Detection of jaw arch geometry

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a method for determining information about at least one section of a dental arch.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and a method for determining information about at least one section of a dental arch.

[0002] Patient positioning is of particular importance in medical imaging systems used in dental technology. With current systems, patient positioning is performed by (dental) medical professionals. This positioning is therefore inherently prone to errors. Consequently, images acquired with a medical imaging system often need to be repeated, or the images are of insufficient quality and require extensive post-processing.

[0003] EP 4 129 191 A1 relates to a method for producing digital panoramic images using extraoral X-ray equipment, utilizing prior knowledge of the patient's anatomy to avoid the need for subsequent software solutions with complex reconstruction. This method relies on existing image data, such as one or more previous panoramic or 3D images, or one or more optical 3D scans of the jaw arch shape, as model-based prior knowledge of the patient's anatomy. In other words, the trajectory is not recalculated afterward, but rather pre-calculated using a type of artificial intelligence (AI) from existing data to achieve the most accurate trajectory possible for each individual patient.

[0004] EP 3 688 719 A1 defines an individually adapted path of an X-ray source using a digital 3D surface representation of at least part of a patient's teeth.

[0005] US patent 2022 / 0192616 A1 discloses a reduction of artifacts in the image using three panoramic images, wherein the first panoramic image forms the basis, the second panoramic image weights the artifacts, and the third represents the result of the artifacts subtracted from the second image in the first image.

[0006] US patent 2010 / 0055634A1 discloses a bite plate with an intraoral vibration plate.

[0007] EP 2 932 903 A1 discloses a craniosta for patient positioning with a forehead support.

[0008] Furthermore, WO 2023 / 083648 A1 refers to a method for improving a medical scan of a patient's head anatomy. The method includes providing a large number of scan datasets relating to head anatomy. The method includes providing intraoral data relating to one or more intraoral features of the patient. The method includes determining, using the intraoral data, those parts of the scan dataset where movement related to the intraoral features was detected during acquisition. The method includes constructing and / or correcting the medical scan from the scan dataset in response to this determination.

[0009] Even with state-of-the-art technology that reduces or even eliminates manual intervention in patient positioning by staff, the necessary effort is still quite high, for example due to pre-calculations, post-calculations and / or additional recordings.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need for an improved device for determining information about at least one section of a dental arch, as well as for an associated method.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the invention, a device for determining information about at least one section of a dental arch is proposed. The device comprises an occlusal arrangement and an evaluation unit. The occlusal arrangement includes at least one pressure sensor. The occlusal arrangement is configured to be positioned between at least one section of a row of teeth in the upper jaw and at least one section of a row of teeth in the lower jaw. The at least one pressure sensor is configured to detect pressure information about and / or from at least the section of the upper jaw's row of teeth and / or from at least the section of the lower jaw's row of teeth exerted on the pressure applied to the at least one pressure sensor. The evaluation unit is configured to determine information about at least one section of a dental arch based on the pressure information detected by the at least one pressure sensor.

[0012] Determining at least the section of the dental arch using pressure information captured by at least one pressure sensor present in an occlusal arrangement allows for accurate yet simple determination.

[0013] The dental arch can normally be described as the string-like arrangement of teeth in the upper and lower jaw. The upper and lower dental arches of an adult typically consist of 16 teeth each. In children, the upper and lower dental arches, when fully developed, typically consist of 10 teeth each.

[0014] The dental arch (also called the alveolar arch) in humans typically has the shape of a parabola, with its apex between teeth 11 and 21 in the upper jaw (corresponding to teeth 31 and 41 in the lower jaw). The term "dental arch" can refer to the parabolic / horseshoe-shaped row of teeth in the upper jaw. Similarly, the term "dental arch" can refer to the parabolic / horseshoe-shaped row of teeth in both the upper and lower jaws. Therefore, the term "row of teeth" refers to the arrangement of teeth, while the term "dental arch" defines a geometry and / or shape that goes beyond the mere arrangement of teeth.It can therefore also be said that the occlusal arrangement can be configured to be formed between at least one section of the dental arch of an upper jaw and at least one section of the dental arch of a lower jaw. The dental arch can also be referred to as the jaw arch.

[0015] The information about at least one section of the dental arch can include information about at least one section of a dental arch curve or arch shape. The information about at least one section of the dental arch can include information about at least one tooth in the dental arch, for example, information about exactly one tooth. It is also conceivable that the information about at least one section of the dental arch includes information about at least a part or section of a tooth in the dental arch.

