein can improve transportation to the doctor, reduce the number of calibrators, progress tracking to ensure better treatment outcomes, or material selection for better outcomes. For example, if the orthodontist or dentist decides to conduct part of the treatment plan in stages, or decides to use different materials or additional or different properties for a specific stage, the calibrators can be shipped in batches for the specific stage of the treatment plan. Thus, the comparative treatment plan tool described herein provides additional flexibility to the treatment planner, so that the treatment plan can be completed all at once from start to finish, or the treatment plan can be completed at specific stages. Even if the treatment plan is completed in stages, the comparative treatment plan tool provides an overview of the treatment plan from start to finish.

[0026] Figure 1 An aligner or adjusting appliance 10 is shown that is worn by a patient to achieve progressive repositioning of individual teeth in a jaw 12, as generally described above. The appliance can include a housing (e.g., a polymer housing) having tooth-receiving cavities that can receive and resiliently reposition the teeth. Aligners used in the system Such aligners are described in various patents and patent applications filed by Align Technology, Inc., for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 6,450,807 and 5,975,893, and are described on the company's website accessible on the World Wide Web (see, for example, www.align.com). Figure 1 As shown, the aligner or aligner 10 has a geometry for receiving teeth.

[0027] As outlined above, aligners have been developed as more aesthetically pleasing and more convenient aligners for straightening teeth. An aligner is a relatively thin, usually transparent, shell of material that generally conforms to the patient's teeth, but is slightly misaligned with the current (original) tooth configuration. The material of the aligner is typically a polymer material with elastic properties. Dental treatment using aligners typically involves repositioning misaligned teeth and changing the bite configuration in order to improve appearance as well as dental function. Such repositioning using an aligner can be achieved by applying a controlled force to one or more teeth over a period of time.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, the brace 10 can be constructed to be worn over the entire dental arch 12. In other embodiments, the brace can be designed to be worn on some or all of the teeth in the upper or lower jaw. In some embodiments, the brace is a removable orthodontic tooth positioning brace having a tooth receiving cavity that is shaped to directly receive at least some of the patient's teeth and to apply elastic positioning forces to the patient's teeth. In some cases, only some of the teeth received by the brace will be repositioned as a result of the brace, while other teeth can provide a base or fixed area for holding the brace in place when the brace applies a force to one or more teeth to be repositioned. In some cases, at some point during treatment, many, most, or even all of the teeth will be repositioned.

[0029] The teeth being moved can also serve as a base or anchor for holding the aligner while it is being worn by the patient. Typically, no archwire or other device is provided for properly holding the aligner on the teeth. However, in some cases, it is desirable or necessary to provide a corresponding receptacle or hole in the aligner for a separate anchor on the teeth so that the aligner can apply a selected force to the teeth. Exemplary embodiments are described in a number of patents and patent applications assigned to Align Technology, Inc., including, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 6,450,807 and 5,975,893, and are described on the company's website accessible on the World Wide Web (see, for example, www.invisalign.com). The foregoing patents are hereby incorporated by reference into this document for all purposes.

[0030] The braces can be designed and / or provided as part of a set of multiple braces. In such embodiments, each brace can be constructed so that the tooth receiving cavity has a geometry corresponding to a desired intermediate tooth arrangement or final tooth arrangement. The patient's teeth can be progressively repositioned from an initial tooth arrangement to a target tooth arrangement by placing a series of progressive position adjustment braces on the patient's teeth. The target tooth arrangement is a planned tooth arrangement (e.g., a planned temporary arrangement or final arrangement) selected for the patient's teeth at a specific stage of planned orthodontic treatment. The target arrangement can be one of multiple intermediate arrangements for the patient's teeth during the course of orthodontic treatment, which can include: an arrangement recommended for surgery, an arrangement suitable for inter-proximal reduction (IPR), an arrangement suitable for tooth extraction, an arrangement scheduled for progress check, an arrangement optimal for anchor placement, an arrangement ideal for maxillary expansion, etc. Therefore, it should be understood that the target tooth arrangement can be any planned arrangement of the patient's teeth after one or more progressive repositioning stages. Similarly, the initial tooth arrangement can be any initial arrangement of the patient's teeth prior to one or more progressive repositioning stages.

[0031] Each appliance can be constructed so that its tooth-receiving cavity has a geometry corresponding to the intermediate or final tooth arrangement desired for the appliance. The patient's teeth are progressively repositioned from an initial tooth arrangement to a final tooth arrangement by placing a series of progressive position-adjusting appliances on the patient's teeth. Adjustment appliances can be generated at the same stage, or in groups or batches, for example, at the beginning of a stage of treatment. The different appliances in a set of appliances can be designed and manufactured before the patient wears any of the appliances in the set. The patient wears each appliance for a set period of time, or until the pressure of each appliance on the teeth is minimal or the pressure can no longer be felt. At this point, the patient replaces the current adjustment appliance with the next adjustment appliance in the series until no appliances remain. The appliances are typically not fixed to the teeth, but require removal by the implementer (e.g., patient removable), and the patient can place and replace appliances at any time during the course of treatment. The final appliance or appliances in the series may have a geometry that is selected to overcorrect the tooth arrangement, i.e., a geometry that would cause the individual teeth to move beyond the tooth arrangement that has been selected as the "final" (if fully realized). Such overcorrection may be desirable in order to compensate for potential reversion after the repositioning method has been terminated, i.e., to allow the individual teeth to move back toward their pre-correction position. Overcorrection may also help to increase the speed of correction, i.e., by having an appliance with a geometry that is positioned beyond the desired intermediate or final position, the individual teeth will be displaced toward this position at a faster rate. In such a case, use of the appliance can be terminated before the teeth reach the position defined by the appliance.

