Method, computing device and computer program for providing solution for establishing orthodontic planning using 3D tooth model

Abstract

To provide a method, device, and computer program for providing a solution for establishing orthodontic planning using a 3D tooth model.SOLUTION: A method of providing a solution for establishing orthodontic planning using a 3D tooth model according to various embodiments of the present invention is executed by means of a computing device, the method including the steps of: generating the 3D tooth model including a plurality of individual tooth models generated by individually modeling each of a plurality of teeth for a target; and providing a solution for establishing orthodontic planning on the basis of the generated 3D tooth model.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various embodiments of the present invention relate to a method, an apparatus, and a computer program for providing a tooth correction planning solution using a 3D tooth model.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, uneven tooth alignment or malocclusion can cause abnormal growth of the teeth themselves, abnormal growth of the jawbone, etc. People with teeth in an uneven tooth alignment or malocclusion state will hide their oral cavity due to the tooth alignment when interacting with others or laughing, and may become negative in interpersonal relationships and have difficulty leading a fulfilling social life.

[0003] Furthermore, when ingesting food and drink, the food and drink cannot be evenly crushed, and the food and drink may be caught between the teeth, leading to various dental diseases or digestive system diseases.

[0004] Therefore, in order to solve such problems, orthodontic techniques that apply continuous force to the teeth to cause tooth movement along with the remodeling of the alveolar bone surrounding the teeth are applied.

[0005] On the other hand, during orthodontics, systematic knowledge of tooth movement is required, an accurate dental technician process must be the basis, and systematic monitoring is also essential in the actual clinical process.

[0006] Conventionally, various programs for orthodontics have been developed, and through such programs, 3D tooth models have been generated and analyzed to establish a more accurate correction plan.

[0007] However, tooth movement includes linear and rotational movements. To more accurately plan linear and rotational movements, it is important to accurately set the tooth axis and the center of rotation. Therefore, information regarding the tooth root is very important for establishing a more accurate tooth correction plan. However, conventional tooth correction programs have a problem in that it is difficult to establish an accurate plan because they establish a tooth correction plan considering only the crown region of the tooth.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] The problem to be solved by the present invention is for the purpose of solving the aforementioned conventional problems. By performing accurate modeling not only for the crown region but also for the root region of the tooth, a 3D tooth model is generated, and by using this to establish a tooth correction plan, a method, apparatus, and computer program for providing a tooth correction plan establishment solution using a 3D tooth model that can establish a more accurate tooth correction plan are provided.

[0009] The problem to be solved by the present invention is not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the following description.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] A method for providing a tooth correction plan establishment solution using a 3D tooth model according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the aforementioned problems, in a method performed by a computing device, includes generating a 3D tooth model including a plurality of individual tooth models generated by individually modeling each of a plurality of teeth of a subject, and providing a solution for establishing a tooth correction plan based on the generated 3D tooth model.

[0011] In various embodiments, the step of providing the solution may include establishing a provisional orthodontic plan for at least one tooth that requires orthodontics among the plurality of teeth, based on the crown region of at least one individual tooth model corresponding to the at least one tooth; examining the established provisional orthodontic plan based on the root region of the at least one individual tooth model; and providing a solution for establishing a final orthodontic plan based on the examination result of the established provisional orthodontic plan.

[0012] In various embodiments, the step of examining the established provisional orthodontic plan includes calculating an expected correction amount for the root region of the at least one tooth corresponding to the unit correction amount based on the unit correction amount of the at least one tooth according to the established provisional orthodontic plan, where the unit correction amount includes a unit displacement amount and a unit rotation amount in at least one axial direction among the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis; and determining whether the calculated expected correction amount is equal to or greater than a critical value. The step of providing a solution for establishing a final orthodontic plan provides information regarding the calculated expected correction amount, and when the calculated expected correction amount is equal to or greater than the critical value, may include providing information regarding the calculated expected correction amount, guiding the adjustment of the unit correction amount according to the calculated expected correction amount, or automatically adjusting the unit correction amount according to the calculated expected correction amount.

[0013] In various embodiments, the step of calculating an expected correction amount for the root region of the at least one tooth may include setting an axis in the longitudinal direction of the tooth on the root region of the at least one individual tooth model; setting a movement center on the root region of the at least one individual tooth model; and calculating an expected correction amount for the root region of the at least one tooth corresponding to the unit correction amount using the set axis and the set movement center.

[0014] In various embodiments, the step of setting the center of movement may include setting the center of movement on the root region of the at least one individual tooth model using at least one of a method of setting the center of movement based on user input obtained through a user interface (UI) that outputs the generated 3D tooth model and a method of automatically setting the center of movement based on landmarks located on the root region of the at least one individual tooth model.

[0015] In various embodiments, the step of examining the established provisional orthodontic plan may include determining the predicted movement direction and predicted movement amount of the root region of a specific tooth when moving the crown region of the specific tooth in a specific direction according to the established provisional orthodontic plan, and determining the position of the root region of the specific tooth based on the determined predicted movement direction and the determined predicted movement amount.

