Orthodontic device design method by correcting tooth model set by movement

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for designing an orthodontic device using a computer, comprising: a step (S01) of displaying a dentition image; a step (S02) for correcting the tooth arrangement state in the dentition image; a step (S03) for correcting the tooth shape in the dentition image; a step (S04) for displaying an orthodontic device on a screen on the basis of the corrected dentition image; and a step (S05) of outputting the orthodontic device using the 3D printer. By correcting the tooth model, the design accuracy and stability of the orthodontic device are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for designing orthodontic devices using computers, and in particular, a method for designing orthodontic devices that enables orthodontic forces to function more efficiently and precisely by correcting the shape of a tooth model.

[0002] Specifically, this invention relates to a procedure that uses a 3D scanner to scan a patient's oral structure, generates and stores information related to treatment images (such as images of the patient's dentition), performs a set-up of the teeth on a screen, and designs an optimal orthodontic device based on the stored dental images. Through this invention, a more efficient and precisely designed orthodontic device can be output via a 3D printer.

[0003] In recent years, the method of using 3D scanners to scan patients' oral structures and store relevant information, and then creating dental models based on this information, has been widely used. Compared with the traditional method of directly taking impressions to create dental models to understand the patient's dental structure, this method is a more advanced technology.

[0004] The technical feature of this invention is that it corrects the dental image of the patient after it has been set up, so that the orthodontic device displayed according to the dental image can exert a more efficient and precise orthodontic force.

[0005] In summary, the present invention relates to a method for designing orthodontic devices using computers, characterized in that: various tooth alignment states of patients requiring orthodontic treatment are specifically understood, and the tooth alignment and shape are modified or corrected in advance before the design of the orthodontic device, so as to design the optimal orthodontic device according to different alignment states. Background Technology

[0006] The traditional method for fabricating orthodontic appliances is as follows.

[0007] First, after understanding the patient's oral structure, the dentist creates a dental model that matches the shape of the patient's teeth. Typically, an impression of the patient's oral structure is made first, and then a dental model is created using materials such as plaster. Subsequently, sheet-like polyol material is pressed onto this plaster dental model at high temperatures in a molding machine to create an orthodontic appliance suitable for the patient. This manufacturing method requires collaboration between the dentist and dental technicians and relies heavily on skilled dental technicians for a large amount of manual work, thus consuming considerable time and labor, ultimately increasing the manufacturing cost of orthodontic appliances.

[0008] The present invention aims to create an orthodontic device with more efficient and precise orthodontic force by generating and storing image information of the patient's teeth through a 3D scanner instead of taking impressions of the patient's teeth, and then using a computer to make appropriate corrections to the image.

[0009] Korean Patent Registration No. 10-2489995 discloses a method for designing a transparent orthodontic device using a computer. This patent invention relates to a method for designing a transparent orthodontic device based on a patient's dental arch while displaying an image of that arch.

[0010] However, the aforementioned patented inventions omit the correction of tooth alignment, making it difficult to ensure optimal orthodontic force for certain specific dentitions, and therefore difficult to apply directly to such dentitions. Therefore, this invention aims to overcome the shortcomings of the aforementioned patented inventions by modifying or correcting the patient's dentition image itself before displaying the orthodontic device, thereby proposing a method for designing an orthodontic device that can obtain more efficient and precise orthodontic force. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Technical issues The present invention relates to a method for designing orthodontic devices by correcting a dental model. The technical challenge of this method lies in: By understanding the various oral conditions (tooth alignment) of patients, identifying the problems in each patient's dentition, and correcting the dental models, the orthodontic appliances can achieve more efficient and precise orthodontic forces, thereby enabling the best orthodontic treatment for the patient. Technical solution

[0012] To address the aforementioned technical challenges, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A method for designing a computer-aided orthodontic device includes: step (S01): displaying a tooth alignment image; step (S02): correcting the tooth alignment state in the tooth alignment image; step (S03): correcting the tooth shape in the tooth alignment image; step (S04): displaying the orthodontic device on a screen based on the corrected tooth alignment image; and step (S05): outputting the orthodontic device using a 3D printer.

