Systems and methods for orthodontic treatment planning using generic commands and protocols using these commands

Abstract

A system (10) for orthodontic treatment planning. The system (10) includes a processor and a memory. The computer program instructions cause the system (10) to display a user interface (64, 78) on a display (52). A user interface (64, 78) is used for a user (18, 26) to input a treatment prescription (62, 76) for a patient (30). A user interface (64, 78) provides a plurality of commands (82, 100, 112) for selection. Each command (82, 100, 112) is a single-word instruction, a double-word instruction, or a three-word instruction based on an orthodontic naming method. The system (10) receives two or more selected commands of the plurality of commands (82, 100, 112) into the treatment prescription (62, 76). Two or more selected commands (82, 100, 112) are applied to the patient's teeth according to a predetermined protocol. The database is configured to receive a treatment prescription (62, 76) for a patient (30) and a plurality of other treatment prescriptions (62, 76) containing other patients. The database is configured to receive a plurality of other prescriptions (62, 76) from a plurality of users of the system (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of orthodontic treatment, and more particularly to systems and methods for orthodontic treatment planning. Background Art

[0002] Orthodontics is the practice of manipulating teeth to correct malocclusion between the teeth of the upper and lower dental arches. Typically, treatment of malocclusion involves the use of orthodontic appliances that apply corrective forces to the teeth. Over time, these corrective forces force the teeth to move into their orthodontically corrected positions.

[0003] One way to apply corrective forces to the teeth is with orthodontic appliances known as “aligners.” Other orthodontic appliances include orthodontic brackets, which are secured to the teeth and can be used with orthodontic archwires to apply corrective forces to the patient's teeth.

[0004] Aligners are typically provided as a series of removable appliances that incrementally reposition a patient's teeth from their initial orientation (in which the teeth may be maloccluded) to their orthodontically correct and aesthetically pleasing orientation. Patients treated with aligners can insert and remove aligners at will, and therefore do not need to visit an orthodontist to advance their treatment. Instead, the patient simply begins using the next aligner in the series according to the treatment plan when the currently worn aligner has moved the teeth to or near the final orientation of that aligner. In this regard, each aligner in the series is different from all other aligners in the series.

[0005] To make an aligner or brace for a particular patient, an orthodontist first constructs a computer model of the patient's dentition. The model can be generated, for example, by taking an impression of the patient's dentition and then scanning the impression to digitize the impression for manipulation in a computer. Alternatively, the clinician can directly scan the patient's teeth with an intraoral scanner. The scanned data is then used to construct a computer model. In each case, the computer model includes one or more teeth, preferably all teeth, in the patient's maxilla and / or mandible.

[0006] Once the computer model has been constructed, the orthodontist can manipulate individual teeth in the model teeth in order to ultimately determine a target orientation for each tooth that provides a corrected dentition for each corresponding jaw, addresses any malocclusion, and ideally provides an aesthetic smile. Multiple computer models can be generated prior to treatment. Each model can include a unique orientation of one or more model teeth in the dentition, and one or more model teeth can be continuously and incrementally repositioned from an initial orientation to a target orientation according to the treatment plan.

[0007] The incremental repositioning of the model teeth is then reproduced in a series of manufactured dental molds. An aligner is formed from each of the manufactured molds. Where multiple molds are present, a set of aligners is manufactured, wherein each aligner is unique to one of the molds. When worn by the patient, each aligner applies forces to the patient's teeth during orthodontic treatment. According to the treatment plan as determined by the computer model, the patient's teeth may be incrementally moved from an initial position and orientation to a target position and orientation. In this manner, treatment moves the patient's teeth from an initial orientation, which generally corresponds to the initial orientation of the computer model, to a final orientation, which generally corresponds to the target orientation of the computer model, in a series of stages.

[0008] Orthodontists often prepare each stage of the treatment plan directly or indirectly by providing specific instructions to orthodontic appliance manufacturers. These instructions may include the patient's treatment goals. These goals are the result of the orthodontist's examination of the patient's condition, as well as the experience and preferred treatment methods based on the orthodontist. The treatment goals may include specific instructions for individual tooth movement, which may include a specific sequence of tooth movement through which the goals are achieved. These specific instructions are in the form of text-based descriptions, which are prepared by the orthodontist and transmitted to the appliance manufacturer. These instructions are then interpreted by the technicians of the appliance manufacturer. The technician is responsible for preparing a digital treatment plan based on the text-based description. Once prepared, the treatment plan can be transmitted to the orthodontist for final approval before manufacturing any orthodontic appliances. Once approved, the corresponding appliance designed to treat the patient's malocclusion is manufactured and shipped to the orthodontist or patient for use by the patient.

[0009] Although successful, current treatment planning suffers from significant drawbacks.Therefore, there is a need for improved systems and methods in orthodontic treatment planning for orthodontic appliances. Summary of the invention

[0010] The present invention overcomes the shortcomings and drawbacks of methods and systems for treatment planning for orthodontic treatment known to date. Although the present invention will be described in conjunction with certain embodiments, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. On the contrary, the present invention includes all alternatives, modifications and equivalents that may be included in the spirit and scope of the present invention. In one aspect of the present invention, there is a system for orthodontic treatment planning for a patient. The system includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory is configured to store computer program instructions, which, when executed by the processor, cause the system to display a user interface on a display. The user interface is used for a user to input a treatment prescription for a patient. The user interface provides a plurality of commands for selection, each of which is a predetermined instruction based on orthodontic nomenclature for moving or modifying one or more of the patient's teeth. The computer program instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the system to receive two or more selected commands from a plurality of commands into the treatment prescription. According to a predetermined protocol, the two or more selected commands are applied to the patient's teeth.

[0011] In one embodiment, the system further comprises a database coupled to the memory and accessible by the processor. The database is configured to receive the treatment prescription of the patient and a plurality of other treatment prescriptions including other patients.

[0012] In one embodiment, the database is configured to receive a plurality of other prescriptions from a plurality of users of the system.

[0013] In one embodiment, the predetermined instruction is selected from a single-word instruction, a double-word instruction, and a triple-word instruction, or a combination thereof.

[0014] In one embodiment, the predetermined instruction is selected from a single-word instruction, a double-word instruction, and a triple-word instruction.

[0015] In one embodiment, the computer program instructions, when executed by a processor, cause the system to: limit a selected command from the plurality of commands to a single line in a treatment prescription.

[0016] In one embodiment, the computer program instructions, when executed by a processor, cause the system to: identify two or more selected commands in a treatment prescription to be applied simultaneously to the patient's teeth according to a predetermined protocol.

[0017] In one embodiment, the computer program instructions, when executed by a processor, cause the system to: arrange two or more selected commands in a treatment prescription for sequential application to a patient's teeth according to a predetermined protocol.

[0018] In one embodiment, when executed by a processor, the computer program instructions cause the system to: arrange two or more selected commands in a treatment prescription for sequential application to the patient's teeth according to a predetermined protocol; and identify at least one of the two or more selected commands for sequential application to be applied to the patient's teeth simultaneously with at least another of the two or more selected commands according to the predetermined protocol.

[0019] In one embodiment, the computer program instructions, when executed by a processor, cause the system to: prevent text that is not one of the selected commands from being entered into the treatment prescription.

[0020] In one embodiment, the computer program instructions, when executed by a processor, cause the system to: display in a user interface a rectangular shaped border surrounding predetermined instructions for each command.

[0021] In one embodiment, the computer program instructions, when executed by a processor, cause the system to: overlap boundaries of two or more rectangular shapes one above the other in a user interface.

[0022] In one embodiment, the computer program instructions, when executed by a processor, cause the system to: save the overlaid combination of two or more selected commands to a memory as a user defined command.

[0023] In one embodiment, the computer program instructions, when executed by a processor, cause the system to: save the treatment prescription in a machine-readable format.

[0024] In one embodiment, the computer program instructions, when executed by a processor, cause the system to: generate a segmented plan for review by an orthodontist.

[0025] In one embodiment, the system further includes: an appliance manufacturing device configured to manufacture an appliance based on a treatment prescription, wherein when executed by the processor, the computer program instructions cause the system to: transmit the treatment prescription to the appliance manufacturing device, and the appliance manufacturing device reads the treatment prescription.

[0026] In one embodiment, there is a system for establishing an orthodontic treatment plan for a patient's teeth. The system includes a user interface for interfacing with a computer program. The computer program is configured to interact with a user through the user interface to display a representation of the patient's teeth. The user selects one or more teeth from the representation of the patient's teeth for treatment according to the orthodontic treatment plan. The computer program is configured to display a plurality of commands from a command library. The command library is predetermined. The displayed commands are predetermined instructions based on orthodontic nomenclature for moving one or more selected teeth to a new position, and the user selects one or more of the plurality of commands for inclusion in the orthodontic treatment plan.

[0027] In one embodiment, the computer program is further configured to retrieve an initial position of one or more selected teeth, determine a final position of the teeth after orthodontic treatment, and determine a segmented plan for moving the teeth from the initial position to the final position based on one or more selected commands from a plurality of commands within the orthodontic treatment plan.

[0028] In one embodiment, each predetermined command is selected from a single-word instruction, a double-word instruction, and a triple-word instruction, or a combination thereof.

[0029] According to another aspect of the invention, there is a computer-implemented method for creating an orthodontic treatment plan for a patient's teeth. The method includes: receiving a digital model of the patient's teeth in a first arrangement, and selecting one or more commands from a command library. The command library is predetermined. The method includes: placing the one or more selected commands in a prescription for orthodontic treatment of the patient; converting the prescription into machine-readable code for use by a processor of a computer; and creating a second digital model of the patient's teeth in a second arrangement different from the first arrangement based on the orthodontic treatment according to the machine-readable code.