[0016] In various embodiments, the step of examining the established provisional orthodontic plan includes calculating a crown region correction amount versus root region correction amount for each of the plurality of individual tooth models using the generated 3D tooth model, and calculating a correction period for the at least one tooth based on the calculated crown region correction amount versus root region correction amount. The step of providing a solution for establishing the final orthodontic plan may include providing information regarding the calculated correction period.

[0017] In various embodiments, the step of calculating the correction period may include, when correction from a first point to a second point is required for a specific tooth, dividing the section from the first point to the second point based on the unit correction amount of the specific tooth according to the established provisional orthodontic plan, and calculating the correction period for the at least one tooth based on the number of the divided sections.

[0018] In various embodiments, the step of providing the solution may include, when movement from a current position to a target position is required for at least one of the plurality of teeth, determining a unit correction amount for the at least one tooth using at least one individual tooth model corresponding to each of the at least one tooth, establishing a correction plan including information on the determined unit correction amount and a correction period expected to be required when correcting the at least one tooth with the determined unit correction amount, and providing information on the established correction plan.

[0019] In various embodiments, the step of providing information on the established correction plan may include simulating the correction of the at least one tooth according to the established correction plan through the generated 3D tooth model and providing the result of the simulation together with the information on the established correction plan.

[0020] In various embodiments, the step of generating the 3D tooth model may include dividing a plurality of first regions corresponding to each of the plurality of teeth from tooth scan data, dividing a plurality of second regions corresponding to each of the plurality of teeth from tooth CT data, generating a plurality of individual tooth models by aligning the divided plurality of first regions and the divided plurality of second regions, and generating a 3D tooth model by arranging each of the generated plurality of individual tooth models at the position of a tooth corresponding to each of the generated plurality of individual tooth models.

[0021] A computing device for implementing a method for providing a tooth correction plan establishment solution using a 3D tooth model according to another embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-described problems includes a processor, a network interface, a memory, and a computer program loaded into the memory and executed by the processor. The computer program may include instructions for generating a 3D tooth model including a plurality of individual tooth models generated by individually modeling each of a plurality of teeth of a subject, and instructions for providing a solution for establishing a tooth correction plan based on the generated 3D tooth model.

[0022] A computer program according to still another embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-described problems is combined with a computing device, and includes generating a 3D tooth model including a plurality of individual tooth models generated by individually modeling each of a plurality of teeth of a subject, and providing a solution for establishing a tooth correction plan based on the generated 3D tooth model. The computer program may be stored in a computer-readable recording medium to cause the computing device to execute a method for providing a tooth correction plan establishment solution using a 3D tooth model.

[0023] Other specific matters of the present invention are included in the detailed description and the drawings.

Advantages of the Invention

[0024] According to various embodiments of the present invention, by generating a 3D tooth model by accurately modeling not only the crown region but also the root region of the tooth and using this to establish a tooth correction plan, there is an advantage that a more accurate tooth correction plan can be established.

[0025] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the following description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5A

Figure 5B

Figure 6A

Figure 6B

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] The advantages and features of the invention, and the method of achieving them, will become clear by referring to the embodiments described in detail below together with the attached drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and can be embodied in various different forms. However, these embodiments are provided to make the disclosure of the present invention complete and to fully inform those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention pertains of the scope of the present invention. The present invention is only defined by the scope of the claims.

[0028] The terms used in this specification are for the purpose of describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, the singular form includes the plural form unless otherwise specifically stated in the context. The terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" used in the specification do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components in addition to the recited components.

[0029] Throughout this specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components, and "and / or" includes each and all combinations of the recited components. Although terms such as "first", "second", etc. are used to describe various components, it is understood that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one component from another. Thus, it is understood that the first component referred to below may well be the second component within the technical concept of the present invention.

[0030] The term "unit" or "module" used in this specification means a hardware component such as software, FPGA or ASIC, and the "unit" or "module" performs some role. However, the "unit" or "module" is not meant to be limited to software or hardware. The "unit" or "module" may be configured to be in an addressable storage medium or may be configured to cause one or more processors to execute. Thus, by way of example, a "unit" or "module" includes components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components and task components, and processes, functions, attributes, processors, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays and variables. The functions provided within a component and a "unit" or "module" may be combined in a smaller number of components and "units" or "modules" or further separated into additional components and "units" or "modules".

[0031] Spatially relative terms such as "below", "beneath", "lower", "above", "upper", etc. can be used to easily describe the correlation between one component and another as illustrated in the drawings. Spatially relative terms should be understood to include terms in addition to the directions illustrated in the drawings and different directions of components relative to each other during use or operation. For example, when the components illustrated in the drawings are turned over, a component described as "below" or "beneath" another component can be placed "above" the other component. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can include all directions of below and above. A component can be oriented in other directions, and accordingly, spatially relative terms can be interpreted based on the orientation.

[0032] Expressions such as "first", "second", or "initial", "second", etc. used in this specification are used to distinguish one object from another when referring to multiple homogeneous objects, unless they have different meanings in the context, and do not limit the order or importance between the corresponding objects.

