Method for reconstructing three-dimensional dental arch form based on CBCT image

Abstract

The invention provides a method for reconstructing a three-dimensional dental arch form based on a CBCT image. The method comprises the following steps: receiving three-dimensional image data of a three-dimensional jaw bone and tooth image; processing the three-dimensional image data to segment the three-dimensional jaw bone and tooth image so as to obtain a dental arch form in a two-dimensional image data form; superposing the obtained two-dimensional image data to generate a three-dimensional dental arch form model; and extracting key parameters of the dental arch according to the three-dimensional dental arch form model.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of medical image processing and oral orthodontics, and relates to a method for reconstructing three-dimensional dental arch morphology based on CBCT images, and a device for performing three-dimensional modeling using cone beam computer tomography (CBCT) images to achieve the acquisition of personalized dental arch morphology and orthodontic solutions for patients. Background Art

[0002] During orthodontic treatment, accurate reproduction of dental arch morphology is crucial to treatment outcomes, long-term stability, and aesthetics. Many studies have shown that the tendency of individual dental arch morphology to relapse after treatment is closely related to the arch design. If the dental arch morphology does not match the patient's basal bone morphology, or if the dental arch morphology is excessively changed during treatment, the patient's likelihood of relapse after treatment will increase significantly. Therefore, how to design orthodontics based on the patient's individual dental arch morphology has become an important challenge for orthodontists.

[0003] Dental arch morphology is directly related to the long-term stability and aesthetic effect of orthodontic treatment. Hawley (1905) first proposed the concept of "normal" dental arch morphology and pointed out that this morphology helps to achieve good treatment results. However, as research deepened, people found that dental arch morphology varies significantly between individuals, and a single standard dental arch morphology cannot meet the needs of all patients. Scott's (1957) research further confirmed that the shape of the dental arch is related to individual differences, indicating that orthodontists must consider the individual needs of each patient when designing treatment plans.

[0004] In addition, Brader (1972) explored the influence of intraoral forces (such as occlusal force and muscle force) on dental arch morphology, and proposed that orthodontic treatment should not only restore the correct arrangement of teeth, but also ensure that the dental arch morphology matches the individual's physiological mechanics to reduce the possibility of recurrence. This individualized mechanical balance is particularly important in modern orthodontics.

[0005] Traditional dental arch shape design usually uses pre-made standard arch wires or manually records the patient's dental arch shape through wax templates. However, these methods have obvious limitations. Riedel (1969) pointed out that the pre-made standard arch shape cannot accurately match the needs of individual patients, resulting in a high recurrence rate after treatment. In addition, although the use of wax templates can obtain personalized dental arch shapes, the operation is cumbersome and time-consuming, and the accuracy of manual measurement is limited, so it is limited in clinical application.

[0006] De La Cruz et al. (1995) showed that the long-term changes in dental arch morphology after treatment were inconsistent with the initial treatment design, increasing the possibility of relapse. Burke et al. (1998) further demonstrated through a meta-analysis of the changes in the width between the mandibular canines that the dental arch morphology after orthodontic treatment may be unstable in some cases, indicating that the existing dental arch design methods are not sufficient to address individual needs.

[0007] According to McLaughlin and Bennett (1999), the dental arch morphology in orthodontic treatment not only affects the arrangement of teeth, but also determines the aesthetic effect and long-term stability after treatment. Chuck (1934) proposed the concept of ideal dental arch morphology and emphasized the importance of restoring the ideal arch shape during treatment. However, Braun et al. (1999) evaluated the shapes of several popular nickel-titanium preformed arch wires and found that their shapes could not fully adapt to the dental arch morphology of all patients, which further highlighted the necessity of personalized design.

[0008] With the development of oral medical imaging technology, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) technology provides us with more accurate three-dimensional data, which can capture the patient's jaw, tooth structure and dental arch morphology in detail. By using these high-resolution three-dimensional data, doctors can better understand the patient's base bone morphology, thereby providing a solid foundation for personalized dental arch design.

[0009] Shapiro (1974) showed that the morphology of the mandibular dental arch changes significantly during and after treatment, especially when accurate measurements and adjustments are not made, which increases the risk of relapse. Felton et al. (1987) further demonstrated the stability of the mandibular dental arch through computer analysis, emphasizing the importance of three-dimensional reconstruction technology in ensuring long-term stability.

[0010] With CBCT data, doctors can generate complete three-dimensional dental arch models, which provides unprecedented accuracy for personalized treatment. For example, the study by Nojima et al. (2001) compared the differences in mandibular dental arch morphology between different races (Caucasians and Japanese), illustrating the importance of personalized design in different populations. The study by Ladner and Muhl (1995) showed that when maxillary expansion is the treatment goal, personalized design can significantly reduce the risk of recurrence after treatment.

[0011] In addition, Sandstrom et al. (1988) studied the mutual influence of maxillary and mandibular arch morphology in rapid maxillary expansion, showing the use of three-dimensional technology to establish a more coordinated relationship between the two. Haas (1980) further verified the long-term effect of rapid maxillary expansion in his study and emphasized the importance of personalized arch design.

[0012] Currently, CBCT technology provides us with more accurate jaw morphology analysis tools. Orthodontists can use 3D modeling software (such as Mimics and 3D Slicer) to model and analyze patients' teeth and jaws. These software can convert CBCT data into high-precision 3D models, allowing doctors to design personalized dental arch morphology based on the individual needs of patients. This method not only improves the accuracy of the design, but also improves the efficiency of clinical operations.

[0013] Braun et al. (1998) proposed a standard model of human dental arch morphology, emphasizing the importance of dental arch morphology in treatment planning. By combining 3D modeling and CBCT data, doctors can quickly and accurately generate the patient's personalized dental arch morphology and design precise treatment plans based on it, thereby improving the safety, aesthetics and long-term stability of orthodontic treatment. Bennett and McLaughlin (1993) demonstrated the application of pre-adjusted orthodontic appliances in this field, providing a more comprehensive theoretical basis for orthodontic mechanics and personalized design.

[0014] However, the current scheme of using CBCT technology to obtain the patient's personalized dental arch morphology is still relatively rough, generally complex and not very accurate. Summary of the invention

[0015] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a method for reconstructing three-dimensional dental arch morphology based on CBCT images in view of the above-mentioned defects in the prior art, so as to realize the whole process from three-dimensional data acquisition, image processing to obtaining dental arch morphology, which is suitable for personalized design in orthodontic treatment; and whether by automatic segmentation or manual drawing, the method for reconstructing three-dimensional dental arch morphology based on CBCT images according to the present invention can accurately extract the dental arch morphology, thereby providing a scientific basis for orthodontic treatment.

[0016] According to the present invention, a method for reconstructing a three-dimensional dental arch morphology based on a CBCT image is provided, comprising:

[0017] receiving three-dimensional image data of a three-dimensional jaw and tooth image, and processing the three-dimensional image data to segment the three-dimensional jaw and tooth image to obtain a dental arch morphology in the form of two-dimensional image data;

[0018] The acquired two-dimensional image data are superimposed to generate a three-dimensional dental arch morphology model, and the key parameters of the dental arch are extracted based on the three-dimensional dental arch morphology model.

