System and method for measuring strain and force applied by a dental appliance

Abstract

The application relates to a system and method for measuring strain and force applied by a dental appliance, comprising: at least one optical marker arranged on or in the dental appliance and a digital image correlation device, wherein the digital image correlation device is configured to: capture two images of the dental appliance including the at least one optical marker, the two images being spaced apart in time; obtain position data of the at least one optical marker in each image; and determine strain and force applied by the dental appliance based on the position data of the at least one optical marker captured in each image. The scheme can simply, conveniently and accurately measure the strain and force applied by the dental appliance on the teeth without affecting the appearance of the dental appliance, and helps to improve the orthodontic clinical treatment effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of orthodontics, and more particularly to a system and method for measuring strain and force applied to a user's teeth by a dental appliance. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of dentistry, various medical devices are used to treat complex malocclusions. Orthodontic appliances can be used to address various specific oral problems such as tooth alignment and bite relationships. Among them, compared to traditional fixed orthodontic appliances, invisible braces have become a widely used dental appliance due to their aesthetic appeal and comfort, making them a popular choice for patients.

[0003] Removable thermoplastic dental appliances are designed to reposition teeth, but they face challenges in accurately applying and measuring tooth forces, currently relying primarily on clinical experience and lacking precise data on tooth forces. Inappropriate force application can lead to problems such as root resorption or prolonged treatment time. Furthermore, the lack of effective quantitative tools often results in significant deviations from expected treatment outcomes. Therefore, accurate monitoring and measurement of the forces applied by orthodontic appliances are crucial for developing effective orthodontic treatment plans and improving clinical predictability.

[0004] In orthodontic and cosmetic aligner treatments, the use of clear aligners is rapidly becoming more widespread. However, it remains difficult to directly measure and determine whether optimal orthodontic force is being applied consistently in the correct position. Dentists find it extremely challenging to accurately obtain the specific displacement and force applied to each tooth. The treatment process largely relies on the dentist's clinical experience, which can affect the accuracy and repeatability of treatment results, and even lead to adverse consequences.

[0005] Currently, multi-axis three-dimensional orthodontic force measurement systems have been developed. These systems employ industrial-grade strain sensors connected via electrical signal lines, enabling the analysis of forces in three dimensions in an in vitro environment. Additionally, flexible electronic pressure sensors have been designed and fabricated to measure forces at different locations on the tooth surface. While these systems offer high force measurement accuracy, their structures are typically complex and costly, requiring connections between the sensors and electrical signal and data acquisition systems. More importantly, these devices can only measure the initial displacement of orthodontic teeth and cannot simulate the actual dynamic force process. Furthermore, for aesthetic reasons, non-transparent sensors are not suitable for placement in the anterior tooth region. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application aims to provide a solution that allows for the simple, convenient, and accurate measurement of strain and force applied to teeth by dental appliances during use, without compromising overall aesthetics.

[0007] The above objective is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0008] According to a first aspect of this application, a system for measuring strain applied by a dental appliance is provided, comprising: a dental appliance, at least one optical marker disposed on or in the dental appliance, and a digital image correlation device. The digital image correlation device is configured to: capture two images of the dental appliance including the at least one optical marker, the two images being time-spaced; obtain positional data of the at least one optical marker in each image; and determine the strain applied by the dental appliance based on the positional data of the at least one optical marker captured in each image.

[0009] At least one form of this system is advantageous because it provides a non-contact way to measure orthodontic strain (i.e., strain applied by the dental appliance) without the need for additional sensors, and is very simple and convenient.

[0010] In one example, the digital image correlation device may include a user interface, and the digital image correlation device may be configured to present the determined strain applied by the dental appliance on the user interface.

[0011] In one example, the digital image correlation device can also be configured to calculate one or more forces applied by a dental appliance based on the determined strain and to present the calculated forces on a user interface.

[0012] At least one form of this system is advantageous because it provides a simple, convenient wireless way to measure orthodontic strain and / orthodontic force applied by dental appliances without contact with the patient or additional sensors, and thus without the need to establish electrical signal and data acquisition connections with sensors.

[0013] In one example, the digital image correlation device can also be configured to generate two-dimensional or three-dimensional contour images showing the magnitude and direction of strain applied by the dental appliance and / or showing the magnitude and direction of one or more forces applied by the dental appliance.

[0014] In one example, the system may include a dental device, and the user interface may be part of or provided by the dental device. In one example, the dental device is a smartphone. Alternatively, the dental device may be a tablet or other device. In one example, the user interface may be a touchscreen, an LCD screen, an LED screen, or another suitable screen.