[0016] The occlusal appliance can include an occlusal splint or be designed as an occlusal splint. In a specific example, the occlusal appliance can include an occlusal splint and a shaft directly or indirectly connected to the occlusal splint. In other words, the occlusal splint can be formed as a single unit with the shaft to form the occlusal appliance. The occlusal splint can transition directly into the shaft, or at least one additional section can be provided between the occlusal splint and the shaft. The occlusal appliance can be wirelessly and / or wired connected to the evaluation unit, meaning the connection between the occlusal appliance and the evaluation unit can be a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination of both.The bite appliance can transmit pressure information detected by the at least one pressure sensor to the evaluation unit via a wireless and / or wired connection. This pressure information can include details of a force exerted or acting on the at least one pressure sensor by at least one section of the upper jaw's dental arch and / or at least one section of the lower jaw's dental arch. The pressure information can therefore also be referred to as force information.

[0017] To acquire pressure information about pressure exerted by at least the section of the upper jaw's dental arch, the at least one pressure sensor can, for example, be located on the side of the bite plate facing the upper jaw or be actuated via a side of the bite plate facing the upper jaw. To acquire pressure information about pressure exerted by at least the section of the lower jaw's dental arch, the at least one pressure sensor can, for example, be located on the side of the bite plate facing the lower jaw or be actuated via a side of the bite plate facing the lower jaw.To capture pressure information about pressure exerted by at least the section of the upper jaw's dental arch, the at least one pressure sensor can, for example, be arranged on a side of the bite assembly facing the upper jaw and on a side facing the lower jaw, or be operable via a side of the bite assembly facing the upper jaw and a side facing the lower jaw.

[0018] The evaluation unit can be configured to determine information about at least one section of the dental arch of the upper jaw. Additionally or alternatively, the evaluation unit can be configured to determine information about at least one section of the dental arch of the lower jaw.In other words, the evaluation unit can be configured to determine information about at least one section of the dental arch, or only information about at least one section of an upper jaw dental arch, or to determine information about at least one section of the dental arch, or only information about at least one section of a lower jaw dental arch, or to determine information about at least one section of the dental arch, as well as information about at least one section of the lower jaw dental arch and information about at least one section of an upper jaw dental arch. The information about at least one section of a lower jaw dental arch can include information about at least one section or part of a lower jaw tooth, or about several lower jaw teeth.The information about at least one section of a maxillary dental arch may include information about at least one section or part of a maxillary tooth or about several maxillary teeth.

[0019] The evaluation unit can be configured to determine information about at least a section of the dental arch, or information about the entire dental arch of the upper jaw. Additionally or alternatively, the evaluation unit can be configured to determine information about at least a section of the dental arch, or information about the entire dental arch of the lower jaw.

[0020] The evaluation unit can be configured to determine information about at least one section of a dental arch, averaged from the maxillary and mandibular dental arches. The averaged dental arch can be determined from the maxillary and mandibular dental arches in various ways. For example, in a simple configuration, the average of the information about at least one section of the maxillary dental arch and the information about at least one section of the mandibular dental arch can be calculated to determine the information about at least one section of the averaged dental arch.Alternatively, information about at least a portion of the maxillary dental arch and information about at least a portion of the mandibular dental arch can be combined according to a predetermined weighting or weighting scheme to determine information about at least a portion of the averaged dental arch. The evaluation unit can be configured to determine information about at least a portion of the dental arch, as well as information about the entire averaged dental arch.

[0021] The evaluation unit can be designed to determine, based on the pressure information acquired by the at least one pressure sensor, information about the geometry and / or width and / or position of a dental arch, for example, an upper jaw dental arch and / or a lower jaw dental arch.

[0022] The evaluation unit can be configured to determine information about the width and / or position of a jaw containing the upper and lower jaw, based on the pressure information acquired by the at least one pressure sensor. Additionally or alternatively, the evaluation unit can be configured to determine information about the width and / or position of the upper jaw, based on the pressure information acquired by the at least one pressure sensor. Additionally or alternatively, the evaluation unit can be configured to determine information about the width and / or position of the lower jaw, based on the pressure information acquired by the at least one pressure sensor.

[0023] The at least one pressure sensor can be designed and arranged to detect pressure information about one or more occlusal points in the upper and / or lower jaw. Alternatively, the at least one pressure sensor can be designed and arranged to detect pressure information solely about one or more occlusal points in the upper jaw. For this purpose, the at least one pressure sensor can be located on the side of the occlusal appliance facing the upper jaw or be actuated via a side of the occlusal appliance facing the upper jaw. Finally, the at least one pressure sensor can be designed and arranged to detect pressure information solely about one or more occlusal points in the lower jaw.For this purpose, the at least one pressure sensor can be located on the side of the bite plate facing the mandible or be actuated via a side of the bite plate facing the mandible. The at least one pressure sensor can be designed and positioned to capture pressure information about one or more occlusal points in the upper jaw and one or more occlusal points in the lower jaw. For this purpose, the at least one pressure sensor can be located on both a side of the bite plate facing the maxilla and a side of the bite plate facing the mandible. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one pressure sensor can be actuated via both a side of the bite plate facing the maxilla and a side of the bite plate facing the mandible.