[0030] In one embodiment, the computer-implemented method further includes determining a segmented plan for moving or modifying one or more of the patient's teeth from a position in the first model to a position in the second model based on a prescription for orthodontic treatment of the patient.

[0031] In one embodiment, the selected command is a single-word instruction, a two-word instruction, or a three-word instruction based on orthodontic nomenclature for moving or modifying one or more of the patient's teeth.

[0032] In another aspect, there is a computer-implemented method for establishing an orthodontic treatment plan for a patient's teeth. The method includes: displaying a first digital model of the patient's teeth to a user, receiving a selection of one or more teeth of the first digital model from the user, and displaying a plurality of commands from a command library. The command library is predetermined, and the displayed commands are instructions based on orthodontic nomenclature for manipulating one or more selected teeth, each command manipulating the teeth in a manner different from each other command. The method also includes receiving a selection of one or more displayed commands from the user. The selected commands constitute an orthodontic treatment plan. The method further includes: creating a second digital model of the patient's teeth by moving and / or modifying at least one or more selected teeth of the first digital model based on the orthodontic treatment plan.

[0033] In one embodiment, receiving a selection of one or more displayed commands from a user includes: the user selecting a single-word instruction, a two-word instruction, or a three-word instruction, or a combination thereof, from a command library, and creating a second digital model of the teeth includes: applying the selected instruction to one or more selected teeth.

[0034] In one embodiment, the computer-implemented method further comprises, after the creating, displaying the created second digital model of the patient's teeth to a user.

[0035] In one embodiment, the computer-implemented method further comprises: after the creating, designing a mold using the second digital model, wherein the mold can be used to manufacture the orthodontic treatment device.

[0036] In another aspect of the present invention, there is a method for preparing a prescription for orthodontic treatment, the method comprising selecting two or more commands from a command library. The command library is predetermined, and the selected commands are single-word instructions, two-word instructions, or three-word instructions based on orthodontic nomenclature for moving or modifying one or more of the patient's teeth. The method further comprises: placing the two or more selected commands in a prescription for orthodontic treatment of the patient in a predetermined order of application.

[0037] In one embodiment, placing the selected commands includes placing a first command on a first line of the prescription and placing a second command on a second line of the prescription.

[0038] In one embodiment, the predetermined application order is the first command first, followed by the second command.

[0039] In one embodiment, placing includes grouping the first command and the second command.

[0040] In one embodiment, the predetermined application order is to apply the first command and the second command simultaneously.

[0041] In one embodiment, placing the selected command includes: placing the first command on the first line of the prescription, and placing the second command on the second line of the prescription, and the method further includes: selecting a third command; placing the third command on the third line of the prescription; grouping the first command and the second command or the second command and the third command according to a predetermined protocol to be applied to the patient's teeth simultaneously, and arranging the first command or the third command according to a predetermined protocol for applying the grouped commands together and sequentially to the patient's teeth.

[0042] In one embodiment, at least one of the two or more commands includes: a user-defined variable, and wherein after selecting the two or more commands, the method further includes: modifying the user-defined variable of the selected command. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description given below, serve to explain aspects of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of an orthodontic appliance design and manufacturing system.

[0045] Figure 2 is an exemplary flow chart of one embodiment of a method according to an orthodontic treatment plan for a patient.

[0046] Figure 3 is used with Figure 1 An exemplary user interface for use with the system.

[0047] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 5C , Figure 5D as well as Figure 5E is used with Figure 1 An exemplary user interface for use with the system.

[0049] Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 are exemplary commands according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Fig. 9 , Fig.10 , Fig.11 and Fig.12 Is used for combination Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 Example strategies for example commands.

[0051] Fig.13 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a protocol for executing commands according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Fig.14 is an orthodontic appliance in the form of an aligner according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Fig.15 An orthodontic appliance in the form of an orthodontic bracket according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Fig.16A is an exemplary recipe with selected commands.

[0055] Fig. 16B is based on Fig.16A An exemplary treatment plan in the form of a segmented plan of prescriptions.

[0056] Fig. 16C is used in Fig. 16B Phase 1 Application Fig.16A Plan view of the patient's dental model with the prescription (top).

[0057] Fig.16D In the application Fig.16A In the prescription process Fig. 16C A plan view (top) of the model and shown in Fig. 16B Tooth position / orientation at stage 21.

[0058] Fig.16E In the application Fig.16A In the prescription process Fig. 16C A plan view (top) of the model and shown in Fig. 16B The tooth position / orientation at stage 56.

[0059] Fig.17A is an exemplary recipe with selected commands.

[0060] Fig. 17B is based on Fig.17A An exemplary treatment plan in the form of a segmented plan of prescriptions.

[0061] Fig. 17C is used in Fig. 17B Phase 1 application in Fig.17A Plan view (top) and elevation view (bottom) of the patient's dental model with the prescription.

[0062] Fig.17D In the application Fig.17A In the prescription process Fig. 17C The model is shown in plan view (top) and elevation view (bottom), and is shown in Fig. 17B Tooth position / orientation at stage 21.

[0063] Fig.17E In the application Fig.17A In the prescription process Fig. 17C The model is shown in plan view (top) and elevation view (bottom), and is shown in Fig. 17B The tooth position / orientation at stage 22.

[0064] Fig.17F In the application Fig.17A In the prescription process Fig. 17C The model is shown in plan view (top) and elevation view (bottom), and is shown in Fig. 17B Tooth position / orientation at stage 23 in.

[0065] Figure 17G In the application Fig.17A In the prescription process Fig. 17C Plan view (top) and elevation view (bottom) of the model, showing Fig. 17B The tooth position / orientation at stage 56 in FIG. 5 is an exemplary T2 model. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the present invention is an exemplary embodiment of an orthodontic appliance treatment and manufacturing system 10. Embodiments of the present invention solve problems currently found in orthodontic treatment planning. These problems include poor communication between orthodontists and appliance manufacturing equipment. As described above, an orthodontist can prepare specific written instructions for a patient's treatment. Similar to a written prescription for a medication, written instructions for a patient's orthodontic treatment can also be referred to as a prescription. These written instructions can provide personalized treatment goals and ideal tooth movement, which will be incorporated into the treatment plan for treating the patient using orthodontic appliances. The treatment plan can be prepared by a designer and / or an appliance manufacturer.

[0067] During the process of preparing the treatment plan, the orthodontist's written instructions may be reviewed by a technician at the appliance manufacturing facility. Although the present embodiment is not limited to any relationship between the technician reviewing the written instructions and the appliance manufacturer, the technician may be employed by the appliance manufacturer. The technician may be responsible for incorporating the orthodontist's instructions into the initial treatment plan for treating patients using the appliance. This necessarily requires the technician to interpret the orthodontist's written instructions. The technician then develops a preliminary treatment plan based on the interpretation. It has been found that the technician's interpretation of the orthodontist's written instructions often inadvertently deviates from the orthodontist's treatment intent and the initial treatment plan. As a result, the initial treatment plan is incorrect.

[0068] One exemplary cause of inaccuracy is that the technician's interpretation often involves translation between different languages. That is, an orthodontist may communicate a set of treatment goals to a particular patient in one language (i.e., their native language), and the technician of the appliance manufacturer may interpret these treatment goals based on a translation of the treatment goals (i.e., into their native language if the language is different from the orthodontist's instructions). Another exemplary cause of inaccuracy is differences in the specific language used by orthodontists when describing the intended treatment. For example, different orthodontists may use different terms to describe similar treatments. No matter how small the difference is, as small as the ideal sequence of tooth movement, the initial treatment plan prepared by the technician is incorrect. Although orthodontists and technicians can correct errors through back-and-forth communication, this back-and-forth communication process wastes a lot of time and resources for both parties. In addition, it often takes time for technicians to learn and become proficient in the orthodontist's customized prescription preferences. Technicians can leave, so once a technician understands the orthodontist's specific preferences, this understanding will be lost if the technician leaves.

[0069] Embodiments of the present invention, such as Figures 1 to 4 The system 10 shown solves these and other problems. By using the universal commands described herein, misunderstandings of orthodontist instructions are eliminated. Through universal commands, orthodontists can communicate with technicians and / or directly with prescription systems using standardized language, which may include direct communication with machines, and the terminology in the standardized language is rooted in orthodontic treatment. Universal commands may be the only communication between orthodontists and technicians and / or manufacturers regarding patient prescriptions. However, additional written instructions may be attached to these commands. Universal commands are instructions for orthodontic treatment, and orthodontists can establish treatment prescriptions based on them. The treatment prescription is ultimately used to make orthodontic braces to move the patient's teeth according to the treatment method specified in the prescription. Universal commands are one, two or three word instructions. Commands can be in verb or noun form. Each universal command has or is given a specific meaning in orthodontic treatment. These meanings can be understood by orthodontists, technicians and / or manufacturing equipment / systems, and these commands represent software codes. In the case where the manufacturing system automatically reads the prescription, the technician's involvement in formulating the treatment plan can be minimized or eliminated. In essence, the universal commands provide a standardized common language between the orthodontist and the technician and / or between the orthodontist and the manufacturing equipment / system, much like commands in software programming. These commands eliminate any need for technician interpretation.

[0070] Embodiments of the present invention may additionally define a protocol for use with generic commands. The protocol is predetermined, known to each orthodontist and technician, and / or has meaning for machine control in a manufacturing system. Advantageously, through the protocol, an order for executing a single generic command in a generic command or a single generic command in a group of generic commands may be established. Generic commands and protocols eliminate subjective interpretation of the meaning and order of the orthodontist's instructions. The use of generic commands and corresponding protocols may also bring other advantages and benefits described herein, such as automatic manufacturing of braces through a computerized manufacturing system.