[0032] Various aspects of the treatment planning process are described in further detail below. The process includes generating a treatment plan for repositioning a patient's teeth. Briefly, treatment planning includes obtaining data comprising an initial arrangement of the patient's teeth, which specifically includes obtaining an impression or scan of the patient's teeth prior to the initiation or commencement of treatment. Treatment planning also includes determining a desired final arrangement of the patient's teeth, and a plurality of planned sequential or intermediate tooth arrangements for moving the teeth along a treatment path from the initial arrangement toward the selected final arrangement. As described above, treatment can be pre-planned for treating the patient in a series of more than one treatment sessions, wherein a session includes a set of aligners worn sequentially by the patient to reposition the teeth through the planned arrangements and ultimately toward the selected final arrangement.

[0033] Adjustment appliances can be generated at the same stage or in groups or batches, such as at the beginning of a stage of treatment, and the patient wears each appliance until pressure from each appliance on the teeth is no longer felt, or the maximum amount of tooth movement exhibited for that specified stage has occurred. A plurality of different appliances (e.g., a set) can be designed and even manufactured before the patient wears any of the appliances. After wearing the appliances for an appropriate period of time, the patient replaces the current appliance with the next appliance in the series until no appliances remain. The appliances are typically not fixed to the teeth, and the patient can place and replace appliances at any time during the course of treatment (e.g., patient-removable appliances).

[0034] The final appliance or appliances in the series may have a geometry that is selected to overcorrect the tooth arrangement, i.e., a geometry that would cause the individual teeth to move beyond the tooth arrangement that has been selected as the "final" (if fully realized). Such overcorrection may be desirable in order to compensate for potential reversion after the repositioning method has been terminated, i.e., to allow the individual teeth to move back toward their pre-correction position. Overcorrection may also help to speed up the correction, i.e., by having an appliance with a geometry that is positioned beyond the desired intermediate or final position, the individual teeth will be displaced toward this position at a faster rate. In such a case, use of the appliance can be terminated before the teeth reach the position defined by the appliance.

[0035] The aligner 10 can be manufactured using a variety of suitable methods, including thermoforming, casting, 3D printing, stereolithography, milling, direct manufacturing, and the like. A method for making the aligner can include thermoforming a polymeric sheet into the aligner by heating the polymer sheet and then forming the sheet into a specific configuration. Exemplary methods for making the aligner are described in various patents and patent applications assigned to Align Technology, Inc., such as U.S. Patent Serial No. 13 / 186,374 and on the company's website accessible on the World Wide Web (e.g., see www.invisalign.com). The aforementioned patent applications are hereby incorporated herein for all purposes.

[0036] As described above, placement of the appliances on the teeth provides: controlled forces at specific locations to gradually move the teeth to a new configuration; and repetition of the process with successive appliances provides a progressive configuration that ultimately moves the teeth through a series of intermediate arrangements to a target, prescribed, or desired arrangement. An example of such a system is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,975,893, which is incorporated herein by reference. Appliances can be generated based on the planned arrangement, provided to an implementer, and ultimately implemented to the patient. Appliances are typically provided and / or implemented in groups or batches of appliances, such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or more appliances, without being limited to any particular embodiment.

[0037] Figure 2 The general flow of an exemplary process 30 for defining and generating a treatment plan that includes repositioning appliances for orthodontic treatment of a patient is illustrated. The steps of the process can be implemented as computer program modules executed on one or more computer systems. As an initial step, an initial digital data set of the patient's teeth is created. To create the initial digital data set, a model or scan of the patient's teeth or oral tissue is obtained (step 32). Creating the initial digital data set typically involves taking a cast of the patient's teeth and gums, and may additionally or alternatively involve using wax articulation, direct contact scanning, x-ray imaging, tomography, ultrasound imaging, and other techniques for obtaining information about the teeth, jaws, gums, and other orthodontically relevant tissues. Based on the data so obtained, a digital data set is derived that represents the initial (e.g., before treatment) arrangement of the patient's teeth and other tissues.

[0038] The initial digital data set, which may include source data from a scanning operation and data representing a surface model derived from the source data, is processed to separate tissue structures from one another (step 34), including defining discrete tooth objects. For example, a data structure can be generated that digitally represents the crown of each tooth. In some embodiments, a digital model of the entire tooth is generated, including measured or inferred hidden surfaces and root structure.

[0039] The desired final position of such teeth as the desired and intended end result of orthodontic treatment can be calculated based on basic orthodontic principles or can be computationally inferred based on the clinical prescription (step 36). Using the detailed description of the desired final position of the teeth and the digital representation of the teeth themselves, the final position and surface geometry of each tooth can be specified (step 38) to form a complete model of the teeth at the desired end of treatment. Typically, in this step, the position of each tooth is specified. The result of this step is a set of digital data structures that represent the desired and / or orthodontically corrected repositioning of the modeled teeth relative to the assumed stable tissue. Both the teeth and the tissue are represented as digital data.