[0033] Expressions such as "A, B, and C", "A, B, or C", "A, B, and / or C" or "at least one of A, B, and C", "at least one of A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and / or C", "at least one selected from A, B, and C", "at least one selected from A, B, or C", "at least one selected from A, B, and / or C", etc. can each mean each of the listed items or all possible combinations of the listed items. For example, "at least one selected from A and B" can refer to (1) A, (2) at least one of A, (3) B, (4) at least one of B, (5) at least one of A and at least one of B, (6) at least one of A and B, (7) at least one of B and A, (8) A and B all.

[0034] As used herein, the phrase "based on" is used to describe one or more factors that affect the act or operation of making a determination or judgment as described in the clause or sentence in which the phrase is included, and this phrase does not exclude additional factors that affect the act or operation of the relevant determination or judgment.

[0035] As used herein, the expressions that a certain component (e.g., the first component) is "connected to" or "coupled to" another component (e.g., the second component) can mean not only that the certain component is directly connected or coupled to the other component, but also that it can be connected or coupled through a new other component (e.g., the third component).

[0036] As used herein, the expression "configured to" can, depending on the context, have meanings such as "set to", "capable of", "modified to", "made to", "able to", etc. This expression is not limited to the meaning of "specially designed in hardware". For example, a processor configured to perform a specific operation can mean a general-purpose processor that can perform that specific operation by executing software.

[0037] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein can be used in a meaning commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention pertains. Also, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not ideally or overly interpreted unless specifically defined otherwise.

[0038] In this specification, "computer" means all types of hardware devices including at least one processor, and can be understood to also include software configurations that operate on the corresponding hardware devices according to embodiments. For example, "computer" can be understood to include all smartphones, tablet PCs, desktops, laptop computers, and user clients and applications driven by each device, and is not limited thereto.

[0039] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] Although each step described in this specification is described as being performed by a computer, the subject of each step is not limited thereto, and at least a part of each step may be performed by different devices from each other according to embodiments.

[0041] Orthodontics means causing teeth, more specifically tooth roots, to move between bones (e.g., jawbones, skulls).

[0042] There is a periodontal ligament about 0.5 mm thick (including, for example, cells, collagen fibers, blood vessels, tissue fluid, etc.) between the tooth root (hard tissue) and the bone (hard tissue). The surrounding periodontal ligament is alive because blood flows through the blood vessels contained in the periodontal ligament.

[0043] At this time, when a force is applied to the teeth for orthodontics such as fitting an orthodontic appliance, the teeth are pushed out and the force is transmitted to the tooth roots, and the tooth roots move due to such a force. In this process, the periodontal ligament existing between the tooth root and the bone on the side in the direction in which the tooth root has moved decreases from 0.5 mm to about 0.2 mm, and the opposite side in the direction in which the tooth root has moved increases accordingly.

[0044] Thus, when the thickness of the periodontal ligament decreases, the blood vessels narrow and the blood flow decreases, resulting in insufficient oxygen supply to the periodontal ligament. Along with this, cells (osteoclasts) that absorb the surrounding roots and bone are produced in an attempt to restore the periodontal ligament to its original thickness.

[0045] In this process, since bone is absorbed faster than the root, the bone decreases and space is secured, and the flesh will be tightly packed again. By repeating such a process, the tooth moves to the target position.

[0046] On the other hand, the blood vessels in the periodontal ligament part with reduced thickness will be compressed accordingly. When it becomes 0.2 mm or less, the blood vessels are completely compressed and blood stops flowing. When it becomes 0.2 mm or less, since the blood flowing through the blood vessels does not flow, the above process cannot be repeated, and there is a problem that the surrounding cells die and the tooth cannot move.

[0047] Therefore, when correcting teeth, it is very important to precisely control the amount of root movement so that the thickness of the periodontal ligament can be compressed to about 0.2 mm to 0.25 mm at minimum.

[0048] Therefore, the method, apparatus, and computer program for providing a tooth correction plan establishment solution using a 3D tooth model according to various embodiments of the present invention more accurately embody a 3D tooth model based on the anatomical information of not only the tooth crown but also the tooth root, and by providing a solution that enables the establishment of a tooth correction plan based on such a 3D tooth model, it is possible to establish a tooth correction plan that can precisely control the amount of root movement. Hereinafter, a more specific description will be given with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0049] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a tooth correction plan establishment solution system using a 3D tooth model according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 1, a system for providing a tooth correction plan establishment solution using a 3D tooth model according to an embodiment of the present invention can include a computing device 100, a user terminal 200, an external server 300, and a network 400.

[0051] Here, the system for providing a tooth correction plan establishment solution using the 3D tooth model illustrated in FIG. 1 is according to an embodiment, and its components are not limited to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, and can be additionally changed or deleted as necessary.

[0052] In one embodiment, the computing device 100 can provide a tooth correction plan establishment solution using a 3D tooth model.

[0053] In various embodiments, the computing device 100 can generate a 3D tooth model for a subject for whom orthodontic treatment is required, and can provide a solution for establishing a tooth correction plan based on the 3D tooth model.

[0054] Here, the solution for establishing a tooth correction plan can provide information for establishing a tooth correction plan based on the 3D tooth model, guide the establishment of a tooth correction plan based on the information for establishing a tooth correction plan, or automatically establish a tooth correction plan, but is not limited thereto.