[0071] refer to Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment, generally speaking, the system 10 includes at least general commands (e.g. Figures 6 to 8 ) for communicating treatment information between an orthodontist's office 12 and an orthodontic appliance design and manufacturing facility 14. Figure 1 and Figure 4 , the system 10 can be distributed in multiple locations, such as between the clinic 12 and the facility 14 and between multiple other clinics 12' and 12". However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to any number of locations. For example, the system 10 can include one location or multiple locations, such as Figure 4 As shown, the imaging system 16 is located in separate offices / buildings of the different orthodontist offices 12, 12' and 12". Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , the imaging system 16 is located in the orthodontist's office 12 .

[0072] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , communication and decision making in the operation of system 10 may be distributed among three paths, including (1) an orthodontist 18 located in office 12, (2) data collection and processing equipment 20 located in facility 14 and / or office 12, and (3) a laboratory operator or technician 26 located in facility 14 where appliance manufacturing equipment 22 is located. These three paths are represented by Figure 2 The three columns in FIG. 1 represent the decisions of the orthodontist 18 on the left, the decisions and steps performed by the technician 26 or the device 20 in the facility 14 in the middle, and the process of manufacturing the device on the right. Figure 2 The dashed lines in represent interactions between pathways, including the exchange of common commands.

[0073] In one embodiment of a treatment plan for a patient, an orthodontist 18 examines a patient 30 in an office 12 and makes an orthodontic treatment diagnosis 32. The diagnosis and treatment may be simplified in form into one of several data records 34 and entered into a computer 38. The record 34 is generated as part of the case information necessary to determine the patient's condition, prescribe the appropriate treatment, and specify an orthodontic appliance to implement the prescribed treatment. The case information data record 34 includes information identifying the patient 30, anatomical data of the patient 30, and other background information.

[0074] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 4 , the orthodontist 18's examination of the patient 30 involves the traditional application of the orthodontist's 18 skills, knowledge, and expertise, resulting in the creation of a detailed anatomical record of the shape and initial deformity of the teeth in the patient's mouth and the jaw structure of the patient 30. The detailed anatomical record may include information provided by the imaging system 16, such as image information 24 of the patient's jaw. The orthodontist 18 or a person under his or her guidance may use the imaging system 16 to collect image information 24 from the patient 30 ( Figure 4 ). For example, the clinician can insert at least a portion of a wand 42 into the patient's mouth. Using a light source 44 and an imaging sensor 46, the clinician can capture data of all or selected crowns of the patient's teeth. The data may include surface images and / or volumetric images of one or more teeth of the patient (i.e., volumetric data acquired from a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) or a similar device not shown). Alternatively, the surface image can be acquired from an impression 50 of the patient's teeth. The image information 24 can be viewed on a display 52 coupled to a computer 38 and can be transmitted to the facility 14, where a technician 26 can prepare virtual models referred to as a T1 model 54 and a T2 model 56.

[0075] The orthodontist 18 determines the general type of orthodontic appliance to be treated with the patient 30 (e.g., an orthodontic aligner ( Fig.14 ) or orthodontic brackets ( Fig.15 )), and certain parameters of such an appliance. As shown in the figure, in the system 10, the exemplary appliance is an aligner 60 (see for example Fig.14 ). To initiate production of the aligner 60 (typically one of a series of aligners), the physician's office 12 transmits the image information 24 to the facility 14 along with other data records 34, including a prescription 62, wherein the orthodontist 18 proposes one or more general orders to be included in the initial treatment plan for the patient 30.

[0076] According to one embodiment of the present invention, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 3, the prescription 62 is generated via a user interface 64 on the display 52. ​​The orthodontist 18 enters the prescription 62 into the computer 38 via the interface 64 for transmission from the computer 38 to the manufacturing facility 14. The user interface 64 is designed to prompt the orthodontist 18 with the information necessary to treat a particular patient. Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the user interface 64 includes a flowchart 66, through which the user interface 64 guides the orthodontist 18 to prepare the data records 34 required to treat the patient 30. For example, the flowchart 66 instructs the preparation of information about each of "patient details" 70, "photos" 72, "scans" 74 (e.g., image information 24), and "patient prescriptions" 76. The user interface according to an embodiment of the present invention is not limited to Figure 3 For example, the following will refer to FIG. 5A to FIG. 5E Other user interfaces 78 are described.

[0077] exist Figure 3 In the embodiment of the present invention, according to the flowchart 66 at 76, the orthodontist 18 prepares the patient's prescription 62. To facilitate the preparation, the user interface 64 displays one or more commands 82 selected by the orthodontist 18 to establish the prescription 62 for orthodontic treatment of the patient 30 (e.g., "patient Jones"). The command 82 can be selected from the prescription block 80 or the library 84 (see Figures 6 to 8 ) for orthodontic treatment application for patient 30. As shown, the user interface 64 includes a prescription block 80 (i.e., "my prescription block"), which lists common commands 82 that can be selected by the orthodontist 18 to establish the prescription 62. The prescription block 80 can also list selectable user-defined commands 112, as described below, for establishing the prescription 62. The user-defined commands 112 can be used alone or in combination with the commands 82 and / or other user-defined commands 112. In an exemplary embodiment, the user interface 64 provides an image area 86 in which a patient image can be displayed. By way of example only and not limitation, the T1 model 54 can be displayed in the image area 86.

[0078] In the interface 64, the commands 82, 112 displayed in the prescription block 80 may be linked to a specific tooth 90, a segment of a tooth 92 in the T1 model 54, or the entire T1 model 54 (e.g., the entire dentition, including both dental arches). For example, if the orthodontist selects the upper front tooth 90 on the T1 model 54, the commands 82, 112 available for selection in the prescription block 80 may be different from the commands 82, 112 available for selection in the prescription block 80 when the orthodontist 18 selects one of more teeth 92 for treatment. In this way, the commands 82, 112 available for selection may be linked to and / or vary according to the image displayed in the image area 86. Advantageously, this may make it easier to prepare the prescription 62 because only the commands 82, 112 related to the image area 86 (e.g., the selected tooth 90 or 92) will be displayed in the prescription block 80.

[0079] The orthodontist 18 selects one or more commands 82, 112 to be included in the prescription 62. For example, in Figure 3 , the orthodontist 18 can select the anterior segment (canine to canine) 90 of the upper dental arch in the T1 model 54. Once selected, the "My Prescription Block" 80 lists the commands associated with the anterior segment 90. The orthodontist 18 can select the "Crown Torque" command 94 and the "Anterior Space Closure" command 96 to include in the prescription 62. Each of these commands 94 and 96 can be selected from the prescription block 80 into the prescription 62 by means such as drag and drop. Alternatively, an input box can be provided, and when the orthodontist 18 begins typing, a list of commands will be displayed in real time for selection. Figure 5B An example of an "enter here" prescription 62 is illustrated, and the "enter here" prescription 62 field displays the selected tooth 90, which in this example is tooth "13" in the upper right quadrant of the patient's mouth according to the FDI tooth numbering system. The system 10 can prevent any non-command information from being added to the prescription 62. That is, no text, punctuation or information other than commands 82, 112 can be placed / entered in the prescription 62. In this way, the prescription 62 can only contain predefined instructions in the form of commands 82, 112. Undefined instructions must not be included in the prescription 62. In addition, in one embodiment, the system 10 can prevent illogical command combinations. In actual orthodontic treatment, these combinations may be considered illegal, especially when these commands are combined together, it is known that they will not advance orthodontic treatment in a meaningful way. If the orthodontist 18 attempts to combine commands that are illegal in this sense, the system 10 can issue a warning or prevent the command from being entered into the prescription.

[0080] As shown, in one embodiment, the orthodontist 18 arranges the commands 82, 112 in an intentional manner defined by a predetermined protocol. Figure 3In the protocol, the order of execution from top to bottom in the prescription 62 can be defined. That is, in this example, the prescription 62 specifies that the crown torque 94 should be implemented before the anterior space closure 96 because this is related to the movement of the tooth 90. In this way, the orthodontist 18 arranges the commands 82, 112 in a hierarchical manner, predetermining which commands 82, 112 in the prescription 62 should be executed first, second, third, etc. In one embodiment, the prescription 62 lists only one command per line. Therefore, the prescription 62 is a list of single commands, each command occupying its own line.

[0081] The recipe block 80 can be selected from a library 84 of generic commands 82 and available user defined commands 112 (see Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 ) is automatically filled in. Figure 3 In, there are fewer than all commands 82 in library 84, such as Figure 6-Figure 8 As shown, they are listed in the prescription block 80. In one embodiment, a subgroup of all commands 82, 112 may be displayed in the prescription block 80. The subgroup may be displayed based on commonly used commands 82, 112, those commands that are related to a specific tooth or area of ​​teeth 90 in the image area 86 (as described above) or commands that have been recently used by the orthodontist 18. Therefore, the relevant commands 82, 112 in the library 84 may be selected in the prescription block 80. However, the orthodontist 18 can directly access the library 84 at any time. Although the selectable commands 82, 112 in the prescription block 80 should facilitate efficient assembly of the prescription 62, there is no particular limitation on the determination of the commands 82 and user-defined commands 112 in any subgroup selected in the prescription block 80.

