Method for generating digital model of appliance, device and method for manufacturing appliance

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method for generating a digital model of an appliance, an apparatus for generating a digital model of an appliance and a method for manufacturing an appliance, and relates to the technical field of appliances. The method for generating a digital model of an appliance comprises: determining overall size information of the digital model of the appliance and size information of a tooth socket according to relevant information of different tooth row regions of a target digital model of an oral cavity; and generating the digital model of the appliance according to the overall size information and the size information of the tooth socket. The technical solution of the present disclosure can improve the production efficiency and product precision of the appliance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of orthodontic appliance technology, and in particular to a method for generating a digital model of an orthodontic appliance, an apparatus for generating a digital model of an orthodontic appliance, a method for manufacturing an orthodontic appliance, an apparatus for manufacturing an orthodontic appliance, an orthodontic appliance, an electronic device, and a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Silicone orthodontic appliances are widely used in the treatment of malocclusion in children, and have a good effect on correcting bad oral habits, inducing tooth eruption, and establishing normal occlusion.

[0003] In related technologies, silicone orthodontic appliances are divided into two categories: prefabricated and custom-made.

[0004] Prefabricated silicone orthodontic appliances are mass-produced products. The product line of prefabricated silicone orthodontic appliances includes multiple sizes, and the appropriate size is selected based on the patient's oral condition during clinical application.

[0005] Personalized silicone braces are produced by manually creating molds based on the patient's dental and maxillofacial data and specific conditions. Compared to pre-made silicone braces, personalized silicone braces better fit the patient's dental and maxillofacial features, offering better suitability and comfort. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The inventors of this disclosure have discovered the following problems in the aforementioned related technologies: the production process is highly dependent on manual labor, which leads to a decrease in the production efficiency and product precision of orthodontic appliances.

[0007] In view of this, this disclosure proposes a technical solution for generating digital models of orthodontic appliances, which can improve the production efficiency and product accuracy of orthodontic appliances.

[0008] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a method for generating a digital model of an orthodontic appliance is provided, comprising: determining the overall size information and alveolar bone size information of the digital model of the orthodontic appliance based on relevant information of different dentition regions of the target oral digital model; and generating the digital model of the orthodontic appliance based on the overall size information and alveolar bone size information.

[0009] In some embodiments, determining the overall size information of the orthodontic appliance digital model includes determining the overall size information based on the width of the teeth, the width between the teeth, and the position of the teeth in different dentition regions.

[0010] In some embodiments, determining the overall size information includes: determining the overall width information of the digital model of the orthodontic appliance based on the width of the incisors, the width between the canines, the width between the premolars, and the width between the molars in different dental arch regions; and determining the overall length information of the digital model of the orthodontic appliance based on the position of the molars in different dental arch regions.

[0011] In some embodiments, determining the alveolar size information of the digital model of the orthodontic appliance includes determining the alveolar size information based on the labial and buccal contours and lingual contours of different dentition regions.

[0012] In some embodiments, determining the size information of the alveolar ridge includes: smoothing the morphological data of the labial and buccal contours and the lingual contours to determine the smoothed morphological data; and determining the size information of the alveolar ridge based on the smoothed morphological data.

[0013] In some embodiments, the generation method further includes: determining the occlusal pad height of the digital model of the orthodontic appliance based on the distance between the upper and lower occlusal surfaces of different dentition regions, wherein the occlusal pad height is used to generate the digital model of the orthodontic appliance.

[0014] In some embodiments, determining the occlusal pad height of the orthodontic digital model includes: determining the distance between the upper and lower occlusal surfaces when the opening degree of the maxilla and mandible in the target oral digital model is less than an opening threshold.

[0015] In some embodiments, determining the occlusal pad height of the digital model of the orthodontic appliance includes: determining the occlusal pad height of the digital model of the orthodontic appliance based on the resting occlusal gap in different dentition regions.

[0016] In some embodiments, the generation method further includes: determining the outer wall length of the digital model of the orthodontic appliance based on the gingival position of the teeth in different dentition regions, wherein the outer wall length is used to generate the digital model of the orthodontic appliance.

[0017] In some embodiments, determining the length of the outer wall of the digital model of the orthodontic appliance includes: smoothing the lines connecting the gingival positions of different teeth in different dentition regions; and determining the length of the outer wall based on the result of the smoothing.

[0018] In some embodiments, the generation method further includes: adjusting the patient's initial oral digital model according to target oral parameters to determine the target oral digital model.

[0019] In some embodiments, adjusting the patient’s initial oral digital model includes: using the initial mandibular digital model in the initial oral digital model to fit a dental arch morphology of a preset shape to determine the target mandibular digital model in the target oral digital model.

[0020] In some embodiments, adjusting the patient’s initial oral digital model includes: adjusting the initial occlusal relationship in the initial oral digital model according to at least one of preset overbite parameters, maxillary and mandibular arch parameters, overbite parameters, canine relationship, molar relationship, or Spee curve, so as to determine the target occlusal relationship in the target oral digital model.

[0021] In some embodiments, the initial oral digital model includes an initial maxillary and mandibular digital model, which further includes at least one of an initial occlusal relationship or oral soft tissue information. The initial maxillary and mandibular digital model is obtained by an intraoral scanner or a patient's dental impression, the initial occlusal relationship is obtained by an intraoral scanner or an articulator, and the oral soft tissue information is obtained by optical scanning technology, X-ray imaging technology, ultrasound imaging technology, CT (Computed Tomography) scanning, or MRI technology.

[0022] In some embodiments, the dental arch region includes multiple regions of the incisor region, canine region, premolar region, or molar region.

