A method for constructing a digitally precise control mandibular deviation corrector

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of digital precise control's mandibular deviation appliance construction method, it is related to oral orthodontics and digital medical instrument technical field.The present application comprises the following steps: image acquisition and intraoral scanning are carried out, obtain the craniofacial skeletal structure data and dentition three-dimensional data of patient;Image data and dentition data are three-dimensionally reconstructed and registered, and the individualized model of patient is established;According to the mandibular deviation direction, the mandibular deviation degree, the temporomandibular joint structure of patient, the target position of mandible is determined in digital environment;The shape of appliance is designed in digital software, transparent resin is cut into shape, and post-processing is carried out, and the finished product appliance is prepared.The present application provides a light intervention scheme between long-term orthodontics and traumatic surgery, and is more suitable for patients with main appeal of appearance improvement and mandibular deviation correction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of orthodontics and digital medical device technology, and more specifically to a method for constructing a digitally controlled mandibular deviation correction appliance. Background Technology

[0002] Facial asymmetry and mandibular deviation are common clinical problems, mainly manifested as midline deviation of the mandible, uncoordinated development of the left and right mandibles, and the resulting asymmetry of the lower face. These problems not only affect facial aesthetics but can also impact lip closure, occlusal stability, and overall facial harmony. Epidemiological studies indicate that the detection rate of facial asymmetry varies considerably across different populations and assessment methods: in orthodontic patients, the reported incidence in clinical studies is approximately 12%–37%. These problems not only affect facial aesthetics but also impact patients' self-image, social confidence, and quality of life. Public research shows that craniofacial asymmetry significantly affects the quality of life and psychosocial well-being of adolescents and young adults; for children and adolescents, a deviation of more than 3 mm from the midline at the chin point can negatively impact oral health-related quality of life and bring significant psychological and emotional burdens. Therefore, mandibular deviation and facial asymmetry can lead to continuous medical needs and a heavy burden of medical intervention.

[0003] Current clinical interventions for mandibular deviation mainly include orthognathic surgery, orthodontic treatment, and minimally invasive facial plastic surgery. While different approaches can improve mandibular deviation or facial asymmetry to some extent, they all have limitations in terms of applicability, treatment duration, degree of trauma, precision control, and stability of efficacy.

[0004] Orthognathic surgery is primarily suitable for patients with severe skeletal deformities and significant mandibular deviation. This method typically involves reconstructing the jawbone position through osteotomy, bone segment movement, and internal fixation. While the corrective effect is relatively clear, the surgery is highly invasive, the treatment cost is high, and the perioperative risks and postoperative recovery burden are significant. For patients whose primary concerns are only mild to moderate mandibular deviation and facial aesthetic improvement, orthognathic surgery is not a routine treatment option, as there is a mismatch between the intensity of intervention and the patient's actual needs.

[0005] Orthodontic treatment is a common method for correcting mandibular deviation and malocclusion, primarily using appliances such as brackets, clear aligners, and functional appliances to make long-term adjustments to the dentition and intermaxillary relationships. However, orthodontic treatment usually has a long duration, requiring patients to wear orthodontic appliances for extended periods and attend multiple follow-up appointments, thus demanding high treatment compliance. For patients with relatively straight dentition but whose main issue is mandibular deviation or facial disharmony, orthodontic treatment may present challenges such as insufficient indications and a lack of direct improvement goals.

[0006] Facial minimally invasive cosmetic procedures primarily improve facial asymmetry through methods such as injectable fillers, botulinum toxin treatments, or soft tissue sculpting. These methods are relatively simple to perform and offer noticeable short-term cosmetic results. However, they mainly work at the soft tissue level and cannot correct deviations through jaw position or occlusion. Furthermore, the effects of minimally invasive procedures have limitations, including limited duration of effect, the need for repeated treatments, difficulty in maintaining stable symmetry, and potential complications such as local swelling, infection, filler displacement, and facial expression incoordination.

[0007] Furthermore, existing treatment methods still have shortcomings in terms of precision in correcting mandibular deviation. While orthognathic surgery can directly adjust the skeletal structure, it is mainly for patients with severe skeletal deformities and is not a routine choice for patients with mild to moderate deviation. Traditional orthodontic treatment relies more on tooth movement and occlusal adjustment, with limited precise control over the three-dimensional position of the mandible and the positional relationship of the bilateral condyles. Facial micro-plastic surgery mainly compensates for soft tissue appearance and cannot precisely guide the mandible to reposition in the intended direction. Therefore, existing methods cannot provide personalized, visualized, and repeatable precise control over the target position of the mandible based on the patient's mandibular deviation direction, degree of deviation, differences in bilateral joint position, and facial improvement needs, resulting in insufficient targeting and stability in mandibular deviation correction.

[0008] In summary, current treatment options for mandibular deviation generally suffer from problems such as long treatment cycles, high invasiveness, insufficient concealment, limited personalized control, and imprecise correction, failing to effectively meet the needs of patients with mild to moderate mandibular deviation. Therefore, there is an urgent clinical need for an intervention program that is minimally invasive, has a short treatment cycle, is concealed in appearance, can be personalized, and is easily accepted.

