3D Tooth Modeling Using 2D X-Ray Root Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional tooth modeling techniques often lack accurate representation of tooth roots due to incomplete data from optical scanning below the gum line, while three-dimensional x-ray imaging exposes patients to excessive radiation and is costly and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A method combining three-dimensional optical scanning for crown components with two-dimensional x-ray imaging to create a comprehensive three-dimensional tooth model, using a scan model to align and adjust two-dimensional contours with x-ray images, thereby integrating accurate crown and root information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If three-dimensional x-ray imaging is used to obtain complete tooth root data, then measurement precision is improved, but radiation exposure to patients increases and equipment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tooth modeling process is segmented into two parts: above-gum-line regions captured by optical scanning and below-gum-line regions captured by 2D x-ray imaging. This segmentation allows each imaging modality to be used only where it is most effective, avoiding unnecessary radiation exposure while still obtaining complete tooth root data.
Solution Approach 2:
A scan model acts as an intermediary that estimates the imaging parameters of the x-ray device. This intermediary model enables the system to work with incomplete 2D x-ray data and reconstruct accurate 3D tooth root structures without requiring direct 3D x-ray imaging, thereby reducing radiation exposure.
2Measurement precision
If three-dimensional x-ray imaging is used to obtain complete tooth root data, then measurement precision is improved, but equipment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is segmented into two components: a low-cost optical scanner for crown imaging and a standard 2D x-ray device for root imaging. This segmentation allows the use of inexpensive equipment while achieving complete 3D tooth modeling, avoiding the need for expensive 3D x-ray imaging equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy (scan model) of the x-ray imaging process to estimate imaging parameters. This virtual model allows the system to process 2D x-ray images and reconstruct 3D root structures without requiring actual 3D x-ray imaging hardware, significantly reducing equipment costs.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If optical scanning is used to capture tooth crown data, then radiation exposure is reduced, but measurement precision of tooth roots deteriorates due to incomplete data below gum line
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges data from two different imaging modalities: optical scanning data for the tooth crown and 2D x-ray imaging data for the tooth root. By combining these complementary data sources and integrating them through the scan model, the system achieves complete 3D tooth modeling with accurate root representation while maintaining low radiation exposure.
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
This approach generates a precise three-dimensional tooth model that includes both crown and root details, improving orthodontic diagnoses and treatment planning by reducing radiation exposure and equipment costs.
Implementation Method 1
two-dimensional x-ray image of at least one tooth from an x-ray imaging device
Data Source
AI summary
A scan model that is a mathematical model to simulate an imaging process performed by an x-ray imaging device that created a two-dimensional x-ray image of at least one tooth is generated. The scan model uses an initial estimate of one or more parameters of the x-ray imaging device. The one or more parameters include a scan angle parameter indicative of a scan angle of the x-ray imaging device. A two-dimensional contour of a three-dimensional model is adjusted to cause a first component of the two-dimensional contour to approximately align with a second component of the two-dimensional x-ray image. The scan model is calibrated based on data obtained from adjusting the two-dimensional contour.