Dental treatment assistance system

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a novel technology that can be used to assist treatment such as orthodontic treatment. [Solution] This dental treatment assistance system comprises: a measurement point information acquisition unit that acquires measurement point information indicating a measurement point for orthodontic diagnosis on the basis of an image obtainable by X-ray imaging of the head of a subject, a magnetic resonance image of the head of the subject, or an image obtainable by computer tomographic imaging of the head of the subject; a position information acquisition unit that, on the basis of the head measurement point information, acquires position information during imaging indicating the positions of a front tooth, a molar or the jawbone of the subject during imaging; a planned position information acquisition unit that acquires planned position information indicating the position when it is assumed that the tooth or the jawbone is moved; and a movement information generation unit that, on the basis of the measurement point information, the position information during imaging, and the planned position information, generates movement information indicating a movement amount from the position before movement when it is assumed that the front tooth, the molar, or the jawbone is moved.

Description

Dental treatment support system

[0001] The present invention relates to assisting dental treatment.

[0002] Orthodontic treatment has traditionally been performed to align teeth and correct bite alignment, and achieve a correct bite (normal occlusion). Orthodontic treatment involves gently applying force to the teeth using orthodontic appliances, and sometimes surgically moving the upper and lower jaw bones, with the aim of achieving an aesthetically pleasing and healthy bite alignment.

[0003] For this reason, orthodontic treatment planning, which considers in advance whether or not it is appropriate to move teeth or the upper and lower jaws, has become important. For example, cephalometric analysis is widely used in orthodontic treatment planning, and support devices for this purpose have also been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In cephalometric analysis, measurement points (landmarks) are set on a standard cephalometric X-ray of the patient requiring orthodontic treatment. Next, the angles that each plane or axis makes with the reference plane are measured based on the set measurement points, and the resulting angles are compared with the average values ​​of patients with normal occlusion. This analysis reveals the anatomical characteristics of patients with malocclusion, enabling problem identification. Cephalometric analysis is also sometimes used for clinical and research purposes to evaluate orthodontic treatment during and after treatment.

[0004] Special table number 2020-534037

[0005] The present invention provides a novel technique that can be used to assist in dental treatment.

[0006] As described above, treatment planning is performed using cephalometric analysis. While conventional cephalometric analysis can identify problems in subjects (e.g., patients) with malocclusion, it is difficult to set specific goals for the treatment plan. While several methods for setting treatment goals have been reported, they only involve numerical targets or graphical representations that reflect the individual practitioner's perspective, resulting in significant problems with accuracy and reproducibility, preventing their widespread use. After extensive research, the present inventors discovered a novel method that facilitates treatment planning and completed the present invention. For example, the present invention displays the positions of upper and lower anterior and posterior teeth as numerical and image data using multiple reference planes defined based on the anatomical structures of the upper and lower jaws and skull. This invention enables orthodontic treatment planning that takes into account maxillofacial harmony. Specifically, it allows for a more accurate understanding of the patient's jaw shape and skull characteristics, and allows for the creation of a treatment plan based on these. The present invention provides a more effective and efficient approach to orthodontic treatment. Furthermore, the present invention is applicable to a wide range of dental treatments, including prosthetic treatment, in addition to orthodontic treatment.

[0007] The gist of the present invention is as follows: [1] A dental treatment support system comprising: a measurement point information acquisition unit that acquires measurement point information indicating measurement points corresponding to parts of the head, based on an image obtained by taking an X-ray of the head of a subject, a magnetic resonance image of the head of the subject, or an image obtained by computed tomography of the head of the subject; a position information acquisition unit that acquires image-capture position information that indicates the position of the subject's anterior teeth, molars, or jawbone at the time of image capture, based on the measurement point information; a planned position information acquisition unit that acquires planned position information that indicates the position of the anterior teeth, molars, or jawbone when the anterior teeth, molars, or jawbone are moved; and a movement information generation unit that generates, based on the measurement point information, the image-capture position information, and the planned position information, movement information that indicates the amount of movement from the position of the anterior teeth, molars, or jawbone before movement, when the anterior teeth, molars, or jawbone are moved. [2] The dental treatment support system of [1], wherein the movement information includes at least one of information indicating the amount of inclination movement of an anterior tooth or a molar, information indicating the amount of intrusion or extrusion of an anterior tooth or a molar, information indicating the amount of translational movement of an anterior tooth or a molar, information indicating the amount of inclination movement of the jawbone, information indicating the amount of translational movement of the jawbone, and information indicating the amount of intrusion or extrusion of the jawbone. [3] The dental treatment support system of [2], wherein the movement information generation unit generates the information indicating the amount of inclination movement of an anterior tooth or a molar as the amount of change in the angle of the tooth axis with respect to a reference plane that serves as a reference for the inclination. [4] The dental treatment support system of [2], wherein the movement information generation unit generates the information indicating the amount of intrusion or extrusion of an anterior tooth or a molar as the length, in a direction perpendicular to the reference plane that serves as a reference for the movement, between the position of the tooth before movement and the position of the tooth after movement. [5] The dental treatment support system according to [2], wherein the movement information generating unit generates information indicating the amount of parallel movement of the anterior teeth or molars as a distance between the position of the tooth before movement and the position of the tooth after movement in a direction along a reference plane that serves as a reference for the movement. [6] The dental treatment support system according to [2], wherein the movement information generating unit generates information indicating the amount of tilt movement of the jawbone as a change in angle between a reference plane that serves as a reference for the tilt and a plane that is at least tangent to the jawbone.[7] The dental treatment support system of [2], wherein the movement information generation unit generates information indicating the amount of depression or extrusion of the jawbone as a length between the position of the jawbone before movement and the position of the jawbone after movement, in a direction perpendicular to a reference plane that serves as a reference for the movement. [8] The dental treatment support system of [2], wherein the movement information generation unit generates information indicating the amount of parallel movement of the jawbone as a length between the position of the jawbone before movement and the position of the jawbone after movement, in a direction along a reference plane that serves as a reference for the movement. [9] The dental treatment support system of any one of [1] to [8], further including a position identification support unit that generates position information generation support information for supporting identification of the position of a target anterior tooth, molar, or jawbone, using the measurement point information acquired by the measurement point information acquisition unit, wherein the position information acquisition unit acquires the image-capturing position information based on an input from a user using the position information generation support information generated by the position identification support unit.

[10] The dental treatment support system according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the measurement point information acquisition unit acquires the measurement point information based on a cephalometric radiograph, which is an image obtained by taking a cephalometric X-ray.