[0024] Determining bite points using at least one pressure sensor in the bite assembly allows for a particularly accurate yet simple determination of information about at least the section of the dental arch.

[0025] The at least one pressure sensor can be designed and arranged to detect pressure information, information about the buccal and / or palatal positions of one or more cusps and / or incisal surfaces of teeth in the maxillary and / or mandibular dental arches. In dentistry, buccal (or buccal) usually refers to the outer surfaces of teeth facing the cheeks, i.e., the lateral surfaces of the teeth. Similarly, in dentistry, palatal usually refers to the inner surfaces of teeth facing the palate, i.e., the lingual surfaces of the teeth.Additionally or alternatively, at least one pressure sensor can be designed and positioned to detect pressure information, information about one or more dental misalignments and / or an oblique bite of one or more teeth in the upper jaw and / or of one or more teeth in the lower jaw. The one or more dental misalignments can, for example, be derived directly from the pressure information, such as from a pressure bite test.

[0026] The at least one pressure sensor can comprise a sensor array or sensor field, in particular a sensor array or sensor field with individual sensors and / or thin-film sensors and / or foil sensors. In a specific embodiment, the at least one pressure sensor can be configured as a sensor array or sensor field, in particular as a sensor array or sensor field with individual sensors and / or thin-film sensors and / or foil sensors.

[0027] The evaluation unit can be configured to determine, based on information about at least a portion of the dental arch, information about the trajectory of a medical imaging device, in particular an extraoral X-ray device. The extraoral X-ray device can be a panoramic X-ray device. The X-ray device can include an X-ray source and an X-ray detector. The X-ray source and / or the X-ray detector can move along a trajectory to be determined, in particular around a part, for example, the head, of a patient. A standard trajectory can be stored or saved in the medical imaging device, which is followed independently of patient-specific information. Based on the information about at least a portion of the dental arch, a patient-specific trajectory of the medical imaging device can be determined.For example, the standard dental arch trajectory can be adapted based on information about at least a portion of the dental arch to determine the patient-specific trajectory. This adaptation can be performed taking into account deviations between a standard dental arch and the information about at least that portion of the dental arch. The standard dental arch can be stored or saved within the medical imaging device. In general, the evaluation unit can be configured to fully determine a patient-specific dental arch trajectory from a medical imaging device based on information about at least that portion of the dental arch.Alternatively, the evaluation unit can be designed to adapt one or more parameters of an existing trajectory based on information about at least the section of the dental arch, for example, to adjust a contour and / or a position of the trajectory in space in order to determine the patient-specific trajectory of the medical imaging device.

[0028] Determining the trajectory information of a medical imaging device based on information about at least a portion of the dental arch allows for precise and patient-specific determination of the trajectory information. In particular, this enables the determination of trajectory information without, or at least with virtually no, human intervention during patient positioning.

[0029] The evaluation unit can be configured to determine information about a sagittal plane based on the pressure information acquired by at least one pressure sensor. The sagittal plane is a plane that normally runs vertically parallel to the sagittal suture (arrowhead suture of the skull).

[0030] The evaluation unit can also be configured to adapt information about the trajectory of a medical imaging device based on the information obtained about the sagittal plane. This allows the patient-specific trajectory to be adapted even better and / or more accurately to the individual patient.

[0031] The bite assembly can further comprise at least one measuring device. The measuring device can have at least one strain gauge on the upper side of a shaft of the bite assembly and / or at least one strain gauge on the underside of the shaft of the bite assembly. In other words, the measuring device can have at least one strain gauge only on the upper side of a shaft of the bite assembly. Alternatively, the measuring device can have at least one strain gauge only on the underside of the shaft of the bite assembly. Alternatively, the measuring device can have at least one strain gauge on both the upper side and underside of the shaft of the bite assembly.In a specific example, the measuring device can be configured as at least one strain gauge on the upper side of a shaft of the bite assembly and / or as at least one strain gauge on the underside of the shaft of the bite assembly. The arrangement of strain gauges on the upper and / or underside of the shaft can result in a wave-like shape (waveform) of the shaft. Strain gauges are typically understood to be measuring devices for detecting tensile and / or compressive deformations. Strain gauges change their electrical resistance even with slight deformations and can be used as strain sensors. Applied to the bite assembly, they can detect even minimal deformation of the bite assembly. This deformation (strain) then leads to a change in the resistance of the strain gauge. The change in the resistance of the strain gauge can be evaluated by the evaluation unit.The bite assembly can be arranged at least partially at an angle in space. For example, at least one section of the bite assembly can be inclined or run at an angle relative to an occlusal plane and / or a horizontal plane.