[0055] In various embodiments, the computing device 100 can be connected to the user terminal 200 through the network 400, and can provide a service for providing a tooth correction plan establishment solution using a 3D tooth model to the user terminal 200. For example, the computing device 100 can provide information for establishing a tooth correction plan to the user terminal 200 in response to a solution provision request obtained from the user terminal 200, or provide guide information for guiding the establishment of a tooth correction plan based on the information for establishing a tooth correction plan.

[0056] Here, the user terminal 200 can mean any form of entity(ies) in a system having a mechanism for communicating with the computing device 100. For example, such a user terminal 200 can include a PC (personal computer), a notebook computer, a mobile terminal, a smart phone, a tablet PC, and a wearable device, etc., and can include all types of terminals that can be connected to a wired / wireless network. Also, the user terminal 200 may include any computing device implemented by at least one of an agent, an API (Application Programming Interface), and a plug-in. Further, the user terminal 200 can include an application source and / or a client application.

[0057] Also, here, the network 400 can mean a connection structure in which information exchange is possible between each node such as a plurality of terminals and servers. For example, the network 400 can include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet (WWW), a wired / wireless data communication network, a telephone network, a wired / wireless television communication network, a CAN (Controller Area Network), and an Ethernet, etc.

[0058] The wireless data communication network can include, but is not limited to, 3G, 4G, 5G, 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project), 5GPP (5th Generation Partnership Project), LTE (Long Term Evolution), WIMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), Wi-Fi, Internet, LAN (Local Area Network), Wireless LAN, WAN (Wide Area Network), PAN (Personal Area Network), RF (Radio Frequency), Bluetooth network, NFC (Near-Field Communication) network, satellite broadcast network, analog broadcast network, DMB (Digital Multimedia Broadcasting) network, etc.

[0059] In one embodiment, the external server 300 can be connected to the computing device 100 through the network 400, and the external server 300 can store and manage the information and data necessary for the computing device 100 to provide various services, or collect, store, and manage the information and data generated by the computing device 100 by providing various services. For example, the external server 300 can be a storage server separately provided outside the computing device 100, but is not limited thereto. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 2, the hardware configuration of the computing device 100 will be described.

[0060] FIG. 2 will be used to describe the hardware configuration of a computing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 2, a computing device 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention may include one or more processors 110, a memory 120 for loading a computer program 151 executed by the processor 110, a bus 130, a communication interface 140, and a storage 150 for storing the computer program 151. Here, only the components related to the embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in FIG. 2. Therefore, it can be understood that an ordinary technician in the technical field to which the present invention belongs may further include other general-purpose components in addition to the components illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0062] The processor 110 controls the overall operation of each component of the computing device 100. The processor 110 may be configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), an MCU (Micro Controller Unit), a GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), or any form of processor widely known in the technical field of the present invention.

[0063] In addition, the processor 110 can perform operations on at least one application or program for executing the method according to the embodiments of the present invention, and the computing device 100 can include one or more processors.

[0064] In various embodiments, the processor 110 may further include a RAM (Random Access Memory) (not shown) and a ROM (Read-Only Memory) (not shown) for temporarily and / or permanently storing signals (or data) processed inside the processor 110. Also, the processor 110 may be embodied in the form of a System on Chip (SoC) including at least one of a graphic processing unit, a RAM, and a ROM.

[0065] Memory 120 stores various data, instructions, and / or information. Memory 120 can load computer program 151 from storage 150 to execute the methods / operations according to various embodiments of the present invention. When computer program 151 is loaded into memory 120, processor 110 can perform the above-mentioned methods / operations by executing one or more instructions that make up computer program 151. Memory 120 can be implemented with a volatile memory such as RAM, but the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0066] Bus 130 provides a communication function among the components of computing device 100. Bus 130 can be implemented in various forms of buses such as an address bus, a data bus, and a control bus.

[0067] Communication interface 140 supports wired / wireless Internet communication of computing device 100. Also, communication interface 140 can support various communication methods other than Internet communication. For this purpose, communication interface 140 can be configured to include a communication module widely known in the technical field of the present invention. In some embodiments, communication interface 140 may be omitted.

[0068] Storage 150 can store computer program 151 non-temporarily. When performing a process of providing a tooth correction plan establishment solution using a 3D tooth model through computing device 100, storage 150 can store various information necessary to provide the process of providing a tooth correction plan establishment solution using a 3D tooth model.

[0069] The storage 150 may be configured to include a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), flash memory, a hard disk, a removable disk, or any form of recording medium readable by a computer well-known in the technical field to which the present invention belongs.

[0070] When the computer program 151 is loaded into the memory 120, it may include one or more instructions for causing the processor 110 to perform the methods / operations according to various embodiments of the present invention. That is, the processor 110 can perform the methods / operations according to various embodiments of the present invention by executing the one or more instructions.

[0071] In one embodiment, the computer program 151 includes instructions for performing a method for providing a tooth correction planning solution using a 3D tooth model, the method including generating a 3D tooth model including a plurality of individual tooth models generated by individually modeling each of a plurality of teeth of an object, and providing a solution for establishing a tooth correction plan based on the generated 3D tooth model.