[0019] Preferably, an automatic segmentation algorithm is used to segment the teeth and jaw areas in the three-dimensional jaw and teeth image, and the dental arch morphology is extracted in the form of two-dimensional image data; and further, for areas in the three-dimensional jaw and teeth image that cannot be automatically segmented by the automatic segmentation algorithm, the teeth and jaw areas are manually segmented using a manual drawing method to further correct the dental arch morphology, thereby ultimately obtaining the dental arch morphology.

[0020] Preferably, the automatic segmentation algorithm includes threshold segmentation, region growing algorithm or image segmentation algorithm based on machine learning.

[0021] Preferably, manually segmenting the teeth and jaw area includes manually marking the tooth key points of the areas in the three-dimensional jaw and teeth image that cannot be automatically segmented by the automatic segmentation algorithm, and generating a dental arch morphology curve for the tooth key points using Bezier curves or polynomial fitting.

[0022] Preferably, a machine learning model is used to segment the teeth and jaw regions in the three-dimensional jaw and teeth image to extract the dental arch morphology in the form of two-dimensional image data; and the segmented three-dimensional jaw and teeth image is associated with the generated three-dimensional dental arch morphology model as a set of data for training the machine learning model.

[0023] Preferably, a convolutional neural network (CNN) based model is used to accurately extract the dental arch morphology in cases of jaw abnormalities or tooth rotations.

[0024] Preferably, the method for reconstructing a three-dimensional dental arch morphology based on a CBCT image according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention further includes:

[0025] Generate personalized orthodontic appliance design data based on the generated three-dimensional dental arch morphology model;

[0026] Different types of orthodontic tools are designed according to the patient's dental arch morphology;

[0027] The dental arch curve data is extracted from the generated three-dimensional dental arch morphology model, and a mechanical simulation analysis is performed on the dental arch curve data. The orthodontic tool design is optimized based on the tooth movement path and force distribution in the analysis results.

[0028] Preferably, the mechanical simulation analysis includes: applying a correction force to each tooth using the generated three-dimensional dental arch morphology model, and predicting the movement path and force distribution of each tooth during the treatment process.

[0029] Preferably, remodeling is performed at a follow-up visit after the patient's treatment to track changes in the dental arch morphology during the patient's treatment, and the remodeling is used to readjust the orthodontic plan.

[0030] Preferably, the orthodontic tool is an archwire, wherein the archwire design is based on arch width and arch curvature data of a three-dimensional dental arch morphology model. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] A more complete understanding of the present invention and its attendant advantages and features will be more readily appreciated by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] Figure 1 The figure schematically shows an overall block diagram of a device for reconstructing a three-dimensional dental arch morphology based on a CBCT image according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 The flowchart of the method for reconstructing three-dimensional dental arch morphology based on CBCT images according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown.

[0034] Figure 3 The screenshot of the software interface after the CBCT data in DICOM format is imported into the three-dimensional image processing software is schematically shown.

[0035] Figure 4 A screenshot of the software interface schematically shows an example of a combination of automated and manual operations.

[0036] Figure 5 A screenshot of the software interface schematically shows an example of obtaining a three-dimensional dental arch morphology.

[0037] Figure 6 A screenshot of the software interface for model export is schematically shown.

[0038] It should be noted that the drawings are used to illustrate the present invention, rather than to limit the present invention. Note that the drawings showing the structures may not be drawn to scale. In addition, in the drawings, the same or similar elements are marked with the same or similar reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The technical solution of the present invention will be described clearly and completely below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0040] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0041] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0042] In addition, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0043] <First Embodiment>

[0044] Figure 1 The figure schematically shows an overall block diagram of a device for reconstructing a three-dimensional dental arch morphology based on a CBCT image according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, the device for reconstructing three-dimensional dental arch morphology based on CBCT images according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0046] The data processing module 10 is used to receive three-dimensional image data of a three-dimensional jaw and tooth image, and process the three-dimensional image data to segment the three-dimensional jaw and tooth image to obtain the dental arch morphology in the form of two-dimensional image data; for example, the three-dimensional jaw and tooth image is a three-dimensional jaw and tooth image of a patient obtained by cone beam computed tomography; preferably, the three-dimensional image data is three-dimensional image data in DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) format.

[0047] Specifically, for example, the data processing module 10 uses an automatic segmentation algorithm to segment the teeth and jaw areas in the three-dimensional jaw and teeth image, and extracts the dental arch morphology in the form of two-dimensional image data; and further, for areas in the three-dimensional jaw and teeth image that the automatic segmentation algorithm cannot automatically segment, a manual drawing method is used to manually segment the teeth and jaw areas, further correct the dental arch morphology, and finally obtain the dental arch morphology.

[0048] Preferably, the automatic segmentation algorithm includes threshold segmentation, region growing algorithm or image segmentation algorithm based on machine learning.

[0049] Preferably, manually segmenting the teeth and jaw area includes manually marking the tooth key points of the areas in the three-dimensional jaw and teeth image that cannot be automatically segmented by the automatic segmentation algorithm, and generating a dental arch morphology curve for the tooth key points using Bezier curves or polynomial fitting.

[0050] The three-dimensional modeling module 20 is used to generate a three-dimensional dental arch morphology model by superimposing the acquired two-dimensional image data, and extract key parameters of the dental arch based on the three-dimensional dental arch morphology model. For example, the key parameters include dental arch width, dental arch length and dental arch curvature.

[0051] Preferably, after generating the three-dimensional dental arch morphology model, the three-dimensional modeling module 20 performs model smoothing and optimization processing to remove noise and irregular edges.

[0052] Preferably, the three-dimensional dental arch morphology model generated by the three-dimensional modeling module 30 is exported to STL and / or OBJ format for use in the personalized design of orthodontic appliances.

[0053] In the optimal embodiment of the present invention, the data processing module 10 uses a machine learning model to segment the teeth and jaw areas in the three-dimensional jaw and teeth image to extract the dental arch morphology in the form of two-dimensional image data; and the data processing module 10 associates the segmented three-dimensional jaw and teeth image with the three-dimensional dental arch morphology model generated by the three-dimensional modeling module 20 as a set of data for training the machine learning model.

[0054] Therefore, the present invention forms two-dimensional image data by dividing the three-dimensional jaw and tooth images scanned by the initial CBCT scan twice through a machine learning model and manual correction, and finally superimposes the two-dimensional image data into a three-dimensional dental arch morphology model corresponding to the three-dimensional jaw and tooth images scanned by the initial CBCT scan, and forms the best machine learning model training data according to the correspondence between the three-dimensional initial image and the final three-dimensional model, thereby greatly improving the accuracy of the machine learning model in segmenting the three-dimensional jaw and tooth images, and solving the defects of lack and inaccuracy of machine learning training data in the dental field.

