Systems, methods, and computer program products for managing orthodontic treatments from magnetic resonance data

Abstract

Systems, methods, and computer program products for managing orthodontic treatments from magnetic resonance data are disclosed. The invention relates to a system (1) for managing orthodontic treatments of a patient (2), the system (1) comprising: acquisition means (3; 3a; 3b) adapted to acquire magnetic resonance data (4) of a maxillofacial region of the patient (2) and impression data (5) of at least some of the teeth (6) of the patient (2); and a computing device (7) configured to analyze the magnetic resonance data (4) and determine a condition of the maxillofacial region of the patient (2). The invention also relates to a computer-implemented method for managing an orthodontic treatment of a patient (2) using the system (1) of the invention. Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer program product comprising program code means for executing the method according to the invention when the computer program product is executed in a processing unit of the system (1) according to the invention.

Description

[0001] Independently of grammatical usage of the term, masculine or feminine individuals are included in the term. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to orthodontic treatment of dental misalignment of a patient by using individually manufactured dental appliances. The present invention more particularly relates to a system for managing dental appliance treatment of a patient. Background Art

[0003] Orthodontic treatment is usually performed according to the following general steps:

[0004] 1. During the initial consultation, the orthodontist examines the patient's teeth, jaws, and bite and reviews the patient's dental and medical history. The orthodontist then determines the goals of treatment.

[0005] 2. The orthodontist typically obtains a series of diagnostic records, including photographs, x-ray images, and digital impressions of the teeth. These records help the orthodontist visualize the patient's teeth and jaws in three dimensions and enable the orthodontist to accurately diagnose any problems.

[0006] 3. Based on the patient's examination and diagnostic records, the orthodontist develops a diagnosis and treatment plan. The treatment plan includes specific recommendations for appliances (such as braces or dental braces), as well as the duration of treatment.

[0007] 4. During orthodontic braces treatment, the patient typically wears multiple orthodontic braces created according to the treatment plan. Orthodontic braces may have to be used in a specific order to achieve treatment goals. The duration of orthodontic braces treatment depends on the complexity of the treatment goals, but it usually ranges from 6 months to 2 years or more.

[0008] 5. After the initial phase of braces treatment is complete, the patient may need to wear a retainer to keep the teeth aligned. The orthodontist schedules regular follow-up appointments to monitor the patient's progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

[0009] The problem is that due to limited diagnostic means, it is often not possible to detect treatment-induced problems such as inflammation and / or root resorption and subsequently adjust orthodontic appliance treatment to avoid post-treatment health problems. In addition to the limited ability to identify treatment-induced problems using x-ray imaging methods during the course of treatment, collecting x-ray data during treatment for monitoring purposes exposes the patient to ionizing radiation and is generally not recommended, while a simple visual inspection of the oral cavity by the dentist provides only limited insight into health issues beneath the visible surface.

[0010] Even if treatment-induced problems can be detected using the means available in the dental facility, the orthodontist may not be able to specify how treatment should be adjusted to prevent or correct such problems.

[0011] This is also true when the treatment involves the use of dental braces, especially clear aligners.

[0012] Treatment with braces, particularly clear braces, is often based on information generated from digital impression (DI) scans, photographs and optionally x-ray images. Often, the brace design is planned based on an initial DI scan (the "default" case), i.e. without taking into account the individual patient's condition and without means for optimization during treatment. This can lead to damage to the patient, such as tooth loss and subsequent inflammation due to too rapid tooth movement, tooth root shortening, root resorption and / or problems in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) area, resulting in the need for further treatment after the initial treatment has been completed.

[0013] Currently, the design of clear aligners is based on visual inspection and DI scans, photographs and / or panoramic x-ray scans. In some cases, it is recommended to obtain 3D cone beam CT (computed tomography) images.

[0014] Orthodontic brackets are often designed based on cephalometric x-ray images (Ceph scans).Ceph scans can also be used for treatment planning, for example via the identification of anatomical landmarks.

[0015] Additionally, a PAN scan (ie, a full-body CT scan) can be used to identify the position of a patient's teeth and roots. However, when clear aligners are used, information from a Ceph scan or PAN scan is rarely used for treatment planning or monitoring.

[0016] The acquisition of x-ray and / or CT images exposes the patient to ionizing radiation. Ionizing radiation can cause immediate radiation damage to tissue cells in the irradiated area of ​​the patient's body and has the potential risk of altering the genetic composition of the cells, which can lead to the development of tumors and cancer. Therefore, imaging modalities using ionizing radiation are rarely used to support the planning or monitoring of orthodontic appliance treatment. Summary of the invention

[0017] It is an object of the present invention to provide patients with adaptable orthodontic appliance treatment that reduces the need for follow-up treatment for problems caused by the orthodontic appliance treatment.

[0018] This object is achieved by a system and a computer implemented method according to the independent claims. Further developments and preferred embodiments are defined by the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0019] The system of the present invention is configured for managing orthodontic appliance treatment for a patient.

[0020] The system comprises an acquisition device adapted to acquire magnetic resonance data of a maxillofacial region of a patient and impression data of a plurality of teeth of the patient.

[0021] Furthermore, the system comprises: a computing device adapted to:

[0022] ● determining treatment information based on the impression data, wherein the treatment information includes a design of one or more dental braces to be used during the patient's orthodontic appliance treatment and / or an initial schedule for replacing the designed dental braces during the patient's orthodontic appliance treatment,

[0023] ● Output initial orthodontic treatment plan recommendations including treatment information,

[0024] ● Analyzing the magnetic resonance data and determining the condition of the patient's maxillofacial region, and

[0025] ● Suggested modifications to the initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan are proposed based on the determined condition of the patient's maxillofacial region.

[0026] The computing device may comprise a computing unit or a processing unit configured to process the magnetic resonance data and the impression data. In particular, the processing unit may be configured to extract information according to the embodiments described below from the magnetic resonance data and the impression data. In some embodiments, the computing device may correspond to the processing unit.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the computing device comprises a control unit configured to control the acquisition device to acquire magnetic resonance data of the maxillofacial region of the patient and impression data of a plurality of teeth of the patient. The control unit may also be configured to control the processing unit to process the magnetic resonance data and the impression data.

[0028] The maxillofacial region may include at least the patient's teeth, a portion of a jaw, a portion of a dental arch, a portion of a mouth, a portion of a jawbone, and / or a portion of a craniomaxillofacial complex.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic resonance data includes one or more magnetic resonance images. The computing device can be configured to analyze the one or more magnetic resonance images and determine the condition of the maxillofacial region of the patient based on the one or more magnetic resonance images. The magnetic resonance data can also include magnetic resonance signals and / or k-space data of the maxillofacial region of the patient.

[0030] According to an embodiment, magnetic resonance data is acquired before one or more dental appliances are manufactured.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic resonance data is acquired after one or more dental braces have been manufactured. Acquiring magnetic resonance data after treatment has begun can advantageously allow detection of undesirable effects of dental brace treatment on the maxillofacial region of the patient, such as inflammation, bone resorption, root resorption, etc. For example, the magnetic resonance data can be advantageously used for longitudinal imaging studies (i.e., by continuously monitoring the maxillofacial region of the patient over the course of dental brace treatment), which is not feasible with ionizing radiation-based imaging modalities due to the cumulative radiation dose and low soft tissue contrast and poor inflammation visibility.

[0032] The system may include a plurality of acquisition devices adapted to acquire one or more magnetic resonance images of a maxillofacial region of a patient and impression data of a plurality of teeth of the patient. For example, the system may include: a first acquisition device configured to acquire or receive magnetic resonance data of a maxillofacial region of a patient; and a second acquisition device configured to acquire or receive impression data of a plurality of teeth of a patient.