[11] An information processing method executed by a computer, comprising: acquiring measurement point information indicating measurement points corresponding to parts of the head based on an image obtained by taking an X-ray cephalogram of the subject, a magnetic resonance image of the subject's head, or an image obtained by computed tomography of the subject's head; acquiring image-capture position information indicating the positions of the subject's anterior teeth, molars, or jawbone at the time of imaging, based on the measurement point information; acquiring planned position information indicating the positions of the anterior teeth, molars, or jawbone if they are moved; and generating movement information indicating the amount of movement of the anterior teeth, molars, or jawbone from the position before movement, based on the measurement point information, the image-capture position information, and the planned position information.

[12] The method described in

[11] , wherein the movement information includes at least one of information indicating the amount of inclination movement of the anterior teeth or molars, information indicating the amount of depression or extrusion of the anterior teeth or molars, information indicating the amount of parallel movement of the anterior teeth or molars, information indicating the amount of inclination movement of the jawbone, information indicating the amount of parallel movement of the jawbone, and information indicating the amount of depression or extrusion of the jawbone.

[13] The method according to

[12] , in which information indicating the amount of inclination movement of an anterior tooth or a molar tooth is generated as the amount of change in the angle of the tooth axis relative to a reference plane serving as a reference for inclination.

[14] The method according to

[12] , in which information indicating the amount of intrusion or extrusion of an anterior tooth or a molar tooth is generated as the length between the position of the tooth before movement and the position of the tooth after movement, in a direction perpendicular to the reference plane serving as a reference for movement.

[15] The method according to

[12] , in which information indicating the amount of translation movement of an anterior tooth or a molar tooth is generated as the length between the position of the tooth before movement and the position of the tooth after movement, in a direction along the reference plane serving as a reference for movement.

[16] The method according to

[12] , in which information indicating the amount of inclination movement of the jawbone is generated as the amount of change in the angle between the reference plane serving as a reference for inclination and a plane tangent to at least the jawbone.

[17] The method according to

[12] , in which information indicating the amount of compression or extrusion of the jawbone is generated as the length between the position of the jawbone before movement and the position of the jawbone after movement, in a direction perpendicular to a reference plane serving as a reference for the movement.

[18] The method according to

[12] , in which information indicating the amount of translation of the jawbone is generated as the length between the position of the jawbone before movement and the position of the jawbone after movement, in a direction along a reference plane serving as a reference for the movement.

[19] The method according to any one of

[11] to

[18] , further comprising using the measurement point information to generate position information generation support information for supporting identification of the position of the target anterior tooth, molar tooth, or jawbone, and acquiring the position information at the time of imaging based on input from a user using the position information generation support information.

[20] The method according to any one of

[11] to

[18] , in which the measurement point information is acquired based on a cephalometric radiograph, which is an image obtained by taking a cephalometric X-ray.

[21] A program for causing a computer to function as: a measurement point information acquisition unit that acquires measurement point information indicating measurement points corresponding to parts of the head based on an image obtained by taking an X-ray of the head of a subject, a magnetic resonance image of the head of the subject, or an image obtained by computed tomography of the head of the subject; a position information acquisition unit that acquires image-capture position information that indicates the position of the subject's anterior teeth, molars, or jawbone at the time of imaging based on the measurement point information; a planned position information acquisition unit that acquires planned position information that indicates the position if the anterior teeth, molars, or jawbone are moved; and a movement information generation unit that generates, based on the measurement point information, the image-capture position information, and the planned position information, movement information that indicates the amount of movement from the position of the anterior teeth, molars, or jawbone before movement if the anterior teeth, molars, or jawbone are moved.

[22] The program described in

[21] , wherein the movement information includes at least one of information indicating the amount of inclination movement of an anterior tooth or molar, information indicating the amount of intrusion or extrusion of an anterior tooth or molar, information indicating the amount of translational movement of an anterior tooth or molar, information indicating the amount of inclination movement of the jawbone, information indicating the amount of translational movement of the jawbone, and information indicating the amount of intrusion or extrusion of the jawbone.

[23] The program described in

[22] , wherein the movement information generation unit generates the information indicating the amount of inclination movement of an anterior tooth or molar as the amount of change in the angle of the tooth axis with respect to a reference plane that serves as a reference for inclination.

[24] The program described in

[22] , wherein the movement information generation unit generates the information indicating the amount of intrusion or extrusion of an anterior tooth or molar as the length between the position of the tooth before movement and the position of the tooth after movement, in a direction perpendicular to the reference plane that serves as a reference for movement.

[25] The program according to

[22] , wherein the movement information generating unit generates information indicating the amount of parallel movement of the anterior or posterior teeth as the length between the position of the tooth before movement in a direction along a reference plane that serves as a reference for the movement and the position of the tooth after movement.

[26] The program according to

[22] , wherein the movement information generating unit generates information indicating the amount of tilt movement of the jawbone as the amount of change in the angle between the reference plane that serves as a reference for the tilt and a plane that is at least tangent to the jawbone.

[27] The program described in

[22] , wherein the movement information generation unit generates information indicating the amount of compression or extrusion of the jawbone as a length between the position of the jawbone before movement and the position of the jawbone after movement, in a direction perpendicular to a reference plane that serves as a reference for the movement.

[28] The program described in

[22] , wherein the movement information generation unit generates information indicating the amount of parallel movement of the jawbone as a length between the position of the jawbone before movement and the position of the jawbone after movement, in a direction along a reference plane that serves as a reference for the movement.

[29] The program described in any one of

[21] to

[28] , wherein the computer is further made to function as a position identification support unit that generates position information generation support information for supporting identification of the position of a target anterior tooth, molar tooth or jawbone, using the measurement point information acquired by a measurement point information acquisition unit, and the position information acquisition unit acquires the position information at the time of imaging based on an input from a user using the position information generation support information generated by the position identification support unit.

[30] The program according to any one of

[21] to

[28] , wherein the measurement point information acquisition unit acquires the measurement point information based on a cephalometric radiograph, which is an image obtained by taking a cephalometric X-ray.

[0008] According to the present invention, a novel technique that can be used to support dental treatment can be provided.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a personal computer 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a processing flow relating to generation of measurement point information and trace line information according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen relating to generation of measurement point information and trace line information according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen relating to generation of measurement point information and trace line information according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen relating to generation of measurement point information and trace line information according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen relating to generation of measurement point information and trace line information according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a processing flow relating to generation of movement information according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen relating to generation of tooth movement information according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen relating to generation of tooth movement information according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen relating to generation of tooth movement information according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a screen relating to generation of tooth movement information according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 shows a three-dimensional image obtained by taking a cephalometric X-ray of a subject that can be used in another embodiment.