[0023] According to some other embodiments of this disclosure, an apparatus for generating a digital model of an orthodontic appliance is provided, comprising: a determining unit, configured to determine the overall size information and alveolar bone size information of the digital model of the orthodontic appliance based on relevant information of different dentition regions of a target oral digital model; and a generating unit, configured to generate the digital model of the orthodontic appliance based on the overall size information and alveolar bone size information.

[0024] In some embodiments, the determining unit determines overall size information based on the width of teeth, the width between teeth, and the position of teeth in different dentition regions.

[0025] In some embodiments, the determining unit determines the overall width information of the digital model of the orthodontic appliance based on the width of the incisors, the width between the canines, the width between the premolars, and the width between the molars in different dental arch regions; and determines the overall length information of the digital model of the orthodontic appliance based on the position of the molars in different dental arch regions.

[0026] In some embodiments, the determining unit determines alveolar size information based on the labial and buccal contours and lingual contours of different dentition regions.

[0027] In some embodiments, the determining unit smooths the morphological data of the labial and buccal contours and the lingual contours to determine the smoothed morphological data; and determines the size information of the alveolar ridges based on the smoothed morphological data.

[0028] In some embodiments, the determining unit determines the occlusal pad height of the orthodontic appliance digital model based on the distance between the upper and lower occlusal surfaces in different dentition regions. The occlusal pad height is used to generate the orthodontic appliance digital model.

[0029] In some embodiments, the determining unit determines the distance between the upper and lower occlusal surfaces when the opening degree of the maxilla and mandible in the target oral digital model is less than the opening threshold.

[0030] In some embodiments, the determining unit determines the occlusal pad height of the digital model of the orthodontic appliance based on the resting occlusal gap in different dentition regions.

[0031] In some embodiments, the determining unit determines the outer wall length of the digital model of the orthodontic appliance based on the gingival position of the teeth in different dentition regions, and the outer wall length is used to generate the digital model of the orthodontic appliance.

[0032] In some embodiments, the determining unit smooths the lines connecting the gingival positions of different teeth in different dentition regions; and determines the length of the outer wall based on the result of the smoothing.

[0033] In some embodiments, the generating apparatus further includes an adjustment unit for adjusting the patient's initial oral digital model according to target oral parameters to determine the target oral digital model.

[0034] In some embodiments, the adjustment unit uses the initial maxillary and mandibular digital models in the initial oral digital model to fit the dental arch morphology of a preset shape in order to determine the target maxillary and mandibular digital models in the target oral digital model.

[0035] In some embodiments, the adjustment unit adjusts the initial occlusal relationship in the initial oral digital model according to at least one of preset overbite parameters, maxillary and mandibular arch parameters, overbite parameters, canine relationship, molar relationship, or Spee curve, so as to determine the target occlusal relationship in the target oral digital model.

[0036] In some embodiments, the initial oral digital model includes an initial maxillary and mandibular digital model, which includes at least one of an initial occlusal relationship or oral soft tissue information. The initial maxillary and mandibular digital model is obtained by an intraoral scanner or a patient's dental impression, the initial occlusal relationship is obtained by an intraoral scanner or an articulator, and the oral soft tissue information is obtained by optical scanning technology, X-ray imaging technology, ultrasound imaging technology, CT scan, or MRI technology.

[0037] In some embodiments, the dental arch region includes multiple regions of the incisor region, canine region, premolar region, or molar region.

[0038] According to some other embodiments of this disclosure, a method for manufacturing an orthodontic appliance is provided, comprising: manufacturing the orthodontic appliance using 3D printing technology based on an orthodontic appliance digital model generated by the orthodontic appliance digital model generation method in any of the above embodiments.

[0039] In some embodiments, the body material of the orthodontic appliance is extruded using a first extrusion head, and the support material is extruded using a second extrusion head.

[0040] In some embodiments, the first extruder and the second extruder can avoid each other during the printing process according to instructions.

[0041] In some embodiments, printing the body material of the orthodontic appliance using a first extruder and the support material of the orthodontic appliance using a second extruder involves: after extruding and stacking all layers of the orthodontic appliance using the first and second extruders, placing the printed part under room temperature or heated conditions to cure all the body material layers. The curing temperature is from room temperature to 180°C, preferably heat curing, for example, 80°C. Although the body material and the support material are heated and cured together, the support material is a non-reactive product and does not cure upon heating.

[0042] In some embodiments, the body material is made from an addition-cure silicone rubber formulation system.

[0043] In some embodiments, the addition-cure silicone rubber formulation contains vinyl silicone oil, hydrogen-containing silicone oil, platinum-based catalyst, and reinforcing agent.

[0044] In some embodiments, the reinforcing agent includes silica.

[0045] In some embodiments, the addition-cure silicone rubber formulation contains components such as thixotropic agents.

[0046] In some embodiments, the hardness range of the base material is 40 to 80 Shore A.

[0047] In some embodiments, the hardness range of the body material is 50 to 70 Shore A.

[0048] In some embodiments, the hardness range of the body material is 55 to 65 Shore A.

[0049] In some embodiments, the tensile strength of the body material is greater than 3 MPa.

[0050] In some embodiments, the tensile strength of the body material is greater than 5 MPa.

[0051] In some embodiments, the elongation at break of the body material is greater than 70%.

[0052] In some embodiments, the elongation at break of the body material is greater than 100%.

[0053] In some embodiments, the tear strength of the body material is greater than 9 N / mm.

[0054] In some embodiments, the tear strength of the body material is greater than 10 N / mm.

[0055] In some embodiments, the needle diameter of the main body material is 0.2 to 0.8 mm, preferably 0.4 mm, and the needle diameter of the support material is 0.2 to 0.8 mm, preferably 0.4 mm.