[0033] The acquisition device may include a magnetic resonance device configured to acquire magnetic resonance data of the maxillofacial region of the patient via a magnetic resonance examination. However, the acquisition device may also include a data interface configured to receive the magnetic resonance data of the maxillofacial region of the patient from the magnetic resonance device, a network system (e.g., PACS, RIS, or HIS), a cloud, and / or a data storage device. According to an embodiment, the acquisition device includes a control unit configured to control the magnetic resonance device to acquire or receive the magnetic resonance data of the maxillofacial region of the patient.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic resonance data includes information about the internal structure of the patient's maxillofacial region. For example, the magnetic resonance data may include information about the internal structure or composition of a tooth, multiple teeth, a dental arch, a jaw bone, a mandibular joint, a portion of the gums, etc.

[0035] The acquisition device may include a scanning device configured to acquire impression data of a plurality of teeth of the patient. It is also conceivable that the acquisition device includes a data interface configured to acquire the impression data from the scanning device, from a network system (e.g., PACS, RIS or HIS), a cloud and / or a data repository.

[0036] Outputting the initial dental braces treatment plan suggestion may include storing the initial dental braces treatment plan suggestion in a data storage device such as a local data storage device, a network data storage device, and / or a cloud data storage device. However, outputting the initial dental braces treatment plan suggestion may also include sending the initial dental braces treatment plan suggestion to a display unit, a treatment planning unit, and / or a dental braces manufacturing device. In particular, outputting the initial dental braces treatment plan suggestion may include outputting the initial dental braces treatment plan suggestion to a practitioner such as an orthodontist, a dental professional, a dentist, and / or a dental technician.

[0037] The outputted initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan suggestion may include proposed modifications to the initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan suggestion.

[0038] The inventive system for managing orthodontic appliance treatment for a patient allows for modification of the orthodontic appliance treatment based on magnetic resonance data of the maxillofacial region of the patient. The magnetic resonance data may include information about the internal structure of the maxillofacial region of the patient, advantageously supplementing information from other sources such as impression data. Thus, based on the information about the internal structure of the maxillofacial region of the patient, the orthodontic appliance treatment may advantageously be improved and / or customized for a particular patient.

[0039] The system of the present invention can advantageously allow for a reduction in the need for post-treatment of problems caused by orthodontic appliance treatment. In providing the proposed modifications to the initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan, the risk of injury to the patient caused by orthodontic appliance treatment can advantageously be reduced or minimized.

[0040] When using magnetic resonance data, exposure of the patient to ionizing radiation can advantageously be avoided.Thus, the progress of the orthodontic appliance treatment can be monitored continuously, for example in a longitudinal imaging series, or at specific times during the course of the orthodontic appliance treatment.

[0041] The inventive system may be particularly beneficial in medical facilities where magnetic resonance equipment is not available.The inventive system may advantageously allow acquisition of magnetic resonance data and modification of an initial orthodontic treatment plan recommendation after it has been established based on impression data.

[0042] According to an embodiment of the system of the invention, the computing means is adapted to output the proposed modification to the practitioner.

[0043] As described above, the computing device is configured to output an initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan suggestion. The initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan suggestion may include proposed modifications to the initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan suggestion. However, the proposed modifications to the initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan suggestion and the initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan suggestion may be output separately. In a preferred embodiment, the proposed modifications to the initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan suggestion and / or the initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan suggestion are output to the practitioner via a display unit such as a screen, a monitor, a projector, a screen of a mobile device, or the like.

[0044] When the proposed modifications are output to the practitioner, the practitioner may advantageously be made aware of the need to modify the orthodontic appliance treatment.

[0045] According to another embodiment of the system of the present invention, the proposed modifications to the initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan suggestion include heat maps and / or symbols indicating anatomical regions to which orthodontic appliance treatment should be applied.

[0046] Preferably, the computing device comprises an image processing unit configured to highlight and / or annotate anatomical regions to which orthodontic appliance treatment should be applied. In particular, the image processing unit may be configured to highlight anatomical regions to which orthodontic appliance treatment should be applied in a magnetic resonance image, a representation of a patient's set of teeth, a panoramic view of a patient's set of teeth and / or a physical or virtual model of a patient's set of teeth.

[0047] The heat map may indicate in different colors the anatomical regions to which the dental braces treatment should be applied. The symbols may include letters, numbers, marks, logos, graphics, etc. Preferably, the heat map and / or symbols are configured to provide an indication of how the anatomical regions should be applied. For example, the heat map and / or symbols may provide an indication of how the shape and / or size of one or more dental braces should be modified.

[0048] In providing heat maps and / or symbols indicating anatomical regions to which orthodontic appliance treatment should be applied, the risk of misinterpretation of proposed modifications and / or injury to the patient may be advantageously reduced or eliminated.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the present system, the treatment information includes designs of one or more dental braces to be used during the patient's orthodontic appliance treatment, and the proposed modifications to the initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan include modifications to the designs of the one or more dental braces.

[0050] The design of one or more dental braces may include information about the size and / or shape of the one or more dental braces. For example, the design of one or more dental braces may include three-dimensional information about the one or more dental braces. In a preferred embodiment, the design of one or more dental braces includes a three-dimensional model of each of the one or more dental braces.

[0051] It is contemplated that the proposed modification to the initial dental braces treatment plan suggestion includes a modification to the size and / or shape of the dental braces in one or more dental braces. In particular, the proposed modification to the initial dental braces treatment plan suggestion may include a modification or change to at least a portion of the three-dimensional model of the dental braces in one or more dental braces or the plurality of dental braces.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the proposed modifications to the initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan recommendation include modifications to the initial schedule for replacing designed dental appliances during the patient's orthodontic appliance treatment.

[0053] When modifications to the design of one or more dental braces are provided based on an assessment of the condition of the patient's maxillofacial region based on magnetic resonance data, the quality of the orthodontic appliance treatment may advantageously be improved as compared to conventional orthodontic appliance treatment.

[0054] In another embodiment of the present system, the computing device is adapted to output the proposed modifications to the design of one or more dental appliances to a manufacturing facility.

[0055] The manufacturing equipment may include additive manufacturing equipment and / or processing manufacturing devices. In a preferred embodiment, the manufacturing equipment includes an additive manufacturing device configured to manufacture one or more dental braces via a 3D printing process. The 3D printing process may include additive manufacturing techniques such as VAT photopolymerization, material jetting, binder jetting, powder bed fusion, material extrusion, directed energy deposition, sheet lamination, etc.

[0056] The proposed modification to the design of one or more dental braces can advantageously be sent or output directly to a manufacturing device configured to manufacture one or more dental braces. Thus, the processing efficiency of achieving the desired adaptation of dental brace treatment based on the condition of the patient's maxillofacial region can advantageously be improved.

[0057] According to an embodiment, the system of the invention comprises a scanning device for generating impression data by scanning the oral cavity of the patient and / or by scanning an impression material that has been applied to the patient's teeth.

[0058] The scanning device may be configured to scan a 3D surface of an intraoral area of ​​a patient and / or an impression material. In particular, the scanning device may be configured to acquire 3D information and / or a 3D scan of an intraoral area or oral cavity of a patient and / or an impression material. According to an embodiment, the scanning device is an intraoral scanning device configured to acquire 3D information of an intraoral area or oral cavity of a patient.

[0059] The patient's mouth or intraoral region may include a tooth, multiple teeth, a dental arch, a portion of the gums, a portion of the tongue, a portion of the palate, a portion of the dentition, etc.