[0032] The evaluation unit can be configured to determine information about the inclination of an occlusal plane (also referred to as the occlusal plane) based on information acquired by at least one measuring device. For example, if strain gauges on the upper and lower surfaces of the occlusal appliance's stem register / deliver the same values, the patient is not exerting any force on the stem. Therefore, the occlusal plane is also in the correct position. In other words, if the patient is not exerting any force on the stem, the occlusal appliance, including the bite splint and stem, represents the perfect position, e.g., inclination and rotation, of the occlusal plane. If an uneven force distribution between the upper and lower surfaces of the stem is detected, the position of the occlusal plane can be adjusted accordingly.The occlusal plane is typically defined as the plane where the teeth of the upper and lower jaws meet. The information obtained about the occlusal plane can be used by the evaluation unit to adjust information about at least that section of the dental arch. This information can also be used by the evaluation unit to adjust the trajectory information of the medical imaging device.

[0033] According to a second aspect, a method for obtaining information about at least one section of a dental arch is proposed. The method comprises providing an occlusal arrangement with at least one pressure sensor. The method further comprises recording the occlusal arrangement between at least one section of a maxillary arch and at least one section of a mandibular arch. The method further comprises acquiring pressure information about the pressure exerted on the at least one pressure sensor of the occlusal arrangement by at least the section of the maxillary arch and / or by at least the section of the mandibular arch. The method further comprises determining, by an evaluation unit, information about at least one section of a dental arch based on the pressure information acquired by the at least one pressure sensor.

[0034] A third aspect relates to a computer program with program code means which, when loaded into or running on a computer or processor (e.g., a microprocessor, microcontroller, or digital signal processor (DSP)), causes the computer or processor (e.g., microprocessor, microcontroller, or DSP) to execute one or more steps, or all steps, of the process steps previously described with respect to the evaluation unit. Furthermore, a program storage medium or computer program product is provided with the aforementioned computer program.

[0035] Furthermore, for example, the computer program according to the third aspect can be stored in the evaluation unit of the device according to the first aspect and cause the evaluation unit to execute one, more, or all of the aspects and / or steps of the procedure described above with respect to the evaluation unit according to the second aspect. Furthermore, for example, the computer program according to the third aspect can be stored in the evaluation unit of the device according to the first aspect and cause the evaluation unit to execute one, more, or all of the aspects and / or features described above with respect to the evaluation unit.

[0036] A fourth aspect relates to a medical imaging device, for example an X-ray device, in particular a panoramic X-ray device, with the device described herein in accordance with the first aspect and / or with the evaluation unit described in relation to the device in accordance with the first aspect.

[0037] Although some of the aspects described above were described in relation to the evaluation unit, these aspects can also be implemented in a corresponding manner in the medical imaging device, the procedure, or a computer program implementing the procedure or the processing unit. Likewise, the aspects described above in relation to the procedures can be implemented in the medical imaging device, the procedure, or a computer program implementing the procedure or the processing unit.

[0038] The present revelation will be further explained using figures. These figures schematically depict: Figure 1: a skull with a bite splint; Figure 2: a device according to an embodiment with a bite arrangement and an evaluation unit; Figure 3: a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment; Figure 4: through the device made of Figure 2 Exemplary bite points of a row of teeth determined; Figure 5 one determined by the device made of Figure 2 Example of a determined dental arch curve; Figure 6: possible adjustments of the dental arch from Figure 5 according to a width of the jaw; Figure 7 an exemplary rotational adjustment of the in Figure 6 exemplary determined tooth arc curve; and Figure 8 a variant of the device made of Figure 2 with strain gauges.

[0039] Specific details are set forth below, without limitation, to provide a complete understanding of the present disclosure. However, it is clear to a person skilled in the art that the present disclosure can be used in other embodiments that may differ from the details set forth below. For example, specific configurations and designs of an evaluation unit and / or a bite assembly are described below, which are not to be considered limiting.

[0040] It is clear to those skilled in the art that the explanations set forth below may be implemented using hardware circuits, software, or a combination thereof. The software may be related to programmed microprocessors, artificial intelligence or a general-purpose computer, an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit), and / or DSPs (Digital Signal Processors). It is also clear that even if the following details are described in relation to a method, these details may also be implemented in a suitable device unit, a computer processor, or memory connected to a processor, the memory containing one or more programs that carry out the method when executed by the processor.

[0041] The examples of implementation can be realized and / or used in various medical imaging devices. X-ray machines, in particular panoramic X-ray machines, are mentioned here as purely examples.

[0042] Figure 1 Figure 1 schematically shows a patient's skull and a conventional occlusal splint. As can be seen, the patient bites down on the splint before and / or during the X-ray examination. The bite, achieved by the teeth engaging the splint, is intended to partially fix the head and, in particular, to keep the patient's head as still as possible and in a fixed, for example, calibrated, position during the X-ray examination. Specifically, the bite is intended to limit or at least almost completely prevent translation of the skull. In this way, it is hoped that the most accurate and sharp X-ray images possible can be obtained.