[0056] In some embodiments, the extrusion width of the main material is 0.2–0.8 mm, the extrusion width of the support material is 0.2–0.8 mm, the filling rate of the main material is 85–100%, the filling rate of the support material is 70–100%, the printing speed of the orthodontic appliance is 10–80 mm / s, and the layer thickness is 0.2–0.3 mm.

[0057] In some embodiments, the needle diameter of the main material is 0.4 mm, and the needle diameter of the support material is 0.4 mm.

[0058] In some embodiments, the extrusion width of the main material is 0.4 mm, the extrusion width of the support material is 0.4 mm, the filling rate of the main material is 90%, the filling rate of the support material is 90-100%, the printing speed of the orthodontic appliance is 25 mm / s, the layer thickness is 0.2 mm, and the supply rate of the main material and support material is 80%.

[0059] According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided, including: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute the method for generating a digital model of an orthodontic appliance according to any of the above embodiments based on instructions stored in the memory device.

[0060] According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium is provided having a computer program stored thereon that, when executed by a processor, implements the method for generating a digital model of an orthodontic appliance according to any of the above embodiments.

[0061] In the above embodiments, orthodontic appliances suitable for the patient are generated based on the objective conditions of different dentition regions desired by the patient. This allows for the automatic creation of personalized and accurate orthodontic appliance designs using computer technology, thereby improving the production efficiency and precision of orthodontic appliances. Attached Figure Description

[0062] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of this disclosure and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0063] This disclosure will become clearer with reference to the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description:

[0064] Figure 1Flowcharts illustrating some embodiments of the method for generating digital models of orthodontic appliances according to this disclosure;

[0065] Figure 2 Flowcharts illustrating some other embodiments of the method for generating digital models of orthodontic appliances according to this disclosure;

[0066] Figure 3 Block diagrams illustrating some embodiments of the apparatus for generating digital models of orthodontic appliances according to this disclosure;

[0067] Figure 4 Block diagrams illustrating some embodiments of the electronic devices of this disclosure;

[0068] Figure 5 Block diagrams illustrating other embodiments of the electronic devices disclosed herein are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0069] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0070] At the same time, it should be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the accompanying drawings are not drawn according to actual scale.

[0071] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure or its application or use.

[0072] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, they should be considered part of the specification.

[0073] In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0074] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be discussed further in subsequent figures.

[0075] As mentioned earlier, on the one hand, oral problems (especially children's oral problems) and dentofacial growth are individualized, thus prefabricated silicone orthodontic appliances have shortcomings in terms of precision and applicability in clinical applications; on the other hand, the production process of personalized silicone orthodontic appliances is highly dependent on manual labor, and production efficiency and quality are largely limited by the level of manual labor.

[0076] To address the aforementioned technical issues, this disclosure constructs a complete set of digital and intelligent design systems and 3D printing manufacturing systems for personalized custom silicone orthodontic appliances, along with corresponding products. This enables the digital, intelligent, and automated production and application of personalized custom silicone orthodontic appliances, reducing reliance on manual labor and improving product precision.

[0077] For example, the technical solution of this disclosure can be implemented through the following embodiments.

[0078] Figure 1 Flowcharts illustrating some embodiments of the method for generating digital models of orthodontic appliances according to this disclosure are shown.

[0079] like Figure 1 As shown, in step 110, the overall size information and alveolar bone size information of the orthodontic appliance digital model are determined based on relevant information of different dentition regions of the target oral digital model. For example, the alveolar bone size information includes at least one of the width or length of the alveolar bone.

[0080] In some embodiments, the patient’s initial oral digital model is adjusted according to target oral parameters to determine the target oral digital model.

[0081] In some embodiments, the initial oral digital model includes an initial maxillary and mandibular digital model, which includes at least one of an initial occlusal relationship or oral soft tissue information. The initial maxillary and mandibular digital model is obtained by an intraoral scanner or a patient's dental impression, the initial occlusal relationship is obtained by an intraoral scanner or an articulator, and the oral soft tissue information is obtained by optical scanning technology, X-ray imaging technology, ultrasound imaging technology, CT scan, or MRI technology.

[0082] For example, it is first necessary to obtain the initial digital models of the upper and lower jaws, the occlusal relationship of the teeth, and information on the soft tissues of the oral cavity.

[0083] For example, digital models of the upper and lower jaws can be obtained in two ways: by using an intraoral scanner to obtain a digital model of the upper and lower jaws with an initial occlusal relationship; or by using an impression material such as alginate to have the patient bite down to obtain a dental impression, by pouring plaster or other materials to make a dental plaster model, and by using a laser to scan the plaster model to generate a digital model of the upper and lower jaws.

[0084] For example, the initial occlusal relationship of teeth can be obtained through methods such as: oral scanners, articulators, etc.

[0085] For example, oral soft tissue may include at least one of the following: upper lip, lower lip, upper cheek, lower cheek, upper palate skin, lower palate skin, tongue, and frenulum. Information about oral soft tissue can be obtained through methods such as optical scanning, X-ray or ultrasound imaging, CT scans, or MRI to create a digital model of the oral soft tissue.

[0086] In some embodiments, computer software can automatically adjust the initial digital model of the maxilla and mandible based on parameters such as dental arch morphology, overbite parameters, overjet parameters, or molar relationships to obtain a target digital model of the maxilla and mandible and a target occlusal relationship. The obtained target digital model of the maxilla and mandible and the target occlusal relationship can also be manually reviewed and adjusted.

[0087] In some embodiments, the initial mandibular and maxillary digital models in the initial oral digital model are used to fit the dental arch morphology of a preset shape in order to determine the target mandibular and maxillary digital models in the target oral digital model.

[0088] For example, a standard “oval” dental arch morphology can be fitted to dental arch regions (e.g., incisor, canine, molar regions, etc.) to determine the target oral digital model.