[0060] The scanning device may include one or more camera devices. For example, the scanning device may include multiple 2D camera devices and / or 3D camera devices. It is also conceivable that the scanning device includes an infrared camera device and / or a LIDAR sensor.

[0061] Inserting a dental impression material into the patient's mouth may be objectionable to some patients. When providing the system of the present invention including a scanning device, the risk of a patient terminating the process of obtaining a dental impression may advantageously be reduced.

[0062] When the system of the present invention is provided including a scanning device, the efficiency of the process of acquiring impression data of a plurality of teeth of a patient can be advantageously improved.

[0063] According to another embodiment of the system of the invention, the computing device is adapted to analyze the impression data to detect pathology in the maxillofacial region of the patient and to propose modifications to the initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan suggestion based on the determined pathology in the maxillofacial region of the patient.

[0064] The impression data may include 3D information about a plurality of teeth of the patient. In particular, the impression data may include a 3D model of a plurality of teeth of the patient. In a preferred embodiment, the impression data includes a 3D scan of a plurality of teeth of the patient and / or a 3D scan of impression material that has been applied to the patient's teeth.

[0065] The computing device may include a processing unit configured to analyze the impression data and to detect a pathology in the maxillofacial region of the patient. In particular, the computing device may include an image processing unit configured to process a 3D scan of a plurality of teeth of the patient and / or an impression material that has been applied to the teeth of the patient, and to detect a pathology in the maxillofacial region of the patient based on the 3D scan.

[0066] For example, the processing unit may include an AI algorithm (particularly a trained AI algorithm) configured to process the impression data and detect pathologies in the maxillofacial region of the patient. The processing unit may also be configured to detect pathologies in the maxillofacial region of the patient based on impression data from one or more reference patients. The processing unit may be configured to obtain impression data from one or more reference patients from a data storage device such as a local data storage device, a network storage device and / or a cloud storage device. In addition, the processing unit may be configured to detect pathologies in the maxillofacial region of the patient based on a model such as a body model (particularly a model of the maxillofacial region). The processing unit may be configured to detect pathologies in the maxillofacial region of the patient based on the arrangement of teeth, the orientation of at least one tooth, the position of at least one tooth, the relative position of multiple teeth, missing teeth, missing parts of at least one tooth and / or damage to at least one tooth.

[0067] It is contemplated that the computing device includes a processing unit configured to propose modifications to the initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan recommendation based on the determined pathology of the maxillofacial region of the patient.

[0068] The processing unit may correspond to a local processor of the computing device. However, the processing unit may also form part of a network system and / or a cloud processor.

[0069] The computing device according to the present invention may advantageously allow consistent and / or reproducible results regarding proposed modifications to orthodontic appliance treatment.

[0070] Furthermore, the computing device according to the present invention may advantageously allow for the detection of pathologies in the maxillofacial region of a patient, regardless of the qualifications of the practitioner or dental professional.

[0071] According to an embodiment of the system of the present invention, the acquisition device is configured to acquire further magnetic resonance data of the maxillofacial region of the patient. The computing device is configured to:

[0072] ● Determine further treatment information based on further MRI data, and

[0073] ● Output further treatment information.

[0074] The computing device may be configured to schedule further magnetic resonance examinations to be performed during the patient's orthodontic appliance treatment. For example, the computing device may be configured to notify the dental professional that further magnetic resonance data of the patient's maxillofacial region should be acquired.

[0075] The computing device may be configured to employ and / or initiate further magnetic resonance examinations of the patient's maxillofacial region at any time during orthodontic appliance treatment.

[0076] The further magnetic resonance data is different from the magnetic resonance data. Preferably, the further magnetic resonance data is acquired after the magnetic resonance data has been acquired. In particular, the further magnetic resonance data may be acquired after orthodontic appliance treatment has begun, for example after one or more orthodontic appliances based on the initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan suggestion and / or the proposed modifications to the initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan suggestion have been applied to the patient's teeth.

[0077] According to the above embodiments, the computing device may comprise a processing unit and / or an image processing unit.The processing unit and / or the image processing unit may be configured to analyze the further magnetic resonance data and determine further treatment information based on the further magnetic resonance data.

[0078] Furthermore, the computing device may be configured to determine a further orthodontic appliance treatment plan suggestion comprising further treatment information. Preferably, the further orthodontic appliance treatment plan suggestion is different from the orthodontic appliance treatment plan suggestion. It is also contemplated that, according to the above embodiments, the further treatment information comprises a proposed modification to the initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan suggestion and / or a proposed modification to the orthodontic appliance treatment plan suggestion.

[0079] According to the above embodiment, the computing device may be configured to output further orthodontic appliance treatment plan suggestions. Preferably, the computing device is configured to output further treatment information to a data storage device, a network system, a cloud and / or a practitioner.

[0080] In determining further treatment information, the orthodontic appliance treatment may be advantageously modified or adjusted based on changes in the condition of the patient's maxillofacial region during the orthodontic appliance treatment.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment of the system of the present invention, the computing device is configured to:

[0082] ● determining a pathology in the maxillofacial region of the patient based on the magnetic resonance data, and

[0083] ● Suggested modifications to the initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan are proposed based on the identified pathology of the patient's maxillofacial region.

[0084] According to the above embodiment, the computing device may include a processing unit and / or an image processing unit. The computing device may be configured to process the magnetic resonance data and determine a pathology in the maxillofacial region of the patient based on the magnetic resonance data. Furthermore, the computing device may be configured to determine a modification to the initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan suggestion based on the determined pathology in the maxillofacial region of the patient.

[0085] Pathology in the maxillofacial region of the patient may include, for example, inflammation, inflammation at the root tips, bone resorption, root resorption, changes in pulp or bone perfusion, and / or deviations from the expected course of orthodontic appliance treatment.

[0086] A computing device according to the present invention may advantageously allow detection of pathology in the maxillofacial region of a patient regardless of the qualifications of the practitioner or dental professional. For example, some dental professionals may not be familiar with the proper functioning of the temporomandibular joint. In providing a computing device configured to suggest modifications to an initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan based on the determined pathology in the maxillofacial region of a patient, the quality of orthodontic appliance treatment may be improved. Furthermore, the risk of injury to a patient via inadequate orthodontic appliance treatment (e.g., based on inadequate information from impression data) may advantageously be reduced or eliminated.

[0087] According to an embodiment of the system of the present invention, the computing device is configured to:

[0088] ● determining a deviation between the arrangement of the teeth suggested according to the initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan and the physiologically appropriate arrangement of the teeth according to the magnetic resonance data, and

[0089] ● Recommended modifications to the initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan are proposed based on the deviations identified.

[0090] The arrangement of teeth according to the initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan suggestion may correspond to the arrangement of teeth that would be obtained upon completion of orthodontic appliance treatment without modification of the initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan suggestion.

[0091] A physiologically appropriate arrangement of teeth may correspond to a tooth arrangement that provides a healthy bite (eg, characterized by a correct position of the upper jaw relative to the lower jaw) and / or allows for proper function of the patient's temporomandibular joint.

[0092] According to the above embodiments, the computing device may include a processing unit and / or an image processing unit. The computing device may be configured to determine the arrangement of teeth suggested according to the initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan and the physiologically appropriate arrangement of teeth. The computing device may be configured to determine the physiologically appropriate arrangement of teeth based on magnetic resonance data of the maxillofacial region of the patient. It is also conceivable that the computing device is configured to determine the physiologically appropriate arrangement of teeth based on data and / or models from a reference patient, in particular models including the maxillofacial region.

[0093] According to an embodiment of the system of the present invention, the magnetic resonance data includes magnetic resonance data of a temporomandibular joint of the patient, and the computing device includes a motion simulator configured to simulate movement of the temporomandibular joint based on the magnetic resonance data.