[0010] First Embodiment One embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below. The first embodiment relates to a dental treatment support system, and includes a measurement point information acquisition unit, a position information acquisition unit, a planned position information acquisition unit, and a movement information generation unit. The measurement point information acquisition unit acquires measurement point information indicating measurement points corresponding to regions of the head based on a standard cephalometric radiograph of the subject. The position information acquisition unit acquires image-capture position information indicating the position of the subject's anterior teeth or molars at the time of image capture based on the measurement point information. The planned position information acquisition unit acquires planned position information indicating the position of the anterior teeth or molars when they are assumed to have been moved. The movement information generation unit generates movement information indicating the amount of movement of the anterior teeth or molars from their positions before movement, based on the measurement point information, image-capture position information, and planned position information. The dental treatment support system of the first embodiment also includes a position identification support unit that uses the measurement point information acquired by the measurement point information acquisition unit to generate position information generation support information to support identification of the position of the subject's teeth. The position information acquisition unit acquires image capture position information based on an input from a user using the position information generation support information generated by the position identification support unit.

[0011] Here, in this specification, a cephalometric radiograph refers to a two-dimensional standard radiograph, also known as a cephalogram, taken from the side of the head with the midsagittal plane as the reference plane. In this specification, measurement points, also referred to as landmarks, refer to reference points corresponding to each part of the head. Two or more measurement points can also be used to represent a plane on which these two or more measurement points exist, or a plane on which a reference point derived from these two or more measurement points exists. Measurement point information includes information about measurement points whose positions are set for each subject. Measurement points used in cephalometric analysis, for example, can also be used in the dental treatment support system of the first embodiment. Specific measurement points were S (Sella turicica, center of sella turcica), N (Nasion, most anterior point of nasofrontal suture), Or (Orbitale, most inferior point of orbital margin), ANS (Anterior Nasal Spine, tip of anterior nasal spine), U1 (Upper 1, incisal edge of maxillary central incisor), L1 (Lower 1, incisal edge of mandibular central incisor), Po (Portion, superior margin of bony ear canal), Pog (Pogonion, most prominent point of mandibular symphysis), PNS (Posterior Nasal Spine, most posterior point of posterior nasal spine), Me (Menton, most inferior point of mandibular symphysis on midsagittal plane), D (D point, central point of mandibular symphysis relative to SN plane), UMo (Upper Molar, most distal point of maxillary first molar crown), LMo (Lower Examples of planes on which two or more measurement points exist, or planes on which reference points derived from these two or more measurement points exist, include the SN plane (a plane including S and N), the Frankfurt plane (FH plane, a plane including Or and Po), the occlusal plane (a plane including the midpoints of UMo and LMo and the midpoints of U1 and L1), the palatal plane (a plane including ANS and PNS), and the mandibular plane (a plane including Go and Me).These are described, for example, in "Techniques for Reading Cephalograms to Improve Diagnostic Skills" by Hiroyuki Muramatsu, published by Quintessence Publishing on June 10, 2010, and "New Edition Dictionary of Orthodontics" by Akira Kameda, published by Quintessence Publishing on January 10, 2018. Note that cephalometric radiographs are two-dimensional images, and the above-mentioned planes are also represented as lines. However, in the field of orthodontics, for example, these planes are also referred to as planes even when they are represented as lines. Therefore, in this specification, the concept of "plane" also includes lines represented in two-dimensional images, and is collectively referred to as "plane."

[0012] The imaging position information includes information indicating the positions of the teeth when the cephalometric radiograph is captured. Specifically, the imaging position information may include trace line information, which will be described later, indicating a trace line generated based on the cephalometric radiograph. The planned position information includes information indicating the positions of the teeth when the teeth are moved by treatment. Specifically, the planned position information may include information, which will be described later, indicating instructions regarding the positions to which the teeth are to be moved.

[0013] Movement information indicates the amount of movement of a tooth from its original position when it is moved, and the amount of movement is measured in units of length (e.g., mm) or angle (e.g., degrees). Teeth for which movement information is generated can include, for example, front teeth (upper and lower front teeth) and / or molars (upper and lower molars). Upper and lower front teeth refer to the six upper jaw and six lower jaw teeth, from the front to the left and right canines. Front tooth movement information can be generated for one or more of these six upper jaw and six lower jaw teeth. Upper and lower molars refer to the four upper jaw and four lower jaw teeth, including the first premolar, second premolar, first molar, and second molar. Molar movement information can be generated for one or more of these four upper jaw and four lower jaw teeth.

[0014] 1 is a schematic diagram of a dental treatment support system 100 according to the first embodiment. The dental treatment support system 100 according to the first embodiment includes a personal computer 1 and a server S communicably connected to the personal computer 1 via a network NW. The server S may be, for example, a cloud-based server, or may be an on-premise server, as appropriate.

[0015] 2 is a schematic diagram of a personal computer 1 according to the first embodiment. The personal computer 1 includes a processor 11, which is an arithmetic processing unit, a memory 12, which is a main storage device, and an SSD (Solid State Drive) 13, which is an auxiliary storage device. Note that an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) can be used instead of the SSD, and there is no particular limitation. The orthodontic treatment support system 100 also includes a network IF (interface) 14, which controls communication with external units, a monitor 15, an input device 16 (keyboard, mouse, etc.), and a media reading device 17.

[0016] Fig. 3 is a block diagram of a dental treatment support system 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the dental treatment support system 100 includes a display unit 20 that displays various information, an operation reception unit 22 that receives operations from a user such as a doctor, a memory unit 241 and an external memory unit 242 that store various information, a communication unit 26 connected to a network NW, and a control unit 30 that controls the operations of these units. Of these, the display unit 20, the operation reception unit 22, the memory unit 241, the communication unit 26, and the control unit 30 can be realized by a personal computer 1, and the external memory unit 242 can be realized by a server S.

[0017] 2, and has a function of displaying various information in response to a control signal from the control unit 30. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the operation reception unit 22 is composed of an input device 16, such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel that also serves as the display unit 20, and has a function of receiving input operations from a user and outputting information indicating the received input content to the control unit 30.

[0018] The storage unit 241 is composed of the memory 12, the SSD 13, etc., and has the function of writing and storing various information and the function of reading out various information. The external storage unit 242 is composed of the server S, and has the function of receiving requests from computers and terminals connected via the network NW, writing various information in response to the requests, and sending the information in response to the requests back to each computer and terminal. In the first embodiment, the external storage unit 242 stores image data of cephalometric X-ray photographs for each subject, a measurement point identification and trace line generation support program, a movement information generation support program, generated measurement point information and trace line information, etc.

[0019] The communication unit 26 is configured by the network IF 14. The control unit 30 is configured by hardware such as the processor 11 and memory 12, and software such as a control program.

[0020] This control unit 30 has processing functions related to the exchange of various signals with the display unit 20, operation reception unit 22, memory unit 241, external memory unit 242, and communication unit 26, and the function of controlling the operation of each unit connected via a specified bus.

[0021] In the first embodiment, the control unit 30, the display unit 20, and the operation reception unit 22 correspond to a measurement point information acquisition unit, a position information acquisition unit, and a planned position information acquisition unit. The control unit 30 corresponds to a movement information generation unit and a position identification support unit.