[0055] For example, machine learning models, including those based on convolutional neural networks, are particularly useful for accurately extracting dental arch morphology in cases of jaw anomalies or tooth rotation.

[0056] Further preferably, the apparatus for reconstructing a three-dimensional dental arch morphology based on a CBCT image according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention further comprises: an orthodontic tool design module 30, which is configured to perform the following operations:

[0057] Generate personalized appliance design data based on the three-dimensional dental arch morphology model generated by the three-dimensional modeling module 20;

[0058] Design different types of orthodontic tools according to the patient's dental arch morphology; including invisible braces, archwires and fixed braces;

[0059] The dental arch curve data is extracted from the three-dimensional dental arch morphology model generated by the three-dimensional modeling module 20, and a mechanical simulation analysis is performed on the dental arch curve data. The orthodontic tool design is optimized according to the tooth movement path and force distribution in the analysis results.

[0060] Therefore, the present invention can ensure that the movement path and force distribution of the teeth during the treatment process are reasonable, and ensure that the orthodontic appliance is highly matched with the patient's dental arch, so as to improve the treatment effect and wearing comfort.

[0061] Preferably, the mechanical simulation analysis includes: applying correction force to each tooth using the three-dimensional dental arch morphology model generated by the three-dimensional modeling module 20, and predicting the movement path and force distribution of each tooth during the treatment process. In this way, the design of the orthodontic appliance can be optimized according to the prediction results to ensure uniform force distribution during tooth movement and reduce tooth damage or treatment recurrence caused by improper force application.

[0062] Preferably, the three-dimensional modeling module 20 performs re-modeling during the patient's post-treatment review to track the changes in dental arch morphology during the patient's treatment, and the appliance design module 40 readjusts the orthodontic plan using the re-modeling based on the three-dimensional modeling module 20 .

[0063] In addition, for example, the orthodontic tool is an archwire, wherein the archwire design is based on arch width and arch curvature data of a three-dimensional arch morphology model to ensure that the archwire matches the patient's personalized arch morphology and reduce the risk of relapse after treatment.

[0064] <Second Embodiment>

[0065] Figure 2 The flowchart of the method for reconstructing three-dimensional dental arch morphology based on CBCT images according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown.

[0066] Accordingly, the present invention also relates to a method for reconstructing a three-dimensional dental arch morphology based on a CBCT image, comprising:

[0067] First step S1: receiving three-dimensional image data of a three-dimensional jaw and teeth image;

[0068] The second step S2: processing the three-dimensional image data to segment the three-dimensional jaw and teeth image to obtain the dental arch morphology in the form of two-dimensional image data; for example, the three-dimensional jaw and teeth image is a three-dimensional jaw and teeth image of the patient obtained by cone beam computed tomography; preferably, the three-dimensional image data is three-dimensional image data in DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) format.

[0069] Specifically, for example, an automatic segmentation algorithm is used to segment the teeth and jaw areas in the three-dimensional jaw and teeth image, and the dental arch morphology is extracted in the form of two-dimensional image data; and further, for areas in the three-dimensional jaw and teeth image that cannot be automatically segmented by the automatic segmentation algorithm, the teeth and jaw areas are manually segmented using a manual drawing method to further correct the dental arch morphology, thereby ultimately obtaining the dental arch morphology.

[0070] Preferably, the automatic segmentation algorithm includes threshold segmentation, region growing algorithm or image segmentation algorithm based on machine learning.

[0071] Preferably, manually segmenting the teeth and jaw area includes manually marking the tooth key points of the areas in the three-dimensional jaw and teeth image that cannot be automatically segmented by the automatic segmentation algorithm, and generating a dental arch morphology curve for the tooth key points using Bezier curves or polynomial fitting.

[0072] The third step S3: superimposing the acquired two-dimensional image data to generate a three-dimensional dental arch morphology model;

[0073] Fourth step S4: extracting key parameters of the dental arch based on the three-dimensional dental arch morphology model, for example, the key parameters include dental arch width, dental arch length and dental arch curvature.

[0074] Preferably, after the three-dimensional dental arch morphology model is generated, the model is smoothed and optimized to remove noise and irregular edges.

[0075] Preferably, the generated three-dimensional dental arch morphology model is exported to STL and / or OBJ format for personalized design of orthodontic appliances.

[0076] In the optimal embodiment of the present invention, a machine learning model is used to segment the teeth and jaw regions in a three-dimensional jaw and teeth image to extract the dental arch morphology in the form of two-dimensional image data; and the segmented three-dimensional jaw and teeth image is associated with the generated three-dimensional dental arch morphology model as a set of data for training the machine learning model.

[0077] Therefore, the present invention forms two-dimensional image data by dividing the three-dimensional jaw and tooth images scanned by the initial CBCT scan twice through a machine learning model and manual correction, and finally superimposes the two-dimensional image data into a three-dimensional dental arch morphology model corresponding to the three-dimensional jaw and tooth images scanned by the initial CBCT scan, and forms the best machine learning model training data according to the correspondence between the three-dimensional initial image and the final three-dimensional model, thereby greatly improving the accuracy of the machine learning model in segmenting the three-dimensional jaw and tooth images, and solving the defects of lack and inaccuracy of machine learning training data in the dental field.

[0078] For example, machine learning models, including those based on convolutional neural networks, are particularly useful for accurately extracting dental arch morphology in cases of jaw anomalies or tooth rotation.

[0079] Further preferably, the method for reconstructing a three-dimensional dental arch morphology based on a CBCT image according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention further comprises:

[0080] Fifth step S5: generating personalized orthodontic appliance design data according to the generated three-dimensional dental arch morphology model;

[0081] Step 6 S6: Design different types of orthodontic tools according to the patient's dental arch morphology; including invisible braces, archwires and fixed braces;

[0082] Step S7: extracting dental arch curve data from the generated three-dimensional dental arch morphology model, and performing mechanical simulation analysis on the dental arch curve data;

[0083] The eighth step S8: optimizing the orthodontic tool design according to the tooth movement path and force distribution in the analysis results.

[0084] Therefore, the present invention can ensure that the movement path and force distribution of the teeth during the treatment process are reasonable, and ensure that the orthodontic appliance is highly matched with the patient's dental arch, so as to improve the treatment effect and wearing comfort.

[0085] Preferably, the mechanical simulation analysis includes: using the generated three-dimensional dental arch morphology model to apply correction force to each tooth, and predicting the movement path and force distribution of each tooth during the treatment process. In this way, the design of the orthodontic appliance can be optimized according to the prediction results to ensure uniform force distribution during tooth movement and reduce tooth damage or treatment recurrence caused by improper force application.

[0086] Preferably, remodeling is performed at a follow-up visit after the patient's treatment to track changes in the dental arch morphology during the patient's treatment, and the remodeling is used to readjust the orthodontic plan.