[0089] In some embodiments, the initial occlusal relationship in the initial oral digital model is adjusted according to at least one of preset overbite parameters, maxillary and mandibular arch parameters, overbite parameters, canine relationship, molar relationship, or Spee curve, in order to determine the target occlusal relationship in the target maxillary and mandibular digital model.

[0090] For example, the initial occlusal relationship is adjusted to determine the target occlusal relationship based on standard overbite parameters, standard overjet parameters, and neutral molar relationships (such as normal mesiodistal position of the upper and lower jaws and dental arches, neutral molar relationships, and when the centric occlusion is achieved, the mesiobuccal cusp of the maxillary first permanent molar occludes within the mesiobuccal groove of the mandibular first permanent molar).

[0091] In some embodiments, overall size information is determined based on the width of teeth, the width between teeth, and the position of teeth in different dentition regions. For example, dentition regions may include multiple regions such as incisor regions, canine regions, premolar regions, or molar regions.

[0092] For example, computer software automatically fits a pre-defined digital model of an orthodontic appliance to a target oral cavity digital model with a target occlusal relationship, in order to generate an orthodontic appliance digital model.

[0093] In some embodiments, the overall size (e.g., width, length, etc.) of the digital model of the orthodontic appliance is fitted according to different dental arch regions (e.g., incisor, canine, molar regions, etc.).

[0094] For example, the fitted width is calculated using the width of the incisors, the width between the canines, and the width between the first molars, while the fitted length is calculated using the position of the second molar.

[0095] In some embodiments, the overall width information of the digital model of the orthodontic appliance is determined based on the width of the incisors, the width between the canines, the width between the premolars, and the width between the molars in different dental arch regions; and the overall length information of the digital model of the orthodontic appliance is determined based on the position of the molars in different dental arch regions.

[0096] In some embodiments, alveolar size information is determined based on the labial and buccal contours and lingual contours of different dentition regions.

[0097] For example, the morphological data of the lip and cheek contours and the lingual contours are smoothed to determine the smoothed morphological data; based on the smoothed morphological data, the size information of the alveolar ridges is determined.

[0098] For example, the alveolar width of the orthodontic appliance digital model is fitted based on the smoothed morphological data of the labial and buccal and lingual contours of different dental arch regions (such as incisors, canines, molars, etc.).

[0099] In some embodiments, the occlusal pad height of the orthodontic appliance digital model is determined based on the distance between the upper and lower occlusal surfaces in different dentition regions. The occlusal pad height is used to generate the orthodontic appliance digital model.

[0100] For example, when the opening degree of the maxilla and mandible in the target oral digital model is less than the opening threshold, the distance between the upper and lower occlusal surfaces can be determined.

[0101] For example, the occlusal pad height of the digital model of the orthodontic appliance can be determined based on the resting occlusal space in different dentition regions.

[0102] For example, when the target oral digital model with the target occlusal relationship is in a slightly open state, the occlusal pad height of the orthodontic appliance digital model is fitted and adjusted according to the distance between the upper and lower occlusal surfaces of different dentition regions (such as incisors, canines, molars, etc.) after smoothing.

[0103] For example, the occlusal pad height of the orthodontic appliance digital model can be adjusted based on the resting occlusal gap. The resting occlusal gap can be defined as the state between the upper and lower teeth that is larger in front and smaller in the back when the mouth is not open, speaking, or swallowing, the mandible is in a resting state, the upper and lower jaws are separated, the teeth are not in contact, and a wedge-shaped gap is maintained from the pharynx to the lips.

[0104] In some embodiments, the outer wall length of the digital model of the orthodontic appliance is determined based on the gingival position of the teeth in different dentition regions, and the outer wall length is used to generate the digital model of the orthodontic appliance.

[0105] In some embodiments, the lines connecting the gingival positions of different teeth in different dentition regions are smoothed; the length of the outer wall is determined based on the result of the smoothing.

[0106] For example, the length of the outer wall of the orthodontic appliance's digital model is fitted and adjusted based on the smoothed gingival position line between two teeth in different dental arch regions (such as incisors, canines, molars, etc.). The outer wall length is sufficient to ensure that the appliance does not compress the gums; if the outer wall length of the appliance does not reach the gum position...

[0107] In step 120, a digital model of the orthodontic appliance is generated based on the overall size information and the size information of the alveolar bone.

[0108] In some embodiments, a digital model of the orthodontic appliance is generated based on information about the chin pad height, outer wall length, overall size, and alveolar bone size.

[0109] For example, technicians can review the digital model of the orthodontic appliance after it has been automatically adjusted by computer software; and adjust the digital model of the orthodontic appliance according to the treatment plan (such as treatment cycle, treatment sequence, etc.) and the condition of the dentition (such as missing teeth, abnormally positioned teeth, etc.) to meet the patient's treatment needs.

[0110] Figure 2 Flowcharts illustrating some other embodiments of the method for generating digital models of orthodontic appliances according to this disclosure are shown.

[0111] like Figure 2 As shown, in step 210, the oral cavity and teeth are scanned to obtain an initial digital model of the oral cavity.

[0112] In step 220, the initial oral digital model is input into the intelligent design system to automatically design the digital model of the orthodontic appliance.

[0113] In step 230, the digital model of the orthodontic appliance is transmitted to the 3D printing system, the printing scheme and technical parameters are selected, and the orthodontic appliance is manufactured.

[0114] In the above embodiments, the application of intelligent software to design silicone orthodontic appliances can, on the one hand, improve the personalization and precision of the products and promote treatment effects; on the other hand, it can automatically realize the innovation of the orthodontic appliance design process, avoid the technical problems of excessive reliance on human factors in the manual design process, and improve the quality of the orthodontic appliances.