[0082] exist Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the example library 84 shown, multiple example commands 82 are shown. Command 82 is a predetermined instruction, such as a single-word, double-word or three-word instruction, usually in the form of a verb or a noun, or including a verb or a noun. Although single-word, double-word and three-word instructions are disclosed, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this unless otherwise stated. In the example library 84, the words of each command are selected from orthodontic treatment terminology. The specified meaning and function of each command are based on industry definitions. In addition, or alternatively, the selected command can also be defined within the system 10. The definition is provided to the orthodontist 18 and the technician 26 by the system 10. In this regard, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to orthodontic treatment terminology. For example, the command 82 may include terms and / or symbols that are not related to orthodontic treatment, as long as the meaning of these terms and symbols has been communicated to the orthodontist 18 and the technician 26. In any case, in the system 10, the orthodontist 18 and the technician 26 already know the meaning of each command 82.

[0083] refer to Figure 3 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 In one embodiment, many of the exemplary commands 82 include at least one user-defined variable 100. By way of example only and not limitation, one command may include one user-defined variable 100, while other commands may include two user-defined variables 100. Further, in one embodiment, some commands lack user-defined variables. For example, referring to Figure 6 , a command 82 can be to "intrude" a particular tooth, which means to move that tooth a predetermined distance into or toward the associated jawbone. This is an example of a single word instruction. In this example, the user defined variable 100 is the predetermined distance, displayed as "2 mm." If the orthodontist selects the command "intrude" 82 from the prescription block 80 (or library 84) to prepare the prescription 62, the system 10 through the interface 64 will allow the orthodontist 18 to set the distance 100 from a drop-down list or by direct keyboard entry. The orthodontist 18 does not need to be prompted by the system 10 and can simply select the user defined variable 100 by clicking on it and then selecting the distance 100 from the list or entering the desired distance.

[0084] The command selected from the commands 82 may also or optionally include an additional option or parameter 102 by which predetermined information can be selected. For example, for "intrusive", the orthodontist 18 can customize the "intrusive" command 82, whose parameter 102 is "movement speed is" and the variable 104 is set to "50%". Other parameters 102 and variables 104 may also be used. Selections in any of the commands 82 described herein can be selected from the prescription block 80 and / or library 84, such as the described "intrusive" command. Further customization of the selected command (if applicable) can be performed through the interface 64 in response to prompts from the system 10, or at the request of the orthodontist through user-defined variables 100 and / or parameters 102.

[0085] Figure 6Other exemplary commands 82 shown in include "Crown Torque", "Crown Tip", "Rotation", "Extrude", "Root Torque", "Root Tip", and "Rotation". A crown torque command refers to changing the torque of a tooth (a third order motion about the x-axis) while holding the root apex stationary. This occurs when a force is applied that causes the crown and root to move in a buccolingual direction. Crown torque is an example of a two-word instruction. When selecting crown torque, the system 10 can prompt the orthodontist through the interface 64, or the orthodontist can selectively select a direction 100, such as "buccal" or "lingual" as shown, to twist the selected crown, such as buccal or lingual, respectively. A crown tip command refers to changing the angle of a tooth (a second order motion about the y-axis) while holding the root apex stationary. This occurs when a force is applied that causes the crown to move in a mesio-distal direction without moving the root apex. When crown tilt is selected, the system 10 through the interface 64 will request a direction 100, such as "mesial" or "distal" as shown in the figure, to tilt the selected crown in the mesial or distal direction, respectively. A rotation command refers to changing the rotation of the tooth relative to the mesial or distal contact point (i.e., hinge rotation), or relative to the center of the crown (first-order motion around the z-axis). In other words, the tooth is rotated about its long axis. When rotation is selected, the system 10 through the interface 64 will request a rotation direction 100, such as "mesial-external" or "mesial-medial" or "distal-medial" or "distal-external" as shown in the figure. These are all concepts of hinge rotations, in which the position of one side of the tooth remains unchanged and the opposite side moves. An extrusion command refers to moving the tooth out or away from the associated jawbone. When extrusion is selected, the system 10 through the interface 64 will request, or the orthodontist 18 can insert, a distance 100, such as "3 mm" as shown in the figure, to extrude the selected tooth. A root torque command refers to changing the torque of the tooth (third-order motion around the x-axis) while keeping the center of the crown stationary. When force is applied to the root, the root moves buccal or lingually, while the crown maintains its position. When root torque is selected, the system 10 requests through interface 64 that the orthodontist 18 can insert a direction 100 (such as "lingual" or "buccal") to apply torque to the root, such as lingual or buccal. A root tilt command refers to changing the angle of the tooth (second-order motion around the y-axis) while keeping the center of the crown stationary. When force is applied to the root, the root will move mesially or distally, while the crown maintains its position. When root tilt is selected, the system 10 will request through interface 64 to select a direction, such as "distal" or "mesial" as shown in the figure, and the selected root will tilt in that direction, such as distal or mesial, respectively. A rotation command is the same as the above command, but the rotation direction is distal.

[0086] Other example commands 82 are as follows Figure 7As shown, it includes "Interproximal Reduction (IPR)", "Distalize", "Expand", "Lock Tooth", "Create Space", "Mesialize", "Retrude" and "Extract Tooth". The IPR command means interproximal reduction (IPR), which refers to the procedure of removing part of the tooth surface. A specific purpose of interproximal reduction is to create more space between adjacent teeth. The user-defined variable 100 is the size, displayed as "0.3 mm", which is the thickness of the interproximal reduction required for the selected tooth. The orthodontist can optionally set the timing 102 for the IPR to occur. In the example, the timing is set to "Delay as Much as Possible". The value of any parameter 102 used for IPR can be defaulted to this value, or other timings can be set by the orthodontist, for example, set to "At stage x", where x is the treatment stage at which the IPR of the selected tooth occurs. The distalization command refers to moving the selected posterior teeth (such as molars) distally. When distalization is selected, the system 10, via the interface 64, will request the duration of moving the selected tooth. Figure 7As shown, the user defined variable 100 is set to "until molar level I", which means to continue distalization until a molar level I relationship is established between the upper and lower teeth. In the appropriate position, the upper canine is located between the lower canine and the lower first premolar, and the mesio-buccal cusp of the maxillary first molar is aligned with the buccal groove of the mandibular first molar. The expansion command means to expand the dental arch by moving the selected teeth outward relative to the narrow dental arch. In other words, the circumference of the dental arch is increased by moving the teeth buccally. This can be achieved by tilting or translating, but usually by a combination of tilting and translating. When the expansion is selected, the system 10 will request a direction 100, such as "lateral" or "radial", through the interface 64. The expansion command can be further modified by selecting additional instructions, in this case, the additional instructions are specific arches. By way of example only, the lateral expansion can be further customized by selecting "Damon Arch form". Therefore, the command can call for a specific arch. Other parameters 102 can include other arches, such as "natural arch". The lock tooth command refers to maintaining the position of the teeth during treatment. The command may not include user defined variables 100 and / or parameters 102. The create gap command refers to creating a proximal gap at the mesial and / or distal ends of the teeth by moving the adjacent teeth. When create gap is selected, the system 10 will request a size 100, such as "0.5 mm" through the interface 64. Other sizes 100 include 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, or 0.4 mm. The system default value may be 0.2 mm. The mesialize command refers to moving the selected posterior teeth, such as molars, toward the midline or in the direction of the midline. When mesialize is selected, the system 10 will request a duration for moving the selected teeth through the interface 64. For example, if Figure 7 As shown, the user defined variable 100 is set to "until the extraction gap is closed". As an example, if a premolar is extracted and the orthodontist decides to mesialize the teeth distal to the premolar extraction site to close the gap, under this option, the mesialization will continue until the extraction gap is completely closed. The backward movement command refers to moving the crowns of the anterior teeth lingually. When the backward movement is selected, the system 10 will request a direction 100, such as "sagittally", through the interface 64. The extraction instruction means that the selected tooth is to be extracted. When the extraction is selected, the system 10 will request a time 100, such as "starting from stage 6", through the interface 64, which means that the selected tooth will be extracted at the specified stage. However, the tooth extraction can also be at another stage of the treatment, such as at stage 1, stage 2, stage 3, stage 4 or stage 5.

[0087] Other exemplary commands 82 are as follows Figure 8As shown, it includes "bevel", "posterior occlusal turbine", "occlusal contact", "extend trimming line", "rectangle", "simulate occlusal jump" and "use". The bevel command refers to adding a bevel attachment to the tooth surface. The user-defined variable 100 for the bevel is the direction, which is shown as "gingival", meaning that the bevel of the attachment points to the gingiva. That is, the thinner part of the attachment will be towards the gingival direction. Other possible directions include "occlusal", "mesial" and "distal". Other exemplary user-defined variables 100 include the size of the bevel attachment in millimeters. The posterior occlusal turbine command refers to adding an occlusal turbine at a specified position. The posterior occlusal turbine may not include user-defined variables 100 and / or parameters 102. The occlusal contact command refers to the teeth on the opposite jaws having contact points with each other on the occlusal plane. For example, occlusal contact can be achieved by moving the teeth up and down in the jaw. When occlusal contact is selected, the system 10 will request the contact type of the selected tooth through interface 64. For example, if Figure 8 As shown, the user-defined variable 100 is set to "light", which means a light occlusal contact, depending on the virtual overlap of the teeth. Other example variables 100 include "heavy". These contacts can be quantitative, rather than qualitative, such as "0.1 mm", "0.2 mm" and "0.3 mm". The extended trim line command determines the trimming position of the aligner and can be used to raise the trim line (occlusal surface) and / or lower the trim line (toward the gum), for example, to cover the exposed root surface in a tissue defect area. When the extended trim line is selected, the system 10 will request a size 100, such as "3 mm", through the interface 64. Other user-defined sizes 100 can be set to customize the extended trim line command. The rectangle command refers to adding a rectangular attachment to the tooth surface. The rectangle can be further modified by one or two user-defined variables 100. As shown, by setting a size for the rectangle, such as "3 mm", the size of the rectangular attachment can be customized in millimeters. The second user-defined variable 104 is the direction. As shown, the rectangle is customized by "vertical". In summary, in this example, a rectangle is defined as a 3 mm rectangular attachment placed vertically on the surface of the tooth. The elastic command indicates that the orthodontist intends to couple the elastic to the tooth. The Simulate Bite Jump command refers to a simulated bite jump, which is a virtual simulation of mandibular movement caused by the use of an elastic, for example, showing the before and after correction caused by the use of an elastic or surgery. This command may not include user defined variables 100 and / or parameters 102, and is an example of a three-word instruction. The Use command refers to the use of a specific material or manufacturer's product in the braces manufacturing process. When Use is selected, the system 10 will request a material type 100 through interface 64, such as "TruGen XR", which is a registered trademark of Ormco. Other material types 100 include "TruGen".