[0087] In addition, for example, an orthodontic tool is an arch wire, where the design of the arch wire is based on the arch width and arch curvature data of a three-dimensional dental arch form model to ensure that the arch wire matches the patient's personalized dental arch form and reduces the risk of relapse after treatment.

[0088] Specific examples of the present invention are described below.

[0089] <CBCT Image Acquisition Module: CBCT Data Acquisition>

[0090] The CBCT image acquisition module acquires high-resolution DICOM format data generated by performing three-dimensional jaw scanning on a patient using a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) device. This data contains the complete three-dimensional information of the patient's jaw and teeth and can provide a basis for subsequent extraction of the dental arch form.

[0091] Therefore, the present invention can advantageously perform subsequent operations based on the three-dimensional images obtained by scanning with a mature CBCT device.

[0092] <Processing of CBCT Data>

[0093] The acquired DICOM format CBCT data is imported into three-dimensional image processing software (such as Mimics or 3D Slicer), and images of the cross-section, coronal plane, and sagittal plane of the patient's jaw are generated in the software, as shown, for example. Figure 3 The doctor can accurately observe the arrangement of the teeth and the form of the jaw in these images.

[0094] <Extraction of Dental Arch Form>

[0095] In a specific example, the extraction of the dental arch form can accurately identify the boundaries of the teeth and the jaw from the CBCT data in different ways and generate a personalized dental arch form. Whether it is through manual drawing or an automated algorithm for segmentation, all the extraction methods of the present invention can effectively achieve the reconstruction of the dental arch form, and the protection of these methods is an important part of the present invention. In a specific implementation, the automatic segmentation or manual drawing method can be selected according to the patient's situation, or the two can be used in combination.

[0096] <Automated Segmentation Method>

[0097] The automated segmentation method automatically identifies the teeth, jaw, and dental arch form in the CBCT image through an algorithm and is applicable to most conventional cases, especially when the patient's teeth are relatively regularly arranged and the jaw form is clear. The automated segmentation technology can significantly improve the operation efficiency and reduce the workload of manual intervention, and is particularly suitable for large-scale case screening, standard orthodontic treatment, and clinical practices with high time requirements.

[0098] 1. Threshold segmentation: This method quickly distinguishes hard tissue (such as teeth and jaw) from soft tissue based on the gray value difference between teeth and jaw. It is suitable for patients with clear tooth boundaries and obvious differences between jaw and surrounding soft tissue, and can obtain high-precision preliminary segmentation results in a short time.

[0099] Application scenarios: Suitable for cases with relatively neat teeth arrangement during orthodontic treatment, such as cases with slight crowding or small gaps.

[0100] 2. Region growing algorithm: By selecting a seed point, the algorithm will expand to areas with similar grayscale values ​​to identify the complete dental arch shape. This algorithm is suitable for patients with complex tooth structures but clear tooth edges, and can automatically capture the boundaries of teeth.

[0101] Application scenarios: Suitable for cases with complex teeth but relatively stable jaw morphology, such as moderate malocclusion.

[0102] 3. Segmentation method based on machine learning: Through the training data set, the segmentation method based on artificial intelligence can automatically identify and segment the complex structure of teeth and jaws. This method is suitable for more complex cases, especially those with irregular teeth arrangement and complex jaw morphology.

[0103] Application scenarios: Suitable for more difficult cases, such as patients with severe crowding, tooth rotation or jaw dysplasia. Such cases require higher precision, and machine learning algorithms can improve segmentation accuracy through a large amount of training data.

[0104] <Manual animation line division>

[0105] For complex cases that are difficult to handle with automatic segmentation algorithms, doctors can use manual drawing technology to segment CBCT images layer by layer to ensure that the morphology of teeth and jaws can be accurately extracted. The advantage of manual drawing segmentation technology is its high flexibility and accuracy, which is suitable for all types of cases, especially when the patient's jaw morphology is irregular or there are many interfering factors.

[0106] 1. Manually mark key points: The doctor manually marks the key structural points of the teeth on the two-dimensional plane of the CBCT image, such as the incisor tip of the anterior teeth, the tip of the canine, the occlusal surface of the molar, etc., and uses Bezier curves or polynomial fitting to generate accurate dental arch morphology curves. This method is suitable for cases with complex tooth structures that cannot be accurately identified by automatic segmentation.

[0107] Application scenario: Suitable for patients with irregular tooth arrangement, especially those with jaw deformity or tooth structure abnormalities, such as crowded, rotated or displaced teeth.

[0108] 2. Manual segmentation boundary: For some areas that cannot be processed by automatic segmentation, doctors can manually outline the boundaries of teeth and jaws, correct them layer by layer, and ensure accurate extraction of dental arch morphology. This method is particularly suitable for situations where the boundaries of jaws or teeth are confused with surrounding soft tissues and pathological tissues.

[0109] Application scenarios: Suitable for complex cases with pathological structures or mixed soft and hard tissues, such as patients with jaw tumors, severe osteoporosis or bone deformities.

[0110] <Combination of automation and manual operation>

[0111] In actual clinical practice, automated segmentation and manual segmentation techniques can be used in combination to ensure that the final generated dental arch morphology model has sufficient accuracy and completeness. For example, the doctor can first use the automated segmentation method for preliminary extraction, and then modify the key areas through manual adjustment when necessary, such as Figure 4 The screenshots shown are taken under the processing software. This method can ensure processing efficiency while meeting accuracy requirements and adapting to the personalized needs of different patients.

[0112] Application scenarios: This hybrid operation method is suitable for a wide range of complex and routine cases, especially those that require fast processing and high precision. For example, patients with mild and severe dental arch morphology abnormalities in orthodontic treatment.

[0113] <Acquisition of three-dimensional dental arch shape>

[0114] Dental arch morphology acquisition: The above two-dimensional layer data after manual or automatic segmentation is superimposed using three-dimensional modeling software to generate a complete three-dimensional dental arch morphology model. This model can fully reproduce the patient's tooth arrangement and jaw structure, making it easier for doctors to accurately design archwires or appliances during orthodontic treatment.

[0115] Model correction and smoothing: In the generated 3D model, there may be noise or irregular edges. Therefore, the smoothing function in the modeling software is used to optimize the model surface, remove unnecessary burrs, and make the dental arch shape more consistent with the actual biological structure.

[0116] Key point marking and curve fitting: By marking the key points of the teeth (such as the incisal tip, canine tip, and molar occlusal surface), the doctor can further use the curve fitting tool to generate a smooth curve of the dental arch morphology to ensure that the curve characteristics of the model conform to the patient's actual anatomical structure. For example, Figure 5 shown.

[0117] <Selection and optimization of 3D modeling software>

[0118] The selection and application of 3D modeling software is crucial for the accurate acquisition of 3D dental arch morphology. Different 3D modeling software has its own advantages and application scenarios. Doctors should choose appropriate software according to the specific needs of patients and improve the accuracy and generation efficiency of the model through the optimization functions in the software. The following are the selection basis and optimization strategies of two common software, Mimics and 3D Slicer. Applicability in different clinical needs: Mimics is suitable for patients who need high-precision and complex structure modeling, especially the modeling advantages when the jaw is dysplastic; 3D Slicer is suitable for situations with high cost control requirements, and is suitable for multiple model reconstructions in academic research and routine clinical applications.