[0009] Therefore, it is necessary to propose a digitally precise control method for constructing mandibular deviation appliances. Through image acquisition, intraoral scanning, three-dimensional reconstruction and registration, an individualized digital model of the patient is established. Based on the direction and degree of mandibular deviation and the need for facial improvement, the target mandibular position is determined. Then, a transparent and miniaturized personalized appliance is designed to provide a light intervention solution between long-term orthodontic treatment and invasive surgical treatment for patients with mild to moderate mandibular deviation and facial asymmetry, thereby improving treatment results and reducing the treatment burden. Summary of the Invention

[0010] In view of this, the present invention provides a method for constructing a digitally controlled mandibular deviation orthodontic appliance. Targeting individuals whose primary need is to improve mandibular deviation and facial asymmetry, and who wish to avoid invasive treatments and long-term, complex treatment pathways, this method provides a transparent, compact, discreet, and digitally precisely controllable personalized orthodontic appliance. The method establishes an individualized digital model of the patient through image acquisition, intraoral scanning, 3D reconstruction, and registration. Based on the patient's mandibular deviation direction, degree of deviation, and facial improvement needs, the target mandibular position and occlusal relationship are determined in a digital environment. Then, based on the confirmed occlusal relationship, the appliance's shape is designed, enabling the appliance to guide and position the mandible during the patient's mouth closure process, thereby improving mandibular deviation and facial asymmetry.

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A method for constructing a digitally controlled mandibular deviation appliance includes the following steps: Image acquisition and intraoral scanning were performed to obtain data on the patient's craniofacial bony structure and three-dimensional data on the dental arch; Three-dimensional reconstruction and registration of imaging data and dental arch data are performed to establish individualized patient models; Based on the patient's mandibular deviation direction, degree of deviation, and facial shape improvement needs, the target mandibular position and occlusal relationship are determined in a digital environment; Based on the confirmed occlusal relationship, the shape of the orthodontic appliance is digitally designed, and it is cut and molded using transparent resin. After post-processing, the finished orthodontic appliance is produced.

[0012] Optionally, the appliance includes a maxillary retention portion and a guide socket structure, which allows the mandible to move and be positioned in a predetermined direction when the patient closes their mouth.

[0013] Optionally, parameters can be adjusted to be personalized and differentiated based on the degree of mandibular deviation.

[0014] Optionally, three-dimensional reconstruction and registration of the image data and dentition data can be performed to establish a patient-specific model, specifically including the following steps: 3D model reconstruction: Based on DICOM data read by digital twin software, a 3D model of the patient's maxilla, mandible, teeth and temporomandibular joint-related bony structures is reconstructed through threshold segmentation and region extraction techniques. Registration of dental model with CT model: The digital dental model is used as point cloud data and automatically registered with the CT-reconstructed dental arch model. High-precision fusion is achieved through iterative nearest point algorithm to ensure the spatial consistency between tooth morphology and skeletal structure.

[0015] Optionally, the preset treatment path is as follows: Based on the patient's clinical diagnosis results, in a three-dimensional visualization environment, the spatial position of the bilateral temporomandibular joints and jaws is adjusted. The adjustment goal is to make differentiated adjustments to the position of the bilateral condyles to improve mandibular deviation and facial aesthetics, while displaying the positional relationship between the condyles and the glenoid fossa, and maintaining the health and stability of the temporomandibular joint while improving mandibular deviation.

[0016] As can be seen from the above technical solution, compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a method for constructing a digitally controlled mandibular deviation correction appliance, which has the following beneficial effects: First, this invention provides a light intervention solution that falls between long-term orthodontics and invasive surgery, making it more suitable for people whose main needs are aesthetic improvement and mandibular deviation correction. It can improve treatment effectiveness and reduce the overall treatment burden.

[0017] Secondly, this invention establishes an individualized patient model through image acquisition, intraoral scanning, three-dimensional reconstruction and registration, which can analyze the direction, degree of deviation and spatial relationship of the mandible in a digital environment, thereby improving the personalization and accuracy of orthodontic appliance design.

[0018] Third, this invention determines the target position and occlusal relationship of the mandible in a digital environment, and designs the shape of the orthodontic appliance based on the confirmed occlusal relationship. Through the cooperation of the maxillary retention part and the guide socket structure, the orthodontic appliance can guide and position the mandible during the mouth closing process, thereby improving the pertinence and repeatability of mandibular deviation correction.

[0019] Fourth, the present invention uses transparent resin for cutting and molding, which can not only meet the structural strength and wearing requirements of the orthodontic appliance, but also has good appearance concealment, which better meets the patient's needs for aesthetics and social convenience.