[0094] The magnetic resonance data may comprise information about the size and / or shape of the patient's temporomandibular joint.Preferably, the magnetic resonance data comprises 3D information, in particular 3D image data, of the patient's temporomandibular joint.

[0095] The motion simulator may be part of a processing unit of a computing device. It is also conceivable that the motion simulator is implemented on a processing unit of a computing device, a network system and / or a cloud. The motion simulator may include a model of the maxillofacial region, in particular a model of the temporomandibular joint.

[0096] The motion simulator can be configured to determine the movement of the temporomandibular joint based on the magnetic resonance data of the patient's temporomandibular joint. Preferably, the motion simulator is configured to simulate or simulate the movement of the temporomandibular joint based on the arrangement of teeth (e.g., the arrangement of teeth suggested by the initial orthodontic treatment plan) and the physiologically appropriate arrangement of teeth. It is also contemplated that the motion simulator is configured to generate or adjust a model including the maxillofacial region based on the magnetic resonance data. The motion simulator can be configured to use the model to simulate the movement of the temporomandibular joint.

[0097] According to an embodiment, the magnetic resonance data and / or the further magnetic resonance data comprise image data of the maxillofacial region of the patient with different open positions and / or closed positions of the jaw or the temporomandibular joint. The motion simulator may be configured to output or display an animation of the motion of the jaw or the temporomandibular joint based on the magnetic resonance data and / or the further magnetic resonance data.

[0098] The system of the present invention can advantageously allow orthodontic appliance treatment to be adjusted according to the function of the temporomandibular joint.Therefore, the risk of injuring the patient via orthodontic appliance treatment can be advantageously reduced or eliminated.

[0099] The computer-implemented method of the present invention for managing orthodontic appliance treatment for a patient comprises the following steps:

[0100] ● Acquire magnetic resonance data of the patient's maxillofacial region and impression data of a plurality of teeth of the patient via an acquisition device,

[0101] ● determining, via a computing device, treatment information from the impression data, wherein the treatment information includes a design of one or more dental braces to be used during the patient's orthodontic appliance treatment and / or an initial schedule for replacing the designed dental braces during the patient's orthodontic appliance treatment,

[0102] ● Output initial orthodontic treatment plan recommendations including treatment information,

[0103] ●Analyzing the magnetic resonance data and determining the condition of the patient's maxillofacial region, and

[0104] ● Suggested modifications to the initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan are proposed based on the determined condition of the patient's maxillofacial region.

[0105] The method of the present invention can be performed using the system of the present invention according to the above-mentioned embodiments. In particular, the method of the present invention can be configured to perform each function of the system of the present invention according to the above-mentioned embodiments. Preferably, the system of the present invention according to the above-mentioned embodiments is configured to perform the method of the present invention.

[0106] It should be understood that, unless explicitly excluded, all features, functions, and embodiments of the system of the present invention described herein are also applicable to the method of the present invention or can be combined with the method of the present invention.

[0107] The system of the present invention may include a magnetic resonance device, a scanning device, a control unit and / or a processing unit. The control unit may be configured to control the computing device to execute any of the method steps and / or functions of the embodiments of the system of the present invention described above.

[0108] Magnetic resonance data of the maxillofacial region of the patient may be acquired before or after orthodontic appliance treatment has begun. For example, magnetic resonance data and impression data may be acquired substantially simultaneously (e.g., within the same day or week). However, magnetic resonance data may also be acquired after orthodontic appliance treatment has begun. In particular, magnetic resonance data may be acquired during orthodontic appliance treatment. It is conceivable that magnetic resonance data may be acquired multiple times during the course of orthodontic appliance treatment. In this case, one or more steps of the method of the present invention may be repeated multiple times.

[0109] According to an embodiment, the control unit of the system of the present invention is configured to control the magnetic resonance device to acquire magnetic resonance data from the maxillofacial region of the patient. It is also conceivable that the control unit is configured to control the optical imaging device to acquire optical data or impression data from the patient's oral cavity and / or the impression material that has been applied to the patient's teeth.

[0110] The computing device may represent a main computing device of the magnetic resonance device and / or the scanning device. However, the computing device may also represent an independent or separate component. Likewise, the control unit of the system according to the invention may correspond to a main control unit of the magnetic resonance device and / or a main control unit of the scanning device. In the case where the computing device of the system according to the invention forms a separate component, the main control unit of the system according to the invention may be connected to the main control unit of the magnetic resonance device and / or the main control unit of the scanning device via a suitable signal connection.

[0111] The system of the invention (in particular the computing device) may include one or more acquisition devices or data interfaces configured to receive or acquire impression data and magnetic resonance data of the maxillofacial region of the patient. For example, the computing device may include one or more data interfaces connected to the scanning device and / or the magnetic resonance device via a suitable signal connection (i.e., an electrical signal connection or a wireless connection). However, it is also conceivable that, according to the above embodiments, one or more data interfaces are connected to a data storage device, a network system or a cloud.

[0112] In some embodiments, the processing unit of the computing device may represent the main processing unit of the magnetic resonance device and / or the main processing unit of the scanning device. In the case where the computing device is a separate component, the processing unit may be connected to the main processing unit of the magnetic resonance device and / or the main processing unit of the scanning device via a suitable signal connection. It is conceivable that the processing unit is combined or integrated in the control unit.

[0113] Preferably, the processing unit and the control unit of the computing device are configured to cooperate and / or perform each function of the embodiments of the method of the present invention and the system of the present invention according to the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0114] The processing unit and / or the control unit may form part of a computing device. The processing unit and / or the control unit may include a graphics unit, a storage unit and any other components required to perform the method of the present invention.

[0115] According to an embodiment, the processing unit is configured to process the impression data and / or the magnetic resonance data. In particular, the processing unit may be configured to analyze the magnetic resonance data and / or the impression data and determine the condition of the maxillofacial region of the patient. The processing unit may include or implement a processing algorithm, such as an image processing algorithm, a pattern recognition algorithm, etc. According to the above-mentioned embodiment, the processing algorithm may be configured to process the impression data and / or the magnetic resonance data.

[0116] The inventive method shares the advantages of the inventive system. The inventive system may advantageously allow embodiments of the inventive method to be performed in a robust and / or reproducible manner.

[0117] The system of the present invention for managing orthodontic treatment of a patient comprises: an acquisition device adapted to acquire magnetic resonance data of a maxillofacial region of the patient and impression data of a plurality of teeth of the patient. The system further comprises: a computing device configured to:

[0118] ● Analyze MRI data and determine the condition of the patient's maxillofacial region,

[0119] ●determining treatment information based on the impression data and the determined condition of the maxillofacial region of the patient (2), wherein the treatment information includes a design of one or more dental braces to be used during the patient's orthodontic treatment and / or an initial schedule for replacing the designed dental braces during the patient's orthodontic treatment,

[0120] ● Outputs an orthodontic treatment plan suggestion including treatment information.

[0121] The system may be configured according to the above-mentioned embodiments. In particular, the system may include and / or implement any one of the components and / or functions of the system of the present invention according to the above-mentioned embodiments. Preferably, the acquisition device and / or the calculation device of the system are implemented according to the above-mentioned embodiments of the system.

[0122] In contrast to the above-described system embodiments, the computing device is configured to directly generate an orthodontic appliance treatment plan recommendation based on the magnetic resonance data of the patient's maxillofacial region, rather than determining modifications to an initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan recommendation based on the impression data.