[0088] refer to Figure 3 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 In one embodiment, commands 82, 112 are respectively displayed in closed boundaries 106. In an exemplary embodiment, each boundary 106 defines a rectangular block 110. Therefore, the command 82 may be referred to as a "basic block" herein. The user-defined command 112 may also have a boundary and be rectangular. Therefore, it may be referred to as a "user-defined block" herein. Each block 110 contains a command 82, and each block 110 is similar in size and shape. The consistency of the size and shape of the blocks 110 is very advantageous. The block-based appearance vividly represents the command 82 as a building block. Therefore, in one embodiment, the system 10 provides an environment in which the orthodontist 18 can intuitively build a prescription 62 with blocks, that is, a block-based command structure. Once completed, the prescription 62 is structurally displayed as an arrangement of blocks on each row of the prescription 62, so it is easy to understand. Although rectangular blocks are shown in the figure, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to closed boundaries 106 or any shape of closed boundaries 106 (i.e., square, triangle, circle, etc.). As an example, the boundaries 106 may be designed with internal logic or external shapes to intuitively indicate which commands 82 can be used together and which commands 82 cannot be used together. This can prevent commands 82 that cannot be used together from being placed together in a recipe as described above. In this regard, the boundaries 106 may define pieces similar to a puzzle, thereby intuitively indicating that any one or two instructions 82 can be used together. Conversely, the puzzle pieces 82 may be placed together. Figure 1 Small blocks like these can also indicate situations where any two commands do not fit together. In addition, although not shown in the figure, the closed boundary 106 can be filled with a color so that the commands 82, 112 are color-coded. The color coding may be useful for grouping the commands 82, 112 according to their function, application to a particular tooth group, or other reasons, such as distinguishing basic blocks 82 from user-defined blocks 112.

[0089] refer to Figure 3 , Fig. 9 , Fig.10 , Fig.11 and Fig.12 In one embodiment, the system 10 provides the ability to create user-defined commands 112. In this way, the orthodontist 18 can build their own commands. These commands can be saved in the system 10. The user-defined commands can be called "strategy blocks" and are based on one or more combinations of the commands 82, 112 in the library 84. As the name implies, the orthodontist 18 can prepare a unique treatment strategy through the user-defined commands 112. Once initially created, the user-defined commands 112 can be saved in the system 10 for the orthodontist 18 or other orthodontists in other clinics 12' and 12" to use later, for example, through the network 162 (see Figure 4 ) use, such as Figure 3 The prescription block storage 120 in FIG. 1 is shown as an example, and will be described below.

[0090] By way of example, in Figure 3 , the orthodontist 18 may establish a prescription 62 through a combination of crown torque 94 (i.e., basic block 82) and anterior space closure 96 (i.e., strategy or user-defined block 112). Then, as depicted at 122, the combination of the basic command 82 and the user-defined command 112 may be saved to an orthodontist-generated name, in this case "Round Tripping" 124. Thus, the orthodontist 18 may construct additional user-defined commands 112 based on a combination of commands 82 and / or previously defined user-defined commands 112. As shown, the user-defined commands 112 may be depicted as rectangular shaped blocks 110, and thus have a visually similar appearance to commands 82, which may be referred to herein as "basic blocks" or "system-level code." Although not shown, the user-defined commands 112 may be given different fill colors to visually distinguish them from the commands 82. As an example, the basic block 82 may include a gray fill, while the user-defined command 112 may include a blue fill. However, any color coding is not limited to embodiments of the present invention.

[0091] Figure 9-12 Other exemplary user-defined commands 112 are shown. Fig. 9 , two different user defined command codes 112 are shown. One is named "Relative Intrusion". It is a combination of two basic blocks, which include an Intrusion command 82 and a Crown Torque command 82. In addition, the relationship between the two commands 82 is visually indicated by a shaded block 126. In one embodiment, reference Fig.13 , the shaded block 126 may be referred to as a "wrapper" which visually indicates a protocol because it relates to the commands 82, 112 enclosed by the block 126. Fig. 9 In the case of Fig. 9 Only a portion of a larger user inference is schematically depicted, such as Figure 3 As shown in , the wrapper 126 determines the order of application between the intrusion torque and the crown torque with respect to the selected teeth, segments of the arch, or the entirety of one or both arches. By way of example only, the protocol indicated by the wrapper 126 is to apply each of the intrusion and crown torque commands to the selected teeth simultaneously. Thus, the wrapper 126 replaces the order of application defined by the protocol without the wrapper 126. For example, referring to Fig.13 , there are two commands 82, 112 below the wrapper 126. In the absence of the wrapper 126, an exemplary protocol would be to apply command 132 before command 134. In summary, in Fig.13 , an exemplary execution order is to first apply commands 82, 112 simultaneously in wrapper 126, then command 132, and finally command 134. Advantageously, system 10 provides a visually structured predefined language for preparing prescription 62. In addition, as a general rule, the protocol defines a single command per line. The protocol also specifies exceptions to this general rule.

[0092] In this regard, commands may be arranged to be applied simultaneously. In one embodiment, wrapper 126 specifies which commands are to be applied simultaneously. Fig.13 , each command 82, 112 occupies a single line of code, so each command 82, 112 is applied sequentially according to the general rule of one command per line. As additional examples, the protocol may include other variations of the general rule. One is horizontal stacking (e.g., side-by-side commands), where commands are executed "with" the next command to the right. For example, where the command line is "command A command B", command A is executed together with the details of command B. More specifically, for example, a "Lingual Root Torque" command with a "Gingival Bevel Attachment" on the "Lingual of the Crown Surface" means a lingual root torque movement with a gingival bevel attachment on the lingual crown surface of the tooth. In the protocol, horizontal stacking has priority over line wrapping, that is, it is applied first.

[0093] Reference again Fig. 9 , the user defined command 112 "Relative Intrusion" is a combination of two system commands 82, namely "Intrusion" of "2 mm" and "Crown Torque" in the "Buccal" direction. Each of the intrusion torque and the crown torque will be applied simultaneously according to the protocol defined by the wrapper 126. As shown, the user defined command 112 can retain one or more user defined variables 100 of the command 82. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the relative intrusion 112 retains the user defined variable distance 100. Once saved in the system 10, the orthodontist 18 or another orthodontist in the office 12' and / or 12" can select the relative intrusion 112 and then modify the distance 100 to a value different from the 2 mm shown. Similarly, the "relative extrusion" user defined command 112 is a combination of two system commands 82. The orthodontist 18 can combine them with the wrapper 126 to simultaneously apply relative extrusion and crown torque in the lingual direction. The combination of the two commands 82 can then be saved as a user defined relative extrusion command 112, which can retain the variable distance 100. Once saved in the system 10, the orthodontist 18 or another orthodontist in the office 12' and / or 12" can select the relative intrusion 112 from the user interface 64 ( Figure 3 ) in the “My Prescription Block” 80, select Relative Extrusion 112 and then modify the distance 100 to a value different from the 2 mm shown in the prescription 62.

[0094] Fig.10 An additional exemplary embodiment of a user defined command 112 is shown. As shown, the "Anterior Space Closure" user defined command 112 is a combination of three commands 82 that are to be applied simultaneously. That is, each of the Retrude, Intrusion, and Root Torque shown on the left side of the figure will be applied simultaneously according to the protocol identified by the wrapper 126. In this example, each user defined variable 100 found in each command 82 may not be directly accessible through the user defined command 112. Once saved in the system 10, the Anterior Space Closure 112 may appear in the "My Prescription Block" 80 ( Figure 3 ) and / or in the library 84. The system 10 allows the orthodontist 18 and / or another orthodontist to select it from the “my prescription block” 80 of the user interface 64 for inclusion in the prescription 62.

[0095] exist Fig.10 In another example shown, the user defined command "Bout Jump" 112 is a combination of a command 82 and a previously constructed user defined command 112. In this example, the crown torque 82 with the user defined variable 100 "Buccal" is combined with the anterior space closing 112, as described above, and as Fig.10 According to this protocol, the crown torque 82 is applied first, followed by the anterior space closure 112. Fig.10 As shown, anterior space closure 112 is a combination of simultaneously applied retraction, intrusion, and root torques with their associated user-defined variables 100. Advantageously, the user-defined commands 112 allow the orthodontist 18 (with or without the wrapper 126) to construct groups of one or more commands 82 and one or more user-defined commands 112. The orthodontist 18 can save these unique combinations in the system 10 for later use or later combination with other commands 82 and / or user-defined commands 112. This ultimately saves the orthodontist 18 time in creating a prescription that may require similar prescription 62 or include tooth movement and / or tooth movement sequences preferred by the orthodontist.