[0022] Next, a processing flow in the first embodiment will be described. Note that the following description will be given taking as an example a mode in which movement information is generated for one or more of maxillary central incisors, mandibular central incisors, maxillary first molars, and mandibular first molars.

[0023] First, a description will be given of the processing flow for setting measurement points and generating trace lines shown in Fig. 4. First, in step S101, when a user operation (start instruction) for executing a measurement point identification and trace line generation support program is accepted, the control unit 30 of the device 100 executes the program and becomes able to accept user operations.

[0024] In step S102, controller 30 determines whether a cephalometric radiograph is stored in external storage unit 242. If a cephalometric radiograph is not stored in external storage unit 242, controller 30 terminates the process. On the other hand, if a cephalometric radiograph is stored in external storage unit 242, controller 30 displays operation screen 5 shown in FIG. 5 on display unit 20 to accept user operations related to identifying measurement points (step S103).

[0025] As shown in Fig. 5, this operation screen 5 displays a cephalometric X-ray photograph in an image display area 51 on the left side of the screen. In step S103, the control unit 30 displays a message "Measure [1 cm]" on the operation screen 5 and accepts a size adjustment instruction (calibration, matching the screen ratio with the photo ratio) from the user. The input is performed by pressing the button 57 labeled "Next." Based on the input instruction, the control unit 30 performs processing related to the size adjustment.

[0026] In step S104, as shown in FIG. 6 , the control unit 30 displays a message on the operation screen 5 saying, "Please specify the positions of S and N." In step S105, the control unit 30 determines whether two arbitrary positions within the image display range 51 have been pressed. If two arbitrary positions have not been pressed, the control unit 30 waits without performing any processing. On the other hand, if two arbitrary positions within the image display range 51 have been pressed, the control unit 30 displays circles corresponding to S and N superimposed on the pressed positions on the cephalometric radiograph, as shown in FIG. 7 , and displays circles indicating measurement points other than S and N superimposed on the positions on the cephalometric radiograph to which they correspond as temporary positions (step S106).

[0027] The user visually determines whether the circles are displayed at the desired positions, and if the circles are not displayed at the desired positions, performs an operation to move the circles. The control unit 30 acquires information indicating the instruction from the operation via the operation reception unit 22 and corrects the positions at which the circles are displayed. If all the circles are displayed at the desired positions, the user presses a button to input confirmation of the positions of the measurement points (button 57 labeled "Next" on screen 5 shown in FIG. 7).

[0028] When the button is pressed to input the position confirmation, the control unit 30 acquires coordinate information indicating the position of the circle on the cephalometric radiograph as measurement point information indicating the position of the measurement point (step S107).

[0029] In step S108, the control unit 30 displays lines (trace lines) indicating the positions of the teeth and the contour of the face as temporary positions superimposed on the cephalometric radiograph based on the measurement point information, as shown in Fig. 8. The trace lines displayed at these temporary positions correspond to position information generation support information.

[0030] The user visually determines whether the trace line is displayed at the desired position, and if it is different from the desired position, performs an operation to move or deform the line. Specifically, the trace line is moved or deformed by manipulating points on the trace line. The control unit 30 acquires information indicating the instruction from the operation via the operation acceptance unit 22 and corrects the position at which the trace line is to be displayed. If the trace line is displayed at the desired position, the user presses a button to input confirmation of the position of the trace line (button 59 on which the message "Complete" is displayed in screen 5 shown in FIG. 8).

[0031] When the position of the trace line is confirmed by pressing a button, the control unit 30 acquires the trace line on the cephalometric X-ray photograph as trace line information at the time of imaging (corresponding to position information at the time of imaging), stores it in the external memory unit 242, and terminates the processing (step S109).

[0032] Next, a process flow for generating movement information will be described with reference to Fig. 9. First, in step S201, when a user operation (start instruction) to execute a movement information generation assistance program is accepted, the control unit 30 of the device 100 executes the program to enable acceptance of the user operation.

[0033] In step S202, control unit 30 determines whether the cephalometric radiograph, measurement point information, and trace line information are stored in external storage unit 242. If the cephalometric radiograph is not stored in external storage unit 242 or if only the cephalometric radiograph is stored in external storage unit 242, control unit 30 ends the process. On the other hand, if the cephalometric radiograph, measurement point information, and trace line information are stored in external storage unit 242, control unit 30 displays operation screen 6 on display unit 20 as shown in FIG. 10 for receiving user operations related to movement information generation (step S203).

[0034] As shown in Fig. 10, this operation screen 6 displays a cephalometric radiograph in an image display area 61 on the left side of the screen, and a trace line is displayed superimposed on the cephalometric radiograph. Reference numeral 63 denotes a table showing the amount of movement. Reference numeral 65 denotes a plurality of checkboxes for instructing whether a line showing a plane based on measurement point information is to be displayed superimposed on the cephalometric radiograph. Reference numeral 67 denotes a button for inputting an instruction to generate the amount of tooth inclination movement, and 69 denotes a button for inputting an instruction to generate the amount of tooth intrusion or extrusion and the amount of tooth translation. Hereinafter, intrusion or extrusion and translation will be collectively referred to as distance movement.

[0035] In step S204, the control unit 30 determines whether or not an instruction to generate a tooth tilt movement amount as movement information has been input by pressing the button 67 displayed as "tooth tilt" on the operation screen 6.

[0036] If it is determined that an instruction to generate a tooth inclination movement amount has not been input, the control unit 30 determines whether an instruction to generate a tooth distance movement amount as movement information has been input by pressing the button 69 displayed as tooth movement on the operation screen 6 (step S211).

[0037] If it is determined in step S211 that a tooth distance movement amount generation instruction has not been input, the control unit 30 does not perform any processing and returns to S204.

[0038] If it is determined in step S204 that an instruction to generate a tooth tilt movement amount has been input, the control unit 30 acquires information indicating the instruction regarding the desired tooth movement position as planned position information via the operation reception unit 22, and displays the tooth movement by modifying the trace line (step S205), as shown in Fig. 11. In Fig. 11, the tooth position before movement is indicated by a dashed line, and the tooth position after movement is indicated by a solid line. Furthermore, the control unit 30 calculates the tooth movement amount (tilt movement amount) in degrees based on the trace line information, planned position information, and measurement point information stored in the external memory unit 242, and displays the calculated amount in a table 63 on the operation screen 6 (step S206).

[0039] If it is determined in step S211 that an instruction to generate a tooth distance movement amount has been input, the control unit 30 acquires information indicating the instruction regarding the desired tooth movement position as planned position information via the operation reception unit 22, and displays the tooth movement by deforming the trace line (step S212), as shown in Figures 12 and 13. The control unit 30 also generates the tooth intrusion or protrusion amount and / or tooth translation amount in units of length based on the trace line information, planned position information, and measurement point information stored in the external storage unit 242, and displays them in table 63 on the operation screen 6 (step S213).