[0115] Figure 3 Block diagrams illustrating some embodiments of the apparatus for generating digital models of orthodontic appliances according to this disclosure are shown.

[0116] like Figure 3 As shown, the orthodontic appliance digital model generation device 3 includes: a determining unit 31, used to determine the overall size information and alveolar bone size information of the orthodontic appliance digital model based on relevant information of different dentition regions of the target oral digital model; and a generating unit 32, used to generate the orthodontic appliance digital model based on the overall size information and alveolar bone size information.

[0117] In some embodiments, the determining unit 31 determines the overall size information based on the width of the teeth, the width between the teeth, and the position of the teeth in different dentition regions.

[0118] In some embodiments, the determining unit 31 determines the overall width information of the digital model of the orthodontic appliance based on the width of the incisors, the width between the canines, the width between the premolars, and the width between the molars in different dental arch regions; and determines the overall length information of the digital model of the orthodontic appliance based on the position of the molars in different dental arch regions.

[0119] In some embodiments, the determining unit 31 determines alveolar size information based on the labial and buccal contours and lingual contours of different dentition regions.

[0120] In some embodiments, the determining unit 31 smooths the morphological data of the labial and buccal contours and the lingual contours to determine the smoothed morphological data; and determines the size information of the alveolar ridges based on the smoothed morphological data.

[0121] In some embodiments, the determining unit 31 determines the occlusal pad height of the orthodontic appliance digital model based on the distance between the upper and lower occlusal surfaces of different dentition regions. The occlusal pad height is used to generate the orthodontic appliance digital model.

[0122] In some embodiments, the determining unit 31 determines the distance between the upper occlusal surface and the lower occlusal surface when the opening degree of the maxilla and mandible in the target oral digital model is less than the opening threshold.

[0123] In some embodiments, the determining unit 31 determines the occlusal pad height of the digital model of the orthodontic appliance based on the resting occlusal gap in different dentition regions.

[0124] In some embodiments, the determining unit 31 determines the outer wall length of the digital model of the orthodontic appliance based on the gingival position of the teeth in different dentition regions, and the outer wall length is used to generate the digital model of the orthodontic appliance.

[0125] In some embodiments, the determining unit 31 smooths the lines connecting the gingival positions of different teeth in different dentition regions; and determines the length of the outer wall based on the result of the smoothing process.

[0126] In some embodiments, the generating device 3 further includes an adjustment unit 33, configured to adjust the patient's initial oral digital model according to the target oral parameters to determine the target oral digital model.

[0127] In some embodiments, the adjustment unit 33 uses the initial maxillary and mandibular digital models in the initial oral digital model to fit the dental arch morphology of a preset shape in order to determine the target maxillary and mandibular digital models in the target oral digital model.

[0128] In some embodiments, the adjustment unit 33 adjusts the initial occlusal relationship in the initial oral digital model according to at least one of the preset overbite parameters, maxillary and mandibular arch parameters, overbite parameters, canine relationship, molar relationship, or Spee curve, so as to determine the target occlusal relationship in the target oral digital model.

[0129] In some embodiments, the initial oral digital model includes an initial maxillary and mandibular digital model, which includes at least one of an initial occlusal relationship or oral soft tissue information. The initial maxillary and mandibular digital model is obtained by an intraoral scanner or a patient's dental impression, the initial occlusal relationship is obtained by an intraoral scanner or an articulator, and the oral soft tissue information is obtained by optical scanning technology, X-ray imaging technology, ultrasound imaging technology, CT scan, or MRI technology.

[0130] In some embodiments, the dental arch region includes multiple regions of the incisor region, canine region, premolar region, or molar region.

[0131] In the above embodiments, by collecting the patient's dental and maxillofacial data and combining it with the treatment plan, the orthodontic appliance is digitally designed and repaired. The digital model of the orthodontic appliance is directly used for 3D printing, thereby realizing digital and intelligent manufacturing.

[0132] In some embodiments, the orthodontic appliance manufacturing apparatus may be a silicone 3D printing system comprising at least two extrusion heads for printing the body material and support material, respectively.

[0133] For example, the main material is made from an addition-cure silicone rubber formulation system, which contains vinyl silicone oil, hydrogen-containing silicone oil, platinum-based catalysts, and reinforcing agents (such as silica). In addition, it contains thixotropic agents and other components to ensure that the main material does not collapse during the printing process.

[0134] For example, the function of the support material is to temporarily support the main material when printing complex structural parts, especially overhanging structures. After printing is completed and the main material has cured, the support material can be dissolved and removed with water or a suitable solvent.

[0135] In some embodiments, the silicone 3D printing system includes molding methods such as printing while curing or post-curing.

[0136] For example, features of a print-and-cure system include the printer extruding the main material while simultaneously curing it by light or heat; or printing one layer, curing it by light or heat, printing another layer, and then curing it by light or heat again; repeating this process until the print is complete.

[0137] For example, post-curing molding systems, through the design of material formulations, allow the main material to remain uncured or cure slowly during the extrusion printing process; after being extruded and stacked layer by layer, it is then placed in a high-temperature oven or UV irradiation for curing.

[0138] For example, suitable properties of the organosilicon host material may include a hardness range of 40–80 Shore A, preferably 50–70 Shore A, more preferably 55–65 Shore A; tensile strength greater than 3 MPa, preferably greater than 5 MPa; elongation at break greater than 70%, preferably greater than 100%; and tear strength greater than 7 N / mm, preferably greater than 10 N / mm.

[0139] For example, in post-curing systems, the printer features dual extruders, capable of extruded both the main material and support material separately. The extruders have Z-axis clearance to prevent interference and scratching during the dual-extruder printing process. After equipment calibration, printing can be started and completed with a single button press, allowing for unattended operation. The main material can be AMSIL SILIBIONE 24503-65A / B, and the support material can be AMSIL SILIBIONE 92101.

