Automated Orthodontic Scoring with 3D Virtual Dental Models

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing orthodontic treatment evaluation methods face challenges in systematically and objectively comparing planned treatment performance to real treatment performance due to factors like patient-specific conditions, treatment complexity, and the lack of standardized digital data collection, leading to inefficiencies in evaluating treatment performance.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented system and method using 3D virtual dental models to automatically determine orthodontic treatment plan and performance scores by obtaining, processing, and applying index classifiers to virtual stage and dental mesh models, eliminating manual measurements and physical materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual measurements and physical materials are used for orthodontic treatment evaluation, then treatment performance can be assessed, but the evaluation process is time-consuming, less precise, and less accurate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment performance evaluation precisionVSAvoidevaluation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an automated computer-implemented system that processes 3D virtual dental models. The system automatically extracts geometric parameters, applies index classifiers, and generates treatment performance scores without requiring manual measurement tools or physical model handling, thereby improving both precision and reducing evaluation time.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses 3D virtual dental models (digital copies) of patient dentition instead of physical models. These virtual models can be obtained through intraoral scanning or by digitizing physical models, allowing for repeated, precise measurements without wear or degradation, and enabling automated processing while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Productivity

If standardized digital evaluation methods are implemented, then evaluation accuracy and efficiency improve, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveevaluation efficiencyVSAvoidsoftware system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the evaluation process into distinct automated modules: (1) obtaining 3D virtual dental models, (2) extracting geometric parameters automatically, (3) applying index classifiers to generate scores, and (4) comparing planned versus real treatment performance. This segmentation allows each module to be independently optimized and processed automatically, improving efficiency while managing system complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If automated virtual model processing is used, then measurement accuracy and evaluation speed improve, but the complexity of data processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevirtual measurement accuracyVSAvoiddata processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automated self-service functionality where the software system automatically performs parameter extraction, measurement calculations, and score generation from 3D virtual dental models without requiring manual intervention. The system includes built-in algorithms that autonomously process the geometric data, apply appropriate index classifiers, and generate treatment performance evaluations, thereby maintaining high precision while reducing the operational complexity burden on users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250316393A1Automated system and methods to evaluate planned treatment performance and real treatment performance using three-dimensional virtual dental models
Publication Date: 2025.10.09 CANDID CARE CO
  • US20250316393A1 patent drawing
  • US20250316393A1 patent drawing
  • US20250316393A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a method of automatically determining orthodontic treatment plan scores and performance scores using three-dimensional (3D) virtual models. The associated computer implemented software system includes an input module configured to obtain, in a computer-implemented software system, at least one of virtual stage models or dental mesh models. Embodiments may also include a processing module configured to process the virtual stage models and/or the dental mesh models to generate one or more composite stage models. Additionally, a measurement module is configured to determine virtual measurement values from named objects within virtual stage models and/or composite stage models. Embodiments of the present disclosure may also include a module configured to apply index classifiers to determined virtual measurement values and calculate total performance scores and standardized performance scores. An output module is included to output, from the computer-implemented software system, planned treatment scores and treatment performance scores.