[0040] The amount of movement is calculated using as a reference highly reproducible anatomical structures in the maxillofacial region depicted in standard cephalometric radiographs, such as the Frankfurt plane, SN plane, occlusal plane, mandibular plane, and palatal plane, which are often used in cephalometric analysis. The specific processing of this calculation can also be performed by executing a movement information generation support program, and the measurement points and reference planes used for the calculation can also be set in advance in the program.

[0041] For example, the amount of tooth inclination movement can be generated as the amount of change in the angle of the tooth axis relative to a reference plane that serves as the basis for inclination. Specifically, the amount of tooth inclination movement (unit: angle) can be obtained by calculating the amount of change in the angle of the tooth axis (the axis along the direction of tooth growth, the long axis of the tooth. For example, in the case of a maxillary central incisor, it is the line on which measurement point U1 and measurement point U1R (Upper 1 Root, maxillary central incisor root apex) lie, and in the case of a mandibular central incisor, it is the line on which measurement point L1 and measurement point L1R (Lower 1 Root, mandibular central incisor root apex) lie) relative to the reference plane between before the tooth is moved (at the time of imaging) and after the tooth is moved. The reference plane can be set appropriately taking into account the type of tooth, etc., and examples include the Frankfurt plane, SN plane, occlusal plane, mandibular lower border plane, and palatal plane. The reference plane to be used can be preset, for example, in the movement information generation support program. Furthermore, the amount of inclination can be calculated simply from the change in the angle of the tooth axis between before and after tooth movement. Figure 11 also displays this value (as an example, maxillary anterior teeth: 9.5° are displayed in Figure 11). Meanwhile, calculation using the aforementioned reference plane is preferable because it also allows evaluation of the inclination of the anterior teeth and molars relative to the skull obtained by the treatment plan.

[0042] For example, in Figure 11, the angle of the tooth axis of the maxillary central incisor before tooth movement relative to the FH plane selected as the reference plane is 110.68 degrees, and the angle of the tooth axis relative to the FH plane after tooth movement is 120.68 degrees. In this case, the maxillary central incisor is calculated to have moved 10 degrees toward the labially (shown as U1toFH:10° in Figure 11).

[0043] The amount of translation of the tooth can be calculated as the length between the position of the tooth before movement and the position of the tooth after movement in a direction along a reference plane that serves as a reference for the movement. Specifically, the amount of translation of the tooth (unit: length) can be calculated as the amount of translation of the tooth before movement and the position of the tooth after movement in a direction parallel to the reference plane of the reference point of the tooth after movement, using a preset reference plane (X-axis) and a predetermined part of the tooth (reference point).

[0044] The reference plane can be, for example, the Frankfurt plane, SN plane, occlusal plane, mandibular plane, or palatal plane. The tooth reference point can also be set appropriately depending on the tooth type, but can be, for example, the root center. The root center is also known as the center of rotation (center of resistance) and is generally defined as 1 / 2 to 1 / 3 of the apical rule of the root. For example, the root center can be preset as 1 / 2 of the apical rule of the root in the movement information generation support program, and its specific position can be determined using trace line information indicating the tooth position during imaging. When calculating the amount of translation, the position before moving the tooth can be set to 0, and a sign can be used to distinguish between forward (labial) movement and backward (lingual) movement, indicating a + and a - sign, respectively.

[0045] For example, in Figure 12, a case will be explained in which the reference plane preset in the movement information generation support program is the occlusal plane, and the amount of parallel movement is generated based on the center of the root of the maxillary central incisor. In this case, after the tooth is moved, it is calculated that the tooth has moved 10 mm lingually along the occlusal plane in Figure 12.

[0046] The amount of tooth intrusion or extrusion is calculated as the length between the position of the tooth before movement and the position of the tooth after movement, in a direction perpendicular to a reference plane that serves as a reference for movement. Specifically, the amount of tooth intrusion or extrusion (unit: length) can be obtained by calculating the length, in a direction perpendicular to the reference plane, between a predetermined part of the tooth before movement (reference point) and the reference point of the tooth after movement. In this case, movement of the tooth toward the root side can be expressed as the amount of intrusion (for example, the value before movement is set to 0 and a negative (-) sign is used), and movement of the tooth toward the crown side can be expressed as the amount of extrusion (for example, the value before movement is set to 0 and a positive (+) sign is used).

[0047] The reference plane can be set according to the type of tooth, etc., and can be, for example, the FH plane (Frankfurt plane), the mandibular lower border plane, or the palatal plane. In addition, the tooth reference point is not particularly limited and can be set according to the type of tooth, etc., and examples include the crown tip (represented as maxillary central incisor: U1, mandibular central incisor: L1, maxillary first molar: UMo, mandibular first molar: LMo based on the measurement point) and the root center (represented as CR based on the measurement point).

[0048] For example, in Figure 13, the reference plane is the FH plane, and the amount of intrusion or extrusion is calculated based on the center of the root of the maxillary central incisor. In the example of Figure 12, the tooth has moved toward the root in a direction perpendicular to the FH plane, so the intrusion movement is calculated as -2.2 mm.

[0049] In addition, the incisal edge, root, crown, cervical area, gingival margin, contact points, occlusal surface, interdental papilla, gingival sulcus, alveolar crest, apex of the root, apical foramen, and center of rotation of the tooth inclination can also be used as reference points for tooth translation and tooth intrusion or extrusion. These positions can also be determined based on measurement point information or trace line information. Furthermore, for tooth translation and tooth intrusion or extrusion, the reference points and reference planes to be used can be preset, for example, in the movement information generation support program.

[0050] As described above, according to the first embodiment, for example, when planning orthodontic treatment, it is possible to formulate a treatment plan more quickly and accurately. It is also possible to improve the efficiency of monitoring the progress of treatment. Furthermore, it is expected that, for example, simplifying setup instructions to dental technicians will contribute to improving the overall workflow and enhancing cooperation between doctors.

[0051] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. Components common to the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0052] In the second embodiment, movement information can be generated for the jawbone (upper and lower jawbone) in addition to the front teeth and molars. This makes it easier to create a treatment plan, for example, when performing surgical orthodontic treatment. In the second embodiment, the imaging position information includes information indicating the position of the jawbone in addition to information indicating the position of the teeth when the cephalometric X-ray is taken. Note that, in the first embodiment already described, information indicating the position of the jawbone is also acquired as the imaging position information, but in the first embodiment, it is not necessary to acquire information indicating the position of the jawbone. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the position information generation support information includes information on the provisional position of the teeth in addition to information on the provisional position of the jawbone. Note that, in the first embodiment already described, the position information generation support information also includes information on the provisional position of the jawbone, but in the first embodiment, it is not necessary to include information on the provisional position of the jawbone. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the planned position information can include information on the position of the jaw in addition to information on the position of the teeth in the case where the teeth are moved by treatment. Specifically, the planned position information may include information indicating instructions regarding the positions to which the teeth are to be moved and information indicating instructions regarding the positions to which the jawbone is to be moved.