[0040] With both the starting and final positions of each tooth, the process then defines a treatment path, or tooth path, for each tooth (step 40). This involves defining a plurality of planned, sequential tooth arrangements for moving the teeth along such a treatment path from the initial arrangement to the selected final arrangement. In one embodiment, the tooth path is generally optimized so that the teeth move in the most efficient and clinically acceptable manner, moving the teeth from the initial position to the desired final position with the least amount of round-tripping. Round-tripping is any movement of a tooth in a direction other than directly toward the desired final position. Round-tripping sometimes requires moving the teeth past each other. The tooth path is segmented. Segments are calculated so that the movement of each tooth within a segment is within threshold limits for translational and rotational movement. In this way, the end points of each path segment can form a clinically feasible repositioning, and the collection of segment end points forms a sequence of clinically feasible tooth positions such that movement from one point in the sequence to the next does not result in tooth collision. In one embodiment, the comparative treatment plan tool allows the user to select whether the tooth path includes round-tripping, and if so, how much round-tripping to include. Treatment can be stopped before any (significant) reciprocation is required. In some cases, the orthodontist or dentist can provide IPR or extraction in the treatment plan instead. In this example, the comparative treatment plan tool can also enable the orthodontist or dentist to see a comparison between reciprocation and IPR or extraction, and then select the better option after seeing the comparison. Thus, it should be understood that different treatment paths can exist for the same initial and final positions of the teeth.

[0041] In one embodiment, threshold limits for translational and rotational movement are initialized using default values ​​based on the properties of the appliance. More customized, dedicated limits can be calculated using patient-specific data. Limits can also be updated based on appliance calculations that determine that at one or more points along one or more tooth paths, the forces that can be generated by the appliance on the existing configuration of teeth and tissue are unable to affect the repositioning represented by one or more tooth path segments. Using this information, the path or affected sub-path can be recalculated.

[0042] At various stages of the process, the process can include interaction with the treating clinician and / or the patient (step 42). This interaction can be implemented using a comparative treatment planning tool as described herein, which is programmed to receive the positions and models of the teeth and the path information. The comparative treatment planning tool is advantageously programmed to enable the clinician to display multiple different animations of the positions and paths, and to enable the clinician to reset the final position of one or more teeth and to specify constraints to be applied to the segmented paths. If the clinician makes any changes, the specific steps of the process are performed again to recalculate the path.

[0043] The tooth paths and associated tooth position data are used to calculate clinically acceptable appliance configurations (or successive changes in appliance configurations) that will move the teeth along the defined treatment path in specified steps (step 44). Each appliance configuration corresponds to a planned, successive arrangement of teeth and represents a step along the patient's treatment path. The steps are defined and calculated so that each discrete position can follow a linear tooth movement or simple rotation from the tooth movement achieved at the previous discrete step, and so that the amount of repositioning required at each step includes an orthodontically optimal amount of force for the patient's dentition. As with the other steps, this calculation step can include interaction with the clinician and / or patient (step 42).

[0044] After the appliance positioning has been calculated, the process 30 can proceed to a manufacturing step (step 46) in which the appliances defined by the process are manufactured, or electronic or printed information is generated that can be used by manual or automatic processing to define the appliance configuration or changes to the appliance configuration. The appliances according to the treatment plan can be produced in bulk, thereby manufacturing (e.g., prior to treatment), or the individual appliances can be manufactured in groups or batches. For example, in some cases, it may be appropriate to manufacture an initial group of appliances at the beginning of treatment and to intend to manufacture additional groups of appliances (e.g., a second group, a third group, a fourth group, etc.) after treatment has begun (e.g., as will be discussed further herein). For example, a first appliance can be manufactured and administered to a patient. After administration, it may be desirable to examine the progress of the patient's teeth along the treatment path before manufacturing and / or administering a subsequent group of appliances. In some cases, it may be desirable to modify the treatment plan before manufacturing a subsequent group of appliances.

[0045] As described herein, generating and / or analyzing a digital treatment plan can include, for example, using a three-dimensional orthodontic treatment planning tool, such as the one from Align Technology, Inc. Such treatment planning tools enable the clinician to use the actual patient's dentition as a starting point for customizing a treatment plan. Techniques use a patient-specific digital model to formulate a treatment plan and then use processed (eg, segmented) scans of achieved treatment results, as described in US Patent Nos. 7,156,661 and 7,077,647, which are incorporated herein for all purposes.

[0046] The design of the aligners can rely on computer simulations of a series of planned, successive tooth arrangements, with each aligner being designed to be worn on the teeth and to resiliently reposition the teeth to each planned tooth arrangement.

[0047] The principles of orthodontic treatment are not universally agreed upon, and actual treatment and outcomes are affected by additional uncertainties such as the measurement of patient variables, the relationship to unmeasured patient variables, and varying patient compliance and different patient goals. As a result, different clinicians may prefer different treatment plans for the same patient. Thus, since there is no universally accepted "correct" treatment plan, the same treatment plan may not be accepted by every clinician. In addition, some patients may prefer a less complex treatment plan, a less expensive plan, or a plan with a shorter treatment duration. For example, a treatment plan may require surgery in addition to using a set of aligners, and an alternative treatment plan may only involve treatment with aligners. Some patients may not choose surgery and only use aligners to achieve a goal of a treatment outcome that is close enough to the ideal. In another example, a patient may have a date (e.g., a wedding or graduation) for which the patient may want his or her teeth to be straightened. In such a case, the patient may choose a treatment plan that has a shorter duration but still has acceptable results.

[0048] Embodiments of the treatment planning tool described herein enable a clinician to obtain a single initial data set of a patient's initial dental arrangement and present the clinician with different treatment plan options, giving both the clinician and the patient greater flexibility and a wider range of treatment options. The treatment planning tool also serves to educate the patient using visualization tools to view different options based on factors such as the complexity of the treatment, the pricing of the treatment, the duration of the treatment, material selection, attachment selection, and the like.