[0119] Application of Mimics software: Mimics is a commercial software widely used in medical image processing, suitable for clinical cases that require high-precision and complex structure modeling. Its automatic segmentation function is relatively powerful, and it can efficiently process CBCT images, which is suitable for orthodontists to quickly generate three-dimensional dental arch morphology models.

[0120] Advantages: Mimics can model complex jaw and tooth morphology in detail, and its precise automatic segmentation and curve fitting functions can greatly reduce the need for manual operations. Mimics also has a wealth of smoothing, repairing, and measuring functions to ensure that the generated model has a smooth surface and accurate structure.

[0121] Optimization strategy: Doctors can use Mimics' advanced optimization features, such as the "smoothing" function, to remove irregular edges and noise in the 3D model. At the same time, the model can be fine-tuned through its built-in "segmentation editing tool" to further improve the accuracy of the model.

[0122] Applicable scenarios: Mimics is suitable for complex orthodontic cases, especially those involving patients with jaw dysplasia and complex dental arch structures. Its powerful automation function and high-precision segmentation capabilities can greatly improve the accuracy of treatment.

[0123] Application of 3D Slicer software: 3D Slicer is an open source 3D modeling software suitable for academic research and daily clinical practice. The software has a flexible module and plug-in system, and users can customize the processing flow according to their needs. It is suitable for a variety of image processing tasks, including segmentation and 3D reconstruction of CBCT images.

[0124] Advantages: 3D Slicer provides a wealth of segmentation and modeling tools, and doctors can perform manual or automatic segmentation through its powerful "SegmentEditor" module. Since the software is an open source platform, its flexibility allows doctors to adjust and optimize each processing step. At the same time, the open source nature of 3D Slicer makes it a lower-cost option.

[0125] Optimization strategy: Through tools such as "Threshold", "Smoothing" and "Fill between slices", doctors can automatically and manually adjust the tooth and jaw morphology to ensure smooth boundaries and complete structures of the 3D model. In addition, doctors can use plug-ins (such as the "Curves" tool) to generate smooth dental arch curves between key points of teeth to improve the accuracy of the model.

[0126] Applicable scenarios: 3D Slicer is suitable for medical institutions with high requirements for cost control, as well as orthodontic cases that require multiple model reconstructions in academic research scenarios. Its flexibility makes it suitable for various cases, especially in the early diagnosis and mid-term treatment design stages of orthodontics.

[0127] <Data Analysis and Output>

[0128] Extraction of key parameters: Extract the patient's key parameters from the generated 3D dental arch morphology, including arch width (width of the anterior teeth, canines, and molars), arch length (arc length from the central incisor to the last molar), arch curvature, etc. These parameters provide important basis for the design of personalized orthodontic appliances.

[0129] Model export: The generated 3D dental arch morphology model is exported in a common 3D file format (such as STL (Standard Tessellation Language, standard 3D model file format) or OBJ format) for subsequent orthodontic design software (such as ClinCheck of Invisalign, an invisible braces design software, or 3Shape, an orthodontic analysis software) to ensure that the tooth movement path and braces design meet the patient's personalized needs.

[0130] For example, Figure 6 A screenshot of the software interface showing the model export.

[0131] <Applications and Advantages>

[0132] The clinical application of the present invention in orthodontic treatment is widely applicable to various types of patients, especially when there is a strong demand for personalized dental arch design. Through the three-dimensional dental arch morphology model generated by the present invention, doctors can design a highly personalized treatment plan based on the specific situation of each patient, ensuring treatment accuracy, reducing the risk of recurrence and improving aesthetic results.

[0133] 1. Improved data accuracy: The dental arch morphology model generated by the three-dimensional data collected by CBCT images can fully and accurately reproduce the patient's jaw and tooth structure. The key to the design of invisible braces is to accurately grasp the initial position of the teeth and their relative three-dimensional relationship. Traditional methods such as plaster models or two-dimensional X-ray imaging often find it difficult to obtain complete dental arch morphology information, while the three-dimensional model of the present invention can accurately reflect the patient's tooth position, dental arch width, dental arch curve and jaw morphology.

[0134] Advantages: The high-resolution data of the 3D model can be directly used to design each step of the invisible braces adjustment process, ensuring that the braces can be customized according to the patient's actual dental arch shape, avoiding tooth movement deviations caused by incomplete data or insufficient accuracy in traditional methods.

[0135] 2. Personalized tooth movement path design: The invisible braces design based on the 3D model can accurately simulate the movement path required for each tooth during treatment. The 3D model not only provides detailed information on the initial dental arch morphology, but also calculates the movement direction and force distribution of each tooth during treatment through mechanical simulation technology. This allows the invisible braces at each stage to be finely adjusted according to the individual situation of the patient, thereby improving the accuracy and effectiveness of the treatment.

[0136] Advantages: Compared with traditional empirical design, personalized design based on three-dimensional models can ensure that each tooth moves along the predetermined path, avoid excessive or insufficient tooth movement, reduce treatment time, and improve the long-term stability of treatment.

[0137] 3Full-process digital design and manufacturing: Invisible braces can directly obtain data from the generated 3D dental arch morphology model to carry out full-process digital design and manufacturing. By combining the dental arch morphology model with the patient's treatment plan through 3D modeling software, doctors can tailor invisible braces for patients at multiple stages. The braces at each stage are adjusted according to the 3D model to ensure that every step in the treatment process has a basis.

[0138] Advantages: Compared with the traditional manual braces design method, 3D digital design can greatly improve production efficiency, ensure that each set of invisible braces completely matches the patient's tooth shape, reduce the uncertainty in manual design, and avoid human errors in the design process.

[0139] 4 Mechanical analysis and simulation: Through the three-dimensional dental arch morphology model, the present invention can combine mechanical simulation technology to analyze the stress and strain of teeth during the correction process. This allows doctors to estimate the mechanical response of tooth movement during the design stage, ensuring that the correction force provided by the invisible braces is both effective and does not cause excessive burden on the teeth and jaws.

[0140] Advantages: Mechanical simulation helps optimize the design of invisible braces so that they can provide corrective force while reducing pain during treatment and avoiding potential iatrogenic injuries.

[0141] <Case 1: Patient with mild dental crowding>

[0142] In patients with mild dental crowding, the teeth are arranged relatively regularly, but there are slight gaps or misalignments between the teeth. Traditional treatment methods usually rely on standard archwires, which are difficult to accurately solve the patient's individual problems and may lead to recurrence. The present invention obtains the patient's three-dimensional oral structure through CBCT scanning and uses automated segmentation technology to quickly extract the dental arch morphology. Based on this three-dimensional model, the doctor can accurately design the appliance or archwire to ensure that the path of tooth movement matches the patient's actual anatomical structure.