[0053] In the second embodiment, the movement information can include information indicating the amount of movement of the teeth from their positions before the teeth are moved, and information indicating the amount of movement of the jawbone from its position before the jawbone is moved. Also in the second embodiment, which of the reference point and the reference plane to use can be set in advance, for example, in the movement information generation support program.

[0054] 14 is a diagram showing an operation screen related to movement information generation in the second embodiment. Similar to the first embodiment, this operation screen 6 has an image display area 61 in which a cephalometric X-ray is displayed, a table 63 showing the movement amounts, a button 67 for inputting an instruction to generate tooth inclination movement amounts, and a button 69 for inputting an instruction to generate tooth movement amounts. Additionally, in the second embodiment, the operation screen 6 also has a switching button 62 for inputting an instruction to execute a process capable of generating movement amounts for the jawbone (hereinafter also referred to as a surgical orthodontic mode), a button 64 for inputting an instruction to generate jawbone inclination movement amounts, and a button 66 for inputting an instruction to generate jawbone movement amounts.

[0055] The process flow for generating movement information according to the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 to 17 will be described.

[0056] First, in step S301, when a user operation (start instruction) to execute the movement information generation assistance program is accepted, the control unit 30 of the device 100 executes the program and becomes ready to accept the user operation.

[0057] In step S302, the control unit 30 determines whether an instruction to execute the surgical correction mode has been input by operating the switching button 62 on the operation screen 6.

[0058] If it is determined that the surgical correction mode execution instruction has not been input, the process proceeds to S303, and processing is performed. Note that the processing of steps S303 to S310 is common to the processing of steps S202 to S206 and S211 to S213 related to the movement information generation in the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0059] If it is determined in step S302 that a surgical correction mode execution instruction has been input, the process proceeds to step S311. The processes of steps S311 to S315, S317, and S318 in Fig. 16 are common to the processes of steps S202 to S206, S212, and S213, and therefore will not be described here.

[0060] If it is determined in step S316 that a tooth distance movement amount generation instruction has not been input, the control unit 30 proceeds to S321 to determine whether a jawbone inclination movement amount generation instruction has been input. If it is determined in step S316 that a tooth distance movement amount generation instruction has been input, the control unit 30 proceeds to step S317 to perform processing.

[0061] If it is determined in step S321 that an instruction to generate a tilt movement amount of the jawbone has been input, the control unit 30 acquires information indicating an instruction regarding the position to which the jawbone is to be moved via the operation receiving unit 22, and displays the movement of the jawbone by deforming the trace line (step S322). Furthermore, the control unit 30 calculates an amount of tilt movement of the jawbone in degrees based on the trace line information, the information indicating the instruction regarding the position to which the jawbone is to be moved, and the measurement point information stored in the external storage unit 242, and displays the calculated amount of tilt movement in a table 63 on the operation screen 6 (step S323).

[0062] On the other hand, if it is determined in S321 that an instruction to generate an inclination movement amount of the jaw bone has not been input, the control unit 30 proceeds to S324, where it determines whether an instruction to generate a distance movement amount of the jaw bone has been input. If it is determined that the instruction has not been input, the control unit 30 returns to S313 and waits for an instruction to be input.

[0063] If it is determined in step S324 that an instruction to generate a jawbone distance movement amount has been input, the control unit 30 acquires information indicating an instruction regarding the position to which the jawbone is to be moved via the operation receiving unit 22, and deforms the trace line to display the jawbone movement (step S325). Furthermore, the control unit 30 calculates the jawbone distance movement amount in units of length based on the trace line information, the information indicating the instruction regarding the position to which the jawbone is to be moved, and the measurement point information stored in the external storage unit 242, and displays the calculated distance movement amount in a table 63 on the operation screen 6 (step S326).

[0064] The amount of jawbone movement can also be calculated using as a reference the highly reproducible anatomical structures in the maxillofacial region depicted in standard cephalometric X-rays, such as the Frankfurt plane, SN plane, occlusal plane, mandibular plane, and palatal plane, which are commonly used in cephalometric analysis.

[0065] The tilt movement (unit: angle) is generated as the amount of change in angle between a reference plane serving as the basis for tilt and a plane that is at least tangent to the jawbone. Specifically, the amount of tilt movement of the jawbone (unit: angle) can be obtained by calculating the amount of change in angle between the reference plane and the plane that is at least tangent to the jawbone before moving the jawbone (at the time of imaging) and after moving the jawbone. In this specification, a plane that is at least tangent to the jawbone means a plane that intersects with the jawbone or is in contact with the jawbone at one or more points.

[0066] Examples of the reference plane include the Frankfurt plane and the SN plane. Examples of the plane that is at least in contact with the jawbone include the palatal plane (in the case of the maxilla) and the mandibular lower border plane (in the case of the mandible). Furthermore, without being limited to these, the amount of tilt movement may be calculated by calculating the angular change of the plane that is at least in contact with the jawbone before and after movement. While the amount of tilt movement can be calculated simply by the angular change of the plane that is at least in contact with the jawbone before and after movement, calculation using the above-mentioned reference plane is preferable because it also allows evaluation of the angle of the maxilla or mandible relative to the skull obtained by the treatment plan.

[0067] The amount of parallel movement of the jawbone (unit: length) is generated as the length between the position of the jawbone before movement and the position of the jawbone after movement in the direction along the reference plane.

[0068] To calculate the translational movement of the maxilla, a reference plane (X-axis) is established, and then the amount of translational movement is calculated as the amount of change in the X-axis direction between the position of a specified part (reference point) on the maxilla before and after movement. The reference plane can be determined based on anatomy, taking into account factors such as the degree of reproducibility in the maxillofacial region. Specific examples include the occlusal plane, Frankfurt plane, and SN plane. Reference points can also be appropriately established on the maxilla, and their positions can be determined based on measurement point information or trace line information. Examples of reference points include ANS, PNS, Point A (the deepest point on the midsagittal plane between the anterior nasal spine and the maxillary alveolar margin), U1, U1R, UMo, and UMo(D). Anterior (labial) movement can be distinguished by +, while posterior (lingual) movement can be distinguished by −.