[0049] An embodiment of a comparative orthodontic treatment planning tool for designing a series of polymer shell appliances will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 6. Figure 3A A screenshot 50 of a compare treatment plan tool is shown illustrating a graphical representation of treatment stages in a treatment plan, according to an embodiment. Figure 3A In the example shown, the comparative treatment plan tool shows the predicted tooth positions at "Stage 12" of the treatment plan. The treatment plan tool enables a user (e.g., a clinician and / or patient) to see the predicted tooth positions for a particular stage of treatment based on the initial data set obtained. For example, Figure 3AThe screenshot shown shows the predicted tooth positioning at "Stage 12" in a 24-stage treatment plan. In the illustrated example, the treatment planning tool allows the user to switch between stages using a scroll bar at the bottom of the screen to view the predicted tooth positioning at each stage. In this example, the user can select between a 12-stage treatment plan and a 24-stage treatment plan. A 12-stage treatment plan generally costs the patient less than a 24-stage treatment plan and may also have a shorter treatment length. Compared to a 24-stage treatment plan, the savings in cost and time for the doctor, laboratory fees, and even the patient can be significant. However, the tooth positioning achieved in a 12-stage treatment plan may not be as ideal as that achieved with a 24-stage treatment plan. According to an embodiment, a comparative treatment plan tool allows the user to switch between the initial stage (Stage 0) and Stage 12, between the initial stage and the final stage (Stage 24), and between Stage 12 and the final stage.

[0050] In another embodiment, Figure 3B As shown, the compare treatment plan tool can also provide a split screen to enable the dentist or orthodontist to compare different stages from the same treatment plan or different stages from different treatment plans. Figure 3B In the exemplary screenshot 52 shown, the split screen shows the predicted position of the teeth at stage 12 on the left side and the predicted position of the teeth at the final stage (stage 30) on the right side. In the illustrated embodiment, the two stages shown in the split screen are from the same treatment plan. However, it should be understood that the compare treatment plan tool can provide a split screen to compare different stages from different treatment plans. The split screen allows for side-by-side comparison of different stages (from the same treatment plan or from different treatment plans).

[0051] In another embodiment, the compare treatment plan tool can superimpose the predicted tooth positions of one stage on the predicted tooth positions of another stage so that the user can see the differences between the stages (either from the same treatment plan or from different treatment plans). Figure 3C As shown in the screenshot 54 shown, the teeth can be shaded or colored differently for each stage, and the different stages can be overlaid on each other so that the patient and / or clinician can see the differences in tooth positioning between the stages.

[0052] As described above, switching, overlaying, and splitting the screen can also provide a comparison of stages from different treatment plans. For example, one treatment plan may include IPR or extractions, and another treatment plan does not have IPR or extractions, and the compare treatment plan tool can be used to compare the final stage (or intermediate stages) of the two treatment plans. In some cases, the difference between the stages 24 may not be enough to justify the patient and / or clinician spending additional time and / or money to get the patient's teeth to the predicted final stage. If the patient and / or clinician decides that the difference is not worth the additional expense and time, the user can click the "Accept Here" button for stage 12, as shown in FIG. Figure 3A If, after comparing stage 12 and stage 24, the patient and / or clinician decides that it is worth the additional expense and time to get the patient's teeth to the predicted final stage, the user can click the "Accept Here" button for stage 24, as shown. Figure 3A In this embodiment, it should be understood that whether the user chooses to stop at stage 12 or stage 24, the tooth movement path is the same.

[0053] According to an embodiment, the comparative treatment plan tool also enables the clinician to view multiple comparative treatment plans that include restorative treatment in addition to orthodontic treatment. For example, the clinician can see that at stage 12, the tooth is not in the ideal position using only orthodontic treatment. The comparative treatment plan tool also enables the clinician to add restorative treatment to the plan, and the treatment plan tool can provide a comparison of the stage (e.g., stage 12) of the tooth with and without restorative treatment. Thus, the clinician and / or patient can decide whether restorative treatment is worthwhile. The comparative treatment plan tool helps clinicians and patients make better choices by providing different options and allowing comparisons between the different options.

[0054] In another embodiment, the planning tool enables the user to select a treatment plan based on the number of stages in the treatment plan, wherein the tooth movement path may differ between plans. In this embodiment, different treatment plans are also generated based on a single initial data set. For example, Figure 4A screenshot 60 of a comparison treatment plan tool according to another embodiment is shown illustrating a graphical representation of treatment stages in a treatment plan. In this embodiment of the treatment planning tool, different treatment plans having different routes or paths of tooth movement are provided and compared, enabling the plan provider and / or patient to select from different treatment plans / pathways based on individual needs. In the illustrated example, the scroll bar at the bottom of the screenshot 60 shows two different treatment stages of two different treatment plans that can be compared: "Stage 7, 4-4, i7 / E7 pricing" and "Stage 14, Full Arch, Lite / E14 pricing." For example, in one treatment plan there can be posterior movement in addition to anterior movement, while in another treatment plan the movement is limited to anterior movement. Figure 4 , Stage 7 and Stage 14 of the same treatment plan can be selected to view the predicted tooth positioning at these stages of the treatment plan. At the same time, the user can also view the respective pricing if these stages were selected as the final stages of the treatment plan. In this example, the pricing at Stage 14 of the "4-4" treatment plan is more expensive than the pricing for the same treatment stopping at Stage 7. It will be understood that the "4-4" treatment plan is merely an example. Treatment plans can be for subgroups of teeth and any number of stages and any combination thereof. For example, a treatment plan can be for "3-3" (front teeth only) or "5-5" or "7-7". It will be understood that in Figure 4 The pricing terms used in the illustrated examples (ie, "i7 / E7 pricing" and "Lite / E14 pricing") are also examples only and are provided to illustrate that the comparison treatment plan tool can also provide relative pricing for different phases on screen.