[0096] Fig.11Another exemplary user-defined command 112 is shown. In this example, the orthodontist-named command, namely "lateral expansion", consists of four commands 82 applied simultaneously according to the wrapper 126. That is, each of expansion (lateral), root torque (buccal), rotation (mesial-out) and rotation (distal-in) is applied simultaneously. As provided in parameter 102, expansion (lateral) requires that the "Damon Arch Form" be applied simultaneously with the rotation (mesial-out) applied "on the 4th, 5th, 6th teeth" and the rotation (distal-in) applied "on the 7th tooth". As an example, "on the 4th, 5th, 6th teeth" and "on the 7th tooth" on the upper arch refer to the FDI (Federation dentaire internationale, World Dental Federation) (ISO 3950) system, referring to teeth 14, 24, 15, 25, 16 and 26 and 17 and 27, respectively. Once saved in the system 10, the horizontal expansion 112 may appear in the "My Prescription Tile" 80 ( Figure 3 ) and / or in the library 84. The orthodontist 18 and / or another orthodontist in another office 12' and / or 12" can select it from the "my prescription tile" 80 of the user interface 64 to be included in the prescription 62.

[0097] Another exemplary user defined command 112 is Fig.12 As shown in the figure, the protocol also includes a horizontal stack of commands 82 and 112, such as Fig.12 136 in FIG. 136. In this example, the command code named by the orthodontist, namely "Curve of Spee Flattening", is composed of seven commands 82 and / or 112. Each of the initial three commands 82, 112 starting from the top is applied first, two of which are applied in series. The remaining four are applied simultaneously. Specifically, a user-defined command 112 (e.g., Fig. 9 A combination of a relative intrusion with TruGen's usage command) and a basic command 82 (e.g., an IPR of 0.3 mm) is applied serially. Subsequently, two user-defined commands 112 are applied simultaneously. As shown, Fig.11 Horizontal expansion with TruGen XR using commands and from Fig.10 The beveled anterior space closure is packaged together according to the packager 126. Once saved in the system 10, the Spee flat curve 112 appears in the "My Prescription Block" 80 ( Figure 3) and / or in the library 84. The orthodontist 18 can select it from the “my prescription block” 80 of the user interface 64, and / or another orthodontist in another office 12′ and / or 12″ can select it from the memory 120 of the user interface 64 to be included in the prescription 62. Advantageously, the system 10 allows for customized commands so that the orthodontist 18 can design and establish a treatment strategy, for example, by combining a “strategy block”, a “auxiliary block”, a “practical block” and a “tooth movement block”, for example. Figure 5A Once established and saved, those treatment strategies created by the orthodontist can be reused and / or customized for other patient prescriptions without having to rebuild the entire prescription.

[0098] refer to Figure 3 Any or all of the user defined commands 112 or other commands described above may be shared with other orthodontists at 140 via the system 10 to the storage 120. Other orthodontists using the system 10 may access the storage 120. Figure 4 In the example, the storage 120 with common commands can be shared among the computers 38, 38' and 38", and thus can be displayed in the interface storage 64 on each of the displays 52, 52' and 52". Figure 3 As shown, Dr. Smith shares the user-defined command "Spee flat curve" 112 with other orthodontists who have access to storage 120, and Dr. Williams shares the user-defined command "Class II Deep bite" 112. As an example, Dr. Smith can review Dr. Williams' Class II Deep bite command and comment on it, like it, and share it at 144. Similarly, Dr. Williams can review Dr. Smith's Spee flat curve command and comment on it, like it, and share it.

[0099] As shown, the storage 120 may provide information regarding the treatment effectiveness of the shared user-defined commands 112. In this regard, the storage 120 may provide a forum through which multiple clinics 12, 12', 12" may be connected for sharing user-defined commands 112 and prescriptions 62 between multiple orthodontists. For example, for Dr. Smith's shared command 112, at 142, the storage 120 indicates a "created on" date and provides additional information regarding "likes," "views," and "shares" that may provide some peer-reviewed indication of the effectiveness of Dr. Smith's shared command 112. If the orthodontist 18 wishes to incorporate Dr. Smith's "Flat Curve of Spee," the orthodontist 18 may save it to their prescription block 80 at 144 for use in their practice. The system 10 may record all users of the system 10 in a database. Each user-defined command 112 and / or prescription 62 and the number of times the command was used in the treatment plan. Thus, the system 10 can record information sufficient to develop quantitative information about command usage, user-defined command development, and prescriptions. In this way, for example, the system 10 can track the most commonly used commands, the user-defined commands with the most "likes," "views," and "shares," and the prescriptions with the most "likes," "views," and "shares," so that it can be determined which orthodontists are most influential for one or more likes, views, and / or shares within the system 10. In addition, the saved prescriptions can be used to define clinical preferences for a particular user. Those clinical preferences can be general guidelines / rules that apply universally to different patients for a particular user, and there may be others who can adopt those clinical preferences.

[0100] Once the orthodontist 18 has created a prescription 62 for the patient 30 , a flow chart 66 guides the orthodontist 18 through each preference 146 and review 150 before submitting the prescription 62 to the facility 14 .

[0101] Available through Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 5C , Figure 5D and Figure 5E Any of the exemplary user interfaces 78 in the drawings establishes a similar prescription, wherein alternative information may be provided and arranged to the orthodontist 18. As shown in each figure, the user interface 78 is displayed on the display 52 available to the orthodontist 18. Figure 5A , user interface 78 and Figure 3The interface 64 of is different in that the prescription block 80 can be subdivided into various categories of commands. For example, the prescription block 80 can be divided into 4 categories of commands, referred to as blocks with "strategy blocks", "auxiliary blocks", "practical blocks" and "tooth movement blocks". By subdividing the prescription block 80 into command categories, the user interface 78 can easily identify and select the available commands 82 in the library 84. As indicated, then in each category, both system commands 82 (i.e., basic blocks) and user-defined commands 112 can appear in each command category. In addition to the T1 model 54 in the image area 86, the user interface 78 also includes a series of photographs 72. In place of the T1 model 54, the image area 86 can depict a representation of the patient's teeth. The representation can be common to all patients, or include sufficient information by which the orthodontist 18 can identify the patient based on his or her teeth, such as a digital photograph of the patient's teeth. And, in the storage 120, before and after photographs 180, 182 of the patient can be shared, respectively, as evidence of the orthodontist's successful use of a particular prescription for that patient. Variations of the user interface 78 are described in detail in the accompanying drawings. Figure 5B-5E , where the prescription 62 can be established based on blocks 82, 112 from a library 84, a clinician's block 80, and / or based on a block store 120. The selected block can be associated with the selected tooth 90 (e.g., tooth 6, teeth 22-27, Figure 5B , Figure 5C , Figure 5D and Figure 5E in Chinese).

[0102] refer to Figure 1 In one embodiment, after submitting the prescription 62, the technician 26 can review the data record 34, including the prescription 62 and the image information 24. The data can be received into an input computer 152 dedicated to the design of the aligner 60. The technician 26 can also add input or control the operation of the aligner manufacturing equipment 22 controlled by the computer 154 (e.g., machine controller 156) and / or manufacture the aligner 60. In the case where the input, design, and manufacturing are performed at the aligner facility 14, the computers 152, 154, and 156 can be the same computer or separate computers or controllers that are linked to each other or otherwise exchange data 160.

[0103] The image information 24 received from the imaging system 16 may be reviewed by the technician 26 and entered into an input computer 152. The technician 26, via the computer 152, may manipulate the image information 24 to provide a T1 model 54 and a T2 model 56. The technician 26 may also construct a treatment plan. The treatment plan may include segmented graphs and may be an accurate prediction of the prescribed treatment based on the T1 model 54 and the T2 model 56 in conjunction with the data record 34 (including the prescription 62) from the orthodontist 18. The proposed treatment, the T1 model 54, the T2 model 56, and the treatment plan are communicated via a network 162 ( Figure 4 ) is transmitted to the orthodontist 18. The orthodontist 18 may modify the initial treatment plan, in response to which the design computer 154 recalculates the final treatment positions of the teeth and generates display data for further review, revision, or approval by the orthodontist 18. An algorithm may also be used to determine a treatment plan based on the commands 82, 112 of the prescription 62 with little or no interaction by a technician. That is, the prescription 62 in the form of the commands 82 arranged in accordance with the protocol may be a machine-readable code, so that a technician is not required. Alternatively, the prescription 62 may be converted into a machine-readable code by a technician. In this case, the input computer 152 may automatically construct a treatment plan based on at least the prescription 62 and the T1 model 54. This information may be automatically transmitted to the orthodontist for approval review.

[0104] Once the dental treatment position is approved by the orthodontist 18, the computer 156 automatically designs one or more appliances 60, 172 or molds for fabrication of the appliances under the supervision of the technician 26. When the digital design is generated, the design information, including the three-dimensional design display and the digital design data, can be provided to the computer 38 via the network 162 for interactive adjustment and ultimate approval by the orthodontist 18.

[0105] When the orthodontist 18 approves the design, the analysis and design computer 154 may generate an archive file 164 in which all relevant information about the analysis and history of the patient 30 and the prescribed treatment is recorded. The calculated information for the patient 30 may be stored in a patient data file. Based on the calculations, the manufacturing computer 156 generates a machine-readable code 166 for operating the numerically controlled manufacturing equipment 22 to produce the exemplary aligners 60, 172. The machine-readable code 166 may be based on the prescription 62, and as such, may include all or any individual command of the commands 82, 112 found in the prescription 62. For example, the orthodontist may create the prescription 62 using the TruGen XR commands 82, in which case the machine-readable code 166 based on the prescription 62 may incorporate the TruGen XR commands from the prescription 62 verbatim.