[0015] In some examples, the optical markers may be made of fluorescent nanomaterials. In others, they may contain fluorescent nanodiamonds, quantum dots, or other fluorescent nanoparticles. Such optical markers are essentially transparent and do not affect the overall aesthetics of the orthodontic appliance when attached to or embedded within it. When excited by light such as visible or infrared light, they fluoresce. Therefore, these optical markers are visible in images of the orthodontic appliance acquired using digital image correlation devices.

[0016] In some examples, the optical markers may comprise or be nitrogen-doped fluorescent nanodiamonds embedded within or attached to the outer surface of a dental appliance. These nitrogen-doped fluorescent nanodiamonds may contain nitrogen vacancy centers. These nitrogen vacancy centers are formed by incorporating nitrogen into the diamond lattice, exhibiting stable and bright fluorescence and good biocompatibility.

[0017] In one example, a dental appliance may include multiple optical markers, each of which may be a fluorescent nanodiamond, and wherein the optical markers are arranged in an array across the surface of the dental appliance or embedded in the dental appliance in an array.

[0018] In one example, the plurality of optical markers are an array of micro-dots formed by micron-scale 3D printing of a mixture comprising fluorescent nanodiamonds and light-cured dental resin. In one example, the fluorescent nanodiamonds constitute 0.2% to 0.5% by weight of the mixture.

[0019] In one example, the dental appliance could be an invisible braces, an arch expander, a retainer, or another dental appliance that can be used to rearrange or change the alignment of teeth.

[0020] In one example, the digital image correlation apparatus may include a microscope adapted to capture one or more images of a dental orthodontic appliance, and a processing unit operatively coupled to the microscope. The processing unit is configured to: receive captured images from the microscope, wherein at least one optical marker is visible in each captured image; determine the displacement of the at least one optical marker; and calculate strain based on the displacement of the at least one optical marker.

[0021] In one example, the displacement of at least one optical marker may be calculated by the following steps: determining the position (e.g., coordinates) of the at least one optical marker in each image, determining the positional change of the at least one optical marker between two images, and wherein the displacement is calculated as the sum of the positional changes.

[0022] In one example, the position can be calculated as x and y coordinates, and the change in position is determined as a change in the x-dimensional dimension and a change in the y-dimensional dimension. The displacement can be calculated as the sum of the changes in the x-dimensional and y-dimensional dimensions.

[0023] According to a second aspect of this application, a method for measuring strain applied by a dental appliance is provided, comprising the steps of: providing a dental appliance including at least one optical marker, the at least one optical marker being made of fluorescent nanomaterial and disposed on or within the dental appliance; capturing two temporally spaced images of the dental appliance including the at least one optical marker; obtaining positional data of the at least one optical marker in each image; determining the strain applied by the dental appliance based on the positional data of the at least one optical marker captured in each image; and presenting the determined strain on a user interface. The dental appliance can be worn by a patient, and the method can be performed while the dental appliance is worn by the patient.

[0024] In one example, the dental appliance could be an invisible braces, an arch expander, a retainer, or another dental appliance that can be used to rearrange or change the alignment of teeth.

[0025] In one example, at least one optical marker may comprise fluorescent nanodiamond (FND) or other fluorescent nanoparticles. In one example, the fluorescent nanodiamond may comprise nitrogen vacancy centers. In one example, the nitrogen vacancy centers are formed by incorporating nitrogen into a diamond lattice.

[0026] In one example, the method may further include the following additional steps: receiving captured images from a microscope, wherein at least one optical marker is visible in each captured image; determining the displacement of at least one optical marker; and calculating strain based on the displacement of at least one optical marker.

[0027] In one example, the method may include: determining the position (e.g., coordinates) of at least one optical marker in each image, determining the positional change of at least one optical marker between two images, and calculating a sum of the positional changes, wherein the sum is an indication of the displacement.

[0028] According to a third aspect of this application, a data processing apparatus is provided, comprising components (e.g., a processing unit) for using the method according to a second aspect of this application.

[0029] A computer program includes instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to a second aspect of this application.

[0030] A computer-readable medium includes instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to a second aspect of this application.

[0031] According to a fourth aspect of this application, a dental appliance is provided as part of a system for measuring strain applied by the dental appliance, comprising: an invisible brace and a plurality of optical markers disposed on or in the invisible brace, wherein the optical markers are made of fluorescent nanomaterials and are visible when the invisible brace is irradiated with visible or infrared light.

