Dental Aligner Quality Control via Digital Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual visual inspections of fabricated intraoral devices, such as dental aligners, are time-consuming and ineffective in determining if the devices match dental molds or identify issues like surface imperfections.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a processor to analyze digital representations of dental aligners, comparing them to digital dentition models to identify quality characteristics, flag anomalies, and trigger the fabrication of replacement aligners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual visual inspection is used to quality check dental aligners, then inspection can be performed with simple equipment, but the inspection process is time-consuming and lacks precision in detecting surface imperfections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated optical imaging system that captures images of dental aligners and uses image processing algorithms to detect surface imperfections. This substitution of mechanical/manual inspection with automated optical-digital systems resolves the contradiction by providing both high detection accuracy and reduced inspection time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies (images) of the dental aligners and analyzes these copies to detect surface imperfections. By working with digital representations rather than direct physical inspection, the system achieves precise detection of surface defects while significantly reducing the time required for quality inspection.
2Productivity
If automated imaging and analysis systems are implemented for quality control, then inspection speed and detection accuracy improve, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional quality control system that performs multiple tasks: capturing images of dental aligners, processing these images to detect surface imperfections, comparing aligners against dental molds, and generating quality assessment results. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated system, the patent achieves high productivity while managing system complexity through functional integration.
3Manufacturing precision
If detailed visual inspection is performed to ensure proper fit and quality, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the complexity of the inspection process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual inspection processes with automated image processing and digital comparison algorithms. The system captures images of the dental aligner, processes these images to identify surface imperfections and dimensional variations, and automatically compares the aligner against the dental mold data. This substitution simplifies the inspection process while maintaining high manufacturing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for analyzing a quality of a dental aligner includes receiving, by a processor, a digital dental aligner generated based on a fabricated dental aligner. The method also includes analyzing, by the processor, the digital dental aligner to identify a quality characteristic of the fabricated dental aligner. The method also includes flagging, by the processor, the fabricated dental aligner based on the identified quality characteristic.