[0106] For the manufacture of orthodontic appliances, the manufacturing equipment 22 preferably includes a molding machine 170 for producing the appliance, such as an orthodontic bracket 172 itself or a mold of the appliance 60. Automated bracket or mold manufacturing can be performed by casting or molding the bracket by a mold made by an automated machine, by cutting slots at calculated angles or machining other features in a preformed blank (such as with a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine 174), or by other automated bracket manufacturing methods. The machine 170 can shape the surface of the preformed bracket base, providing a design option of twisting the teeth through the bracket slot or base, which may be optimal for various bracket materials. The equipment 170 may also include an appliance archwire bending machine or other type of wire molding machine to produce custom-shaped archwires for the appliance 172.

[0107] refer to Fig.14 As a result, the aligner 60 includes a hollow housing 200 configured to enclose one or more crowns of a patient's teeth. The housing 200 is formed with a plurality of cavities 202 that collectively define a rim 204 that defines an opening 206. During use of the aligner 60, each cavity 202 is shaped to receive a specific one of the patient's teeth through the opening 206. The housing 200 is made of one or more layers of an elastic material and may include one or more receptacles 208 that are configured to receive attachments (not shown) on the patient's teeth and / or one or more devices in the aligner 60. In this regard, the library 84 may include commands 82 to add attachments to specific teeth in the prescription 62. The appliance is shipped to the orthodontist 18 or the patient 30 for orthodontic treatment.

[0108] During orthodontic treatment, due to the slightly different positions of one or more cavities 202 relative to the corresponding teeth, the aligner 60 can be selectively positioned on the patient's teeth and can fit tightly. Forced contact with the aligner 60 can move the patient's teeth toward a predetermined position according to the patient's treatment plan, which can ultimately end at T2. A set of aligners (not shown) can include one or more aligners 60. During orthodontic treatment, each stage of treatment can include an aligner that gradually moves one or more teeth of the patient toward the desired final arrangement. According to the treatment plan approved by the orthodontist 18, a single aligner is used in a predetermined order to complete the orthodontic treatment or move the patient's teeth to T2. Therefore, each aligner in the series can move one or more teeth by a specified amount. Although similar, the shape of each aligner is slightly different. Cumulatively, these individual amounts can result in complete treatment of the patient's malocclusion.

[0109] In general, routines and instructions executed to implement embodiments of the present invention, whether implemented as part of an operating system, or as a specific application, component, program, object, module, or sequence of instructions, or a subset thereof, may be referred to herein as "computer program code," or simply "program code." Program code generally includes computer-readable instructions that reside at various times in various memories and storage devices in a computer, such as any one or combination of computers 38, 152, 154, 156, or the appliance manufacturing apparatus 22, and that, when read and executed by one or more processors in a computer, cause the computer to perform operations and / or operations necessary to embody various aspects of embodiments of the present invention. Computer-readable program instructions are used to perform operations of embodiments of the present invention, such as the arrangement of elements in the interfaces 64, 78 and the display of the interfaces 64, 78 on the display 52, and the computer-readable program instructions may be, for example, source code or object code written in assembly language or in any combination of one or more programming languages.

[0110] The various program codes described herein may be identified according to the application in which they are implemented in a specific embodiment of the invention. However, it should be understood that any specific program terminology below is used merely for convenience, and thus the present invention should not be limited to use in any specific application identified and / or implied by such terminology. In addition, given the generally unlimited number of ways in which a computer program can be organized into routines, processes, methods, modules, objects, etc., and the various ways in which program functions can be distributed among various software layers residing in a typical computer (e.g., an operating system, libraries, APIs, applications, applets, etc.), it should be understood that embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the specific organization and distribution of program functions described herein.

[0111] The program code contained in any application / module described herein, such as the prescription 62 of the command 82, 112 or the command 82, 112 itself, can be distributed separately or together as a program product in a variety of different forms. Specifically, the program code can be distributed using available distribution means, including direct downloading from an Internet-accessible computer, or via a computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program instructions thereon, which are used to cause a processor to perform various aspects of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0112] Computer-readable storage media, which are non-transitory in nature, may include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable tangible media implemented in any method or technology for storing data, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures (e.g., images 24, 3D digital models 54 and 56, prescriptions 62, user interfaces 52, 78, libraries 84), program modules, or other data. Computer-readable storage media may also include RAM (random access memory), ROM (read only memory), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other solid-state memory technology, portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical storage, cassettes, magnetic tape, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store the desired data and can be read by a computer. The computer-readable storage medium itself should not be interpreted as a transient signal (e.g., a radio wave or other propagating electromagnetic wave, an electromagnetic wave propagating through a transmission medium such as a waveguide, or an electrical signal transmitted through a wire). Computer-readable program instructions can be downloaded from the computer-readable storage medium to a computer, another type of programmable data processing device, or another device, or downloaded to an external computer or external storage device via a network.

[0113] Computer-readable program instructions stored in a computer-readable medium may be used to direct a computer, other type of programmable data processing instrument, or other device to operate in a particular manner so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce an orthodontic appliance, including instructions that implement the functions, actions, and / or operations specified in the flowchart, sequence diagram, and / or block diagram. The computer program instructions may be provided to one or more processors of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device to produce a prescription and / or an appliance, such that the instructions executed via the one or more processors cause a series of calculations to be performed to implement the functions, actions, and / or operations specified in the flowchart, sequence diagram, and / or block diagram.

[0114] Example

[0115] refer to Fig.16A , Fig. 16B , Fig. 16C , Fig.16D and Fig.16EAn example of prediction according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Fig.16A , there is a prescription 190 developed through the interfaces 64, 78 of the system 10. The prescription 190 is established based on the orthodontist's diagnosis of T1. As shown, the commands are based on the block 110 and are stacked, where each of the expansion, root torque, rotation and rotation commands 82 are packaged 126. Therefore, these four commands 82 will be applied simultaneously. In more detail, the expansion 82 lateral 100 has a Damon arch 102. The root torque 82 is buccal 100. The rotation 82 is mesial-lateral 100 on teeth 4, 5, 6 102 (according to the FDI tooth numbering system). The second rotation 82 is distal-medial 100 on tooth 7 102. The prescription 190 is a construction of the basic commands 82 of the user-defined command 112 saved as "lateral expansion" and determines the patient treatment plan for applying the aligner by the segmented plan 192 ( Fig. 16B ) depicts the overall movement of teeth.

[0116] exist Fig. 16B , the left side of the segmented plan 192 shows stage numbers 0 (beginning of treatment, T1 model) to stage 56 (end of treatment, T2 model). The top of the plan 192 lists the individual teeth (according to FDI notation) 17-11 and 21-27. The T2 model is at stage 56, as shown in FIG. Fig.16E . At each stage (row), a value (e.g., 0.00, 0.01, etc.) represents the gap between adjacent teeth indicated at the top of the segmented plan 192 in millimeters. For example, at stage 6, there is a gap of 0.26 mm between tooth 16 and tooth 15. A vertical solid line with a solid circle extending from one stage and through one or more stages represents the movement of teeth from the indicated stage to the next indicated stage. For example, all teeth begin to move at stage 1, tooth 17 stops moving at stage 21, which is the position of that tooth in the T2 model, and tooth 12 moves to stage 56, where it reaches its final position in the T2 model.

[0117] In this example, according to the prescription 190, the segment plan 192 shows that all teeth move in stage 1 because all commands apply the expansion command at the same time. Fig. 16C and Fig.16D As shown in the comparison between , as rotation is applied to the selected teeth, expansion and root torque are applied. In the segment plan 192 between stage 1 and stage 21, the increase in the space between the teeth shows expansion. For example, in stage 1 ( Fig. 16C ), the gap between tooth 14 and tooth 13 is 0.03mm. In stage 21 ( Fig. 16B ), the gap gradually increases to 0.72 mm. According to the segment diagram 192, in stage 21 ( Fig.16D), the posterior teeth complete their movement. From stage 21 to stage 56, the gap between the anterior teeth is basically eliminated at stage 56 ( Fig.16E ).

[0118] refer to Fig.17A , Fig. 17B , Fig. 17C , Fig.17D , Fig.17E , Fig.17F and Figure 17G , shows a second prediction example of an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.17A , there is a prescription 194 developed through the interfaces 64, 78 of the system 10. The prescription 194 is based on the orthodontist's diagnosis of T1. The commands are block 110 based and are stacked with a relative intrusion 82 of 2 mm 100, as modified using 82TruGen 100 applied first. Next, an IPR 82 of 0.3 mm 100 is applied. The lateral expansion 112 modified using 82TruGen XR 100 and the anterior space closing 112 modified by the bevel 82 in the gingiva 100 are packaged 126, indicating that they are applied simultaneously. The anterior space closing and lateral expansion commands themselves are user defined commands 112, whose basic commands are respectively in Fig.10 and Fig.11 After IPR, each of the lateral expansion 112 and the anterior space closure 112 will be applied simultaneously. The prescription 194 is a construction of the basic commands 82, and the user-defined commands 112 determine the patient treatment plan for applying the aligner by the segment plan 196 ( Fig. 17B ) provides overall movement of teeth.