[0055] Figure 4 Screen shot 60 also shows stage 14 of a treatment plan for a full arch (i.e., with both anterior and posterior movement). As described above, the compare treatment plan tool provides for comparison of different treatment stages of different treatment plans by allowing for switching between treatment stages or stacking different stages on top of each other. Although only stages 7 and 14 are shown in the illustrated screenshot 60, it should be understood that the user can select the number of stages for the treatment plan. Alternatively, the user can specify a desired pricing range, and the treatment planning tool can provide a treatment plan scenario in which multiple stages and / or tooth movement routes can be selected based on the desired pricing range.

[0056] Figure 5A screenshot 70 of a comparative treatment plan tool according to yet another embodiment is shown, illustrating a graphical representation of the treatment stages in a treatment plan. In this embodiment, the comparative treatment plan tool provides different treatment plans based on a single initial data set based on the treatment goals provided by the user. For example, a treatment goal of only anterior alignment can be provided. Alternatively, a treatment goal of full alignment can be provided. In some cases, the patient may choose to align only the teeth in the upper dental arch, rather than aligning both the upper and lower dental arches. The user can use the treatment planning tool to compare the tooth positioning at different stages. Once the treatment provider determines which acceptance point to select based on the complexity of the treatment goals the patient wants to achieve, there will be different options, as described below.

[0057] One approach is to manufacture the aligners as is to achieve coherent treatment goals (e.g., treatment would first achieve anterior alignment, then full alignment, then occlusal correction, without simultaneous movement, i.e., correcting anterior alignment while correcting Class II). Another approach is to re-segment the treatment so that the final acceptance point is the only treatment target, thereby potentially skipping and / or merging previous acceptance points, and thus shortening treatment time. In the example provided, the re-segmented treatment plan can achieve anterior and posterior alignment simultaneously rather than sequentially. Alternatively, the re-segmented plan can start with anterior alignment, then posterior alignment, and end with further anterior alignment. Re-segmenting can be performed to most efficiently move the teeth to reach the final target. Different re-segmented treatment plans (with different routes and / or alignment schemes) can be provided depending on the patient's goals. If the patient has a date when he or she wants anterior alignment (e.g., for a wedding), then, in the example provided, the treatment may not require re-segmenting and the anterior alignment will be performed first. Another approach, compared to only orthodontic treatment in a treatment plan, is to provide restorative treatment at a specific stage in addition to orthodontic treatment. It should be understood that the compare treatment plan tool can be used to provide other treatment plans so that the clinician can compare different treatment plans and select a treatment plan based on treatment duration, complexity, pricing, etc.

[0058] Figure 6 A screenshot 80 of a compare treatment plan tool is shown illustrating a graphical representation of treatment stages in a treatment plan according to another embodiment. Figure 6In the example shown, the user can select different materials for the aligner to achieve different types of movement and movement at different speeds. The treatment planning tool can provide the user with multiple receiving points for batch transportation based on the selected materials. For example, the aligner can be formed from a first material in stages 1-14, from a different material in stages 15-20, and from another material in stages 21-24. In another example, the user can also select different features and attachments. Features and / or attachments can be used to change the shape of the aligner to achieve different types of tooth movement and / or tooth movement at different speeds. Attachments can include different geometric shapes, such as oval, teardrop, sloped, hexagonal and / or rectangular, among other shapes. The attachment component can, for example, provide friction between the aligner and the teeth to increase retention of the aligner. That is, the attachment component can generate a greater retention force on the aligner on the teeth in a specific direction.

[0059] Will refer to Figure 7 710-740 describe a method 700 for orthodontic treatment planning using a comparative orthodontic treatment planning tool. In step 710, an initial dental data set including an initial tooth arrangement is received at a treatment planning tool. In step 720, the initial dental data set is used to generate at least one treatment plan for moving teeth from the initial arrangement. Each treatment plan includes a plurality of treatment stages. Then, in step 730, a user is enabled to compare the tooth positions of the at least two different treatment stages by displaying the at least two different treatment stages on a screen. The different treatment stages can be displayed simultaneously (e.g., split screen display or different stages superimposed) or displayed sequentially (e.g., switching between displays of different stages). In step 740, the user is enabled to select an end stage based on the comparison of the tooth positions of the at least two different stages.

[0060] Will refer to Figure 8 Steps 810-830 describe a method 800 for orthodontic treatment planning using an orthodontic treatment planning system including a computer and a comparative treatment planning tool. In step 810, an initial dental data set including an initial tooth arrangement is received at a computer. In step 820, the comparative treatment planning tool and the initial dental data set are used to generate a plurality of different treatment plans for moving teeth from the initial arrangement toward a target arrangement. Each treatment plan includes a plurality of treatment phases. In step 830, a user is enabled to select a desired treatment plan based on the tooth positioning of the target arrangements of at least two different treatment plans by simultaneously displaying the respective target arrangements of at least two different treatment plans on a screen.

[0061] Embodiments of the comparative treatment plan tool described herein enable a patient and / or orthodontist to compare different treatment plans to determine the best treatment plan for the patient based on various factors such as time, cost, complexity, materials, etc. According to some embodiments, a treatment planner, such as a dentist or orthodontist, receives a single input or setup for a particular patient. The setup includes dental data for the initial arrangement of the patient's teeth. Based on this single setup, the treatment planner and / or doctor can view and compare different treatment options and select from among these different treatment options. A decision can be made based on one or more of the factors described herein.