[0043] In practice, however, this approach proves to be prone to errors. Firstly, the head usually does not remain in the desired resting position. Secondly, the positioning relies on the experience of the practice staff and is therefore subject to human error and misjudgment.

[0044] In Figure 2 A device 10 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown schematically. The device 10 serves to determine information about at least a section of a dental arch. The device 10 comprises a bite assembly 100 and an evaluation unit 200. The bite assembly 100 comprises at least one pressure sensor 140. In the exemplary embodiment according to Figure 2The at least one pressure sensor 140 is, for example, configured as a plurality of pressure sensors 140. In other words, the bite assembly 100 has, for example, a plurality of pressure sensors 140. The exemplary configuration of the bite assembly 100 consists of Figure 2 It features an occlusal splint 120 and a stem 110. The occlusal splint 120 is, for example, the part of the occlusal appliance 100 that is received or placed between a patient's teeth. In the example shown in Figure 2 The configuration shown includes several pressure sensors (140) of the multitude of pressure sensors on one side / at one end (in Figure 2 left) and several pressure sensors 140 of the multitude of pressure sensors on another side / at another end (in Figure 2 (right) arranged. The number of pressure sensors on one side corresponds, by way of example, and is not limited to, in Figure 2the number of pressure sensors on the other side. The pressure sensors can be distributed across the bite splint 120. They can be triggered from one side (top or bottom) or from both sides (top and bottom) of the bite splint 120.

[0045] The bite arrangement 100, in particular the bite splint 120 in Figure 2 , is designed to be positioned between at least one section of an upper jaw tooth row and at least one section of a lower jaw tooth row. The multitude of pressure sensors 140 from Figure 2The evaluation unit 200, for example, is configured to acquire pressure information about the pressure exerted on the plurality of pressure sensors 140 by at least one section of the upper jaw's dental arch and / or by at least one section of the lower jaw's dental arch. The evaluation unit 200 is configured to determine information about at least one section of a dental arch based on at least a subset of the pressure information acquired by the plurality of pressure sensors 140. The pressure sensors 140 can be connected to the evaluation unit 200 wirelessly and / or via a wired connection to transmit the pressure information acquired by the pressure sensors 140 to the evaluation unit.

[0046] The occlusal splint 120 can have a dental arch shape or a partial dental arch shape. The occlusal splint 120 can have at least one sensor array as pressure sensors 140. For example, the occlusal splint 120 can have a first sensor array on one side (top) and a second sensor array on the other side (bottom). The at least one sensor array can form a surface for measuring jaw geometry. For example, a first sensor array can form a surface for measuring the maxillary geometry on / in the occlusal splint 120, and a second sensor array can form a surface for measuring the mandibular geometry on / in the occlusal splint 120. Individual sensors or foil sensors can be used for this purpose. Subsequently, the evaluation unit 200 can determine a patient-specific dental arch from this data, for example, an averaged one.Using the dental arch, the evaluation unit 200 can determine / calculate / select a patient-specific device movement curve that is at least (almost) perfectly suited. Furthermore, a layer position (a sharp area) can be adjusted to the patient's specific needs, for example, during panoramic image creation or 3D model creation. This results in such high-quality raw image data that image post-processing can be eliminated or reduced to a minimum.

[0047] Figure 3 shows a flowchart of a method for obtaining information about at least one section of a dental arch, which is located in or through the device 100. Figure 1 can be carried out. In step S202, a bite arrangement 100 with at least one pressure sensor 140 is used, and with reference to the design from Figure 2with a large number of pressure sensors 140, provided. In step S204, the bite arrangement 100, and with reference to the design from Figure 2 At least one section of the bite splint 120 is received or placed between at least one section of a tooth row of an upper jaw and at least one section of a tooth row of a lower jaw. In step S206, pressure information from at least the section of the tooth row of the upper jaw and / or from at least the section of the tooth row of the lower jaw is transmitted to the plurality of pressure sensors 140 of the bite arrangement 100, and with reference to Figure 2 More precisely, the pressure exerted by the bite splint 120 is recorded. In step S208, the evaluation unit 200 determines information about at least one section of a dental arch based on the pressure information recorded by the numerous pressure sensors 140.

[0048] Further details of device 100 from Figure 2 and the procedure Figure 3 will now be discussed in relation to the Figures 4 to 8 described. Even if in the Figures 4 to 8 Although some examples refer only to the upper jaw, the statements also apply to the lower jaw.

[0049] In Figure 4Occlusal points / occlusal areas 400 of a row of teeth 300 of the upper jaw are depicted. For the sake of simplicity, the term occlusal points 400 will be used throughout, even if some areas are actually occlusal regions and could therefore also be referred to as occlusal areas 400. The pressure sensors 140 detect the pressure exerted by the row of teeth 300 of the upper jaw on the pressure sensors 140 of the occlusal splint 120. The corresponding pressure information is transmitted to the evaluation unit 200, for example, either queried by the evaluation unit 200 or transmitted directly to the evaluation unit 200 after detection by the pressure sensors 140. The pressure information received by the evaluation unit 200 can be described as occlusal points 400 of the row of teeth 300 of the upper jaw, as shown in Figure 4 will be shown and illustrated by example.