[0032] In some examples, each optical marker comprises fluorescent nanodiamond (FND) or other fluorescent nanoparticles. In some examples, the fluorescent nanodiamond may be nitrogen-doped, comprising nitrogen vacancy centers. In one example, the nitrogen vacancy centers are formed by incorporating nitrogen into the diamond lattice.

[0033] According to a fifth aspect of this application, a system for measuring strain applied by a dental appliance is provided, comprising a digital image correlation device. The digital image correlation device is configured to: capture two images of a dental appliance worn by a patient, wherein the dental appliance includes the at least one optical marker, the two images being time-spaced; obtain positional data of the at least one optical marker in each image; and determine the strain applied by the dental appliance based on the positional data of the at least one optical marker captured in each image.

[0034] In one example, the digital image correlation device may include a user interface, and the digital image correlation device may be configured to present the determined strain applied by the dental appliance on the user interface.

[0035] In one example, a digital image correlation device can be configured to calculate one or more forces applied by a dental appliance and present the calculated forces on a user interface.

[0036] In one example, the digital image correlation device may be configured to generate two-dimensional or three-dimensional contour images showing the magnitude and direction of strain applied by the dental appliance and / or showing the magnitude and direction of one or more forces applied by the dental appliance.

[0037] In one example, a digital image correlation apparatus may include an image capture device and a processing unit operatively coupled to the image capture device. The image capture device is configured to capture two or more images, and the processing unit is configured to: receive the captured images from a microscope, wherein at least one optical marker is visible in each captured image; determine the displacement of the at least one optical marker; and calculate strain based on the displacement of the at least one optical marker. The displacement may be calculated by the processing unit as described above.

[0038] Some embodiments of this application may also relate to systems and methods for measuring strain applied to a user's teeth by a dental appliance when it is in use. The dental appliance is attached to the patient's teeth, and the systems and methods of this application are suitable for measuring strain applied or utilized by the dental appliance over a period of time. This strain can be determined by performing multiple measurements over a period of time.

[0039] In one example, the system and method can also be used to determine the force applied to a user's teeth by a dental appliance during use.

[0040] In one example, the system can be further configured to determine the force applied by the dental appliance based on strain or changes in the position of optical markers.

[0041] In one example, invisible braces can be detachably attached to the patient.

[0042] At least one form of this system is beneficial because it provides orthodontists with a simple and easy-to-use method to measure the strain applied by the dental appliance over time in a non-contact manner using images and positions of optical markings on the appliance. This allows orthodontists to easily track tooth movement resulting from the application of the dental appliance.

[0043] In at least one example form, the system and method for measuring strain applied by a dental appliance can be applied to other medical applications in other medical devices. For example, in acromioclavicular joint dislocation reduction surgery or other medical applications requiring non-contact or wireless strain measurement.

[0044] The term “contains” (and its grammatical variations) used in this article is used to mean “having” or “including” in an inclusive sense, rather than “consisting of only”.

[0045] The term “dental appliance” (and its grammatical variations) used in this article is used to define devices that dentists use to help treat dental problems. Dental appliances can be used for short or long term and can include braces, clear aligners, retainers, splints, expanders, mandibular advancement devices, bruxism pads, and other devices that can be used to treat dental problems.

[0046] Compared with existing technologies, the solution of this application has at least the following beneficial technical effects: It eliminates the need for contact with the patient or attachment of additional sensors. Instead, it captures images of the orthodontic appliance containing fluorescent markers made of fluorescent nanomaterials at different times by placing fluorescent markers on or inside the appliance. Based on the positional data of the fluorescent markers in the images, it measures the strain and / or force exerted on the teeth by the appliance. This allows for simple, convenient, and accurate measurement of orthodontic strain / force in a non-contact and wireless manner, without affecting the overall aesthetics of the appliance. This solution improves orthodontic treatment by providing precise strain and force measurements combined with reliable medical data, and can be applied not only to orthodontic transparent devices but also to human health monitoring and advanced prosthodontics.

[0047] It should be understood that if any prior art information is cited in this article, such citation does not constitute an admission that such information is part of common general knowledge in the art. Attached Figure Description

[0048] Embodiments of this application will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0049] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an example of a system for measuring strain and / or force applied by a dental appliance, according to one embodiment of this application.

[0050] Figure 2 It is used as Figure 1 An example of a dental appliance that is part of a system.

[0051] Figure 3A It shows the embedded in Figure 2 Examples of fluorescent nanodiamond arrays on or in dental appliances.

[0052] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A Scanning electron microscope image of a 3D-printed nanodiamond microdot array.