[0072] The steps of the methods or algorithms described in connection with the embodiments of the present invention may be implemented directly in hardware, implemented in software modules executed by the hardware, or implemented by a combination thereof. The software modules may reside in RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), flash memory, hard disk, removable disk, CD-ROM, or any other form of computer-readable recording medium well known in the technical field to which the present invention pertains.

[0073] Since the components of the present invention are combined with a computer that is hardware and executed, they may be implemented in a program (or application) and stored in a medium. The components of the present invention may be executed by software programming or software elements. Similarly, the embodiments include various algorithms implemented in a combination of data structures, processes, routines, or other programming configurations, and may be implemented in programming or scripting languages such as C, C++, Java, assembler, etc. The functional aspects may be implemented by algorithms executed by one or more processors. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6, a method for providing a tooth correction plan establishment solution using a 3D tooth model performed by a computing device 100 will be described.

[0074] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method for providing a tooth correction plan establishment solution using a 3D tooth model according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 3, in step S110, the computing device 100 can generate a 3D tooth model for the target tooth based on the anatomical information of the tooth crown and tooth root of the tooth.

[0076] In various embodiments, the computing device 100 can be generated by individually modeling each of the plurality of teeth based on data corresponding to the plurality of teeth of the object, and a 3D tooth model including a plurality of individual tooth models can be generated. Here, the method for generating a 3D tooth model performed by the computing device 100 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6.

[0077] In step S120, the computing device 100 can provide a solution for establishing a tooth correction plan based on the 3D tooth model generated through step S110.

[0078] In various embodiments, the computing device 100 can provide, as a solution for establishing a tooth correction plan, the examination result for the tooth correction plan set by the user.

[0079] More specifically, first, when correction is required for at least one tooth among the plurality of teeth, based on the crown region of the individual tooth model corresponding to at least one tooth (hereinafter referred to as "correction tooth") for which correction is required, a temporary correction plan for the correction tooth can be established.

[0080] Here, the correction tooth can be a tooth selected by the user who intends to establish a tooth correction plan among the plurality of teeth, but may be, in some cases, teeth separated by a predetermined length by the jaw arch line corresponding to the plurality of teeth, and can be determined by analyzing data (e.g., tooth scan data and / or tooth CT data, etc.) generated by photographing the plurality of teeth.

[0081] Also, here, the temporary correction plan may include, but is not limited to, information about the correction tooth, the target position of the correction tooth, and information about the unit correction amount for the correction tooth.

[0082] Also, here, the unit correction amount can include, but is not limited to, the unit displacement amount (e.g., 0.3 mm) and the unit rotation amount (e.g., 1 degree) in the axial direction of at least one of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis.

[0083] Thereafter, the computing device 100 can consider a provisional correction plan based on the root region of the individual tooth model corresponding to the correction tooth.

[0084] As an example, the computing device 100 can calculate the predicted correction amount of the tooth root corresponding to the unit correction amount of the correction tooth according to the provisional correction plan, and can consider whether the predicted correction amount of the tooth root is equal to or greater than the critical value.

[0085] For example, the computing device 100 can set an axis in the longitudinal direction (Actual Axis of a Tooth) and a center of movement on the root region of the individual tooth model for the correction tooth, and use the axis and the center of movement set on the root region of the individual tooth model for the correction tooth to calculate the predicted correction amount of the tooth root corresponding to the unit correction amount of the correction tooth.

[0086] Here, the method of setting the center of movement on the root region can be set based on at least one of a first method of setting the center of movement based on user input obtained through a user interface (User Interface, UI) that outputs a 3D tooth model and a second method of automatically setting the center of movement based on landmarks (e.g., Root Apex, Center of the Tooth, and Gingival Apex or Crest of the Alveolar Bone, etc.) located on the root region of the individual tooth model.

[0087] For example, the computing device 100 can set the center of movement on the root region of the individual tooth model based on the first method or the second method.

[0088] Further, the computing device 100 can set a movement center on the root region of the individual tooth model based on the first method and verify the movement center set by the first method based on the second method.

[0089] Also, the computing device 100 can set a movement center on the root region of the individual tooth model based on the second method and verify the movement center set by the second method based on the first method.

[0090] As another example, the computing device 100 can calculate the predicted amount of root correction corresponding to the unit correction amount of the corrected tooth according to the temporary correction plan, and can examine whether the thickness of the periodontal ligament between the root region of the corrected tooth and the bone is less than the critical thickness based on the predicted amount of root correction. For example, the computing device 100 can determine the predicted movement direction and predicted movement amount of the root region of a specific tooth when moving the crown region of the specific tooth in a specific direction, can determine the position of the root region of the specific tooth based on the predicted movement direction and predicted movement amount of the root region of the specific tooth, and can examine whether the length of the periodontal ligament existing between the root region of the specific tooth at the determined position and the bone located in the predicted movement direction of the specific tooth is less than the critical length (e.g., 0.2 mm).