[0013] This invention also provides the following technical solutions: When the crown of a specific tooth is lower than a preset benchmark value, the tooth is visualized in a preset manner, and the margin line between the tooth and the gum is moved towards the gum; or the user can specify a specific margin line, and the specified margin line (the boundary between the tooth and the gum) is moved towards the gum, thereby correcting the alignment of the teeth by extending the crown.

[0014] This invention also provides the following technical solutions: The active tooth to be corrected and the inactive tooth used to ensure that the corrective force is applied to the active tooth are identified, and the tooth shape is adjusted by adjusting the shape or volume of the undercut of the active tooth and / or the inactive tooth.

[0015] The present invention also provides the following technical solution: further including the following steps: step (S033): specifying a crowded area; step (S034): measuring the depth and width of the grooves existing in the specified crowded area; step (S035): when the depth and width of the grooves are lower than preset values, setting the crowded area as a single tooth.

[0016] The effects of the invention This invention describes a method for designing orthodontic devices by correcting dental models, which can specifically grasp the diverse oral conditions (tooth alignment) of patients, thereby achieving the best orthodontic results.

[0017] When designing orthodontic devices that are printed by 3D printers, the orthodontic devices are optimized by performing various corrections on the dental models in the early stages.

[0018] The correction of the above-mentioned dental models reflects the different dentition status of each patient, thus making it possible to design the optimal orthodontic appliance and to ensure that the corrective force of the orthodontic appliance can be exerted most effectively in the future. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This illustrates a case where excessively large interdental spaces are specified in the tooth alignment being treated. Figure 2 This illustrates a case where excessively small interdental spaces are specified in the tooth alignment being treated. Figure 3 This shows the state after the interdental spaces have been filled in the tooth arrangement. Figure 4 This shows the state where the edge line of the tooth is moved downwards towards the gum line. Figure 5 The image shows a crowded state of the teeth.

[0020] The best form of specific implementation This invention relates to a method for designing a computer-aided orthodontic device, comprising: step (S01): displaying a tooth alignment image; step (S02): correcting the tooth alignment state in the tooth alignment image; step (S03): correcting the tooth shape in the tooth alignment image; step (S04): displaying the orthodontic device on a screen based on the corrected tooth alignment image; and step (S05): outputting the orthodontic device using a 3D printer. Detailed Implementation

[0021] This invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and can be implemented in many different forms. These embodiments are provided only to make the disclosure of this invention more complete and to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the scope of the invention. This invention is defined only by the claims.

[0022] This invention relates to a method (program) for designing orthodontic devices using a computer. The computer described herein includes various devices capable of performing computational processing and providing results to a user, including input units, arithmetic units, and output units.

[0023] The dental model images described in this specification refer to two-dimensional, three-dimensional, or multi-dimensional images representing the overall arrangement of teeth, including all images obtained through medical imaging processing methods such as computed tomography. For example, this includes various forms of imaging such as CT (Computer Tomography), NMR-CT, PET (Positron Emission Tomography), CBCT (Cone Beam CT), and images acquired by an oral scanner.

[0024] In this manual, "orthodontic target teeth" refers to teeth that are improperly positioned or have undergone abnormal rotation and require orthodontic repositioning and / or rotation.

[0025] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] This invention relates to a method for designing orthodontic devices using computers.

[0027] A 3D scanner is used to scan the inside of the patient's mouth, and the obtained dental information is stored in a computer. The operator retrieves and displays this dental information on a display device (such as a monitor). The operator selects the teeth requiring orthodontic treatment from the displayed teeth and performs a setup, adjusting the selected teeth to the desired corrected state. This completes the dental alignment image, and an orthodontic device is designed based on this image. Step S01 is the step of displaying the aforementioned dental alignment image.

[0028] Figure 1 The arrangement of teeth as orthodontic subjects is shown, where the interdental space is greater than a preset value, and the interdental space is specified. Figure 3 The image shows the state after the interdental spaces have been corrected and filled.