[0123] In providing the system of the present invention, the efficiency of generating orthodontic appliance treatment plan recommendations can be advantageously improved. The system can be particularly beneficial in a medical facility that includes a magnetic resonance device. Such a facility can allow the acquisition of impression data and magnetic resonance data substantially simultaneously. Thus, the orthodontic appliance treatment plan recommendations can be generated immediately after the acquisition of the impression data and magnetic resonance data.

[0124] The computer-implemented method of the present invention for managing orthodontic appliance treatment for a patient comprises the following steps:

[0125] ● Acquire magnetic resonance data of the patient's maxillofacial region and impression data of a plurality of teeth of the patient via an acquisition device,

[0126] ● analyzing the magnetic resonance data via a computing device and determining the condition of the maxillofacial region of the patient,

[0127] ● determining, via a computing device, treatment information based on the impression data and the determined condition of the patient's maxillofacial region, wherein the treatment information includes a design of one or more dental braces to be used during the patient's orthodontic treatment and / or an initial schedule for replacing the designed dental braces during the patient's orthodontic treatment, and

[0128] ● Outputs an orthodontic treatment plan suggestion including treatment information.

[0129] The method of the present invention can be performed using the system of the present invention according to the above-mentioned embodiments. In particular, the method of the present invention can be configured to perform each function of the system of the present invention according to the above-mentioned embodiments. Preferably, the system of the present invention according to the above-mentioned embodiments is configured to perform the method of the present invention.

[0130] It should be understood that, unless explicitly excluded, all features, functions, and embodiments of the system of the present invention described herein are also applicable to the method of the present invention or can be combined with the method of the present invention.

[0131] When determining the treatment information based on the impression data and the determined condition of the maxillofacial region of the patient, the orthodontic treatment planning proposal can advantageously take into account information about the internal structure of the maxillofacial region of the patient extracted from the magnetic resonance data.

[0132] The inventive method shares the advantages of the inventive system. The inventive system may advantageously allow embodiments of the inventive method to be performed in a robust and / or reproducible manner.

[0133] The computer program product of the invention can be loaded into the memory of a programmable processing unit of the system of the invention according to the above-described embodiments. The computer program product comprises program code means for executing the method of the invention when the computer program product is executed in the processing unit of the system of the invention.

[0134] Thus, the method according to the invention can be performed quickly and in a robust and reproducible manner. The computer program product is configured in such a way that it can perform the method steps and functions according to the invention by means of a computing device. In each case, the computing device must include the prerequisites, such as a corresponding processing unit, a corresponding main memory, a corresponding graphics card or a corresponding control unit, so that the corresponding method steps and functions can be performed efficiently.

[0135] The computer program product is for example stored on a computer readable medium, or on a network, server or cloud, from where it can be loaded into a processing unit of a computing device. The processing unit may be connected to the computing device or form part of the computing device.

[0136] The control information of the computer program product can be stored on an electronically readable medium. The control information on the electronically readable medium can be designed in such a way that when the medium is used, the control information performs the method according to the invention in the processing unit of the system according to the invention. Examples of electronically readable media are DVDs, magnetic tapes or USB sticks on which electronically readable control information, in particular software, is stored. If the control information is read from the medium and stored in the control unit and / or the processing unit of the system according to the invention, all embodiments of the method according to the invention and the system according to the invention described above can be performed.

[0137] In summary, the method according to the invention and the system according to the invention create diagnostic and therapeutic added value for the dentist. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0138] In the following description, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0139] Figure 1 A system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0140] Figure 2 A practitioner of a scanning device using a system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown,

[0141] Figure 3 shows a magnetic resonance image acquired by a system according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0142] Figure 4 A flowchart showing a computer-implemented method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0143] Figure 5 shows the designed dental braces and output of the system according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0144] Figure 6 shows an initial schedule for replacing designed dental appliances suggested by an initial dental appliance treatment plan according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0145] Figure 7 A flow chart of a computer-implemented method according to an embodiment of the invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0146] In the following description, the system 1 and the associated computer-implemented method for managing orthodontic appliance treatment of a patient 2 according to the present invention will be described in more detail. Figure 1 As schematically shown in the embodiment of FIG. , the computer-implemented method can be executed on system 1.

[0147] The present invention also includes an associated computer program product having a computer readable code for implementing the computer-implemented method, respectively. The computer program product may be provided on a computer readable storage medium (not shown) accessible to the system 1. In the following description, the system 1 will be explained in more detail.

[0148] like Figure 1As shown, the system 1 comprises at least one acquisition device 3, such as a data interface, a magnetic resonance device 3a and / or a scanning device 3b, in particular an intraoral scanning device. In a preferred embodiment, the system 1 comprises a data interface (not shown) connected to the magnetic resonance device 3a and / or the scanning device 3b via a suitable signal connection. The data interface can be configured to acquire magnetic resonance data 4 from the magnetic resonance device 3a and / or to acquire impression data 5 from the scanning device 3b via a signal connection.

[0149] The system 1 may also include a device configured to manufacture one or more dental braces 8 (see Figure 5 ) manufacturing device 14. Preferably, the manufacturing device 14 includes a 3D printing unit and a post-processing unit. According to an embodiment, the manufacturing device 14 is an additive manufacturing device configured to manufacture the dental braces 8 from a photocurable resin. However, the manufacturing device 14 can also represent a milling unit or a grinding unit configured to manufacture the dental braces 8 via material removal. The magnetic resonance device 3a, the scanning device 3b and the manufacturing device 14 can be connected to the computing device 7 via any suitable signal connection.

[0150] The computing device 7 can be implemented as a computer, a desktop PC or a workstation including one or more processing units. Preferably, a user interface including, for example, a display unit 7a and input devices such as a keyboard 7b, a mouse 7c, etc. is connected to the computing device 7. The system 1 can be arranged in a medical facility, such as a dental clinic. The system 1 can be configured at least in part as an IoT system with cloud computing, wherein the components of the system 1 can be arranged at different remote locations connected via a local area network, the Internet, etc. The components of the system 1 can correspond to the computing device 7, the acquisition device 3, the magnetic resonance device 3a, the scanning device 3b and / or the manufacturing device 14.

[0151] like Figure 1 As shown, the magnetic resonance device 3 a is used to acquire magnetic resonance data 4 . Preferably, the magnetic resonance data comprises one or more magnetic resonance images of the maxillofacial region of the patient 2 . Figure 3 2 shows a magnetic resonance image 4 of the maxillofacial region of a patient 2. Further details of the magnetic resonance image 4 will be explained below.

[0152] The scanning device 3b is used to obtain the impression data 5 of at least some of the teeth 6 of the patient 2, preferably the impression data 5 of the entire dentition of the patient 2. Figure 2As shown, the scanning device 3b may be configured to generate the impression data 5 by scanning the oral cavity and / or the teeth of the patient 2. It is also conceivable that the scanning device 3b is configured to generate the impression data 5 by scanning the impression material (not shown) that has been applied to the teeth 6 of the patient 2. The scanning device 3b may include or consist of one or more 2D camera devices, 3D camera devices and / or infrared camera devices.

[0153] The computing device 7 may be configured to execute Figure 4 A computer-implemented method of the illustrated embodiment.

[0154] In step S1, the magnetic resonance device 3a is used to acquire magnetic resonance data 4 of the maxillofacial region of the patient 2. Preferably, the magnetic resonance data 4 comprises one or more magnetic resonance images 4 of the maxillofacial region of the patient 2. The system 1 acquires the magnetic resonance data 4 from the magnetic resonance device 3a. For this purpose, the computing device 7 can be connected to the magnetic resonance device 3a via a suitable signal connection. It is also conceivable that the computing device 7 comprises a dedicated data interface, which is configured to receive the magnetic resonance data 4 from the magnetic resonance device 3a. The acquisition device 3 can also acquire the magnetic resonance data 4 from a database storing the magnetic resonance data 4. The magnetic resonance data 4 can be generated before, during and / or after the orthodontic appliance treatment.