[0143] Application advantages: For patients with mild crowding, the automated segmentation method can quickly generate a three-dimensional dental arch shape, shortening the clinical operation time and improving the personalized effect of treatment. In this way, the appliance can accurately locate the teeth in a short time and reduce the risk of recurrence after treatment.

[0144] <Case 2: Patient with severe tooth crowding and rotation>

[0145] For patients with severe dental crowding and rotation, the tooth arrangement is very complex and difficult to be effectively treated with standard prefabricated archwires. In this case, doctors can perform accurate extraction by combining the automated and manual segmentation methods provided by the present invention. CBCT scanning can fully display the complex dental arch morphology of the patient. The doctor first obtains most of the dental arch contours through automatic segmentation, and then uses manual outlining techniques in the rotated or severely crowded teeth to ensure that the morphology of each tooth is accurately identified.

[0146] Application advantages: This hybrid segmentation method ensures accurate identification and processing of each tooth in complex cases. Doctors can design customized orthodontic appliances based on the patient's 3D dental arch morphology model to ensure accurate movement of teeth during correction and avoid unnecessary tooth rotation or tilting.

[0147] <Case 3: Patient with jaw dysplasia>

[0148] For patients with jaw dysplasia, the morphological structure of teeth and jaws may be severely deformed. Traditional two-dimensional imaging technology cannot fully capture this complex three-dimensional anatomical feature, which may lead to treatment errors. The present invention uses CBCT technology to obtain the patient's complete jaw and tooth three-dimensional structure. Using manual drawing technology, doctors can manually outline the patient's jaw boundaries and generate a highly accurate three-dimensional model. On this basis, doctors can perform orthodontic design according to the patient's personalized needs to ensure that tooth movement matches the growth and development of the jaw.

[0149] Application advantages: This method is particularly suitable for patients with jaw dysplasia or abnormal jaw structure. Manual segmentation technology allows doctors to adjust the patient's dental arch morphology layer by layer, ensuring the scientificity and safety of the orthodontic plan and reducing the risk of iatrogenic injury during treatment.

[0150] Case 4: Adult orthodontic relapse patient

[0151] In adult patients with orthodontic relapse, the standardized dental arch design is used during the initial orthodontic treatment, resulting in the inability of the dental arch morphology after treatment to match the patient's basal bone morphology, leading to relapse. The present invention can accurately capture the patient's current dental arch structure and design a highly personalized appliance or archwire solution by acquiring personalized dental arch morphology based on CBCT images. Through accurate analysis of dental arch morphology, doctors can adjust the appliance design to ensure the long-term stability of the dental arch morphology after treatment.

[0152] Application advantages: For patients with orthodontic recurrence, the present invention enables doctors to better understand the patient's base bone morphology and tooth structure by acquiring the three-dimensional dental arch morphology, providing a scientific basis for re-orthodontic treatment. Personalized correction plans can effectively reduce the chance of recurrence after treatment and prolong the duration of treatment effects.

[0153] <Case 5: Patients who need invisible correction>

[0154] For some patients who have high aesthetic requirements, such as those who need invisible braces, personalized design is particularly important. Through the three-dimensional dental arch morphology model generated by the present invention, doctors can combine the patient's facial contour and occlusion relationship to design an invisible brace that fully meets the patient's individual needs. The three-dimensional model can be directly imported into the brace design software (such as ClinCheck of Invisalign) to ensure that the brace design meets both functional requirements and achieves facial aesthetic optimization.

[0155] Application advantages: The design of invisible braces requires extremely high precision. The present invention uses three-dimensional modeling and mechanical simulation technology to ensure that the braces not only conform to the changes in dental arch morphology during treatment, but also improve the patient's smile line and facial beauty, thereby meeting the patient's personalized needs to the greatest extent possible.

[0156] <Core Points>

[0157] The present invention explicitly claims to protect the technical solution for acquiring and reconstructing dental arch morphology and all subsequent operations based on CBCT image data. Whether using an automated segmentation algorithm or manual operation, the protection scope of the present invention covers all technical paths based on CBCT image data to ensure that the three-dimensional dental arch morphology can be accurately acquired and used for orthodontic design and treatment:

[0158] 1) Protection of automated extraction methods based on CBCT data: The present invention advocates comprehensive protection for all automated extraction methods based on CBCT image data. These automated methods include, but are not limited to, threshold segmentation, region growing algorithms, and image segmentation techniques based on machine learning. Through these methods, it is possible to automatically segment the teeth and jaw regions from CBCT images and generate a three-dimensional dental arch morphology model. These automated extraction processes based on CBCT images are one of the core technologies of the present invention, ensuring fast and accurate acquisition of personalized dental arch morphology. We explicitly protect all these automated operations starting from CBCT image data and the three-dimensional models generated therefrom.

[0159] 2) Protection of manual drawing and manual segmentation methods based on CBCT data: The present invention also advocates the protection of manual segmentation and manual drawing methods based on CBCT image data. In actual operation, automated segmentation may not be able to cope with complex dental arch morphology or jaw structure, so doctors are required to manually outline the boundaries of teeth and jaws at different levels of the CBCT image. The manual segmentation process, from the layer-by-layer analysis of CBCT image data to the generation of dental arch morphology curves by manual drawing or manual marking of key points, should be protected by the present invention. We advocate the protection of all manual drawing techniques based on CBCT image data, as well as the subsequent three-dimensional dental arch model generation process.

[0160] 3) Protection of three-dimensional dental arch morphology models generated based on CBCT data: Whether through automatic segmentation, manual drawing, or a combination of the two, the present invention advocates the protection of three-dimensional dental arch morphology models generated based on CBCT image data. These models reproduce the dental arch morphology of individual patients and can be used for personalized design in orthodontic treatment. The generation, optimization, smoothing and export of three-dimensional models to common three-dimensional formats (such as STL or OBJ formats) are based on information extracted from CBCT image data, ensuring high consistency between the three-dimensional model and the actual patient jaw and tooth morphology. We explicitly advocate the protection of these models and their use in orthodontic treatment.

[0161] 4) Protection of the combination of multiple extraction methods based on CBCT data: The present invention not only protects a single automated segmentation or manual segmentation method, but also specifically protects the combined use of multiple extraction methods based on CBCT image data. In clinical practice, automated segmentation and manual segmentation usually need to be used in combination to ensure that the final generated dental arch morphology model is accurate enough. Whether it is first obtaining a preliminary model through automatic segmentation technology, and then manually adjusting and perfecting it, or the whole process is manual, as long as all the extraction and reconstruction processes are based on CBCT image data, the present invention advocates the protection of these operations and results.