[0029] Step S02 is a step of correcting the tooth alignment status in the tooth alignment image.

[0030] Orthodontic appliances are designed based on the alignment and external shape of teeth. Therefore, the inner surface of the orthodontic appliance is formed to match the shape of the outer surface of the teeth.

[0031] For the reasons mentioned above, when there are special circumstances regarding tooth alignment, orthodontic appliances designed according to these circumstances may also experience structural problems (e.g., appliance breakage or interruption at the extraction site). The technical objective of this invention is to prevent structural problems in orthodontic appliances when there are special circumstances regarding tooth alignment or tooth shape. Therefore, this invention includes a process for correcting the tooth alignment in a tooth alignment image (step S02) or correcting the tooth shape in a tooth alignment image (step S03) when there are special circumstances regarding tooth alignment.

[0032] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, when there are special circumstances regarding tooth alignment, users can mark four points around that area for indication. Additionally, when there are special circumstances regarding tooth alignment, that area can also be automatically visually marked. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Only one method of marking a specific part with four dots is shown, but this is merely an example of one marking method, and various other visual expressions can also be used. Such variations are merely simple design changes and should be considered within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0033] The orthodontic appliance designed according to this invention is completed using a 3D printer. Before printing the orthodontic appliance, the design of the target tooth model must be completed first. Only after the tooth model design is completed and stored in the computer can the orthodontic appliance design work begin. The completed orthodontic appliance data is then transmitted to the 3D printer, and the final product is output.

[0034] In dental models, when interdental spaces exceed a pre-defined value, unnecessary extra space may be generated inside the orthodontic appliance. This extra space may reduce the corrective force of the appliance and cause inconvenience during wearing and removal, thus reducing its usability. Therefore, it is necessary to correct these interdental spaces.

[0035] According to the present invention, when the gap between a specific tooth is greater than a preset reference value, the gap is visually displayed in a preset manner (e.g., four-dot marking, circular or square border marking, color change, etc.), and is corrected by filling the gap.

[0036] The above-mentioned interdental spaces can be filled using the following methods: The operator selects the "Fill" button from the menu. Once the "Fill" function is activated, the operator uses the mouse to drag and fill the corresponding area, gradually filling the gap. In other words, the operator specifies a portion of the interdental space on the screen and gradually completes the filling. Furthermore, interdental spaces can be filled using various other methods. Any variations that are readily conceived by those skilled in the art should not depart from the scope of this invention.

[0037] According to the present invention, the operator can also specify the interdental space and visually mark it according to a preset method (e.g., four dots, a circular or square border, color variation, etc.), and then fill and correct the interdental space automatically or manually. Interdental spaces exceeding the preset value can be automatically identified and displayed, but the operator can also manually specify a specific interdental space after observing the displayed tooth alignment. For such specified interdental spaces, correction can be performed in the manner described above.

[0038] Previous methods for correcting tooth alignment primarily used interdental spaces as an example. However, this invention is applicable not only to interdental spaces but also to situations where spaces are created by missing teeth. For instance, when a tooth is missing, the space can be filled and corrected in the manner described above.

[0039] Regarding interdental filling methods, in addition to the aforementioned method where the operator gradually fills a designated space (e.g., an interdental space), a specific filler can be selected from a pre-stored library of fillers in the computer. The selected filler is then automatically positioned at the interdental space to complete the filling. The operator can access the "Library" menu, which contains a variety of pre-set fillers of different shapes and sizes. The operator selects a suitable filler for the given interdental space from these options. Furthermore, the various fillers in the "Library" can be modified in real-time to adjust their shape and size, thereby improving adaptability to different patients and various interdental space conditions.

[0040] On the other hand, although shaping a part of the orthodontic appliance to fit between the teeth to some extent is beneficial for orthodontics, the alignment of the teeth also needs to be corrected if the interdental spaces are too narrow and the orthodontic appliance cannot be shaped as intended. Figure 2 This illustrates another arrangement of teeth as orthodontic subjects. Figure 2 The diagram illustrates the scenario where the interdental space is specified when it is smaller than a preset value.