[0091] As yet another example, the computing device 100 can examine whether the correction period corresponding to the unit correction amount of the corrected tooth according to the temporary correction plan belongs to the allowable correction range. For example, the computing device 100 can calculate the crown region correction amount vs. root region correction amount for each of a plurality of individual tooth models based on a 3D tooth model, can calculate the correction period for the corrected tooth based on the crown region correction amount vs. root region correction amount, and can examine whether the calculated correction period belongs to the allowable correction range.

[0092] Here, the allowable correction range is a range that defines an allowable correction period. For example, the allowable correction range can be a range from the correction period expected to be required when correcting a tooth with the maximum correction amount to the correction period expected to be required when correcting the tooth with the minimum correction amount.

[0093] At this time, the allowable correction range is determined by the maximum / minimum correction amount of the tooth, and such maximum / minimum correction amounts can be set differently for each tooth, so the allowable correction range can also be set individually for each tooth.

[0094] In various embodiments, when the computing device 100 is required to correct a specific tooth from a first point to a second point, based on the unit correction amount of the specific tooth according to the temporary correction plan, the section from the first point to the second point can be divided, and based on the number of divided sections, the correction period for at least one tooth can be calculated. However, it is not limited thereto.

[0095] Thereafter, the computing device 100 can provide a solution for establishing the final correction plan based on the consideration result for the temporary correction plan.

[0096] As an example, when the predicted correction amount for the root region of the tooth to be corrected is less than the critical value, the computing device 100 can provide information on the predicted correction amount for the root region of the tooth to be corrected.

[0097] At this time, when the predicted correction amount for the root region of the tooth to be corrected is greater than or equal to the critical value, the computing device 100 can provide information on the first adjustment value corresponding to the unit correction amount of the tooth to be corrected, or provide guide information for guiding to adjust the unit correction amount of the tooth to be corrected by the first adjustment value, or automatically adjust the unit correction amount of the tooth to be corrected by the first adjustment value.

[0098] Here, the first adjustment value can be the difference value between the unit correction amount that makes the predicted correction amount of the root region of the tooth to be corrected less than the critical value and the unit correction amount of the tooth to be corrected according to the temporary correction plan, but it is not limited thereto.

[0099] As another example, when it is determined that the thickness of the periodontal ligament between the root region of the tooth to be corrected and the bone is greater than or equal to the critical thickness, the computing device 100 can provide information on the thickness of the periodontal ligament.

[0100] At this time, when it is determined that the thickness of the periodontal ligament between the root region of the orthodontic tooth and the bone is less than the critical thickness, the computing device 100 can provide information on the second adjustment value corresponding to the unit orthodontic amount of the orthodontic tooth, provide guide information for guiding the adjustment of the unit orthodontic amount of the orthodontic tooth by the second adjustment value, or automatically adjust the unit orthodontic amount of the orthodontic tooth by the second adjustment value.

[0101] Here, the second adjustment value can be, but is not limited to, the difference value between the unit orthodontic amount that makes the thickness of the periodontal ligament between the root region of the orthodontic tooth and the bone become equal to or greater than the critical thickness and the unit orthodontic amount of the orthodontic tooth according to the temporary orthodontic plan.

[0102] As yet another example, when the orthodontic period for the orthodontic tooth belongs within the allowable orthodontic range, the computing device 100 can provide information regarding the orthodontic period.

[0103] At this time, when the orthodontic period for the orthodontic tooth is outside the allowable orthodontic range, the computing device 100 can provide information on the third adjustment value corresponding to the unit orthodontic amount of the orthodontic tooth, provide guide information for guiding the adjustment of the unit orthodontic amount of the orthodontic tooth by the third adjustment value, or automatically adjust the unit orthodontic amount of the orthodontic tooth by the third adjustment value.

[0104] Here, the third adjustment value can be, but is not limited to, the difference value between the unit orthodontic amount that makes the orthodontic period of the orthodontic tooth belong within the allowable orthodontic range and the unit orthodontic amount of the orthodontic tooth according to the temporary orthodontic plan.

[0105] In various embodiments, when rapid orthodontics for a specific tooth is required based on the state of the subject, the computing device 100 can guide the adjustment of the unit orthodontic amount of the specific tooth to the orthodontic amount corresponding to the minimum value of the allowable orthodontic range, or automatically adjust the unit orthodontic amount of the specific tooth to the orthodontic amount corresponding to the minimum value of the allowable orthodontic range.

[0106] On the one hand, when the computing device 100 is required to quickly correct a specific tooth based on the target state, it can guide the adjustment of the unit correction amount of the specific tooth to the correction amount corresponding to the maximum value of the allowable correction range, or automatically adjust the unit correction amount of the specific tooth to the correction amount corresponding to the minimum value of the allowable correction range. However, it is not limited to this.

[0107] In various embodiments, the computing device 100 can provide information regarding the optimal orthodontic plan as a solution for establishing an orthodontic plan for teeth.