[0062] In some embodiments, the treatment provider and / or physician can select from different treatment plans based on the number of aligners desired. For example, if a patient desires a relatively short treatment duration, the treatment provider can select a treatment plan with relatively few aligners, but which provides a noticeable tooth alignment (e.g., anterior alignment) to still achieve significant and acceptable results. The incremental improvements in tooth appearance that can be achieved with additional treatment stages (aligners) may not be worth the extra time (and expense) for some patients. On the other hand, some patients may want to spend the time (and money) to achieve the best possible results. The treatment provider and / or patient can also select based on different materials for the aligners and different features, attachments, and shapes of the aligners. In some cases, a patient may want a treatment plan with a shorter duration to improve his or her appearance for a major event (e.g., for a wedding) and then continue treatment later.

[0063] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that the present invention may be implemented in various other forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. In view of all the foregoing, it is apparent that the present embodiments are illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for designing an orthodontic appliance, the method comprising: generating a plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans for the patient based on an initial dental data set received by the computer, wherein each of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans comprises a plurality of planned sequential tooth arrangements to move teeth along a treatment path from an initial arrangement through a plurality of intermediate stages to a final arrangement; and wherein each of the plurality of intermediate stages corresponds to an orthodontic appliance; receiving a selection of one or more treatment factors from a clinician; sending a subset of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans to a clinician, wherein each of the subset of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans satisfies at least one of the one or more treatment factors; receiving a treatment plan selection of one of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans from a clinician, wherein the treatment plan selection is based at least in part on a comparison of a treatment phase from a first orthodontic appliance treatment plan from the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans and a treatment phase from a second orthodontic appliance treatment plan from the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans; and Based on the treatment plan selections, a plurality of orthodontic appliances are designed.

2. A computer-implemented method for designing an orthodontic appliance, the method comprising: generating a plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans for the patient based on an initial dental data set received by the computer, wherein each of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans comprises a plurality of planned sequential tooth arrangements to move teeth along a treatment path from an initial arrangement through a plurality of intermediate stages to a final arrangement; and wherein each of the plurality of intermediate stages corresponds to an orthodontic appliance; receiving a selection of one or more treatment factors from a clinician, wherein the one or more treatment factors includes use of an attachment; sending a subset of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans to a clinician, wherein all subsets of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans are generated before any subset is sent to the clinician, and wherein each of the subsets of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans satisfies at least one of the one or more treatment factors; receiving a treatment plan selection of one of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans from a clinician, wherein the treatment plan selection is based at least in part on a comparison of a treatment phase from a first orthodontic appliance treatment plan from the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans and a treatment phase from a second orthodontic appliance treatment plan from the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans; and Based on the treatment plan selections, a plurality of orthodontic appliances are designed.

3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein: The one or more treatment factors include tooth extraction.

4. A computer-implemented method for designing an orthodontic appliance, the method comprising: generating a plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans for the patient based on an initial dental data set received by the computer, wherein each of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans comprises a plurality of planned sequential tooth arrangements to move teeth along a treatment path from an initial arrangement through a plurality of intermediate stages to a final arrangement; and wherein each of the plurality of intermediate stages corresponds to an orthodontic appliance; receiving a selection of one or more treatment factors from a clinician, wherein the one or more treatment factors includes use of interproximal reduction; sending a subset of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans to a clinician, wherein all subsets of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans are generated before any subset is sent to the clinician, and wherein each of the subsets of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans satisfies at least one of the one or more treatment factors; receiving a treatment plan selection of one of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans from a clinician, wherein the treatment plan selection is based at least in part on a comparison of a treatment phase from a first orthodontic appliance treatment plan from the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans and a treatment phase from a second orthodontic appliance treatment plan from the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans; and Based on the treatment plan selections, a plurality of orthodontic appliances are designed.

5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein: The one or more treatment factors include one or more of treatment cost, treatment duration, aligner material, number of aligners, and tooth movement route.

6. A computer-implemented method for designing an orthodontic appliance, the method comprising: generating a plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans for the patient based on an initial dental data set received by the computer, wherein each of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans comprises a plurality of planned sequential tooth arrangements to move teeth along a treatment path from an initial arrangement through a plurality of intermediate stages to a final arrangement; and wherein each of the plurality of intermediate stages corresponds to an orthodontic appliance; receiving a selection of one or more treatment factors from a clinician, wherein the one or more treatment factors includes a patient preference for a number of calibrators, sending a subset of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans to a clinician, wherein all subsets of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans are generated before any subset is sent to the clinician, and wherein each of the subsets of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans satisfies at least one of the one or more treatment factors; receiving a treatment plan selection of one of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans from a clinician, wherein the treatment plan selection is based at least in part on a comparison of a treatment phase from a first orthodontic appliance treatment plan from the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans and a treatment phase from a second orthodontic appliance treatment plan from the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans; and Based on the treatment plan selections, a plurality of orthodontic appliances are designed.

7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein: The one or more treatment factors include patient preference for a treatment completion date.

8. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein: The first orthodontic appliance treatment plan and the second orthodontic appliance treatment plan include different numbers of aligners.

9. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein: The first orthodontic appliance treatment plan and the second orthodontic appliance treatment plan include different treatment durations.

10. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein: The first orthodontic appliance treatment plan and the second orthodontic appliance treatment plan include different tooth movement routes.

11. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein: The first orthodontic appliance treatment plan and the second orthodontic appliance treatment plan include different treatment costs.

12. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The plurality of orthodontic appliances are designed before orthodontic treatment begins.

13. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 1-12, further comprising directly manufacturing the plurality of orthodontic appliances using a 3D printer.

14. A system for comparing orthodontic treatment plans, comprising: A computer comprising a processor and a computer-readable medium, wherein the computer-readable medium comprises instructions that, if executed, cause the computer to perform operations comprising: generating a plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans for the patient based on the initial dental data set received by the computer, wherein each of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans comprises a plurality of planned sequential tooth arrangements to move teeth along a treatment path from an initial arrangement through a plurality of intermediate stages to a final arrangement, and wherein each of the plurality of intermediate stages corresponds to an orthodontic appliance; receiving a selection of one or more treatment factors from a clinician; sending a subset of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans to a clinician, wherein each of the subset of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans satisfies at least one of the one or more treatment factors; receiving a treatment plan selection of one of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans from a clinician, wherein the treatment plan selection is based at least in part on a comparison of a treatment phase from a first orthodontic appliance treatment plan from the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans and a treatment phase from a second orthodontic appliance treatment plan from the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans; and Based on the treatment plan selections, a plurality of orthodontic appliances are designed.

15. A system for comparing orthodontic treatment plans, comprising: A computer comprising a processor and a computer-readable medium, wherein the computer-readable medium comprises instructions that, if executed, cause the computer to perform operations comprising: A plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans are generated for the patient based on the initial dental data set received by the computer. wherein each of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans comprises a plurality of planned sequential tooth arrangements to move teeth along a treatment path from an initial arrangement through a plurality of intermediate stages to a final arrangement, and wherein each of the plurality of intermediate stages corresponds to an orthodontic appliance; receiving a selection of one or more treatment factors from a clinician, wherein the one or more treatment factors includes use of an attachment; sending a subset of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans to a clinician, wherein all subsets of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans are generated before any subset is sent to the clinician, and wherein each of the subsets of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans satisfies at least one of the one or more treatment factors; receiving a treatment plan selection of one of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans from a clinician, wherein the treatment plan selection is based at least in part on a comparison of a treatment phase from a first orthodontic appliance treatment plan from the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans and a treatment phase from a second orthodontic appliance treatment plan from the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans; and Based on the treatment plan selections, a plurality of orthodontic appliances are designed.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein: The one or more treatment factors include tooth extraction.

17. A system for comparing orthodontic treatment plans, comprising: A computer comprising a processor and a computer-readable medium, wherein the computer-readable medium comprises instructions that, if executed, cause the computer to perform operations comprising: A plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans are generated for the patient based on the initial dental data set received by the computer. wherein each of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans comprises a plurality of planned sequential tooth arrangements to move teeth along a treatment path from an initial arrangement through a plurality of intermediate stages to a final arrangement, and wherein each of the plurality of intermediate stages corresponds to an orthodontic appliance; receiving a selection of one or more treatment factors from a clinician, wherein the one or more treatment factors includes use of interproximal reduction; sending a subset of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans to a clinician, wherein all subsets of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans are generated before any subset is sent to the clinician, and wherein each of the subsets of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans satisfies at least one of the one or more treatment factors; receiving a treatment plan selection of one of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans from a clinician, wherein the treatment plan selection is based at least in part on a comparison of a treatment phase from a first orthodontic appliance treatment plan from the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans and a treatment phase from a second orthodontic appliance treatment plan from the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans; and Based on the treatment plan selections, a plurality of orthodontic appliances are designed.

18. The system of claim 14, wherein: The one or more treatment factors include one or more of treatment cost, treatment duration, aligner material, number of aligners, and tooth movement route.

19. A system for comparing orthodontic treatment plans, comprising: A computer comprising a processor and a computer-readable medium, wherein the computer-readable medium comprises instructions that, if executed, cause the computer to perform operations comprising: A plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans are generated for the patient based on the initial dental data set received by the computer. wherein each of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans comprises a plurality of planned sequential tooth arrangements to move teeth along a treatment path from an initial arrangement through a plurality of intermediate stages to a final arrangement, and wherein each of the plurality of intermediate stages corresponds to an orthodontic appliance; receiving a selection of one or more treatment factors from a clinician, wherein the one or more treatment factors includes a patient preference for a number of calibrators; sending a subset of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans to a clinician, wherein all subsets of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans are generated before any subset is sent to the clinician, and wherein each of the subsets of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans satisfies at least one of the one or more treatment factors; receiving a treatment plan selection of one of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans from a clinician, wherein the treatment plan selection is based at least in part on a comparison of a treatment phase from a first orthodontic appliance treatment plan from the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans and a treatment phase from a second orthodontic appliance treatment plan from the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans; and Based on the treatment plan selections, a plurality of orthodontic appliances are designed.

20. The system of claim 14, wherein: The one or more treatment factors include patient preference for a treatment completion date.

21. The system of claim 14, wherein: The first orthodontic appliance treatment plan and the second orthodontic appliance treatment plan include different numbers of aligners.

22. The system of claim 14, wherein: The first orthodontic appliance treatment plan and the second orthodontic appliance treatment plan include different treatment durations.

23. The system of claim 14, wherein: The first orthodontic appliance treatment plan and the second orthodontic appliance treatment plan include different tooth movement routes.

24. The system of claim 14, wherein: The first orthodontic appliance treatment plan and the second orthodontic appliance treatment plan include different treatment costs.

25. The system according to any one of claims 14 to 24, wherein: The plurality of orthodontic appliances are designed before orthodontic treatment begins.