[0162] 5) Full-process protection from CBCT images to clinical applications: The core technical path of the present invention is to start from CBCT image data, covering all steps of image processing, 3D model generation, data analysis and clinical application. Therefore, all dental arch morphologies generated based on CBCT data and their subsequent applications, including but not limited to personalized appliance design, archwire adjustment, mechanical simulation analysis, etc. used in orthodontic treatment, fall within the protection scope of the present invention. By comprehensively protecting these operations based on CBCT images, it is ensured that the present invention can support personalized solution design throughout the entire orthodontic treatment process.

[0163] <Technical Effects>

[0164] The present invention uses CBCT image data to accurately extract and reconstruct the patient's personalized three-dimensional dental arch morphology, significantly improving the accuracy, efficiency and personalized effect of orthodontic treatment. Through the technical solution of the present invention, doctors can not only improve the accuracy, stability and efficiency of treatment, but also effectively reduce the risk of recurrence and iatrogenic injury, and improve the patient's aesthetic effect and comfort. The personalized three-dimensional dental arch morphology reconstruction technology based on CBCT data provides more scientific and reliable technical support for orthodontic treatment.

[0165] The following are the main technical effects of the present invention:

[0166] 1. Improve the accuracy of orthodontic treatment: Traditional orthodontic treatment usually relies on prefabricated standard archwires or empirical designs, which cannot fully consider the differences in dental arch morphology of individual patients, and easily lead to poor treatment effects or recurrence. The present invention obtains the patient's true three-dimensional dental arch morphology from CBCT images to ensure that personalized treatment plans can accurately match the patient's physiological structure. Whether the dental arch morphology model is generated by automatic segmentation or manual drawing, it can provide accurate key information such as tooth arrangement and jaw position, thereby helping orthodontists to develop treatment plans that better meet the actual needs of patients and avoid the mismatch problem in traditional methods.

[0167] 2 Improve post-treatment stability and reduce relapse: By accurately extracting and reconstructing the patient's three-dimensional dental arch morphology, the present invention can ensure that the design of the appliance or archwire during orthodontic treatment is highly consistent with the patient's base bone morphology. This personalized dental arch design not only helps to move teeth faster and more effectively, but also significantly reduces the risk of relapse after treatment. Unlike traditional standardized treatment, the personalized dental arch morphology generated by the present invention can help doctors maintain the stability of the dental arch after treatment and reduce the possibility of teeth returning to their original position after treatment.

[0168] 3. Improve treatment efficiency and ease of operation: The present invention can quickly generate a high-precision three-dimensional dental arch morphology model by importing CBCT image data into an automatic segmentation algorithm or manual drawing technology. This not only improves the work efficiency of orthodontists when formulating treatment plans, but also greatly reduces the time doctors spend on manual measurements and adjustments in complex cases. In particular, through automated segmentation technology, doctors can quickly obtain the three-dimensional dental arch morphology of patients, greatly improving the convenience of clinical operations. In addition, the combined use of automation and manual operation in the present invention makes the handling of complex cases more flexible and more adaptable.

[0169] 4. Improve the aesthetic effect of orthodontic treatment: Orthodontic treatment not only needs to consider the functionality of teeth, but also needs to pay attention to the facial aesthetics of patients. The present invention can accurately obtain the patient's dental arch morphology, which can provide a reliable design basis for orthodontists, so that the design of the appliance can be more in line with the patient's facial contour and occlusion. This personalized design can significantly improve the patient's smile line and facial aesthetics, especially avoiding facial asymmetry or unnaturalness caused by mismatched arch design.

[0170] 5 Reduce the risk of iatrogenic injury: Traditional dental arch design methods may excessively change the patient's dental arch morphology, resulting in a mismatch between the dental arch and the underlying bone morphology, thereby increasing the risk of iatrogenic injury, such as bone fenestration and bone cracking. The three-dimensional dental arch morphology extraction technology based on CBCT data of the present invention can effectively reduce these unnecessary risks and protect the patient's dental health by ensuring the precise match between the dental arch morphology and the underlying bone morphology. The personalized design reduces the possibility of excessive pressure on the teeth and jaws, ensuring safety during treatment.

[0171] 6 Support mechanical simulation and optimized design: Through the three-dimensional dental arch morphology model generated by the present invention, doctors can perform mechanical simulation analysis to simulate the movement of teeth under different forces during orthodontic treatment. Through these simulation data, doctors can optimize the design of the orthodontic appliance to ensure that the force distribution on the teeth during the entire treatment process is reasonable, avoiding unnecessary tooth damage or treatment discomfort. Mechanical simulation technology further enhances the reliability and safety of the treatment plan and improves the treatment comfort of patients.

[0172] 7 Supports the design of multiple personalized orthodontic appliances: Based on the three-dimensional dental arch morphology model generated by the present invention, doctors can design multiple personalized orthodontic appliances that meet the individual needs of patients, including invisible orthodontic appliances and traditional orthodontic appliances. Through personalized dental arch design, doctors can accurately control the movement path of each tooth to ensure the treatment effect. At the same time, the three-dimensional model generated by the present invention can also be directly used to manufacture personalized arch wires or orthodontic appliances, reducing the uncertainty in the design and manufacturing process.

[0173] The present invention has demonstrated significant technical advantages in dental arch morphology extraction, three-dimensional reconstruction, and personalized orthodontic design, solving the problems of insufficient personalization, complex operation, and poor treatment effects in traditional methods. The three-dimensional dental arch morphology extraction technology based on CBCT data can not only improve the accuracy and stability of orthodontic treatment, but also greatly improve the efficiency of clinical operations and the aesthetics of treatment through a full-process automated solution. The innovations of the present invention are mainly reflected in the following aspects. By combining advanced CBCT imaging technology, three-dimensional modeling and personalized design, it solves the problems of insufficient personalization, limited accuracy, and complex operation in traditional orthodontic treatment, and provides a more scientific and efficient technical solution:

[0174] 1. 3D dental arch morphology extraction based on CBCT data

[0175] One of the core innovations of the present invention is to use CBCT data to accurately extract personalized dental arch morphology from the patient's three-dimensional jaw image. Unlike traditional two-dimensional images or manual measurement methods, CBCT provides a complete three-dimensional perspective, allowing doctors to more accurately capture the patient's true jaw structure and tooth position. The present invention directly extracts dental arch morphology from CBCT data through a variety of methods such as automated algorithms or manual drawing lines, achieving a high degree of automation and precision from data acquisition to model generation. This process is the key innovation of the present invention.

[0176] 2Flexible technical solution combining automation and manual segmentation

[0177] The present invention innovatively proposes a technical solution that combines automatic segmentation with manual operation, ensuring flexibility and accuracy in complex cases. Automated segmentation uses advanced image processing algorithms and machine learning techniques to automatically identify and segment the boundaries of teeth and jaws from CBCT images, greatly improving operational efficiency. For complex structures that are difficult to handle with automated segmentation, the present invention allows doctors to further correct the dental arch morphology by manually drawing lines. This combination of automated and manual segmentation not only ensures the accuracy of the model, but also improves operational flexibility, and is a unique innovative approach.

