3D Tooth Movement Comparison Using Bone Reference Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing orthodontic treatment plans lack the ability to quantitatively grasp the movement of each tooth during and after treatment, limiting the accuracy of treatment planning and evaluation.

Innovation Solution

A data processing device and method that processes three-dimensional dental data, using a reference point on the maxilla or mandible to compare data captured at different timings, allowing for precise calculation of tooth movement and generation of superimposed and moving images to visualize the changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If three-dimensional dental data is captured and stored for treatment planning, then treatment planning capability is improved, but the ability to quantitatively measure tooth movement is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetooth movement measurementVSAvoidquantitative movement data

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a digital copy (three-dimensional data) of the dental structure that can be repeatedly measured and analyzed without losing information. By capturing the actual tooth positions in 3D space and storing them as digital models, the system enables multiple quantitative measurements of tooth movement at different treatment stages without degrading the original data quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary capture and storage of three-dimensional dental data at the beginning of treatment, establishing a baseline reference before any tooth movement occurs. This preliminary 3D documentation allows for accurate subsequent measurement of tooth displacement by comparing against the pre-treatment digital model.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If digital models are used for treatment planning, then planning efficiency is improved, but quantitative evaluation of actual tooth movement is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment planning efficiencyVSAvoidtooth position change measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses digital copying of the actual dental structure into three-dimensional data models, which can be efficiently manipulated for treatment planning while preserving the precise spatial information needed for quantitative movement measurement. The digital copy maintains all geometric details necessary for both planning and measurement purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal three-dimensional digital model that serves multiple functions: it enables efficient treatment planning through digital manipulation and simultaneously provides accurate quantitative measurement of tooth movement. This single 3D data structure fulfills both the planning efficiency requirement and the measurement precision requirement without compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If only qualitative comparison with digital models is performed, then treatment monitoring is simplified, but accurate quantification of tooth movement is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment monitoring simplicityVSAvoidtooth movement quantification

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual qualitative visual comparison with automated computational analysis of three-dimensional data. By using computer algorithms to calculate the spatial differences between sequential 3D scans, the system achieves precise quantitative measurement while maintaining operational simplicity through automated processing rather than manual measurement techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates digital copies of tooth positions at different time points and uses computational methods to measure the displacement between these copies. This digital replication and measurement approach provides both the simplicity of automated comparison and the precision of quantitative calculation, eliminating the need for complex manual measurement procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS12491054B2Data processing device, data processing method, and recording medium storing program for comparing three-dimensional data of teeth captured at different timings

Publication Date: 2025.12.09 J MORITA MANUFACTURING CORP

AI summary

A technique that allows a dentist to accurately grasp movement of individual teeth tooth. A data processing device processes three-dimensional data of teeth. The data processing device includes an input unit to which the three-dimensional data including a bone of a part of a head and a plurality of teeth captured by an X-ray CT imaging device is input, a data processor that performs data processing based on the three-dimensional data input to the input unit, and an output unit that outputs the three-dimensional data processed by the data processor to an external device. The three-dimensional data further includes position information and is segmented into the bone of the part of the head and the plurality of teeth. The data processor compares the three-dimensional data captured at different timings based on a reference provided on at least the bone of the part of the head.