[0050] More precisely, the pressure sensors 140 detect / measure the bite points 400 of the individual teeth in the upper and lower jaw rows 300. From these bite points 400, the evaluation unit 200 can determine, for example, the buccal and / or palatal positions of individual teeth, particularly individual cusps and / or incisal surfaces. Additionally or alternatively, the evaluation unit 200 can identify, for example, one or more malocclusions and / or a slant bite from the bite points 400. The evaluation unit 200 can, for example, derive the one or more malocclusions directly from the bite points 400.

[0051] The evaluation unit 200 evaluates the bite points 400 and generates information from these bite points about a patient-specific dental arch, which is then used in Figure 5This is illustrated as a tooth arc curve 500 along the tooth row 300. This tooth arc curve 500 is exemplified in Figure 5 This is an illustration and may differ from the form shown. The dental arch (also called alveolar arch), as is typical in humans, has the shape of a parabola with its apex between teeth 11 and 21 in the upper jaw (corresponding to teeth 31 and 41 in the lower jaw). The upper dental arch is normally slightly larger than the lower dental arch. The dental arch curve 500 is determined by the evaluation unit 200, taking into account the bite points 400.

[0052] As described above for the upper jaw, the dental arch curve of the lower jaw can also be determined by the evaluation unit 200 in a similar manner. By combining the data from the upper and lower jaws, the most accurate possible parabolic, patient-specific dental arch curve can be determined.

[0053] In Figure 6 The diagram schematically shows how the evaluation unit 200 can adjust the determined dental arch curve 500. The determined dental arch curve can first be supplemented by a so-called "Region of Interest (ROI)," i.e., an area of ​​interest. The ROI can lie around the dental arch curve 500. The ROI is defined by the wider area around the dental arch curve 500. Figure 6 This is illustrated. For example, the dental arch curve can lie in the middle of the ROI. The strength of the ROI increases along the dental arch from front (incisors) to back (molars) and therefore varies across the arch (incisors = thin ROI -> molars = thick ROI), as shown in Figure 6 This is illustrated. To achieve the best possible image quality, the ROI should always be only as thick or wide as necessary and therefore not unnecessarily large and inaccurate. In the Figure 6The following figures already show the ROI when depicting the maxillary arch curve 500. This is not meant to be restrictive, but merely serves as an illustration. That is, an ROI can be determined for the maxillary arch curve 500, the mandibular arch curve, and the combined patient-specific arch curve. Alternatively, the ROI of the maxillary and mandibular arch curves can be omitted, and the ROI can be determined only for the combined patient-specific arch curve.

[0054] The evaluation unit 200 can adjust the determined dental arch curve 500 based on the position and / or width of the jaw, specifically, in this example, based on the position and / or width of the upper jaw. For this purpose, the evaluation unit 200 determines the position and / or width of the jaw, specifically, in the described example, the position and / or width of the upper jaw. This determination can be made, for example, taking into account the determined occlusal points 400. Using the determined width of the jaw as an example, the evaluation unit 200 adjusts the dental arch curve 500 accordingly. For example, in the case of a very wide upper jaw, the dental arch curve 500 can be adjusted to result in a wide dental arch curve 500a. Conversely, in the case of a very narrow upper jaw, the dental arch curve 500 can be adjusted to result in a narrow dental arch curve 500b.For the purposes of this example, it is assumed that the dental arch curve 500 is not adjusted or only minimally modified, resulting in the dental arch curve 500 shown. The adjustment of the dental arch curve 500 can also be referred to as curve fitting.

[0055] In summary, the 500-degree dental arch curve can be adapted taking into account the position and width of the jaw, for example, the upper jaw. This adaptation can be made to the upper jaw's dental arch curve and / or the lower jaw's dental arch curve and / or to the combined, patient-specific dental arch curve.

[0056] In Figure 7The diagram schematically illustrates how the evaluation unit 200 can take rotation in the horizontal plane into account. For this purpose, the evaluation unit 200 can determine a horizontal plane based on the determined bite points 400. By rotating the unit accordingly in the horizontal plane, the dental arch curve 500 can be brought into the correct orientation. For example, the occlusal plane can be brought as close as possible to the horizontal plane or can correspond to the horizontal plane. An example is shown in Figure 7 It has been shown how the dental arch curve 500 can be transformed into a rotated dental arch curve 520 by rotation. For example, the parabolic dental arch curve 500, more precisely the entire ROI around the dental arch curve 500, can be rotated about a vertex (between teeth 11;21 and 31;41) of the parabola in the occlusal plane into the rotated dental arch curve 520 along with its ROI.