[0108] More specifically, first, when the computing device 100 is required to move a correction tooth from its current position to the target position, it can determine the unit correction amount for the correction tooth using the individual tooth model corresponding to the correction tooth. For example, when the computing device 100 is required to move a specific tooth to the target position, it can determine the unit correction amount of the specific tooth based on the individual tooth model corresponding to the specific tooth so that the predicted correction amount of the tooth root region of the specific tooth is less than the critical value, or determine the unit correction amount of the specific tooth so that the thickness of the periodontal ligament between the tooth root region of the specific tooth and the bone located in the direction in which the specific tooth moves is greater than or equal to the critical thickness, or determine the unit correction amount of the specific tooth so that the correction period belongs within the allowable correction range. However, it is not limited to this.

[0109] Thereafter, the computing device 100 can establish an orthodontic plan including information regarding the unit correction amount for at least one tooth and the correction period expected to be required when correcting with the unit correction amount, and can provide the information regarding the established orthodontic plan as a solution for establishing an orthodontic plan for teeth.

[0110] In various embodiments, the computing device 100 can simulate the correction of at least one tooth according to the orthodontic plan through a 3D tooth model, and can provide the result of the simulation together with information regarding the orthodontic plan as a solution for establishing an orthodontic plan for teeth.

[0111] Here, various techniques for performing orthodontics based on a 3D tooth model are known, and where such known techniques can be selectively used, the present specification does not limit the specific content regarding the simulation operation performed by the computing device. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, a method for generating a 3D tooth model will be described.

[0112] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a method for generating a 3D tooth model in various embodiments, FIG. 5 is a drawing exemplarily showing tooth scan data and tooth CT data used for generating a 3D tooth model in various embodiments, and FIG. 6 is a drawing exemplarily showing a form in which the tooth scan data and the tooth CT data are aligned in various embodiments.

[0113] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, in step S210, the computing device 100 can segment a plurality of first regions corresponding to each of the plurality of teeth from the tooth scan data (e.g., FIG. 5A). For example, the computing device 100 can set a region of interest (ROI) corresponding to each of the plurality of teeth on the tooth scan data, and use the set region of interest to segment and extract the plurality of first regions.

[0114] At this time, the computing device 100 can use the tooth scan data to construct polygon data, and by performing polygon data segmentation, the plurality of first regions in the form of polygon data can be segmented and extracted.

[0115] In step S220, the computing device 100 can segment a plurality of second regions corresponding to each of the plurality of teeth from the tooth CT data (e.g., FIG. 5B). For example, the computing device 100 can set a region of interest (ROI) corresponding to each of the plurality of teeth on the tooth CT data, and use the set region of interest to segment and extract the plurality of second regions.

[0116] At this time, considering that the dental CT data is 3D image data, the computing device 100 can divide and extract a plurality of second regions in the 3D image form by performing 3D image data division.

[0117] In step S230, the computing device 100 can generate a plurality of individual tooth models by registering a plurality of first regions and a plurality of second regions (e.g., FIGS. 6A and 6B).

[0118] In various embodiments, the computing device 100 can perform image-to-image registration on a plurality of first regions and a plurality of second regions. For example, the computing device 100 can convert a plurality of first regions extracted in polygon data form into image data form, and register the plurality of first regions converted into image data form and the plurality of second regions extracted from the image data form (e.g., at least one of landmark-based registration and / or voxel-based registration).

[0119] In various embodiments, the computing device 100 can perform polygon-to-polygon registration on a plurality of first regions and a plurality of second regions. For example, the computing device 100 can convert a plurality of second regions extracted from the image data form into polygon form, and register the plurality of second regions converted into polygon data form and the plurality of first regions extracted from the polygon data form (e.g., at least one of landmark-based registration and / or voxel-based registration).

[0120] In various embodiments, considering that the dental scan data has high accuracy for the dental crown region compared to the dental CT data, the computing device 100 can change the dental crown region included in the plurality of second regions to the dental crown region included in the plurality of first regions. Through this, more accurate modeling can be performed not only for the dental crown but also for the root region.

[0121] At stage S240, the computing device 100 can generate a 3D tooth model by arranging each of a plurality of individual tooth models at the positions of teeth corresponding to each of the plurality of individual tooth models.

[0122] The method for providing a tooth correction plan establishment solution using the 3D tooth model described above has been described with reference to the flowchart illustrated in the drawings. For the sake of simplicity, the method for providing a tooth correction plan establishment solution using the 3D tooth model has been illustrated and described in a series of blocks, but the present invention is not limited to the order of the above blocks, and some blocks may be performed in an order different from that illustrated and described herein or simultaneously. Also, new blocks not described in this specification and the drawings may be added, or some blocks may be performed with some blocks deleted or modified.

[0123] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention pertains will understand that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without changing its technical idea and essential features. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood to be exemplary in all aspects and not restrictive.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0124] 100: Computing device 200: User terminal 300: External server 400: Network

Claims

1. In a method performed by a computing device, generating a 3D tooth model including a plurality of individual tooth models generated by individually modeling each of a plurality of teeth of an object; and providing a solution for establishing a tooth correction plan based on the generated 3D tooth model, the method for providing a solution for establishing a tooth correction plan using a 3D tooth model.

2. The step of providing the solution includes establishing a temporary correction plan for at least one tooth corresponding to at least one individual tooth model among the plurality of teeth, based on a crown region of the at least one individual tooth model; examining the established temporary correction plan based on a root region of the at least one individual tooth model; and providing a solution for establishing a final correction plan based on the examination result of the established temporary correction plan, the method for providing a solution for establishing a tooth correction plan using a 3D tooth model according to Claim 1.

