AI-Based Prosthesis Generation from 3D Tooth Scans

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for generating prostheses manually result in increased operator fatigue, varying quality, and reduced accuracy and productivity, depending on the proficiency of the dentist or dental technician.

Innovation Solution

An automated method using artificial intelligence neural networks to extract tooth information, margin lines, and generate 3D prosthesis data from 3D scan data, involving alignment, 2D image generation, and deformation of single tooth models.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual methods are used to generate prostheses, then the process allows for operator judgment and modification, but operator fatigue increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprosthesis qualityVSAvoidprosthesis generation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of prosthesis generation with an automated computer-based system. The system uses digital 3D scan data, automated margin line detection algorithms, and computer-controlled deformation of tooth models to generate prostheses, eliminating manual manipulation while maintaining or improving quality consistency and significantly increasing productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing the computer to automatically perform tasks that previously required operator intervention. The automated margin line extraction, automatic tooth model selection, and automated deformation process allow the system to generate prostheses without continuous human input, reducing operator fatigue and increasing efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual methods are used to generate prostheses, then the process can be customized for each patient, but the time required for generation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprosthesis customizationVSAvoidprosthesis generation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-processing the 3D scan data to automatically extract margin lines and identify tooth boundaries before prosthesis generation. This preliminary automated preparation eliminates time-consuming manual measurements and observations, allowing rapid customization for each patient while significantly reducing the overall generation time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes parameters by using digital 3D coordinates and automated algorithms to define prosthesis geometry instead of manual measurements. The automated margin line detection and tooth model deformation use computational parameters to rapidly adapt the prosthesis design to each patient's specific anatomy, maintaining customization while reducing time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If manual methods are used to generate prostheses, then the process allows for detailed observation and adjustment, but manufacturing precision decreases due to operator variability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator controlVSAvoidprosthesis accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual observation and adjustment with computer-based automated detection and control. The system uses digital image processing algorithms to automatically detect margin lines with high precision, and computer-controlled deformation to accurately position the prosthesis, eliminating operator variability while maintaining ease of operation through software interfaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates precise digital copies of the patient's oral anatomy from 3D scans. These digital models serve as accurate replicas that can be manipulated and adjusted computationally, allowing detailed observation and precise adjustment without the variability of manual copying methods while maintaining operator control through the software

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

4Productivity

If automated methods are used to generate prostheses, then productivity increases and time is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprosthesis generation speedVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves universality by using a single integrated computer-based platform that performs multiple functions: 3D scan data processing, margin line detection, tooth model selection, prosthesis deformation, and quality verification. This multi-functional approach increases productivity while managing complexity through a unified system rather than multiple separate devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4331531B1Automated method for generating prothesis from three dimensional scan data and computer readable medium having program for performing the method
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 IMAGOWORKS INC
  • EP4331531B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4331531B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4331531B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An automated method for generating a prosthesis from a 3D scan data, the method includes automatically extracting tooth information of a tooth included in the 3D scan data from the 3D scan data, automatically extracting a margin line of a prepared tooth, generating a plurality of two dimensional ("2D") images including the prepared tooth and an adjacent tooth adjacent to the prepared tooth, automatically generating a 3D temporary prosthesis data based on the plurality of 2D images and deforming a single tooth model corresponding to the prepared tooth using the margin line and the 3D temporary prosthesis data to generate a 3D prosthesis data.