[0140] In some embodiments, the main body material and support material are loaded into the designated positions of the printer; the silicone orthodontic model data is first converted to a format (such as the commonly used format STL), and then the STL format model is checked and repaired.

[0141] In some embodiments, the needle diameter of the main body material is 0.2 to 0.8 mm, preferably 0.4 mm, and the needle diameter of the support material is 0.2 to 0.8 mm, preferably 0.4 mm.

[0142] In some embodiments, the extrusion width of the main material is 0.2–0.8 mm, the extrusion width of the support material is 0.2–0.8 mm, the fill rate of the main material is 85–100%, the fill rate of the support material is 70–100%, the printing speed of the orthodontic appliance is 10–30 mm / s, the layer thickness is 0.2–0.3 mm, the extrusion width of the main material is preferably 0.4 mm, the extrusion width of the support material is preferably 0.4 mm, the fill rate of the main material is preferably 90%, the fill rate of the support material is preferably 90–100%, the printing speed of the orthodontic appliance is preferably 25 mm / s, and the layer thickness is preferably 0.2 mm.

[0143] For example, the needle diameter for the main material is 0.4mm, the needle diameter for the support material is 0.4mm, and other process parameters are set as follows: extrusion width (main material) is 0.4mm, extrusion width (support material) is 0.4mm, fill rate (main material) is 90%, fill rate (support material) is 70%, printing speed is 25mm / s, layer thickness is 0.2mm, fill rate is 100%, and material supply rate is 80%.

[0144] In some embodiments, the printed orthodontic appliance is placed in an 80°C oven and heated for 30 to 60 minutes, then heated to 120°C and heated for 15 minutes to complete the final curing of the product; the cured product is then removed, washed with water, and dried.

[0145] For example, the relevant printing process parameters can also be as follows: First, convert the silicone orthodontic model data to a different format, with STL being a common format; then check and repair the STL model; the main material needle diameter is 0.4mm, and the support material needle diameter is 0.4mm.

[0146] For example, other process parameters are set as follows: extrusion width (body material) 0.4 mm, extrusion width (support material) 0.4 mm, fill rate (body material) 90%, fill rate (support material) 70%, printing speed 25 mm / s, layer thickness 0.2 mm, fill rate 100%, and material supply rate 80%.

[0147] In some embodiments, the extrusion 3D printing system 41 includes a first extruder for printing the body material of an orthodontic appliance and a second extruder for printing the support material of the orthodontic appliance.

[0148] In some embodiments, after the first extruder completes filling and scanning of the current layer of the orthodontic appliance, the second extruder is controlled to avoid it so as to cure the current layer.

[0149] In some embodiments, the extrusion 3D printing system includes two molding methods: printing and curing simultaneously or curing afterward.

[0150] For example, the first extruder fills and scans the current layer of the orthodontic appliance according to the scanning path; the second extruder is controlled to avoid it; after the current layer is cured, the second extruder fills the next layer of the orthodontic appliance according to the scanning path; the first extruder and the second extruder repeat the above steps until all layers of the orthodontic appliance are printed.

[0151] For example, the printing-and-curing method includes: after the first extruder completes the filling scan of each layer according to the scanning path, the second extruder system avoids it; immediate curing is achieved by interlayer thermal radiation or ultraviolet irradiation using a heat source or UV light (such as wavelengths of 355nm, 405nm, etc.), and the immediate curing can be controlled by the heat source temperature or UV irradiation intensity and time; after curing, the platform descends by the thickness of one layer, and the second extruder continues to fill according to the scanning path; the process of "scanning, filling and curing" is repeated for each layer until printing is completed.

[0152] For example, after all layers of the orthodontic appliance have been extruded and stacked using the first and second extrusion heads, the printed part is cured so that all the main material layers are cured.

[0153] For example, post-curing molding methods include: designing the material formulation so that the material does not cure or cures slowly during the extrusion process (curing speed is less than the speed threshold), and after the layers are extruded and stacked, it is placed in a high-temperature oven or UV irradiation for curing.

[0154] In the above embodiments, the silicone 3D printing system includes two extrusion heads, one for printing the main material and the other for printing the support material. The extrusion heads have a Z-axis clearance function, suitable for extruding liquid silicone materials. This allows for the printing of complex structural parts, especially those requiring additional support for molding, thereby improving production efficiency and quality.

[0155] In some embodiments, the produced digital model of the orthodontic appliance is first converted to a new format. For example, the converted digital model is in STL (Standard Template Library) format; the STL format digital model is then inspected and repaired.

[0156] For example, a 0.4mm second extruder head and appropriate process parameters can be selected for parametric slicing. Process parameters may include a scanning speed of 15mm / s, a layer thickness of 0.2mm, a fill rate of 100%, and a material supply rate of 80%, etc.

[0157] For example, printing data from slices of a digital model of an orthodontic appliance can be transmitted to a 3D silicone printing system. This extrusion 3D printing system can perform post-curing molding, features dual-nozzle extrusion printing capabilities, and includes an automatic shut-off system; it can print both the main body and auxiliary support materials.

[0158] For example, the main material can be a two-component liquid silicone with a Shore hardness of 65A; the support material is water-soluble. The printer's second extruder has a Z-axis avoidance function to prevent interference and scratching during the dual-head scanning process. After equipment calibration, printing can be started with a single button and continued unattended.

[0159] For example, the printed orthodontic appliance is placed in an 80°C oven and heated to cure for 30-60 minutes, then heated to 120°C and cured for another 15 minutes to complete the final curing and shaping of the product.

[0160] For example, the cured product is removed for support removal, washing, and drying.