[0069] When calculating the translational movement of the mandible (unit: length), a reference plane (X-axis) is set, and then the amount of change in the X-axis direction between the position of a predetermined part (reference point) on the mandible before and after movement is calculated as the translational movement amount. The reference plane can be determined based on anatomy, taking into account factors such as the degree of reproducibility in the maxillofacial region. Specific examples include the occlusal plane, Frankfurt plane, and SN plane. Reference points can also be set appropriately on the mandible, and their positions can be determined based on measurement point information or trace line information. For example, reference points include Me, Gn (Gnation, the point where the angle between the facial plane (N-Pog) and the mandibular mandibular plane intersects at the mandibular symphysis), Pog, PM (Protuberance menti, the upper edge of the mental protuberance), Point B (Point B, the deepest point on the midsagittal plane between the anterior edge of the mandibular symphysis and the alveolar margin of the mandibular jaw), Point D (D point, the central point of the mandibular symphysis relative to the SN plane), CD (Condylion, the uppermost posterior point of the mandibular condyle), CdE (Condyle end, the posteriormost point of the mandibular condyle), Ar (Articular, the intersection of the posterior edge of the mandibular ramus and the lower edge of the base of the occipital bone), Go(P) (Posterier Gonion, the point where the posterior edge of the mandibular angle meets the posterior plane of the ramus), Go, Go(L) (Lower Gonion, the point where the lower edge of the mandibular angle meets the lower plane of the mandibular jaw)), Xi (Ricketts, The mandibular ramus center point, mandibular foramen, etc. can be used. In addition, the movement can be distinguished by adding a sign (+) to the anterior (labial) movement and a sign (-) to the posterior (lingual) movement.

[0070] The amount of indentation or extrusion (unit: length) of the maxilla or mandible is calculated as the distance between the position of the jawbone before movement and the position of the jawbone after movement, in a direction perpendicular to the reference plane serving as the reference for movement. Specifically, the amount of indentation or extrusion (unit: length) of the maxilla or mandible can be obtained by calculating the change in length between each reference point arbitrarily set on the maxilla and the reference plane in a direction perpendicular to the reference plane. The reference points can be set arbitrarily, and their positions can be determined based on measurement point information or trace line information. For example, for the maxilla, points such as ANS, PNS, A points U1, U1R, UMo, and UMo(D) can be used. For the mandible, points such as Me, Gn, Pog, PM, B points, D, CD, CdE, Ar, Go(P), Go, Go(L), Xi, and mandibular foramen can be used. The reference plane can also be, for example, the Frankfurt plane or the SN plane. At this time, when the upper and lower jaws move toward the vertex, it can be expressed as the amount of depression (for example, the amount before movement is set to 0 and a negative (-) sign is given), and when the upper and lower jaws move toward the trunk, it can be expressed as the amount of protrusion (for example, the amount before movement is set to 0 and a positive (+) sign is given).

[0071] In the second embodiment, it is possible to generate the amount of movement of the jawbone, and also to generate the amount of movement of the anterior teeth and molars that reflects the movement of the jawbone. In Fig. 14, the amount of movement of the upper and lower jawbone after the movement of the upper and lower jawbone is calculated using the Frankfurt plane as the reference plane of the upper jaw and the SN plane as the reference plane of the lower jaw, and the calculated value of the final total of the inclination movement, intrusion movement, and translation movement of the upper and lower anterior teeth and molars accompanying the movement of the jawbone (total of movements before and after surgery) is displayed.

[0072] Although the first and second embodiments have been described above, the present invention may be embodied in other ways and is not particularly limited. For example, in the first embodiment, the positions of measurement points S and N are input, and then the other measurement points are displayed as temporary positions. However, this is not limited to this, and a user may specify and input all measurement points. Furthermore, on the screen displaying the movement information, a line indicating a plane based on the measurement point information may be superimposed on the cephalometric radiograph in addition to a trace line. Furthermore, on the screen displaying the movement information, a line indicating the basis for calculating the tooth movement information may be superimposed on the cephalometric radiograph in addition to a trace line. Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, a cephalometric radiograph is used as an image obtained by capturing an X-ray cephalogram. However, this is not limited to a X-ray cephalogram, and other two-dimensional or three-dimensional images obtained by capturing an X-ray cephalogram may also be used. As an example, FIG. 18 shows a three-dimensional image obtained by capturing an X-ray cephalogram. Furthermore, the images used to obtain measurement point information in the present invention may be images obtained by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) in addition to images obtained by head X-rays. Images obtained by MRI or CT may also be either two-dimensional or three-dimensional. In the first and second embodiments, the treatment support system 100 is configured to include the personal computer 1 and the server S, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the treatment support system 100 may include multiple personal computers, or may be configured with only one personal computer.

[0073] 1: Personal computer, NW: Network, S: Server 11: Processor, 12: Memory, 13: SSD, 14: Network IF, 15: Monitor, 16: Input device, 17: Media reading device 20: Display unit, 22: Operation reception unit, 241: Storage unit, 242: External storage unit, 26: Communication unit, 30: Control unit 100: Dental treatment support system

Claims

1. A dental treatment support system comprising: a measurement point information acquisition unit that acquires measurement point information indicating measurement points corresponding to parts of the head based on an image obtained by imaging the target head with X-ray, a magnetic resonance image of the target head, or an image obtained by computed tomography of the target head; a position information acquisition unit that acquires imaging position information indicating the position of the target's anterior teeth, molars, or jawbone at the time of imaging based on the measurement point information; a planned position information acquisition unit that acquires planned position information indicating the position when the anterior teeth, molars, or jawbone are moved; and a movement information generation unit that generates movement information indicating the amount of movement from the position of the anterior teeth, molars, or jawbone before movement when the anterior teeth, molars, or jawbone are moved based on the measurement point information, the imaging position information, and the planned position information.

2. The dental treatment support system according to claim 1, wherein the movement information includes at least any one of information indicating the amount of inclined movement of the anterior teeth or molars, information indicating the amount of depression or protrusion of the anterior teeth or molars, information indicating the amount of parallel movement of the anterior teeth or molars, information indicating the amount of inclined movement of the jawbone, information indicating the amount of parallel movement of the jawbone, and information indicating the amount of depression or protrusion of the jawbone.

3. The dental treatment support system according to claim 2, wherein the movement information generation unit generates information indicating the amount of inclined movement of the anterior teeth or molars as the amount of change in the angle of the tooth axis with respect to a reference plane serving as a reference for the inclination.

4. The dental treatment support system according to claim 2, wherein the movement information generation unit generates information indicating the amount of depression or protrusion of the anterior teeth or molars as the length between the position of the tooth before movement and the position of the tooth when it is assumed to be moved in a direction perpendicular to the reference plane serving as a reference for the movement.

5. The dental treatment support system according to claim 2, wherein the movement information generation unit generates information indicating the amount of parallel movement of the anterior teeth or molars as the length between the position of the tooth before movement and the position of the tooth when it is assumed to be moved in a direction along the reference plane serving as a reference for the movement.

6. The dental treatment support system according to claim 2, wherein the movement information generation unit generates information indicating the amount of inclined movement of the jawbone as the amount of change in the angle between the reference plane serving as a reference for the inclination and a plane that at least contacts the jawbone.