[0155] In step S2, the practitioner 9 generates impression data 5 using the scanning device 3b by scanning the oral cavity or dentition of the patient 2 and / or by scanning the impression material that has been applied to the teeth 6 of the patient 2. The system 1 acquires the impression data 5 from the scanning device 3b. The computing device 7 may be connected to the scanning device 3b via a suitable signal connection. It is also conceivable that the computing device 7 includes a dedicated data interface configured to receive the impression data 5 from the scanning device 3b. The acquisition device 3 may also be configured to acquire the impression data 5 from a data storage device storing the impression data 5. The impression data 5 may be generated before, during and / or after orthodontic appliance treatment.

[0156] In step S3, the computing device 7 determines treatment information based on the impression data 5. The treatment information includes a design of one or more dental braces 8' and / or instructions for designing one or more dental braces 8 to be used during the orthodontic treatment of the patient 2. The treatment information may also include an initial schedule 10 for replacing the designed dental braces 8 during the orthodontic treatment of the patient 2. The design of one or more dental braces 8' or the initial schedule 10 for replacing the designed dental braces 8 during the orthodontic treatment of the patient 2 forms part of an initial orthodontic treatment plan recommendation. Figure 6 An example of an initial timetable 10 is shown in .

[0157] In step S4, the computing device 7 outputs an initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan suggestion. Preferably, the initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan suggestion is output to the practitioner 9 via a display unit 7a connected to the computing device 7. However, the initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan suggestion may also be stored in a data storage device and / or sent to the manufacturing device 14.

[0158] In step S5 , the computing device 7 analyses the magnetic resonance data 4 and determines the condition of the maxillofacial region of the patient 2 .

[0159] For example, one or more portions of the maxillofacial region of the patient 2 may be classified as “healthy” or “pathological”. It is also conceivable that one or more portions of the maxillofacial region of the patient 2 are classified as “compatible” or “incompatible” with orthodontic appliance treatment recommended according to the initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan. In particular, the computing device 7 may be configured to determine whether the maxillofacial region of the patient 2 allows for orthodontic appliance treatment according to the initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan recommendation, or whether the initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan recommendation needs to be modified.

[0160] Optionally, the computing device 7 is configured to determine a pathology in the maxillofacial region of the patient 2 based on the magnetic resonance data 4 and to propose a modification to the initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan suggestion based on the determined pathology in the maxillofacial region of the patient 2. For example, the image processing unit of the computing device 7 may be configured to analyze the magnetic resonance data 4 and detect a pathology in the maxillofacial region of the patient 2. The computing device 7 may be configured to detect pathologies such as inflammation 11 (particularly inflammation at the root tips), bone resorption 12, root resorption 13 and / or changes in pulp or bone perfusion.

[0161] According to an embodiment, the computing device 7 is configured to determine information about the pathology based on the magnetic resonance data 4. For example, the information may include the shape, size, mass, type, location and / or volume of the pathological tissue. Information about the pathology can be obtained from one or more magnetic resonance images 4, for example, by processing one or more magnetic resonance images 4 via a pattern recognition algorithm and / or a dedicated image processing algorithm. According to an embodiment, the computing device 7 (in particular, a processing unit of the computing device 7) includes an algorithm configured to detect pathological tissue in the magnetic resonance data 4 of the maxillofacial region of the patient 2. For example, the algorithm may include an AI algorithm configured to detect pathological tissue, such as an artificial neural network, a Bayesian network, an AI classifier, etc. It is also conceivable that the processing unit is configured to detect different tissue or organ structures via segmentation.

[0162] According to an embodiment, the computing device 7 is configured to determine deviations from an expected course of orthodontic appliance treatment. In particular, the computing device 7 may be configured to determine modifications to an initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan suggestion based on the deviations from an expected course of orthodontic appliance treatment. For example, the progress of orthodontic appliance treatment may not be in accordance with an orthodontic appliance treatment plan suggestion or a modified orthodontic appliance treatment plan suggestion. In this case, the arrangement of teeth may deviate from the expected arrangement of teeth according to the orthodontic appliance treatment plan suggestion at a certain point in time during the orthodontic appliance treatment. The deviation from the expected course of orthodontic appliance treatment may be due to a pathology in the maxillofacial region of the patient 2.

[0163] According to an embodiment of the system 1 , the computing device 7 is configured to analyze the impression data 5 to detect pathologies in the maxillofacial region of the patient 2 and to propose modifications to the initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan suggestion according to the determined pathologies in the maxillofacial region of the patient 2 .

[0164] In another embodiment, the computing device 7 is configured to determine a deviation between the arrangement of teeth suggested according to the initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan and the physiologically appropriate arrangement of teeth according to the magnetic resonance data 4, and to propose a modification to the initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan suggestion according to the determined deviation. Preferably, the deviation between the arrangement of teeth suggested according to the initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan and the physiologically appropriate arrangement of teeth is determined in step S5 of the method of the present invention.

[0165] In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic resonance data 4 comprises magnetic resonance data of the temporomandibular joint of the patient 2. The computing device 7 may comprise a motion simulator configured to simulate the motion of the temporomandibular joint of the patient 2 based on the magnetic resonance data 4 of the maxillofacial region of the patient.

[0166] In an optional step S6, the computing device 7 analyzes the magnetic resonance data 4 to detect deviations from the expected course of the orthodontic appliance treatment. The computing device 7 may additionally detect said pathology and said deviation by analyzing impression data 5 generated during the treatment. According to an embodiment, the computing device 7 is adapted to analyze the impression data 5 to detect pathologies in the maxillofacial region of the patient 2 and to propose modifications to the initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan suggestion based on the determined pathologies in the maxillofacial region of the patient 2.

[0167] In step S7 , the computing device 7 proposes modifications to the initial orthodontic treatment plan suggestion based on the determined condition of the maxillofacial region of the patient 2 .

[0168] In step S8, the computing device 7 outputs the proposed modifications to the initial orthotic treatment plan suggestion. Preferably, the proposed modifications to the initial orthotic treatment plan suggestion are output to the practitioner 9, for example via the display unit 7a.

[0169] According to an embodiment, the proposed modifications to the initial brace treatment plan suggestion include indications, such as heat maps and / or symbols indicating the anatomical regions to which the treatment should be applied. The practitioner 9 may approve or digitally revise or edit such modifications by using the CAD tools of the system 1. The results of the modifications may also be tested by a second MRI examination, thereby potentially resulting in another modification of the treatment plan.

[0170] According to an embodiment, the computing device 7 is configured to: acquire further magnetic resonance data of the maxillofacial region of the patient 2; determine further treatment information based on the further magnetic resonance data; and determine a further orthodontic appliance treatment plan suggestion, wherein the further orthodontic appliance treatment plan suggestion includes the further treatment information. Further magnetic resonance data may be acquired at any time during the orthodontic appliance treatment. Preferably, the further magnetic resonance data is acquired via an acquisition device 3 such as a magnetic resonance device 3a, a data interface, etc. The further orthodontic appliance treatment plan suggestion may correspond to a modified orthodontic appliance treatment plan suggestion. Likewise, the further treatment information may correspond to the modified treatment information. According to the above-mentioned embodiment, the further orthodontic appliance treatment plan suggestion is output to a data storage device and / or a practitioner 9.