[0053] Figure 4 Transmission electron microscope images of example fluorescent nanodiamonds and their fluorescence intensity are shown.

[0054] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a method for measuring strain and / or force applied by a dental appliance, according to one embodiment of this application, is shown.

[0055] Figure 6 A schematic flowchart of a method for measuring strain and / or force applied by a dental appliance, according to yet another embodiment of this application, is shown.

[0056] Figure 7 It shows the use of Figure 1 An example of a digital image correlation device as part of the system. Detailed Implementation

[0057] This application relates to a system and method for wirelessly or non-contactly measuring strain and / or force applied to teeth by dental appliances.

[0058] Reference Figure 1 This application illustrates a system 100 for measuring strain and / or force applied by a dental appliance, according to one embodiment of the present application. The system 100 includes a dental appliance 110, at least one optical marker 120 disposed on or in the dental appliance, and a digital image correlation device 200, also referred to herein as a DIC (Digital Image Correlation) device. The DIC device 200 can be configured to: capture at least two images of the dental appliance including at least one optical marker, wherein the images are time-spaced; obtain positional data of at least one optical marker in each image; and determine the strain applied by the dental appliance based on the positional data of the at least one optical marker captured in each image. The DIC device 200 can also be configured to calculate one or more forces applied by the dental appliance based on the determined strain.

[0059] In one example, the DIC device includes a user interface, and the DIC device is configured to present the determined strain and / or force applied by the dental appliance on the user interface.

[0060] System 100 is beneficial because it provides a simple way to measure strain and / or force applied or exerted by a dental appliance during use. Furthermore, the system allows for non-contact measurement of strain applied by the dental appliance 110. System 100 allows orthodontists to perform in-situ strain and / or force measurements in a non-contact manner.

[0061] Reference Figure 1 The DIC device 200 includes a processing unit 202, an image capture device 220, and a user interface 230. The processing unit 202 is operatively coupled to the image capture device 220 and also operatively coupled to the user interface 230.

[0062] Image capture device 220 is configured to capture multiple images of a dental appliance. These images are captured at different times. Each image includes an optical marker 120 visible therein. Processing unit 202 is configured to obtain positional data of the optical marker in each image and determine the strain applied by the dental appliance 110 based on the positional data.

[0063] In one example, the processing unit 202 is configured to: receive images captured from a microscope, wherein at least one optical marker is visible in each captured image; determine the displacement of at least one optical marker; and calculate strain based on the displacement of at least one optical marker.

[0064] The calculated strain can be displayed on the user interface 230. The user interface 230 can be a touchscreen, an LCD screen, an LED screen, or other suitable screen. The user interface 230 is configured to present the determined strain applied by the dental appliance.

[0065] In one example, processing unit 202 can be configured to calculate the force applied by dental appliance 110 based on displacement and strain. Furthermore, processing unit 202 can internally store specific dental appliance data, such as Young's modulus and the area of ​​dental appliance 110. This specific dental appliance data can be used to calculate the force applied by dental appliance 110.

[0066] In one example, processing unit 202 may be configured to calculate the strain and / or force applied by a dental appliance at a specific point corresponding to a particular tooth of a patient. The calculated strain and force may be displayed on user interface 230 to allow clinicians to make appropriate clinical decisions.

[0067] In one example, the DIC device 200 is configured to calculate one or more forces applied by the dental appliance and present the calculated forces on a user interface. In another example, the user interface 230 may be configured to present the calculated strain and force applied by the dental appliance 110.

[0068] The DIC device 200 can be configured to generate two-dimensional (or three-dimensional) contour images to show the magnitude and direction of the strain applied by the dental appliance.

[0069] Optionally, the DIC device 200 can be configured to show the magnitude and direction of one or more forces applied by the dental appliance. The two-dimensional contour image can be displayed in the user interface 230 to allow the dentist to make clinical decisions.

[0070] Figure 2 An example of a dental appliance 110 is shown. Figure 2 As shown, the dental appliance is an invisible braces 110.

[0071] In use, the invisible aligners 110 are worn by the patient to straighten or align the patient's teeth. The patient may wear a single invisible aligner 110 on the upper teeth or a single invisible aligner 110 on the lower teeth. Alternatively, the dental appliance 110 may contain two invisible aligners that can be worn by the patient, one for each row of teeth.

[0072] Invisible braces 110 are made of invisible material and are custom-made for patients by orthodontists. Invisible braces 110 can be made of clear material. They can also be made of plastic or other suitable dental materials. In use, invisible braces 110 are fitted to apply force to the patient's teeth to straighten or align them. Because invisible braces 110 are invisible (e.g., clear) and not very noticeable, they are a popular choice for patients.