3. The step of examining the established temporary correction plan includes calculating an expected correction amount for a root region of the at least one tooth corresponding to the unit correction amount, based on the unit correction amount of the at least one tooth by the established temporary correction plan - the unit correction amount includes a unit displacement amount and a unit rotation amount in at least one axial direction among the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis; and determining whether the calculated expected correction amount is equal to or greater than a critical value, The step of providing a solution for establishing the final correction plan includes providing information regarding the calculated expected correction amount, and when the calculated expected correction amount is equal to or greater than the critical value, guiding an adjustment of the unit correction amount by the calculated expected correction amount or automatically adjusting the unit correction amount by the calculated expected correction amount, the method for providing a solution for establishing a tooth correction plan using a 3D tooth model according to Claim 2.

4. The step of calculating an expected correction amount for a root region of the at least one tooth includes setting an axis in the longitudinal direction of the tooth on a root region of the at least one individual tooth model; setting a movement center on a root region of the at least one individual tooth model; and The method for providing a tooth correction plan establishment solution using a 3D tooth model according to claim 3, comprising the step of calculating a predicted correction amount for the root region of at least one tooth corresponding to the unit correction amount by using the set axis and the set movement center.

5. The step of setting the movement center is The method for providing a tooth correction plan establishment solution using a 3D tooth model according to claim 4, comprising the step of setting a movement center on the root region of the at least one individual tooth model by using at least one of a method of setting a movement center based on user input obtained through a user interface (UI) that outputs the generated 3D tooth model and a method of automatically setting a movement center based on landmarks located on the root region of the at least one individual tooth model.

6. The step of examining the established temporary correction plan is The step of determining the predicted movement direction and predicted movement amount of the root region of the specific tooth when moving the crown region of the specific tooth in a specific direction according to the established temporary correction plan; and The method for providing a tooth correction plan establishment solution using a 3D tooth model according to claim 2, comprising the step of determining the position of the root region of the specific tooth based on the determined predicted movement direction and the determined predicted movement amount.

7. The step of examining the established temporary correction plan is The step of calculating the crown region correction amount vs. root region correction amount for each of the plurality of individual tooth models by using the generated 3D tooth model; and The step of calculating a correction period for the at least one tooth based on the calculated crown region correction amount vs. root region correction amount, The step of providing a solution for establishing the final correction plan is The method for providing a tooth correction plan establishment solution using a 3D tooth model according to claim 2, comprising the step of providing information regarding the calculated correction period.

8. The step of calculating the correction period is When correction from a first point to a second point is required for a specific tooth, the step of dividing the section from the first point to the second point based on the unit correction amount of the specific tooth according to the established temporary correction plan; and A method for providing a tooth correction plan establishment solution using a 3D tooth model according to claim 7, including the step of calculating a correction period for the at least one tooth based on the number of the divided intervals.

9. The step of providing the solution includes: When movement from a current position to a target position is required for at least one tooth among the plurality of teeth, determining a unit correction amount for the at least one tooth using at least one individual tooth model corresponding to each of the at least one tooth; and establishing a correction plan including information on the determined unit correction amount and a correction period expected to be required when correcting the at least one tooth with the determined unit correction amount, and providing information on the established correction plan. A method for providing a tooth correction plan establishment solution using a 3D tooth model according to claim 1.

10. The step of providing information on the established correction plan includes: simulating the correction of the at least one tooth according to the established correction plan through the generated 3D tooth model, and providing the result of the simulation together with the information on the established correction plan. A method for providing a tooth correction plan establishment solution using a 3D tooth model according to claim 9.

11. The step of generating the 3D tooth model includes: dividing a plurality of first regions corresponding to each of the plurality of teeth from tooth scan data; dividing a plurality of second regions corresponding to each of the plurality of teeth from tooth CT data; and generating a plurality of individual tooth models by aligning the divided plurality of first regions and the divided plurality of second regions, and generating a 3D tooth model by arranging each of the generated plurality of individual tooth models at the position of the tooth corresponding to each of the generated plurality of individual tooth models. A method for providing a tooth correction plan establishment solution using a 3D tooth model according to claim 1.

12. A processor; A network interface; A memory; and including a computer program loaded into the memory and executed by the processor, wherein the computer program is Instructions for generating a 3D tooth model including a plurality of individual tooth models generated by individually modeling each of a plurality of teeth for a subject; and A computing device that performs a method for providing a tooth orthodontic treatment plan establishment solution using a 3D tooth model, including instructions for providing a solution for establishing a tooth orthodontic treatment plan based on the generated 3D tooth model.

13. Coupled to a computing device,[[]] Generating a 3D tooth model including a plurality of individual tooth models generated by individually modeling each of a plurality of teeth for a subject; and A computer program stored on a computer-readable recording medium for causing a computing device to execute a method for providing a tooth orthodontic treatment plan establishment solution using a 3D tooth model, the method including providing a solution for establishing a tooth orthodontic treatment plan based on the generated 3D tooth model.

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