[0057] Curve fitting can therefore also measure and / or take into account rotation in the horizontal plane. This allows the dental arch curve 500 to be automatically adjusted.

[0058] The patient's sagittal plane can also be determined using a sufficiently large pressure sensor area. If the actual sagittal plane is known, a rotation of the dental arch curve 500 can be calculated. For example, as in Figure 7 shown, the tooth arc curve 500 is transformed into the rotated tooth arc curve 520.

[0059] A device movement curve, for example, a panoramic radiograph curve of an X-ray machine, can be determined based on the calculated patient-specific dental arch curve 500. For example, a rotation starting point can be adjusted. Furthermore, by adjusting the device movement curve, the ratio of the distance between the X-ray source and the patient / object to the distance between the patient / object and the X-ray detector can be adjusted.

[0060] A sufficiently large pressure sensor area can also be used to determine the patient's sagittal plane. If the actual sagittal plane is known, the device's motion curve can also be adjusted.

[0061] In Figure 8 is a variant of device 10 from Figure 1 shown in a side view.

[0062] The bite arrangement 100 according to this variant has an upper indentation 160 (see also Figure 2) for the anterior incisors (teeth no. 11, 21) of the upper jaw as well as a lower notch 162 (see also Figure 2The occlusal appliance 100 is designed for the anterior incisors (teeth no. 31, 41) of the mandible. The maxillary incisors can engage in the notch 160 and the mandibular incisors can engage in the notch 162. Strain gauges 180 and 182 are also arranged on the shaft 110 of the occlusal appliance 100. More precisely, an upper strain gauge 180 and a lower strain gauge 182 are arranged or applied to the upper surface of the shaft 110 and to the lower surface of the shaft 110, respectively. The force exerted by the maxilla on strain gauge 180 and the force exerted by the mandible on strain gauge 182 can be determined using strain gauges 180 and 182. If the force is equal, the inclination of an occlusal plane can remain unchanged in a neutral position.If the force exerted by the upper jaw is greater than that of the lower jaw, the inclination of the occlusal plane can be adjusted accordingly by the evaluation unit 200, for example, by tilting it differently according to the difference in force.

[0063] This means that the inclination of the occlusal plane can be determined by the force acting on the shaft 110 of the bite splint 120. If the strain gauges 180 and 182 on the upper and lower surfaces of the shaft 110 yield the same values, no force is exerted on the shaft 110 by the patient. Since the bite splint 120 is positioned at the correct angle for imaging, the occlusal plane is also in the correct position. Consequently, the occlusal plane can be inclined based on the determined inclination. Rotations on the occlusal plane can thus be detected, and the patient's position can be corrected (=feedback system) and / or the mispositioning can be incorporated into the trajectory, for example, the panoramic radiograph. As in Figure 8As shown, the bite assembly 100, or alternatively the bite splint 110 of the bite assembly 100, does not run parallel to a horizontal plane, but is inclined to a horizontal plane. Furthermore, the bite assembly 100, or alternatively the bite splint 110 of the bite assembly 100, normally runs obliquely or inclined to an occlusal plane. In addition, the bite assembly 100 or the shaft 110 of the bite assembly 100 is defined by the notches 160, 162 and the strain gauges 180, 182 in the Figure 8 The side view shown is slightly wavy.

[0064] As outlined above, the inclination of the occlusal plane can be adjusted. This allows for the detection of rotations on the occlusal plane and the correction of the patient's position (feedback system) and / or the incorporation of mispositioning into the trajectory, for example, the panoramic radiograph. For instance, in a panoramic radiograph, it is advisable for the patient's spine to be slightly hyperextended to obtain artifact-free images of the anterior teeth. Furthermore, the applied radiographic dose is usually increased when imaging the anterior teeth, as the rays must travel the greatest distance through the tissue in this area and thus collect the most artifact information. Ideally, the patient's head should therefore be tilted slightly downwards. This can be achieved indirectly by ensuring that the Frankfurt horizontal and the device horizontal are congruent.The angle between the Frankfurt horizontal plane and the occlusal plane is known and is approximately 5.6°. Therefore, the correct position of the planes can be ensured or established by measurement. This allows for the assumption of correct spinal extension, eliminating the need for a Frankfurt laser in the device. Optionally, the X-ray dose can also be reduced, as radiation exposure of a non-extended spine can be prevented.

[0065] Generally, when imaging one or more teeth, it is possible to reduce, or minimize, the field of view (FOV) of an imaging system. This reduces the radiation dose and can also improve image quality, potentially achieving the best possible image. For example, the field of view can be focused on a single tooth, allowing the entire tooth, from the tip to the root, to be imaged.

[0066] Additionally, the inclination of the chin rest 600 can be detected and measured. The determined inclination of the chin rest can be taken into account by the evaluation unit 600 in the evaluations. In this way, compression and / or stretching of the shaft 110 of the bite assembly 100 can be detected.

