Mapping Abnormal Dental References via Model Superimposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated dental systems for characterizing tooth movement and positioning are inaccurate when dealing with abnormal teeth, such as broken or partially erupted teeth, as they rely on incorrect landmarks and assumptions of normal dental anatomy.
Innovation Solution
A system that associates an abnormal tooth shape with a model tooth shape from a reference library, allowing for the mapping of predefined dental references onto the abnormal tooth, using algorithms like the shrink-wrap algorithm to superimpose model tooth shapes onto abnormal teeth, thereby providing accurate and consistent reference points for treatment planning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If automated algorithms are used to identify reference points and axes on teeth, then accuracy is improved for normal teeth, but the system produces incorrect results for abnormal teeth (broken or partially erupted)
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual copy (model tooth shape) from a reference library that represents the complete, normal anatomy of the tooth. This model is then superimposed onto the abnormal tooth, allowing reference points to be identified on the complete model rather than attempting to identify them directly on the damaged tooth surface. The shrink-wrap algorithm deforms the model to fit the visible portions of the abnormal tooth while preserving the reference points on the model.
Solution Approach 2:
The model tooth shape acts as an intermediary between the abnormal tooth and the reference point identification process. Instead of directly identifying reference points on the abnormal tooth (which lacks complete anatomical features), the system identifies them on the complete model, which serves as a mediator that bridges the gap between the incomplete abnormal tooth and the required reference points.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual identification of reference points is performed, then flexibility is maintained for abnormal teeth, but accuracy and consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows the abnormal tooth itself to guide the positioning of the model through the shrink-wrap algorithm. The visible anatomical features of the abnormal tooth automatically constrain and position the model tooth shape, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining accuracy. The tooth's own geometry serves the function of positioning its own reference points.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter space by working in model space rather than tooth space. Reference points are defined in the standardized coordinate system of the model tooth, which can then be transformed and mapped to the abnormal tooth. This parameter transformation allows consistent reference identification across different tooth conditions.
3Productivity
If the system assumes normal dental anatomy, then processing is simplified and fast, but correctness deteriorates for abnormal teeth
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-defining reference points and axes on complete model tooth shapes in a reference library before encountering any actual teeth. These pre-established reference frameworks are then rapidly matched to abnormal teeth using the shrink-wrap algorithm, maintaining both speed and correctness by avoiding the need to derive reference points from scratch for each abnormal case.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are provided for accurately characterizing a tooth's movement. One method embodiment includes associating an abnormal tooth shape with a model tooth shape from a reference library of model tooth shapes, mapping a predefined dental reference from the model tooth shape onto at least a portion of the abnormal tooth shape, and adding a location of the predefined dental reference to the abnormal tooth shape based on the mapped predefined dental reference from the model tooth shape.