[0171] In optional step S9, the computing device 7 outputs the proposed (or approved or edited) modifications to the design of one or more dental appliances 8' to the manufacturing apparatus 14, for example for additive manufacturing of the modified dental appliances.

[0172] Figure 7 Another flow chart of the computer-implemented method of the present invention is shown.

[0173] In step SA, the acquisition device 3 acquires magnetic resonance data 4 of the maxillofacial region of the patient 2 and impression data 5 of a plurality of teeth 6 of the patient 2. The acquisition device 3 can be implemented according to the above-mentioned embodiments. In a preferred embodiment, the acquisition device 3 is a magnetic resonance device 3a.

[0174] According to step SB, the computing device 7 processes the magnetic resonance data 4 and determines the condition of the maxillofacial region of the patient 2. The condition of the maxillofacial region of the patient 2 may be determined according to the embodiments described above.

[0175] In step SC, the computing device 7 determines treatment information from the impression data 5 and the magnetic resonance data 4. The treatment information comprises one or more orthodontic appliances 8' to be used during orthodontic appliance treatment of the patient 2 (see Figure 5 ) and / or an initial schedule 10 for replacing the designed dental braces 8 during the orthodontic appliance treatment of the patient 2 (see Figure 6 ).

[0176] In step SD, a dental braces treatment plan suggestion including treatment information is output. Preferably, the dental braces treatment plan suggestion is output via Figure 1 The display 7a shown is output to the practitioner. The orthodontic appliance treatment plan suggestion is determined based on the information derived from the impression data 5 and the magnetic resonance data 4. Therefore, the orthodontic appliance plan suggestion may be different from the one based on the reference Figure 4 The described method of the present invention proposes an initial orthodontic treatment plan determined on the basis of the impression data 5 .

[0177] according to Figure 7 The steps of the method of the present invention can be carried out as follows Figure 1 The system 1 of the present invention is described. Figure 7 The method of the present invention may include Figure 4 Any of the method steps of an embodiment of the method of the invention shown in the depicted flow chart.

[0178] In the following description, the above steps of the computer-implemented method according to the present invention will be explained in more detail.

[0179] The information about the patient 2 generated by and / or extracted from the magnetic resonance data 4 is used as input for modifying the design of the dental braces 8 to improve or optimize the orthodontic treatment results with each patient and treatment individual dental braces 8. However, the information about the patient 2 generated by and / or extracted from the magnetic resonance data 4 may also be used directly as input for determining an orthodontic treatment plan recommendation.

[0180] Preferably, the information about the patient 2 generated by and / or extracted from the magnetic resonance data 4 comprises at least one of the following:

[0181] ● Information about the state and composition of tooth tissue, such as bone density,

[0182] ● information about the patient's anatomy (e.g., position and / or orientation of teeth 6 and / or orthodontic anatomical points (e.g., nose, sella turcica, etc.), including angles and / or distances between anatomical points,

[0183] ● information about the relationship between anatomical structures, such as the position of the root of a tooth 6 within a bone,

[0184] ● Information on local inflammation (11) (e.g., periodontal inflammation or endodontic inflammation),

[0185] ●Information about additional functional parameters acquired via native or contrast-enhanced contrast mechanisms, such as, for example, pulp or bone perfusion, and / or

[0186] ● Longitudinal data, such as information based on different time points during orthodontic treatment (e.g.

[0187] information about the speed of tooth movement).

[0188] The information about the patient 2 may be automatically extracted from the raw magnetic resonance data 4 or manually extracted via a user interface. For example, anatomical landmarks such as the tip of a tooth root, the tip of a tooth, the geometric center of a dental pulp, etc. may be manually identified in the magnetic resonance image 4. It is also conceivable that the distances between anatomical landmarks and / or the distances between anatomical landmarks and air are manually measured in the magnetic resonance image 4. Furthermore, the information about the patient 2 may be extracted by visually inspecting the magnetic resonance image 4.

[0189] The impression data 5 is preferably registered with the magnetic resonance data 4. The registration of the magnetic resonance data 4 with the impression data 5 may comprise rescaling, rotating and / or translating the magnetic resonance image 4 and / or the 3D scan acquired via the scanning device 3b in a common space. The registration may be based on correlation functions, correspondence of control points, global and / or local transformations, pattern recognition, radial basis functions, Fourier transforms, etc. The registration process may be supplemented with optical markers and / or magnetic markers and / or orientation points. Furthermore, the registration of the impression data 5 with the magnetic resonance data 4 may comprise the use of a model, in particular a model of the maxillofacial region. The registration of the impression data 5 with the magnetic resonance data 4 may also be performed based on an AI algorithm or via an AI algorithm.

[0190] The registration of the magnetic resonance data 4 with the impression data 5 can be automatically achieved by minimizing the distance between the point clouds of the magnetic resonance data 4 and the impression data 5. Furthermore, the registration can be achieved by segmenting corresponding anatomical features or anatomical landmarks. Thus, the location of the pathology in the magnetic resonance data 4 can be related to the location of the pathology in the 3D space of the impression data 5 and the dental braces 8.

[0191] Information from the registration of the magnetic resonance data 4 with the impression data 5 may be used to determine the condition of the maxillofacial region of the patient 2. Based on the condition of the maxillofacial region of the patient 2, the "default" dental braces design and / or the initial treatment plan suggestion may be modified. It is also conceivable that the dental braces treatment plan suggestion is determined based on the condition of the maxillofacial region of the patient 2.

[0192] For example, the condition of the maxillofacial region of Patient 2 may be used for correction or adjustment:

[0193] ●By extrapolating the information between different time points, the movement speed of a single tooth 6 relative to the "default" situation,

[0194] ● By considering the inflammation in tooth 6 caused by the movement of a single tooth 6 relative to the "default"

[0195] The speed at which the situation moves,

[0196] ● the speed of movement of individual teeth 6 due to differences in bone density (e.g., differences in bone density between patient 2 and a reference or “default” patient, and differences in bone density between individual teeth of patient 2),

[0197] ● Recommendations for initial orthodontic appliance treatment planning that take into account the relative and / or absolute positions of anatomical landmarks relative to their "default" positions over time,

[0198] ● The movement speed of individual teeth 6 takes into account differences in pulp or bone perfusion (eg, differences between patient 2 and a reference or "default" patient, or differences between individual teeth).

[0199] However, the condition of the maxillofacial region of the patient 2 can also be used, for example, to determine:

[0200] ● Movement speed of a single tooth 6,

[0201] ● The movement speed of a single tooth 6 taking into account inflammation in the tooth 6 caused by the movement,

[0202] ● the movement speed of individual teeth 6 taking into account differences in bone density (e.g., differences in bone density between patient 2 and a reference or "default" patient, and differences in bone density between individual teeth of patient 2),

[0203] ● orthodontic appliance treatment planning recommendations that take into account the relative and / or absolute positions of anatomical landmarks over time,

[0204] ● The movement speed of individual teeth 6 takes into account differences in pulp or bone perfusion (eg, differences between patient 2 and a reference or "default" patient, or differences between individual teeth).

[0205] The above modifications may be achieved or implemented, for example, by changing the shape and / or size of a portion of one or more dental braces 8. The modified dental braces 8 may expose multiple teeth 6 of the patient 2 to an altered or modified stress pattern. In particular, modifications to the design of one or more dental braces 8 and / or initial dental braces treatment plan suggestions according to the above embodiments may advantageously improve or optimize the results of dental braces treatment and / or reduce the risk of injury to the patient 2. Modifications to the design of one or more dental braces may be performed manually or automatically, for example by a user using a CAD tool.