[0073] A dental appliance (e.g., an invisible braces 110) may include at least one optical mark 120 disposed thereon or incorporated therein. In one example, the dental appliance 110 includes a plurality of optical marks disposed thereon or therein.

[0074] The Invisible Braces 110 contain multiple optical markers. For example... Figure 2 As shown, multiple optical markers 120-127 are disposed on the clear aligner 110. The optical markers 120-127 may be attached to the outer surface of the clear aligner 110. Alternatively, the optical markers 120-127 may be integrated into the clear aligner 110.

[0075] In some embodiments, the optical markers may be made of fluorescent nanomaterials. In some embodiments, the optical markers may comprise fluorescent nanodiamonds, quantum dots, or other fluorescent nanoparticles. Such optical markers are substantially transparent and do not affect the overall aesthetics of the orthodontic appliance when attached to or embedded within it. When such optical markers are excited by light such as visible or infrared light, they fluoresce. Therefore, these optical markers are visible in images of the orthodontic appliance acquired using digital image correlation devices.

[0076] In the illustrated embodiment, optical marker 120 may include nanodiamond. In a specific illustrated example, the optical marker comprises fluorescent nanodiamond. The fluorescent nanodiamond (FND) may be nitrogen-doped nanodiamond. The nanodiamond may be integrated into the clear aligner 110. Nanodiamonds 120-127 may be embedded in the clear aligner 110. Nanodiamonds 120-127 may be 3D printed onto the clear aligner 110 (i.e., dental appliance).

[0077] Fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) 120-127 can be arranged in an array. The fluorescent nanodiamonds 120-127 can be spaced apart from each other. In one example configuration, the fluorescent nanodiamonds can be spaced equally apart. In one example configuration, the fluorescent nanodiamonds can be arranged as an array across the surface of a dental appliance, or the fluorescent nanodiamonds can be embedded as an array within an invisible brace 110.

[0078] Figure 3AAn example is shown embedded in Figure 2 Fluorescent nanodiamond arrays 300 on or in dental appliances. Figure 3B The image shown is under a scanning electron microscope. Figure 3A 300 nanodiamond microdot arrays 3D printed in China. Figure 3B As shown in the configuration, the fluorescent nanodiamonds are dots. The fluorescent nanodiamonds can be arranged in a grid array.

[0079] Fluorescent nanodiamonds 120-127 can be formed through a suitable process in which the nanodiamonds are doped with nitrogen. Nanodiamonds can be synthesized during manufacturing via nitrogen doping. Nitrogen doping creates vacancies, which are formed when nitrogen atoms replace carbon atoms in the diamond lattice, creating vacancies that can be called nitrogen vacancy centers (NV centers). These NV centers exhibit excellent optical properties, including stable and bright fluorescence and good biocompatibility, making them valuable for various applications in imaging, sensing, and quantum technologies. NV centers, i.e., nitrogen-doped nanodiamonds 120-127, are used in invisible braces because their fluorescence and optical properties make them excellent optical markers for DIC devices 200.

[0080] The width of fluorescent nanodiamonds 120-127 can be approximately 100 nanometers. Figure 4 Further images under a transmission electron microscope revealed the clarity and fluorescence intensity of the fluorescent nanodiamonds. In one example, the fluorescent nanodiamonds were formed by mixing nanodiamonds with a resin having a specific mixture. Resins containing nanodiamonds can be formed using appropriate oligomer / monomer matrix ratios and nanodiamond content. The optimal ratio for a light-cured clear dental monomer system (UDMA oligomer / TEGDMA monomer = 50 / 50, 0.2 wt% fluorescent nanodiamonds) has been used. Figure 2 The illustrated example demonstrates the formation of invisible dental braces incorporating integrated nanodiamonds. A mixture of fluorescent nanodiamonds and light-cured dental resin can be 3D printed at the micrometer scale to form a micro-dot array, wherein the fluorescent nanodiamonds constitute 0.2% to 0.5% by weight of the mixture. Ultra-transparent fluorescent nanodiamonds can be synthesized via a well-established self-assisted air oxidation method. Their physical (transparency, 3D printability, conversion efficiency, water absorption, etc.), mechanical (strength, modulus, hardness, etc.), and biological (biocompatibility) properties can be selected by adjusting the oxidation process.