[0119] exist Fig. 17B 1, the left side of the segmented plan 196 shows the sequential stage numbers during the treatment. Stage 0 represents the T1 model. The last stage, stage 56, is the end of the treatment and represents the T2 model (e.g. Figure 17G 196 ). The top of the segmented plan 196 lists individual teeth 47-41 and 31-37 (according to FDI notation). At each stage (row), a value (e.g., 0.00, 0.05, etc.) represents the gap between adjacent teeth indicated at the top of the segmented plan 196 in millimeters. For example, at stage 12, there is a gap of 0.06 mm between tooth 47 and tooth 46. A vertical solid line with a solid circle extending from one stage and through one or more stages represents the movement of a tooth from the stage shown to the next stage shown. For example, tooth 44 begins to move at stage 4 and moves during each stage until stage 33, at which stage 33, tooth 44 reaches its final position in the T2 model.

[0120] In this example, according to the prescription 194, the segment plan 196 shows that the front teeth (43, 42, 41, 31, 32, 33) are moved first, and the vertical line starts from stage 1. This movement Fig. 17B , Fig. 17C and Fig.17D The teeth shown are shown in Figure 1. Fig.17A The order specified in the prescription shows tooth movement according to the relative intrusion order. Fig. 17C Indicates segment plan 196( Fig. 16B ) of stage 1 tooth position. Fig.17D The tooth positions at stage 21 of plan 196 are shown. Fig. 17C and Fig.17D Comparison of the bottom model at arrow 210 relative to arrow 212 shows the intrusion of the anterior teeth according to the relative intrusion command. Stage 21 Prior to IPR of anterior teeth 43-41 and 31-33 (by Fig. 17B ).

[0121] Once the intrusion of the anterior teeth reached 2 mm, IPR was applied according to the IPR command in prescription 194. Fig.17D , Fig.17E and Fig.17F As shown in stage 22 ( Fig.17E ) is applied between teeth 44-43, 43-42, 42-41, 41-31 and 31-32. Fig.17F and Figure 17G The simultaneous application of lateral expansion and anterior space closing commands is shown, by which the posterior teeth move together. Posterior teeth 47 and 37 move the most during this treatment and are generally Figure 17G The arrow 216 in Fig.17F As shown at the arrow 214 in FIG. 1 , the gap between the teeth at this position has been closed. The elimination of the gap is also Fig. 16B Shown in.

[0122] Although the present invention has been illustrated by the description of various embodiments, and these embodiments have been described in some detail, the inventors do not intend to limit or in any way restrict the scope of the appended claims to these details. Therefore, additional advantages and modifications will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The various features of the present invention may be used alone or in any combination, depending on the needs and preferences of the user.

Claims

1. A system for orthodontic treatment planning for a patient, the system comprising: processor; a memory coupled to the processor, the memory being configured to store computer program instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the system to: displaying a user interface on a display, the user interface being used for a user to input a treatment prescription for the patient, the user interface providing a plurality of commands for selection, wherein each command is a predetermined instruction based on orthodontic nomenclature for moving or modifying one or more of the patient's teeth; and Two or more selected commands from the plurality of commands are received into the treatment prescription, wherein the two or more selected commands are to be applied to the patient's teeth according to a predetermined protocol.

2. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: A database, coupled to the memory and accessible by the processor, is configured to receive the treatment prescription for the patient and a plurality of other treatment prescriptions for other patients.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein: The database is configured to receive a plurality of other prescriptions from a plurality of users of the system.

4. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The predetermined instruction is selected from a single-word instruction, a double-word instruction, a triple-word instruction, or a combination thereof.

5. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The predetermined instruction is selected from a single-word instruction, a double-word instruction and a triple-word instruction.

6. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: When executed by the processor, the computer program instructions cause the system to: Selected commands from the plurality of commands are limited to a single line in the treatment prescription.

7. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: When executed by the processor, the computer program instructions cause the system to: According to the predetermined protocol, two or more selected commands in the treatment prescription are identified for simultaneous application to the patient's teeth.

8. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: When executed by the processor, the computer program instructions cause the system to: According to the predetermined protocol, two or more selected commands in the treatment prescription are arranged for sequential application to the patient's teeth.

9. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: When executed by the processor, the computer program instructions cause the system to: arranging two or more selected commands in the treatment prescription to be sequentially applied to the patient's teeth according to the predetermined protocol; as well as At least one of the two or more selected commands is identified for sequential application to be applied to the patient's teeth simultaneously with at least another of the two or more selected commands according to the predetermined protocol.

10. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: When executed by the processor, the computer program instructions cause the system to: Text that is not one of the selected commands is prevented from being entered into the treatment prescription.

11. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: When executed by the processor, the computer program instructions cause the system to: A rectangular-shaped boundary surrounding the predetermined instruction for each command is displayed in the user interface.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein: When executed by the processor, the computer program instructions cause the system to: A border that places two or more rectangular shapes on top of each other in a user interface.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein: When executed by the processor, the computer program instructions cause the system to: A combination of the two or more selected commands that are superimposed is saved to the memory as a user-defined command.

14. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: When executed by the processor, the computer program instructions cause the system to: The treatment prescription is stored in a machine-readable format.

15. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: When executed by the processor, the computer program instructions cause the system to: Based on the treatment prescription, a segmented plan is generated for review by an orthodontist.

16. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: An appliance manufacturing apparatus configured to manufacture an appliance based on the treatment prescription, wherein the computer program instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the system to: The treatment prescription is transmitted to the orthodontic appliance manufacturing device, and the orthodontic appliance manufacturing device reads the treatment prescription.

17. A system for establishing an orthodontic treatment plan for a patient's teeth, the system comprising: a user interface for interfacing with a computer program; The computer program is configured to interact with a user through the user interface to: displaying a representation of the patient's teeth, wherein the user selects one or more teeth from the representation of the patient's teeth for treatment according to an orthodontic treatment plan; and A plurality of commands from a command library are displayed, wherein the command library is predetermined, the displayed commands are predetermined instructions based on orthodontic nomenclature for moving one or more selected teeth to a new position, and the user selects one or more of the plurality of commands for inclusion in the orthodontic treatment plan.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein: displaying the plurality of commands, the computer program being further configured to: retrieving an initial position of the one or more selected teeth; determining a final position of the teeth after orthodontic treatment; and A segmented plan for moving the tooth from the initial position to the final position is determined based on one or more selected commands from the plurality of commands within the orthodontic treatment plan.

19. The system according to claim 17 or 18, wherein: Each predetermined command is selected from a single-word instruction, a double-word instruction, and a triple-word instruction, or a combination thereof.

20. A computer-implemented method for creating an orthodontic treatment plan for a patient's teeth, comprising: receiving a digital model of a patient's teeth in a first arrangement; selecting one or more commands from a command library, wherein the command library is predetermined and the selected commands are based on orthodontic nomenclature and are used to move or modify one or more of the patient's teeth; placing one or more selected commands into a prescription for orthodontic treatment of the patient; converting the prescription into machine-readable code for use by a processor of a computer; and According to the machine readable code, a second digital model of the patient's teeth is created in a second arrangement different from the first arrangement based on orthodontic treatment.

21. The computer-implemented method of claim 20, further comprising: Based on a prescription for orthodontic treatment of the patient, a segmented plan is determined for moving or modifying one or more of the patient's teeth from a position in the first model to a position in the second model.

22. The computer-implemented method of claim 20 or 21, wherein: Each command is a single-word instruction, a double-word instruction, or a triple-word instruction.

23. A computer-implemented method for establishing an orthodontic treatment plan for teeth of a patient, the method comprising: displaying a first digital model of the patient's teeth to a user; receiving a selection of one or more teeth of the first digital model from the user; displaying a plurality of commands from a command library, wherein the command library is predetermined, the displayed commands being instructions based on orthodontic nomenclature for manipulating one or more selected teeth, each command manipulating the teeth in a manner different from each other command; receiving a selection of one or more displayed commands from the user, wherein the selected commands constitute the orthodontic treatment plan; and A second digital model of the patient's teeth is created by moving and / or modifying at least one or more selected teeth of the first digital model based on the orthodontic treatment plan.

24. The computer-implemented method of claim 23, wherein: Receiving a selection of one or more displayed commands from the user includes: the user selecting a single-word instruction, a two-word instruction or a three-word instruction or a combination thereof from a predetermined command library, and creating the second digital model of the teeth includes: applying the selected command to the one or more selected teeth.

25. The computer-implemented method of claim 23 or 24, further comprising, after creating, displaying the created second digital model of the patient's teeth to the user.

26. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 23-25, further comprising, after creation, designing a mold using the second digital model, wherein: The mold can be used to manufacture orthodontic treatment devices.

27. A method of preparing a prescription for orthodontic treatment, comprising: selecting two or more commands from a command library, wherein the command library is predetermined and the selected commands are single-word commands, double-word commands, or triple-word commands based on orthodontic nomenclature and are used to move or modify one or more of the patient's teeth; and Two or more selected commands are placed in a prescription for orthodontic treatment of the patient in a predetermined order of application.

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein: Placing the selected command includes placing a first command on a first line of the prescription, and placing a second command on a second line of the prescription.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein: The predetermined application order is the first command first, followed by the second command.

30. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein: Placing includes grouping the first command and the second command.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein: The predetermined application order is to apply the first command and the second command simultaneously.

32. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 31, wherein: Placing the selected command includes: placing a first command on a first line of the prescription, and placing a second command on a second line of the prescription, wherein the method further includes: Select the third command; placing the third command on the third line of the prescription; grouping the first command and the second command or the second command and the third command according to the predetermined protocol to be applied to the patient's teeth simultaneously; and According to the predetermined protocol, the first command or the third command is arranged to be sequentially applied to the patient's teeth together with the grouped commands.

33. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 32, wherein: At least one of the two or more commands includes: a user defined variable, and wherein, after selecting the two or more commands, the method further includes: Modifies the user-defined variables of the selected command.

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