[0067] In Figure 8A section AA is also shown. In the corresponding section, a line 190, for example a copper line, can be seen. The pressure information / pressure signals from the pressure sensors 140 can be transmitted via line 190 to the evaluation unit 200 or to a unit from which the pressure information from the pressure sensors 140 can be transmitted wirelessly or via a wired connection to the evaluation unit 200.

[0068] The described device and method allow for the determination of jaw geometry that is at least almost exact.

[0069] The totality of the measurement data, in conjunction with the movement capabilities of the imaging system, enables the correction of positioning errors that may be caused by the user or the patient.

[0070] Furthermore, the following advantages are achieved. By measuring the dental arch, automatic selection of the jaw width and / or the possibility of adapting a patient-specific trajectory, especially a panoramic curve, can be achieved. There is no or less interaction during positioning, and consequently, less potential for errors. Potential positioning errors are compensated for, resulting in adjustments to the movement of a C-arm (starting point translation and rotation). The integration of a feedback system allows for improved positioning. Measurement data can be stored for evaluation of jaw geometry. This leads to better positioning for digital volume tomography (DVT).

[0071] Overall, image quality and user-friendliness are improved.

[0072] Unlike current techniques, this method requires neither pre-calculation nor post-calculation of the dental arch; instead, a dental arch curve can be directly recorded by the patient. This eliminates the need for a complex, preliminary creation / definition (in a separate step) of the jaw geometry or the consideration of existing, potentially incorrect or poor-quality images.

[0073] This means that recalculations, post-processing, positioning lasers, incorrect positioning by personnel and / or additional shots (scout) can be eliminated.

Claims

1. A device for determining information about at least one section of a dental arch, comprising: a bite block arrangement with at least one pressure sensor, wherein the bite block arrangement is designed to be received between at least one section of a row of teeth of an upper jaw and at least one section of a row of teeth of a lower jaw, and wherein the at least one pressure sensor is designed to detect pressure information about the pressure exerted on the at least one pressure sensor by at least the section of the row of teeth of the upper jaw and / or by at least the section of the row of teeth of the lower jaw; and an evaluation unit which is designed to determine information about at least one section of a dental arch based on the pressure information detected by the at least one pressure sensor.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the evaluation unit is designed to determine the information about at least the section of the dental arch, information about at least a section of a dental arch of the upper jaw and / or information about at least a section of a dental arch of the lower jaw.

3. Device according to claim 1, wherein the evaluation unit is designed to determine, as the information about at least the section of the dental arch, information about at least a section of a dental arch averaged from information about at least a section of a dental arch of the upper jaw and information about at least a section of a dental arch of the lower jaw.

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the evaluation unit is designed to determine information about a width and / or a position of a jaw comprising the upper jaw and the lower jaw based on the pressure information detected by the at least one pressure sensor.

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one pressure sensor is designed and arranged to detect, as the pressure information, information about one or more bite points in the row of teeth of the upper jaw and / or in the row of teeth of the lower jaw.

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one pressure sensor is designed and arranged to detect, as the pressure information, information about buccal and / or palatal positions of one or more tooth cusps and / or of one or more cutting surfaces of teeth of the dental row of the upper jaw and / or of teeth of the dental row of the lower jaw.

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one pressure sensor comprises a sensor array with individual sensors and / or thin-film sensors and / or foil sensors, or is designed as a sensor array which comprises individual sensors and / or thin-film sensors and / or foil sensors.

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the evaluation unit is designed to determine information about a trajectory curve of a medical imaging device, in particular a medical X-ray device, based on the information about at least the section of the dental arch.

9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the evaluation unit is designed to determine information about a sagittal plane based on the pressure information detected by the at least one pressure sensor.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein the evaluation unit is configured to adapt information about a trajectory of a medical imaging device based on the determined information about the sagittal plane.

11. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the bite block assembly further comprises at least one measuring device or at least one strain gauge on an upper side of a shaft of the bite block assembly and / or at least one strain gauge on an underside of the shaft of the bite block assembly.

12. Device according to claim 11, wherein the evaluation unit is designed to determine information about an inclination of an occlusal plane based on information acquired by the at least one measuring device.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein the evaluation unit is configured to adapt information about a trajectory of a medical imaging device based on the determined information about the inclination of the occlusal plane.

14. A method for determining information about at least one section of a dental arch, comprising: providing a bite block assembly with at least one pressure sensor; receiving the bite block assembly between at least one section of a row of teeth of an upper jaw and / or at least one section of a row of teeth of a lower jaw; detecting pressure information about pressure exerted by at least the section of the row of teeth of the upper jaw and / or by at least the section of the row of teeth of the lower jaw on the at least one pressure sensor of the bite block assembly; and determining, by an evaluation unit, information about at least one section of a dental arch based on the pressure information detected by the at least one pressure sensor.