[0081] For example, well-printed fluorescent nanodiamond dots 120-127 exhibit bright fluorescence when excited by light or near-infrared light. To enhance detectability under standard clinical microscopy, micro-3D printing technology was used to print integrated fluorescent nanodiamond dots (100 micrometers in diameter) to form a dental appliance 110. The printing scale can be increased from the nanoscale to the microscale.

[0082] Optionally, an orthotic device with nanodiamond optical markers was precisely designed and manufactured using a micro 3D printer. The optical markers 120-127 (i.e., fluorescent nanodiamonds) were clearly detected under a fluorescence microscope, which made it highly advantageous to accurately measure the displacement and strain of the optical markers in a DIC measurement system.

[0083] Figure 5 An example method 500 for measuring strain and / or force applied by a dental appliance is shown. Method 500 can be performed by a component of system 100. The method includes step 502 of providing a dental appliance comprising at least one optical marker. Step 502 can be optional. The at least one optical marker is fluorescent nanodiamond. Step 504 includes capturing two images of the dental appliance comprising at least one optical marker, wherein these images are time-interval. The time interval means that the two images are spaced apart in time, i.e., taken at specific points in time that are separate from each other. These images can be captured by an image capturing device 220, such as a microscope. Step 506 includes obtaining positional data of at least one optical marker in each image. Step 508 includes determining the strain applied by the dental appliance based on the positional data of at least one optical marker captured in each image. Step 510 includes presenting the determined strain on a user interface 230.

[0084] In one example, step 508, which determines the strain, may include additional steps. Step 512 involves receiving captured images from the microscope, wherein at least one optical marker is visible in each captured image. Step 514 involves determining the displacement of the at least one optical marker. Step 516 involves calculating the strain based on the displacement of the at least one optical marker.

[0085] The displacement can be calculated by: determining the position (e.g., coordinates) of at least one optical marker in each image, determining the positional change of at least one optical marker between two images, and calculating the sum of the positional changes to determine the displacement. The invisible braces used are custom-made for each patient.

[0086] In use, an image-capturing device (e.g., a microscope) is used to detect fluorescent nanodiamonds. Microscope 220 can be configured to emit light or infrared light to make the fluorescent nanodiamonds visible, such as... Figure 3AAs shown, the DIC system 200 uses a microscope 220 to obtain positional data from fluorescent nanodiamonds and converts the positional data into orthodontic force measurements. The magnitude and direction of these forces are visualized as two-dimensional contour images and presented on the user device 230, facilitating easier analysis of medical data. Developing an intelligent invisible braces system that can track forces acting on teeth without electrical signal wires will greatly benefit orthodontists and patients, guiding tooth movement throughout the treatment process.

[0087] Figure 6 Another example method 600 for measuring strain and / or force applied by a dental appliance is shown. The method begins at step 602. Step 602 includes acquiring images (e.g., digital images) via a DIC system 200. Step 604 involves segmenting the images and creating a three-dimensional virtual CAD model. Digital impressions of the patient's teeth may be collected in step 606. Step 608 involves developing an orthodontic plan for the patient. If the plan is rejected, the process returns to step 602.

[0088] If the orthodontic plan is approved, step 610 begins. Step 610 involves designing the sequential aligners. Step 612 involves creating an array of optical markers (e.g., fluorescent nanodiamonds) and embedding them in resin. Step 614 involves 3D printing the clear aligners with embedded fluorescent nanodiamonds using resin including the resin. The clear aligners created in step 614 are custom-made for the patient.

[0089] Step 616 includes providing a surface treatment to the clear aligner. Step 618 includes delivering the manufactured clear aligner 110 to the orthodontist. Step 620 includes placing the aligner on the patient. Step 622 includes taking images and determining the strain and / or force applied by the dental appliance (i.e., the clear aligner 110). Step 624 includes initiating the application of the aligner to the patient.

[0090] Patients can have regular follow-up appointments with their orthodontist. Each time a patient visits the orthodontist, the orthodontist can measure the strain and / or force applied by the dental appliance (e.g., clear aligners 110). This strain and / or force can be measured and stored during treatment. Optionally, the shape of the aligners can be changed based on the force and / or strain applied by the dental appliance to ensure appropriate strain is applied to guarantee proper tooth alignment. In one example, method 500 can be performed to calculate the force and / or strain applied by the aligners used on the patient.

[0091] Figure 7 It shows the use of Figure 1 An example of a DIC device 200, which is part of the system. (e.g.) Figure 7As shown, the DIC device 200 can be a microscope with an integrated user interface 230. Alternatively, the DIC device 200 may include one or more cameras.