[0020] Fifth, through digital design and personalized manufacturing, this invention can reduce the uncertainty brought about by traditional experience-based design, which is conducive to improving the standardization, personalization and controllability of the orthodontic appliance manufacturing process. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the method flow provided by the present invention; Figure 2 Flowchart for the design of a digitally controlled mandibular deviation correction appliance; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of three-dimensional reconstruction and mandibular deviation analysis; Figure 4 To quantitatively adjust and improve mandibular deviation. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0024] This invention discloses a method for constructing a digitally controlled mandibular deviation correction appliance, such as... Figures 1-4 As shown, the specific steps are as follows: Step 1 involves image acquisition and intraoral scanning to obtain data on the patient's craniofacial bony structure and three-dimensional dentition. Craniofacial image acquisition requires a craniofacial CT scan, with the maxillary and mandibular dentition in intercuspal position (ICP) during the scan. The scan area covers the entire maxilla and mandible, as well as both temporomandibular joint regions. The image data is saved in DICOM format. Dental digitization uses an intraoral digital scanner to acquire three-dimensional data of the maxillary and mandibular dentition and their occlusal relationships. The scan data is saved in STL format for subsequent fusion and modeling with the image data.

[0025] Step two involves performing 3D reconstruction and registration of the acquired image and dental data to establish an individualized patient model. This includes: using digital twin software to read DICOM data, and reconstructing a 3D model of the patient's maxilla, mandible, teeth, and temporomandibular joint-related bony structures through threshold segmentation and region extraction techniques; automatically registering the digital dental model as point cloud data with the CT-reconstructed dental model, achieving high-precision fusion through the Iterative Closest Point (ICP) algorithm to ensure spatial consistency between tooth morphology and bony structures; and based on the patient's anatomical landmarks (including the infraorbital region)... A personalized three-dimensional coordinate system is established (including the point of contact, ear point, and condyle center point) to provide a unified spatial reference basis for mandibular position adjustment. Based on the completed digital twin model and combined with the patient's clinical diagnosis results, the spatial position of the bilateral temporomandibular joints and jawbone is adjusted in a three-dimensional visualization environment (adjustment displacement accuracy 0.1mm, angle adjustment accuracy 0.01°). The adjustment goal is to make differentiated adjustments to the position of the bilateral condyles, improve mandibular retrusion and deviation, improve facial aesthetics, and improve the positional relationship between the condyles and the glenoid fossa, restoring the disc-condyle relationship.

[0026] Step 3: Based on the direction and degree of mandibular deviation and the patient's facial shape improvement needs, determine the target position of the mandible in the digital environment and preset the treatment path.

[0027] Step four: Design an orthodontic appliance according to the preset path. The appliance includes a maxillary retention part and a guide socket structure, which allows the mandible to move and be positioned in the preset direction when the patient closes his mouth.

[0028] Step 5: Set asymmetrical guide parameters according to the degree of mandibular deviation. For cases with obvious deviation, more targeted mandibular position correction can be achieved by changing the guide surface angle, height or contact sequence on the deviated side and the non-deviated side.

[0029] Step six: Import the digital model of the orthodontic appliance into the 3D printing equipment, print it using transparent resin material, and perform post-processing to obtain the finished orthodontic appliance.

[0030] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on its differences from other embodiments. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. For the apparatus disclosed in the embodiments, since they correspond to the methods disclosed in the embodiments, the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the method section.

[0031] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A method for constructing a digitally controlled mandibular deviation correction appliance, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Image acquisition and intraoral scanning were performed to obtain data on the patient's craniofacial bony structure and three-dimensional data on the dental arch; Three-dimensional reconstruction and registration of imaging data and dental arch data are performed to establish individualized patient models; Based on the patient's mandibular deviation direction, degree of deviation, and facial shape improvement needs, the target mandibular position and occlusal relationship are determined in a digital environment; Based on the confirmed occlusal relationship, the shape of the orthodontic appliance is digitally designed, and it is cut and molded using transparent resin. After post-processing, the finished orthodontic appliance is produced.

2. The method for constructing a digitally controlled mandibular deviation correction appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The appliance includes a maxillary retention section and a guide socket structure, which allows the mandible to move and be positioned in a set direction when the patient closes their mouth.

3. The method for constructing a digitally controlled mandibular deviation correction appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes personalized and differentiated parameter settings based on the degree of mandibular deviation.

4. The method for constructing a digitally controlled mandibular deviation correction appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, Three-dimensional reconstruction and registration of imaging data and dental arch data are performed to establish an individualized patient model, specifically including the following steps: 3D model reconstruction: Based on DICOM data read by digital twin software, a 3D model of the patient's maxilla, mandible, teeth and temporomandibular joint-related bony structures is reconstructed through threshold segmentation and region extraction techniques. Registration of dental model with CT model: The digital dental model is used as point cloud data and automatically registered with the CT-reconstructed dental arch model. High-precision fusion is achieved through iterative nearest point algorithm to ensure the spatial consistency between tooth morphology and skeletal structure.

5. The method for constructing a digitally controlled mandibular deviation correction appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pre-set treatment path is as follows: Based on the patient's clinical diagnosis, in a three-dimensional visualization environment, the spatial position of the bilateral temporomandibular joints and jaws is adjusted. The adjustment goal is to make differentiated adjustments to the position of the bilateral condyles to improve mandibular deviation and facial aesthetics, while displaying the positional relationship between the condyles and the glenoid fossa, and maintaining the health and stability of the temporomandibular joint while improving mandibular deviation.

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