[0178] Comprehensive protection of 3 kinds of dental arch shape extraction methods

[0179] The present invention protects a variety of methods for extracting dental arch morphology from CBCT image data, including but not limited to automated segmentation, manual drawing, and a combination of the two. The common point of these methods is that they are based on CBCT data operations, ensuring that the complete technical path from data acquisition to model generation is protected. Whether it is generating a preliminary model based on an automatic segmentation algorithm or performing detailed curve fitting by manually marking key points, the extraction method of the present invention provides a highly flexible solution that adapts to different clinical scenarios and is highly innovative.

[0180] 4. Optimizing personalized treatment plans through mechanical simulation

[0181] On the basis of generating a three-dimensional dental arch morphology model, the present invention introduces mechanical simulation technology to evaluate the mechanical distribution of tooth movement during the design of the appliance. By simulating the forces acting on the teeth during treatment, doctors can optimize the design of the appliance in advance to ensure a reasonable mechanical distribution during treatment and avoid tooth damage or discomfort during treatment. Mechanical simulation is an important part of the design of personalized treatment plans. The present invention not only focuses on the reconstruction of the dental arch morphology, but also on the optimization of the mechanical effects during treatment, further enhancing the reliability and safety of the treatment.

[0182] 5Personalized design solutions for full process automation

[0183] The present invention innovatively combines CBCT data processing with the full process automation of personalized dental arch design, covering all steps from image acquisition, segmentation processing, 3D model reconstruction to orthodontic design. The doctor only needs to obtain the patient's CBCT data, and the system can generate the patient's personalized 3D dental arch model through automated processing, and optimize the appliance design in combination with mechanical simulation data. The automation of the entire process not only reduces the doctor's manual operation, but also greatly shortens the design time, making the design of personalized treatment plans more efficient and accurate.

[0184] 6Personalized appliance design for different patient needs

[0185] Based on the three-dimensional dental arch morphology model generated from the CBCT image, the present invention can design personalized braces or archwires, including invisible braces and traditional braces, according to the individual needs of each patient. Traditional brace design is usually based on standardized archwires, while the present invention ensures that the brace design is more in line with the actual situation of the patient through personalized dental arch morphology, reduces the possibility of recurrence after treatment, and improves the aesthetic effect of treatment. This design capability for individual needs greatly enhances the flexibility and adaptability of treatment.

[0186] 7. 3D Modeling and Analysis to Improve Operational Efficiency

[0187] The present invention utilizes automated modeling and image processing technology in the process of generating a three-dimensional dental arch morphology model, which greatly improves the speed of generating a three-dimensional model. Compared with traditional manual modeling or two-dimensional image processing methods, the process of generating a three-dimensional model based on CBCT images is faster and more efficient. Especially for complex cases, the automated processing solution of the present invention can significantly reduce the doctor's operation time while ensuring the accuracy of the model. This innovation not only improves the efficiency of clinical work, but also greatly enhances the patient's treatment experience.

[0188] In addition, it should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. in the specification are only used to distinguish the various components, elements, steps, etc. in the specification, and are not used to indicate the logical relationship or sequential relationship between the various components, elements, steps, etc.

[0189] It is to be understood that, although the present invention has been disclosed as a preferred embodiment, the above embodiment is not intended to limit the present invention. For any person skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention, the technical content disclosed above can be used to make many possible changes and modifications to the technical solution of the present invention, or modified into equivalent embodiments of equivalent changes. Therefore, any simple modification, equivalent change and modification made to the above embodiments according to the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention still falls within the scope of protection of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for reconstructing three-dimensional dental arch morphology based on CBCT images, characterized in that include: receiving three-dimensional image data of a three-dimensional jaw and teeth image; processing the three-dimensional image data to segment the three-dimensional jaw and tooth images to obtain a dental arch morphology in the form of two-dimensional image data; The acquired two-dimensional image data are superimposed to generate a three-dimensional dental arch morphology model; The key parameters of the dental arch are extracted based on the three-dimensional dental arch morphology model.

2. The method for reconstructing three-dimensional dental arch morphology based on CBCT images according to claim 1, characterized in that: An automatic segmentation algorithm is used to segment the teeth and jaw areas in the three-dimensional jaw and teeth images, and the dental arch morphology is extracted in the form of two-dimensional image data; and further, for areas in the three-dimensional jaw and teeth images that cannot be automatically segmented by the automatic segmentation algorithm, the teeth and jaw areas are manually segmented using a manual drawing method to further correct the dental arch morphology, thereby ultimately obtaining the dental arch morphology.

3. The method for reconstructing three-dimensional dental arch morphology based on CBCT images according to claim 2, characterized in that: Automatic segmentation algorithms include threshold segmentation, region growing algorithm or image segmentation algorithm based on machine learning.

4. The method for reconstructing three-dimensional dental arch morphology based on CBCT images according to claim 2, characterized in that: Manual segmentation of the teeth and jaw regions includes manually marking the key points of the teeth in the three-dimensional jaw and teeth images that cannot be automatically segmented by the automatic segmentation algorithm, and generating a dental arch morphology curve for the key points of the teeth using a Bezier curve or a polynomial fitting.

5. The method for reconstructing three-dimensional dental arch morphology based on CBCT images according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A machine learning model is used to segment the teeth and jaw areas in the three-dimensional jaw and teeth images to extract the dental arch morphology in the form of two-dimensional image data; and the segmented three-dimensional jaw and teeth images are associated with the generated three-dimensional dental arch morphology model as a set of data for training the machine learning model.

6. The method for reconstructing three-dimensional dental arch morphology based on CBCT images according to claim 5, characterized in that: A convolutional neural network-based model was used to accurately extract dental arch morphology in cases of jaw abnormalities or tooth rotation.

7. The method for reconstructing three-dimensional dental arch morphology based on CBCT images according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that Also includes: Generate personalized orthodontic appliance design data based on the generated three-dimensional dental arch morphology model; Different types of orthodontic tools are designed according to the patient's dental arch morphology; The dental arch curve data is extracted from the generated three-dimensional dental arch morphology model, and a mechanical simulation analysis is performed on the dental arch curve data. The orthodontic tool design is optimized based on the tooth movement path and force distribution in the analysis results.

8. The method for reconstructing three-dimensional dental arch morphology based on CBCT images according to claim 7, characterized in that: Mechanical simulation analysis includes: using the generated three-dimensional dental arch morphology model to apply corrective force to each tooth and predict the movement path and force distribution of each tooth during the treatment process.

9. The method for reconstructing three-dimensional dental arch morphology based on CBCT images according to claim 7, characterized in that: Remodeling is performed during the follow-up of the patient's treatment to track the changes in the dental arch morphology during the patient's treatment, and the remodeling is used to readjust the orthodontic plan.

10. The method for reconstructing three-dimensional dental arch morphology based on CBCT images according to claim 7, characterized in that: The orthodontic tool is an archwire, wherein the archwire design is based on the arch width and arch curvature data of the three-dimensional dental arch morphology model.

Images