26. The system according to any one of claims 14 to 25, wherein: The system also includes a 3D printer configured to directly manufacture the plurality of orthodontic appliances designed by the computer.

27. A computer-implemented method for designing an orthodontic appliance, the method comprising: receiving a plurality of treatment plans configured to, in use, move teeth from an initial arrangement to a final arrangement, differences between the final arrangements of the respective treatment plans differing from one another based on one or more treatment factors; concurrently displaying on a digital display treatment phases from a first treatment plan of the plurality of treatment plans and treatment phases from a second treatment plan of the plurality of treatment plans, wherein the concurrent display provides a comparison of the treatment phases of the first treatment plan and the treatment phases of the second treatment plan; providing a user with a selection of one of the first treatment plan and the second treatment plan based on the comparison; and Design multiple orthodontic appliances based on treatment plan selections.

28. The computer-implemented method of claim 27, wherein: The first displayed treatment plan and the second displayed treatment plan each comply with the one or more treatment factors.

29. The computer-implemented method of claim 27 or 28, further comprising: Prior to receiving the plurality of treatment plans, selection of the one or more treatment factors is provided.

30. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 27-29, wherein: The treatment phases from the first treatment plan and the treatment phases from the second treatment plan are displayed side by side.

31. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 27-30, wherein: The one or more treatment factors include one or more of treatment cost, treatment duration, aligner material, number of aligners, and tooth movement route.

32. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 27-30, wherein: The one or more treatment factors include patient preference for the number of calibrators.

33. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 27-30, wherein: The one or more treatment factors include patient preference for a treatment completion date.

34. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 27-30, wherein: The first treatment plan and the second treatment plan include different numbers of calibrators.

35. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 27-30, wherein: The first treatment plan and the second treatment plan include different treatment durations.

36. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 27-30, wherein: The first treatment plan and the second treatment plan include different tooth movement routes.

37. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 27-30, wherein: The first treatment plan and the second treatment plan include different treatment costs.

38. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 27-37, wherein: The method also includes designing a plurality of orthodontic appliances based on the user's treatment plan selection.

39. The computer-implemented method of claim 38, wherein: The plurality of orthodontic appliances are designed before orthodontic treatment begins.

40. The computer-implemented method of claim 39, wherein: The method also includes directly manufacturing the plurality of orthodontic appliances designed by the computer.

41. A computer-implemented method of manufacturing an orthodontic appliance, the method comprising: generating a plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans for the patient based on an initial dental data set received by the computer, wherein each of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans comprises a plurality of planned sequential tooth arrangements to move teeth along a treatment path from an initial arrangement through a plurality of intermediate stages to a final arrangement; and wherein each of the plurality of intermediate stages corresponds to an orthodontic appliance; receiving a selection of one or more treatment factors from a clinician; sending a subset of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans to a clinician, wherein each of the subset of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans satisfies at least one of the one or more treatment factors; allowing a user to compare tooth positioning at at least two different treatment stages in the orthodontic appliance treatment plans of the subset of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans by displaying the at least two different treatment stages on a screen; allowing a user to select an ending stage based on a comparison of the tooth positioning of the at least two different treatment stages; and Multiple orthodontic appliances are manufactured based on the end stage selection.

42. The computer-implemented method of claim 41 , wherein: The one or more therapeutic factors include the use of attachments.

43. The computer-implemented method of claim 41 , wherein: The one or more treatment factors include tooth extraction.

44. The computer-implemented method of claim 41 , wherein: The one or more treatment factors include the use of interproximal reduction.

45. The computer-implemented method of claim 41 , wherein: The one or more treatment factors include one or more of treatment cost, treatment duration, aligner material, number of aligners, and tooth movement route.

46. ​​The computer-implemented method of claim 41 , wherein: The one or more treatment factors include a patient preference for a number of calibrators.

47. The computer-implemented method of claim 41 , wherein: The one or more treatment factors include patient preference for a treatment completion date.

48. The computer-implemented method of claim 41 , wherein: The at least two different treatment stages are displayed in different colors.

49. The computer-implemented method of claim 41 , wherein: The at least two different treatment phases comprise different treatment durations.

50. The computer-implemented method of any of claims 41-49, further comprising designing a plurality of orthodontic appliances based on the ending stage selection.

51. The computer-implemented method of claim 50, wherein: The plurality of orthodontic appliances are designed before orthodontic treatment begins.

52. The computer-implemented method of claim 51 , further comprising directly manufacturing the plurality of orthodontic appliances using a 3D printer.

53. A system for comparing orthodontic treatment plans, comprising: A computer comprising a processor and a computer-readable medium, wherein the computer-readable medium comprises instructions that, if executed, cause the computer to perform operations comprising: generating a plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans for the patient based on an initial dental dataset received by the computer, each of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans comprising a plurality of planned sequential tooth arrangements for moving teeth along a treatment path from the initial arrangement toward a selected final arrangement, each of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans further comprising a series of treatment stages to move the teeth along the treatment path, the series of treatment stages comprising an initial stage, a plurality of intermediate stages, and a final stage, and each of the plurality of intermediate stages and the final stage corresponding to an orthodontic appliance; receiving a selection of one or more treatment factors from a clinician; sending a subset of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans to a clinician, wherein each of the subset of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans satisfies at least one of the one or more treatment factors; allowing a user to compare tooth positioning at at least two different treatment stages in the orthodontic appliance treatment plans of the subset of the plurality of orthodontic appliance treatment plans by displaying the at least two different treatment stages on a screen; and A user is allowed to select an ending stage based on a comparison of the tooth positioning of the at least two different treatment stages.

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