[0041] Especially when orthodontic force needs to be ensured along the distal or mesial direction, ensuring a certain space between the teeth so that the orthodontic appliance can be formed at that space is beneficial to the orthodontic effect.

[0042] When the interdental spaces are too small, the space between teeth can be corrected to a larger value, and the orthodontic appliance will display the corrected value. This can be achieved by dragging and dropping with the mouse or by entering a specific value. Even if the interdental spaces are very narrow, correction is unnecessary if special orthodontic forces are not required.

[0043] Step (S03) is a step of correcting the shape of the teeth in the tooth alignment image.

[0044] The step of correcting the shape of the teeth (S03) includes correcting the following situations: partial tooth damage forming a cavity, teeth that are too small, crowns that are too small, and undercuts that need to be adjusted.

[0045] When cavities are present in a tooth, they may create an unnecessary part on the orthodontic appliance, so it is preferable to remove the cavity.

[0046] Cavities on teeth can be automatically identified or visually determined by the operator. Such identified cavities can be removed through filling correction. The filling method is the same as described above and will not be repeated here.

[0047] Figure 4 This illustrates a scenario where the tooth margin line is being corrected.

[0048] On the other hand, when teeth are too small, it may be necessary to correct their size by enlarging them. For example, if the crown of a particular tooth is below a preset benchmark, that tooth will be automatically displayed visually according to a preset method. Alternatively, the operator can specify a particular crown that they believe needs correction while observing the screen.

[0049] Subsequently, the margin between the tooth and the gum can be corrected by moving it towards the gum line. This correction can be performed automatically or manually by the operator.

[0050] As the margin moves towards the gum line, the crown increases in size, resulting in an expansion of the tooth's height. The length by which the margin line recedes can be a pre-set value or a value specified by the operator in real time.

[0051] The above-mentioned edge line correction can be done automatically, or the operator can specify a specific edge line and adjust the specified edge line towards the gum line to the required predetermined length.

[0052] By setting back the margin to increase the crown size, the orthodontic appliance can be more stably supported on the tooth, thus helping to ensure orthodontic force.

[0053] The invention also includes the steps of: designating an active tooth as the object of orthodontic treatment and an inactive tooth for ensuring the application of orthodontic forces to the active tooth (S031), and adjusting the undercut shape of either or both of the active and inactive teeth (S032). An undercut refers to a portion of the tooth that is recessed inward at the boundary between the tooth and the gum line.

[0054] Removable teeth are teeth that need to be moved for orthodontic treatment, while inactive teeth are teeth that provide support to ensure orthodontic force. When a tooth is too small (area, height, etc.), it is difficult to ensure sufficient orthodontic force. In this case, by increasing the undercut (i.e., increasing the overall volume of the undercut), the orthodontic appliance can be more securely fitted to the tooth. A secure fit of the orthodontic appliance means increased orthodontic force on that tooth. Enlarging the undercut can be done on either removable or inactive teeth, or in some cases (such as when both are small, or when there is a particular need to ensure sufficient orthodontic force), both can be adjusted simultaneously.

[0055] On the other hand, when an undercut on a tooth is excessively large (and there is no need to ensure sufficient orthodontic force), it is preferable to correct it by partially or completely filling the unnecessary undercut. Even if the orthodontic force is sufficient, if the undercut is still unnecessarily large, it may become a factor affecting the wearing and removal of orthodontic appliances, thus requiring its removal (reduction or elimination). This is because orthodontic appliances are designed to fill the interior of the undercut. Increasing or decreasing the size of the undercut can be achieved by partially or completely filling the undercut, or by directly reducing or increasing the volume of the undercut.

[0056] The methods for visually displaying the undercut when its volume is greater than or less than a certain threshold, and for filling the undercut, are the same as described above, and therefore will not be repeated here. Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, this process can be performed automatically or manually by the operator.

[0057] After completing the correction process of the dental arch image, the present invention further includes the steps of displaying the orthodontic device on the screen according to the correction result (S04) and outputting the orthodontic device using a 3D printer (S05).