[0092] DIC device 200 may include the necessary and appropriate components to receive, store, and execute appropriate computer instructions. These components may include processing unit 202 (which may include a central processing unit (CPU), a math coprocessor unit (mathematical processing unit), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a tensor processing unit (TPU) for tensor or multidimensional array computations or operations), read-only memory (ROM) 204, random access memory (RAM) 206, and input / output devices such as disk drive 208 and input devices 210 (e.g., Ethernet port, USB port, etc.). Display 230 (i.e., user interface), such as a liquid crystal display, a light-emitting display, or any other suitable display, may be provided as an integrated element. Alternatively, display 230 may be a separate element.

[0093] DIC device 200 may include instructions that can be contained in ROM 204, RAM 206, or disk drive 208 and executed by processing unit 202. Multiple communication links 214 may be provided, which can be connected in various ways to one or more computing devices, such as servers, personal computers, terminals, wireless or handheld computing devices, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, smart devices, and edge computing devices. DIC device 200 may be configured to communicate with dental equipment (e.g., smartphones or tablets). DIC device 200 may also transmit strain data and other data (e.g., digital impressions can be transmitted and stored in the patient's record). At least one of the multiple communication links may be connected to an external computing network via a telephone line or other types of communication link.

[0094] DIC device 200 may include a storage device, such as disk drive 208, which may include a solid-state drive, hard disk drive, optical disk drive, tape drive, or remote or cloud-based storage device. DIC device 200 may use a single disk drive or multiple disk drives, or remote storage services. DIC device 200 may also have a suitable operating system residing in the disk drive or ROM.

[0095] The DIC device 200 may also provide the necessary computing power to operate or communicate with machine learning networks, such as neural networks, to provide various functions and outputs. The neural network may be implemented locally or accessed, or partially accessed, via a server or cloud-based service. The machine learning network may also be untrained, partially trained, or fully trained, and / or may be retrained, tuned, or updated over time. The DIC device 200 may include one or more graphics processing units operatively coupled to a CPU (i.e., a processing unit). The DIC device 200 may include additional hardware elements operatively coupled to the CPU and / or GPU to provide the components required to implement the machine learning network or machine learning model. The learning network or model may be stored in a storage unit (e.g., ROM). The DIC device 200 may include a neural network or machine learning network configured to process captured images and measure strain and / or force applied by the dental appliance 110. The machine learning network may be trained to measure strain and / or force on each tooth.

[0096] In an alternative form, the DIC device 200 may include multiple separate components. In this alternative form, the image capture device 220 may be a microscope or a camera (or multiple cameras). Digital images of the dental appliance on the user's teeth can be captured. System 100 may include dental equipment. User interface 230 may be part of or provided by the dental equipment. In one example, the dental equipment is a smartphone. Alternatively, the dental equipment may be a tablet or other device. The dental equipment can receive images from the image capture device 220 via wired or wireless coupling.

[0097] The processing unit 202 may be part of a dental device. Alternatively, the dental device may be a computer or computing device. The processing unit 202 and the user interface 230 may be implemented in a computer. A microscope or camera (i.e., an image capturing device) may be operatively coupled to the dental device, enabling the dental device to receive images. The dental device may be part of a DIC (Digital Injection Control) device.

[0098] In this example, the interface and processing unit are implemented by a computer. This computer can be implemented using any computing architecture, including a laptop, tablet, standalone personal computer, smart device, IoT device, edge computing device, client / server architecture, "dumb" terminal / host architecture, cloud-based architecture, or any other suitable architecture. The computing device can be appropriately programmed to implement the scheme of this application. In one example form, the processing unit 202 can be remote (e.g., a cloud-based system). This allows for remote processing of images to measure strain and / or force applied by the dental appliance 110.

[0099] Monitoring and measuring real-time data during orthodontic treatment is essential and of significant clinical value. Systems for measuring strain and / or force exerted by dental appliances are beneficial because they allow clinicians (e.g., orthodontists) to wirelessly collect strain and / or force data. Dentists can obtain visualized two-dimensional force distribution data by using dental appliances with integrated optical markers and digital image correlation devices. The system described in this article addresses a key need for orthodontists and patients: creating intelligent, invisible braces capable of measuring and tracking forces acting on teeth during orthodontic treatment. This system allows for in-situ measurements of strain and / or force without contact with the patient's mouth.

[0100] Although not strictly necessary, the embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings can be implemented as an application programming interface (API) or as a series of libraries for developers to use, or can be included in another software application, such as a terminal or personal computer operating system or a portable computing device operating system. Typically, since program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, and data files that help perform specific functions, those skilled in the art will understand that the functionality of a software application can be distributed across multiple routines, objects, or components to achieve the same functionality desired herein.