[0206] By additionally acquiring impression data 5 simultaneously with the magnetic resonance data 4 and extracting information from the impression data 5 or from a combination of the magnetic resonance data 4 and the impression data 5, and by using this additional information (e.g. by combining tooth surface information from a 3D scan and tooth root information from a magnetic resonance image) as additional input for the design of the orthodontic appliance, the treatment result can be even further optimized.

[0207] Magnetic resonance data 4 may be acquired via a first magnetic resonance examination after a first cycle of treatment, for example to monitor treatment success and side effects such as inflammation. After a second cycle of treatment, preferably based on the first magnetic resonance examination, a second magnetic resonance examination may be performed to test or check the effectiveness of the adopted / modified treatment (e.g., initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan recommendation). The test may include a comparison of the level and / or extent of inflammation and / or the rate of progression of bone loss. Further adoption / modification of the treatment plan may be implemented and checked after further treatment cycles. The procedure may be repeated until any side effects of the treatment are sufficiently reduced.

[0208] The scope of the invention includes performing one or more scans or assessments over time using one or more different modalities (eg, digital volume tomography scans), as long as at least one of the scans is a magnetic resonance examination.

[0209] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, magnetic resonance data 4 is acquired before orthodontic appliance treatment begins, and further magnetic resonance data is acquired during orthodontic appliance treatment. The computing device 7 may be configured to perform automatic analysis of tooth trajectories over time, analysis of tooth root positions relative to cortical bone and / or analysis of early signs of inflammation, and information about the temporomandibular joint. The design of one or more dental appliances may be corrected to optimize the speed of orthodontic appliance treatment without harming the patient.

[0210] The above embodiments will be understood as examples. It should be understood that, if not otherwise stated, each embodiment may be extended by features of other embodiments or combined with features of other embodiments. In particular, the sequence of steps of the method of the present invention will be understood as examples. The various steps may be performed in different orders and / or partially or completely overlapped in time.

Claims

1. A system (1) for managing orthodontic appliance treatment of a patient (2), the system (1) comprising: - Acquisition device (3; 3a ； 3b), which is suitable for acquiring magnetic resonance data (4) of the maxillofacial region of the patient (2) and impression data (5) of a plurality of teeth (6) of the patient (2); and - a computing device (7) adapted to: ● determining treatment information based on the impression data (5), wherein the treatment information includes a design of one or more dental braces (8) to be used during the dental brace treatment of the patient (2) and / or an initial schedule (10) for replacing the designed dental braces (8) during the dental brace treatment of the patient (2), ● outputting an initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan recommendation including said treatment information, ● analyzing the magnetic resonance data (4) and determining the condition of the maxillofacial region of the patient (2), and ● Modifications to the initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan recommendations are proposed based on the determined condition of the maxillofacial region of the patient (2).

2. The system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The computing device (7) is adapted to output the proposed modification to a practitioner (9).

3. System (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that The proposed modifications to the initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan include heat maps and / or symbols indicating anatomical regions to which the orthodontic appliance treatment should be applied.

4. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: The treatment information includes the design of one or more dental braces (8) to be used during the dental brace treatment of the patient (2), and wherein the proposed modifications to the initial dental brace treatment plan include modifications to the design of the one or more dental braces (8).

5. The system (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that The computing device (7) is adapted to output the proposed modification to the design of the one or more dental appliances (8) to a manufacturing device (14).

6. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that include: A scanning device (3b) is configured to generate the impression data (5) by scanning the oral cavity of the patient (2) and / or the impression material that has been applied to the teeth (6) of the patient (2).

7. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The computing device (7) is adapted to: ● analyzing the impression data (5) to detect pathology in the maxillofacial region of the patient (2), and ● Modifications to the initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan are suggested based on the determined pathology of the maxillofacial region of the patient (2).

8. System (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The acquisition device (3; 3a) is configured to acquire further magnetic resonance data of the maxillofacial region of the patient (2), and The computing device (7) is configured to: ● determining further treatment information based on the further magnetic resonance data, and ● The further treatment information is output.

9. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: The computing device (7) is configured to: ● determining a pathology in the maxillofacial region of the patient (2) based on the magnetic resonance data (4), and ● Modifications to the initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan are suggested based on the determined pathology of the maxillofacial region of the patient (2).

10. The system (1) according to claim 9, wherein: The pathologies determined in the maxillofacial region of the patient (2) include inflammation (11), bone resorption (12), root resorption (13), changes in pulp or bone perfusion and / or deviations from the expected course of the orthodontic appliance treatment.

11. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: The computing device (7) is configured to: ● determining a deviation between an arrangement of teeth (6) suggested according to the initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan and a physiologically appropriate arrangement of teeth (6) according to the magnetic resonance data (4), and ● Modifications to the initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan recommendations are proposed based on the determined deviations.

12. The system (1) according to claim 11, wherein: The magnetic resonance data (4) include magnetic resonance data of the temporomandibular joint of the patient (2), and wherein the computing device (7) includes a motion simulator configured to simulate the movement of the temporomandibular joint based on the magnetic resonance data (4).

13. A computer-implemented method for managing orthodontic appliance treatment of a patient (2) using the system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: ● Magnetic resonance data (4) of the maxillofacial region of the patient (2) and impression data (5) of a plurality of teeth (6) of the patient (2) are acquired via acquisition devices (3, 3a, 3b), ● determining treatment information from the impression data (5) via a computing device (7), wherein the treatment information includes a design of one or more dental braces (8) to be used during the dental brace treatment of the patient (2) and / or an initial schedule (10) for replacing the designed dental braces (8) during the dental brace treatment of the patient (2), ● outputting an initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan recommendation including said treatment information, ● analyzing the magnetic resonance data (4) and determining the condition of the maxillofacial region of the patient (2), and ● Modifications to the initial orthodontic appliance treatment plan recommendations are proposed based on the determined condition of the maxillofacial region of the patient (2).

14. A system (1) for managing orthodontic appliance treatment of a patient (2), the system (1) comprising: - Acquisition device (3; 3a ； 3b), which is suitable for acquiring magnetic resonance data (4) of the maxillofacial region of the patient (2) and impression data (5) of a plurality of teeth (6) of the patient (2); and - a computing device (7) configured to: ● analyzing the magnetic resonance data (4) and determining the condition of the maxillofacial region of the patient (2), ● determining treatment information based on the impression data (5) and the determined condition of the maxillofacial region of the patient (2), wherein the treatment information includes a design of one or more dental braces (8) to be used during the dental brace treatment of the patient (2) and / or an initial schedule (10) for replacing the designed dental braces (8) during the dental brace treatment of the patient (2), and ● An orthodontic appliance treatment plan recommendation including the treatment information is output.

15. A computer-implemented method for managing orthodontic appliance treatment of a patient (2) using the system (1) according to claim 14, comprising the steps of: ● Magnetic resonance data (4) of the maxillofacial region of the patient (2) and impression data (5) of a plurality of teeth (6) of the patient (2) are acquired via acquisition devices (3, 3a, 3b), ● analyzing the magnetic resonance data (4) via a computing device (7) and determining the condition of the maxillofacial region of the patient (2), ● determining, via the computing device (7), treatment information based on the impression data (5) and the determined condition of the maxillofacial region of the patient (2), wherein the treatment information comprises a design of one or more dental braces (8) to be used during the dental brace treatment of the patient (2) and / or an initial schedule (10) for replacing the designed dental braces (8) during the dental brace treatment of the patient (2), and ● An orthodontic appliance treatment plan recommendation including the treatment information is output.

16. A computer program product configured to be loaded into the memory of a programmable processing unit of a system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12 or claim 14, the computer program product comprising program code means for executing the method according to claim 13 or 15 when the computer program product is executed in the processing unit of the system (1).

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