[0161] The above embodiments utilize 3D printing software and equipment to manufacture silicone orthodontic appliances, applying digital technology to the production process. Compared to the manual injection and polishing techniques used in the production of silicone orthodontic appliances, the production technology disclosed herein is innovative, achieving automated production, avoiding the impact of human error, and improving the level of production technology and product quality.

[0162] Moreover, this disclosure can reduce the constraints of production sites, improve the production mode of orthodontic appliances, and help improve the level of treatment.

[0163] Figure 4 Block diagrams illustrating some embodiments of the electronic devices disclosed herein.

[0164] like Figure 4 As shown, the electronic device 4 of this embodiment includes a memory 41 and a processor 42 coupled to the memory 41. The processor 42 is configured to execute the method for generating a digital model of an orthodontic appliance in any embodiment of this disclosure based on instructions stored in the memory 41.

[0165] The memory 41 may include, for example, system memory, fixed non-volatile storage media, etc. The system memory stores, for example, the operating system, application programs, a boot loader, a database, and other programs.

[0166] Figure 5 Block diagrams illustrating other embodiments of the electronic devices disclosed herein are shown.

[0167] like Figure 5 As shown, the apparatus 5 of this embodiment includes a memory 510 and a processor 520 coupled to the memory 510. The processor 520 is configured to execute the method for generating a digital model of an orthodontic appliance in any of the foregoing embodiments based on instructions stored in the memory 510.

[0168] The memory 510 may include, for example, system memory, fixed non-volatile storage media, etc. The system memory may store, for example, the operating system, application programs, a boot loader, and other programs.

[0169] Electronic device 5 may also include input / output interfaces 530, network interfaces 540, and storage interfaces 550. These interfaces 530, 540, and 550, as well as the memory 510 and processor 520, can be connected via, for example, a bus 560. Specifically, input / output interface 530 provides a connection interface for input / output devices such as monitors, mice, keyboards, touchscreens, microphones, and speakers. Network interface 540 provides a connection interface for various networked devices. Storage interface 550 provides a connection interface for external storage devices such as SD cards and USB flash drives.

[0170] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this disclosure can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this disclosure can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this disclosure can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable non-transitory storage media containing computer-usable program code, including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.

[0171] The method for generating a digital model of an orthodontic appliance, the apparatus for generating a digital model of an orthodontic appliance, the method for manufacturing an orthodontic appliance, the apparatus for manufacturing an orthodontic appliance, the orthodontic appliance, the electronic device, and the non-volatile computer-readable storage medium according to this disclosure have been described in detail. To avoid obscuring the concept of this disclosure, some details known in the art have not been described. Those skilled in the art will fully understand how to implement the technical solutions disclosed herein based on the above description.

[0172] The methods and systems of this disclosure may be implemented in many ways. For example, they may be implemented by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination of software, hardware, and firmware. The above-described order of steps for the methods is for illustrative purposes only, and the steps of the methods of this disclosure are not limited to the order specifically described above unless otherwise specifically stated. Furthermore, in some embodiments, this disclosure may also be implemented as a program recorded on a recording medium, the program including machine-readable instructions for implementing the methods according to this disclosure. Thus, this disclosure also covers recording media storing programs for performing the methods according to this disclosure.

[0173] While specific embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail by way of example, those skilled in the art should understand that the examples are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. The scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for generating a digital model of an aligner, comprising: determining overall size information and size information of tooth sockets of the digital model of the aligner according to relevant information of different dental arch regions of a target digital model of an oral cavity, the dental arch regions comprising a plurality of incisor regions, canine regions, premolar regions, or molar regions; generating the digital model of the aligner according to the overall size information and the size information of the tooth sockets, wherein the determining of the overall size information of the digital model of the aligner comprises: determining overall width information of the digital model of the aligner according to a width of incisors in the incisor regions, a width between canines in the canine regions, a width between premolars in the premolar regions, and a width between molars in the molar regions, determining overall length information of the digital model of the aligner according to positions of molars in the different dental arch regions; the determining of the size information of the tooth sockets of the digital model of the aligner comprises: determining the size information of the tooth sockets according to labial and buccal profiles and lingual profiles of the different dental arch regions.

2. The generation method of claim 1, wherein, the determining of the size information of the tooth sockets comprises: performing smoothing processing on morphological data of the labial and buccal profiles and the lingual profiles to determine smoothed morphological data, determining the size information of the tooth sockets according to the smoothed morphological data. 3.The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining a height of a jaw pad of the digital model of the aligner according to distances between upper occlusal surfaces and lower occlusal surfaces of the different dental arch regions, the height of the jaw pad being used to generate the digital model of the aligner.

4. The generation method of claim 3, wherein, the determining of the height of the jaw pad of the digital model of the aligner comprises: in a case where an opening degree of the upper jaw and the lower jaw of the target digital model of the oral cavity is less than an opening threshold, determining the distances between the upper occlusal surfaces and the lower occlusal surfaces.

5. The generation method of claim 4, wherein, the determining of the height of the jaw pad of the digital model of the aligner comprises: determining the height of the jaw pad of the digital model of the aligner according to rest jaw space of the different dental arch regions. 6.The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining an outer wall length of the digital model of the aligner according to gum positions of teeth in the different dental arch regions, the outer wall length being used to generate the digital model of the aligner.

7. The generation method of claim 6, wherein, the determining of the outer wall length of the digital model of the aligner comprises: performing smoothing processing on lines connecting the gum positions of different teeth in the different dental arch regions, determining the outer wall length according to a result of the smoothing processing. 8.The method of any one of claims 1-7, further comprising: adjusting an initial digital model of an oral cavity of a patient according to target oral parameters to determine the target digital model of the oral cavity.