7. The dental treatment support system according to claim 2, wherein the movement information generation unit generates information indicating the amount of depression or protrusion of the jaw bone as the length between the position of the jaw bone before movement and the position of the jaw bone assuming movement in a direction perpendicular to the reference plane serving as the reference for movement.

8. The dental treatment support system according to claim 2, wherein the movement information generation unit generates information indicating the amount of parallel movement of the jaw bone as the length between the position of the jaw bone before movement and the position of the jaw bone assuming movement in a direction along the reference plane serving as the reference for movement.

9. The dental treatment support system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a position identification support unit that generates position information generation support information for assisting in identifying the position of the target incisors, molars, or jaw bone using the measurement point information acquired by the measurement point information acquisition unit, wherein the position information acquisition unit acquires the imaging time position information based on an input from the user using the position information generation support information generated by the position identification support unit.

10. The dental treatment support system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the measurement point information acquisition unit acquires the measurement point information based on a standard cephalometric radiograph of the head, which is an image obtained by imaging the head with X-ray.

11. An information processing method executed by a computer, comprising: acquiring measurement point information indicating measurement points corresponding to parts of the head based on an image obtained by imaging the head of a target with X-ray, a magnetic resonance image of the head of the target, or an image obtained by computed tomography of the head of the target; acquiring imaging time position information indicating the position of the target incisors, molars, or jaw bone at the time of imaging based on the measurement point information; acquiring planned position information indicating the position assuming movement of the incisors, molars, or jaw bone; and generating movement information indicating the amount of movement from the position of the incisors, molars, or jaw bone before movement assuming movement of the incisors, molars, or jaw bone based on the measurement point information, the imaging time position information, and the planned position information.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the movement information includes at least any one of information indicating the amount of inclination movement of the incisors or molars, information indicating the amount of depression or protrusion of the incisors or molars, information indicating the amount of parallel movement of the incisors or molars, information indicating the amount of inclination movement of the jaw bone, information indicating the amount of parallel movement of the jaw bone, and information indicating the amount of depression or protrusion of the jaw bone.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein information indicating the amount of inclination movement of an anterior tooth or a molar is generated as a change amount of the angle of the tooth axis with respect to a reference plane serving as a reference for the inclination.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein information indicating the amount of depression or protrusion of an anterior tooth or a molar is generated as a length between the position of the tooth before being moved and the position of the tooth assuming it has been moved, in a direction perpendicular to the reference plane serving as a reference for the movement.

15. The method according to claim 12, wherein information indicating the amount of translational movement of an anterior tooth or a molar is generated as a length between the position of the tooth before being moved and the position of the tooth assuming it has been moved, in a direction along the reference plane serving as a reference for the movement.

16. The method according to claim 12, wherein information indicating the amount of inclination movement of the jawbone is generated as a change amount of the angle between the reference plane serving as a reference for the inclination and a plane that at least contacts the jawbone.

17. The method according to claim 12, wherein information indicating the amount of depression or protrusion of the jawbone is generated as a length between the position of the jawbone before being moved and the position of the jawbone assuming it has been moved, in a direction perpendicular to the reference plane serving as a reference for the movement.

18. The method according to claim 12, wherein information indicating the amount of translational movement of the jawbone is generated as a length between the position of the jawbone before being moved and the position of the jawbone assuming it has been moved, in a direction along the reference plane serving as a reference for the movement.

19. The method further includes generating position information generation support information for assisting in specifying the position of an anterior tooth, a molar, or the jawbone of a subject using the measurement point information, and acquiring the imaging time position information based on an input from a user using the position information generation support information, according to any one of claims 11 to 18.

20. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein the measurement point information is acquired based on a standard cephalometric radiograph of the head, which is an image obtained by imaging the head with X-ray radiography.

21. A program for causing a computer to function as a measurement point information acquisition unit that acquires measurement point information indicating measurement points corresponding to parts of the head based on an image obtained by imaging the subject's head X-ray, a magnetic resonance image of the subject's head, or an image obtained by computed tomography of the subject's head; a position information acquisition unit that acquires imaging position information indicating the position of the subject's anterior teeth, molars, or jawbone at the time of imaging based on the measurement point information; a planned position information acquisition unit that acquires planned position information indicating the position when the anterior teeth, molars, or jawbone are moved; and a movement information generation unit that generates movement information indicating the amount of movement from the position of the anterior teeth, molars, or jawbone before movement when the anterior teeth, molars, or jawbone are moved based on the measurement point information, the imaging position information, and the planned position information.

22. The program according to claim 21, wherein the movement information includes at least any one of information indicating the amount of inclination movement of the anterior teeth or molars, information indicating the amount of depression or protrusion of the anterior teeth or molars, information indicating the amount of parallel movement of the anterior teeth or molars, information indicating the amount of inclination movement of the jawbone, information indicating the amount of parallel movement of the jawbone, and information indicating the amount of depression or protrusion of the jawbone.

23. The program according to claim 22, wherein the movement information generation unit generates the information indicating the amount of inclination movement of the anterior teeth or molars as the amount of change in the angle of the tooth axis with respect to a reference plane serving as a reference for the inclination.

24. The program according to claim 22, wherein the movement information generation unit generates the information indicating the amount of depression or protrusion of the anterior teeth or molars as the length between the position of the tooth before movement and the position of the tooth when it is assumed to be moved in a direction perpendicular to the reference plane serving as a reference for the movement.

25. The program according to claim 22, wherein the movement information generation unit generates the information indicating the amount of parallel movement of the anterior teeth or molars as the length between the position of the tooth before movement and the position of the tooth when it is assumed to be moved in a direction along the reference plane serving as a reference for the movement.

26. The program according to claim 22, wherein the movement information generation unit generates the information indicating the amount of inclination movement of the jawbone as the amount of change in the angle between the reference plane serving as a reference for the inclination and a plane that at least contacts the jawbone.

27. The program according to claim 22, wherein the movement information generation unit generates information indicating the amount of depression or protrusion of the jawbone as the length between the position of the jawbone before movement and the position of the jawbone assuming movement in a direction perpendicular to the reference plane serving as the reference for movement.

28. The program according to claim 22, wherein the movement information generation unit generates information indicating the amount of translational movement of the jawbone as the length between the position of the jawbone before movement and the position of the jawbone assuming movement in a direction along the reference plane serving as the reference for movement.

29. The computer is further caused to function as a position identification support unit that generates position information generation support information for assisting in identifying the position of the target incisor, molar, or jawbone using the measurement point information acquired by the measurement point information acquisition unit, and the position information acquisition unit acquires the imaging position information based on an input from the user using the position information generation support information generated by the position identification support unit. The program according to any one of claims 21 to 28.

30. The program according to any one of claims 21 to 28, wherein the measurement point information acquisition unit acquires the measurement point information based on a standard cephalogram of the head, which is an image obtained by imaging the head with X-ray.

Images