3D Tooth Modeling with Feeler Gauges for Precise Gap Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods struggle to generate precise 3D digital models of teeth with accurate gap sizes between adjacent teeth due to optical reachability, scanning resolution, and fluidity issues with impression-taking materials.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of a feeler gauge with markings inserted into gaps between teeth, scanned to create a first 3D digital model, with the gauge's specifications extracted and used to modify the original model, removing the gauge's presence and reconstructing proximal surfaces to achieve precise gap dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If intra-oral scanning or scanning impression/positive model is used to obtain 3D digital model, then the scanning process can be completed, but the small gaps between adjacent teeth cannot be scanned precisely due to optical reachability, scanning resolution, and material limitations
Solution Approach 1:
A feeler gauge is introduced as an intermediary tool inserted into the gap between adjacent teeth. The gauge serves as a physical mediator that bridges the scanning limitation and the actual gap dimension, allowing the scanning system to detect and measure small gaps that would otherwise be undetectable due to optical reachability and resolution constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The feeler gauge is pre-positioned into the gap between teeth before scanning occurs. This preliminary action ensures that the gap dimension is physically defined and accessible to the scanning system, enabling precise measurement of gap sizes that would be difficult to detect through direct scanning of the teeth alone
2Measurement precision
If feeler gauge is inserted in the gap and scanned, then precise gap information can be obtained, but the feeler gauge occupies space in the 3D model that needs to be removed and reconstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The feeler gauge is extracted or removed from the scanned 3D model through image processing algorithms. The system identifies the gauge based on its distinctive features (such as markings indicating specification) and separates it from the dental structures, allowing the underlying gap dimensions to be revealed and measured accurately
Solution Approach 2:
The feeler gauge serves as a physical copy or reference standard with known specifications (thickness values indicated by markings). By scanning this known reference object in situ within the gap, the system can infer the actual gap dimensions by comparing the gauge's position and orientation against its known specifications, creating a digital copy of the measurement standard
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect of the present application provides a method for generating 3D digital model of teeth, the method comprises: scanning a patient's teeth with a first feeler gauge inserted in a first gap between two adjacent teeth, to obtain a first 3D digital model; extracting a position and a direction of the first feeler gauge from the first 3D digital model; and modifying the first gap of an original 3D digital model of teeth based on the specification, position and direction of the first feeler gauge, to obtain a refined 3D digital model of teeth.