9. The generation method of claim 8, wherein, the adjusting of the initial digital model of the oral cavity of the patient comprises: fitting a dental arch shape of a preset shape to initial upper and lower jaw digital models in the initial digital model of the oral cavity to determine target upper and lower jaw digital models in the target digital model of the oral cavity.

10. The generation method of claim 8, wherein, the adjusting of the initial digital model of the oral cavity of the patient comprises: adjust an initial occlusal relationship in the initial digital dental model according to at least one of a preset overbite parameter, a maxillary dental arch parameter, an overbite parameter, a canine relationship, a molar relationship, or a Spee curve, to determine a target occlusal relationship in the target digital dental model.

11. The generation method of claim 8, wherein, The initial digital dental model includes an initial maxillary and mandibular digital model, and the initial digital dental model includes at least one of an initial occlusal relationship or oral soft tissue information, the initial maxillary and mandibular digital model is obtained by an intraoral scanner or a dental impression of a patient, the initial occlusal relationship is obtained by an intraoral scanner or a jaw mount, and the oral soft tissue information is obtained by an optical scanning technology, an X-ray imaging technology, an ultrasonic imaging technology, a computer tomography (CT) scan, or a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology.

12. An apparatus for generating a digital dental appliance model, comprising: a determining unit configured to determine overall size information and size information of a tooth socket of the digital dental appliance model according to relevant information of different dental arch regions of the target digital dental model, the dental arch regions including a plurality of incisor regions, canine regions, premolar regions, or molar regions; a generating unit configured to generate the digital dental appliance model according to the overall size information and the size information of the tooth socket, wherein the determining unit is configured to determine overall width information of the digital dental appliance model according to a width of incisors in the incisor regions, a width between canines in the canine regions, a width between premolars in the premolar regions, and a width between molars in the molar regions; determine overall length information of the digital dental appliance model according to positions of molars in the different dental arch regions; and determine the size information of the tooth socket according to labial and buccal profiles and lingual profiles of the different dental arch regions.

13. An electronic device, comprising: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor configured to execute the method for generating a digital dental appliance model according to any one of claims 1-11 based on instructions stored in the memory.

14. A non-volatile computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the method for generating a digital dental appliance model according to any one of claims 1-11.

15. A method for manufacturing a dental appliance, comprising: manufacturing a dental appliance using a 3D printing technology according to a digital dental appliance model generated by the method for generating a digital dental appliance model according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein a main material of the dental appliance is extruded by a first extrusion head, and a support material is extruded by a second extrusion head, the first extrusion head and the second extrusion head can avoid each other during printing according to instructions.

16. The manufacturing method of claim 15, wherein, The printing of the main material of the dental appliance by the first extrusion head and the printing of the support material by the second extrusion head include: after the extrusion and accumulation forming processes of all layers of the dental appliance by the first extrusion head and the second extrusion head are completed, all layers of the main material are solidified.

17. The manufacturing method of claim 15, wherein, The main material is made of an addition molding silicone rubber formulation system.

18. The manufacturing method of claim 17, wherein, The addition type silicone rubber formula contains vinyl silicone oil, hydrogen-containing silicone oil, platinum group catalyst, reinforcing agent.

19. The manufacturing method of claim 18, wherein, The reinforcing agent includes white carbon black.

20. The manufacturing method of claim 17, wherein, The addition type silicone rubber formula contains a thixotropic agent component.

21. The manufacturing method of claim 15, wherein, The hardness of the main material ranges from 40 to 80 Shore A.

22. The manufacturing method of claim 15, wherein, The hardness of the main material ranges from 50 to 70 Shore A.

23. The manufacturing method of claim 15, wherein, The hardness of the main material ranges from 55 to 65 Shore A.

24. The manufacturing method of claim 15, wherein, The tensile strength of the main material is greater than 3 MPa.

25. The manufacturing method of claim 15, wherein, The tensile strength of the main material is greater than 5 MPa.

26. The manufacturing method of claim 15, wherein, The elongation at break of the main material is greater than 70%.

27. The manufacturing method of claim 15, wherein, The elongation at break of the main material is greater than 100%.

28. The manufacturing method of claim 15, wherein, The tear strength of the main material is greater than 9 N / mm.

29. The manufacturing method of claim 15, wherein, The tear strength of the main material is greater than 10 N / mm.

30. The manufacturing method of claim 15, wherein, The needle diameter of the main material is 0.2-0.8 mm, and the needle diameter of the support material is 0.2-0.8 mm.

31. The manufacturing method of claim 30, wherein, The needle diameter of the main material is 0.4 mm, and the needle diameter of the support material is 0.4 mm.

32. The manufacturing method of claim 15, wherein, The extrusion width of the main material is 0.2-0.8 mm, the extrusion width of the support material is 0.2-0.8 mm, the filling rate of the main material is 85-100%, the filling rate of the support material is 70-100%, the printing speed of the aligner is 10-80 mm / s, and the layer thickness is 0.2-0.3 mm.

33. The manufacturing method of claim 32, wherein, The extrusion width of the main material is 0.4 mm, the extrusion width of the support material is 0.4 mm, the filling rate of the main material is 90%, the filling rate of the support material is 90-100%, the printing speed of the aligner is 25 mm / s, and the layer thickness is 0.2 mm.

34. An apparatus for manufacturing an aligner, comprising: an extrusion 3D printing system for manufacturing an aligner by using 3D silicone printing technology according to a generated digital model of the aligner, wherein the digital model of the aligner is generated by the method for generating a digital model according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein the extrusion 3D printing system extrudes the main material of the aligner by using a first extrusion head and extrudes the support material by using a second extrusion head, and the first extrusion head and the second extrusion head can avoid each other during the printing process according to instructions.

35. An aligner manufactured by the method for manufacturing an aligner according to any one of claims 15-33.

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