Augmented Reality Tooth Tracking for Appliance Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthodontic procedures lack efficient methods for real-time scanning, tracking, and modifying treatment plans without complex intraoral scanners, and for assessing orthodontic appliance fit and force application on teeth.
Innovation Solution
Augmented and virtual reality systems with wearable displays are used for real-time 3D imaging, tracking tooth and appliance positions, and displaying force vectors, allowing for treatment plan adjustments and error detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex intraoral scanners are used for scanning and tracking, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses augmented reality to create a virtual copy of the treatment plan that is overlaid onto the real patient's teeth. This virtual model serves as a reference for comparing actual tooth positions against planned positions, eliminating the need for complex intraoral scanners while maintaining measurement precision through visual registration and comparison.
Solution Approach 2:
The augmented reality system acts as an intermediary between the treatment plan and the actual tooth positions. Instead of directly measuring tooth positions with complex scanners, the system uses AR overlays to mediate the comparison, providing real-time feedback on treatment progress without requiring complex measurement devices.
2Productivity
If real-time scanning and tracking is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The augmented reality system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it displays the treatment plan, tracks tooth positions, provides real-time feedback, and enables treatment plan modifications all through a single wearable device. This multi-functionality improves productivity without requiring separate complex scanning systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dental practitioners to perform monitoring and evaluation tasks independently using the AR wearable device, without requiring complex external scanning equipment or additional personnel. The device provides self-contained capabilities for treatment monitoring, improving workflow efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If detailed 3D scanning is performed to interpret AR images, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses partial scanning actions where the AR wearable device captures sufficient visual information for treatment monitoring without requiring complete detailed 3D scanning. The AR overlay provides contextual information that reduces the need for exhaustive scanning, achieving acceptable measurement precision with less time investment.
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment plan is pre-loaded into the AR system as a virtual model before the patient visit. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid comparison with actual tooth positions during the appointment, eliminating the need for time-consuming detailed scanning and interpretation during the patient visit.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods using augmented reality for dental evaluations. In some examples, the fit of dental appliances is evaluated. An error condition indicative of improper appliance fit on a patient's teeth may be identified from an image of the patient's teeth using an augmented reality system. A visual overlay identifying the error condition may be generated. The visual overlay may be output to a display of the augmented reality system. The visual overlay may be superimposed over a view of the patient's teeth and of the dental appliance placed on the patient's teeth.