[0058] Figure 5 A photo of crowded teeth.

[0059] The present invention includes: a step of designating a crowded area (S033), a step of measuring the depth and width of a groove located within the designated crowded area (S034), and a step of setting the crowded area as a single tooth when the depth and width of the groove are less than a preset threshold (S035).

[0060] Teeth are usually arranged in a row, but in some cases, multiple teeth may cluster together, a condition known as crowding. This crowding can pose significant challenges to the fitting of orthodontic appliances and the assurance of orthodontic force.

[0061] This invention proposes that by measuring the groove dimensions (e.g., depth, width, etc.) located at the center of the crowded area, if the dimensions are less than a preset threshold, the entire crowded area is treated as a single tooth. This is because treating each tooth constituting the crowding as an independent tooth would make the design of the orthodontic appliance extremely complex and difficult to implement. Of course, when the center of the crowded area (space) is relatively large, one side of the orthodontic appliance (i.e., either of the two sides of the orthodontic appliance that contact the outer and inner surfaces of the tooth) can be designed to pass through the center of the crowded area.

[0062] However, when the crowding is high and the groove size is extremely small, it is preferable to assume the crowded area is a single tooth and design the orthodontic appliance so that its outer and inner surfaces pass along the overall outer and inner sides of the crowded area, respectively (in other words, it passes along the overall outer contour of the crowded area). That is, in this case, the crowded area is treated as a single tooth for the design of the orthodontic appliance.

[0063] For each tooth constituting the crowded area, shape correction, dentition correction, and undercut correction can also be performed separately. These correction methods are the same as those mentioned above, so their specific descriptions will not be repeated here.

[0064] The above description of the structure and effects is merely one embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Without departing from the technical concept of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications, and such simple changes based on conventional design should fall within the technical protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for designing orthodontic appliances using computer technology, characterized in that, include: Step (S01) for displaying images of the dental arch; The step of correcting the alignment of teeth in the dental arch image (S02); Step (S03) to correct the shape of the teeth in the dental arch image; The step of displaying the orthodontic appliance on the screen based on the corrected dental arch image (S04); and Step (S05) of using a 3D printer to output the orthodontic device.

2. The method for designing orthodontic devices using a computer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step (S02) includes: When a specific interdental space is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, the interdental space is visually marked according to a preset method, and correction is implemented by filling the interdental space.

3. The method for designing orthodontic devices using a computer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step (S02) includes: When a specific interdental space is less than or equal to a preset threshold, the interdental space is visually marked according to a preset method, and correction is implemented by increasing the size of the interdental space.

4. The method for designing orthodontic devices using a computer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The methods for filling the interdental spaces include: The method of specifying and gradually filling a portion of the interdental space; or A filling material is selected from a plurality of filling materials pre-stored in a computer, and the filling material is placed in the interdental space to achieve filling.

5. The method for designing orthodontic appliances using a computer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step (S03) includes: When the crown of a specific tooth is smaller than a preset threshold, the tooth is visually marked according to a preset method, and correction is implemented by automatically moving the edge line between the tooth and the gum towards the gum line; or The correction is performed by having the operator specify a particular edge line and then moving that edge line toward the gum line to lengthen the crown of the tooth.

6. The method for designing orthodontic appliances using a computer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step (S03) includes: The step of designating the active tooth as the object of orthodontic treatment and the inactive tooth used to ensure orthodontic force on the active tooth (S031); and The step of adjusting the shape or volume of the undercut of the active tooth and / or the inactive tooth (S032).

7. The method for designing orthodontic appliances using a computer according to claim 6, characterized in that, The step (S032) includes: Adjustments can be made by filling in either or all of the recessed portion; or Adjustments are made by reducing or increasing the volume of the indentation.

8. The method for designing orthodontic appliances using a computer according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The step of designating a congested area (S033); The step of measuring the depth and width of the trench within the specified congested area (S034); When the depth and width of the groove are less than a preset threshold, the crowded area is set as a single tooth (S035).

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