3D Dental Model Comparison Using Uniformized Texture Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dental examination methods fail to detect early stages of dental conditions such as caries, leading to irreversible damage and requiring invasive treatments like fillings or tooth extraction, as they often miss initial cavity formation or require manual probing that can cause enamel puncture.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method for generating digital 3D dental models using texture data, including fluorescence and color data, to identify and monitor dental conditions by applying identification and severity functions, and placing models in a common texture space for accurate comparison and visualization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional manual probing methods are used to examine teeth, then the dentist can physically feel for cavities, but the method fails to detect early stage caries and may cause enamel puncture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection precision of early cariesVSAvoidenamel puncture and irreversible damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical probing with a digital 3D scanning system that captures optical and geometric data. The system uses computer vision algorithms to automatically detect caries through texture analysis and fluorescence imaging, eliminating the need for physical contact that causes enamel damage while providing superior detection precision for early-stage lesions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a digital copy of the tooth surface through 3D scanning, capturing geometric, textural, and fluorescent characteristics. This virtual model allows repeated examination without physical contact, enabling precise detection of early caries through image processing while avoiding the harmful mechanical probing that damages enamel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If regular dental checkups are performed, then preventive care can be provided, but early caries are still missed and require invasive treatments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of caries detectionVSAvoidtime delay in detecting early caries

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables preliminary detection of caries through 3D scanning that identifies early-stage lesions before they progress to require invasive treatment. By capturing and analyzing tooth surfaces at multiple wavelengths and textures, the system detects caries in their initial stages, allowing timely intervention and preventing the need for fillings or extractions later.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides continuous feedback by comparing current 3D scans with historical data to monitor caries progression over time. This longitudinal tracking allows early detection of changing patterns that indicate developing caries, enabling timely preventive treatment while maintaining high reliability through objective digital assessment rather than subjective manual examination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If multiple 3D models are generated for monitoring dental conditions over time, then caries development can be tracked, but the models have non-uniform texture that complicates comparison

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of caries development monitoringVSAvoidtexture uniformity across models

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies texture normalization algorithms that adjust and standardize the appearance of tooth surfaces across multiple 3D models. By transforming texture parameters to account for variations in lighting, scanning conditions, and tooth anatomy, the system creates uniformly comparable models that enable precise monitoring of caries development over time without being confounded by technical artifacts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables early detection and monitoring of dental conditions, allowing timely preventive measures and reducing the risk of irreversible damage by providing a reliable and user-friendly visualization of dental health over time.

Implementation Method 1

The texture data may include fluorescence data and/or color data

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentUS20260017891A1System and method for generating digital three-dimensional dental models

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 3SHAPE AS

AI summary

According to an embodiment, a method for generating a digital three-dimensional model representing development in dental condition for a tooth is disclosed. The method includes obtaining, at different timepoints, a first digital 3D model of a patient's set of teeth including first texture data and a second digital 3D model of the patient's set of teeth including second texture data. The first digital 3D model including the first texture data and second digital 3D model including the second texture data are placed in a common texture space by uniformizing texture. Lastly, the digital three-dimensional model representing development in dental condition is generated based on a comparison of the first texture data and the second texture data of corresponding regions in the first digital 3D model and the second digital 3D model placed in the common texture space.