Aligning 3D Digital Jaw Models Using Anatomical Constraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for aligning digital models of the upper and lower jaws in dentistry, such as those using triple trays or bite plates, often result in inaccurate bite registration, which can lead to issues in restorative and orthodontic treatments.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the segmentation of 3D digital representations to determine tooth shape and position, followed by the application of known anatomical concepts to constrain and align the models, either automatically or semi-automatically, using a minimum energy algorithm to optimize the fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If triple trays or bite plates are used for bite registration, then alignment of upper and lower jaw models can be achieved, but measurement precision and reliability of bite registration deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the bite registration function from the physical impression tray and transfers it to a digital workflow. Instead of using triple trays or bite plates to capture bite information, the system uses separate digital scans of the upper and lower jaws combined with digital bite registration data to achieve accurate alignment in virtual space, eliminating the need for complex physical devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies of the physical jaw models and bite registration records. By scanning the physical impressions to create digital 3D models and using digital bite registration data, the system works with accurate replicas in the digital environment, allowing for precise alignment without the limitations of physical tray-based methods.
2Manufacturing precision
If triple trays are used to capture both jaws and bite registration, then alignment can be obtained, but manufacturing precision and accuracy of the impression deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the impression-taking process into separate steps for the upper jaw and lower jaw, each captured using simple single-tray impressions. Instead of attempting to capture both jaws and bite registration in one complex triple tray, the system takes separate impressions and combines them digitally, improving the accuracy of each individual impression while eliminating the complexity of the triple tray structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces digital technology as an intermediary that bridges the gap between separate single-tray impressions and the final aligned model. The digital workflow acts as a mediator that can accurately combine the separately captured upper and lower jaw scans with bite registration information, achieving precise alignment without requiring complex physical trays.
3Productivity
If manual alignment methods are used, then flexibility is maintained, but time consumption and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service alignment through automated algorithms that can independently align the digital jaw models based on anatomical landmarks and bite registration data. The system automatically identifies corresponding features between the upper and lower jaw scans and performs the alignment without requiring manual intervention, significantly improving productivity while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the alignment algorithm continuously refines the positioning of the digital models by comparing anatomical features and bite contact points. The system provides feedback on the alignment quality and can automatically adjust the models to achieve optimal fit, reducing the need for manual tweaking and accelerating the overall process.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of aligning two 3D digital representations of at least a part of each of the upper and lower jaw of a patient, the method including segmenting the 3D digital representations to determine the shape and position of each of the patient's teeth in each of the 3D digital representations; and using a set of known anatomical concepts to constrain the fit of the two 3D digital representations to get a preliminary fit.