[0101] It should also be understood that, where the methods and systems of this application described herein are implemented entirely or partially by a computing system, any suitable computing system architecture can be utilized. This will include standalone computers, network computers, and dedicated hardware devices. When using the terms "computing system" and "computing device," these terms are intended to cover any suitable computer hardware arrangement capable of implementing the described functions. Those skilled in the art will understand that numerous variations and / or modifications can be made to the schemes shown in specific embodiments of this application without departing from the spirit or scope of this application as broadly described. Therefore, the embodiments of this application should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects. Any references to prior art contained herein are not construed as an admission that such information is common general knowledge, unless otherwise stated.

[0102] Additionally, it should be noted that embodiments of this application can be described as processes depicted in flowcharts, block diagrams, structural diagrams, or sectional diagrams. Although a flowchart can describe operations as a sequential process, many operations can be executed in parallel or concurrently. Furthermore, the order of operations can be rearranged. When an operation is completed, the process terminates. A process can correspond to a method, function, procedure, subroutine, subroutine, etc., in a computer program. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination corresponds to the function returning to the calling function or the main function.

[0103] The aforementioned systems and methods can be operated or implemented on any type of dedicated or special computer, or any machine or computer or server or electronic device having a microprocessor unit, processing unit, microcontroller, programmable controller, etc., or cloud-based platform or other processing unit and / or server network (whether local or remote), or any combination of such devices.

[0104] In the above description, storage medium may refer to one or more devices for storing data, including read-only memory, random access memory, disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices and / or other machine or computer-readable media for storing information.

[0105] One or more components and functions illustrated in the accompanying drawings of this application may be rearranged and / or combined into a single component or embodied in several components without departing from the scope of this application. Additional elements or components may also be added without departing from the scope of this application. Furthermore, the features described herein may be implemented in software, hardware, as a business method, and / or a combination thereof.

Claims

1. A system for measuring strain applied by a dental appliance, comprising: Dental appliances; At least one optical mark is set on or inside a dental appliance; Digital image correlation device, which is configured as follows: Two images of a dental appliance including at least one optical marker are captured, wherein the two images are time-spaced. Obtain the position data of at least one optical marker in each image; Based on the positional data of at least one optical marker captured in each image, the strain applied by the dental appliance is determined.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the digital image correlation device further comprises a user interface, and the digital image correlation device is further configured to present the measured strain applied by the dental appliance on the user interface.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the digital image correlation device is further configured to calculate one or more forces applied by the dental appliance based on the determined strain, and to present the calculated forces on the user interface.

4. The system according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the at least one optical marker is made of fluorescent nanomaterial.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the at least one optical marker comprises fluorescent nanodiamond or quantum dots.

6. The system of claim 4, wherein the at least one optical marker is a fluorescent nanodiamond or contains a fluorescent nanodiamond, the fluorescent nanodiamond being doped with nitrogen and containing nitrogen vacancy centers.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the dental appliance is an invisible brace, the invisible brace comprising a plurality of optical markers embedded in the invisible brace in an array or disposed on the outer surface of the invisible brace.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the plurality of optical markers are micro-dot arrays formed by micron-scale 3D printing of a mixture comprising fluorescent nanodiamonds and light-cured dental resin.

9. The system according to claim 4, wherein the digital image correlation device comprises: The microscope is configured to capture two or more images of the dental appliance; A processing unit operatively coupled to the microscope, wherein the processing unit is configured to: Images are received from the microscope, wherein at least one optical marker is visible in each captured image; Determine the displacement of the at least one optical mark; The strain is calculated based on the displacement of the at least one optical marker.

10. A method for measuring strain applied by a dental appliance, comprising the following steps: A dental appliance comprising at least one optical marker is provided, wherein the at least one optical marker is made of fluorescent nanomaterial and is disposed on the surface of the dental appliance or embedded in the dental appliance; Two images of a dental appliance including at least one optical marker are captured, wherein the two images are time-spaced. Obtain the position data of at least one optical marker in each image; Based on the positional data of the at least one optical marker captured in each image, the strain applied by the dental appliance is determined; as well as The determined strains are presented on the user interface.

11. A dental appliance, comprising: Invisible braces; Multiple optical markers are disposed on or embedded in the invisible braces, wherein the optical markers are made of fluorescent nanomaterials and are visible when the invisible braces are irradiated with visible or infrared light.

Images