CT Scan Dental Negative Impression Digital Model
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for generating dental models in orthodontics are labor-intensive, prone to inaccuracies, and require the creation of fragile plaster molds, which are time-consuming and susceptible to damage, while also not allowing for interactive use with other diagnostic information.
Innovation Solution
A method using computed tomographic imaging to scan a negative impression of teeth, generating a digital model by creating an air volume model, refining it to reduce artifacts, and defining a transition surface to form a digital model of the teeth without the need for a plaster mold, enabling direct scanning and digital manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional plaster mold creation methods are used, then physical dental models can be obtained, but the process is labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical plaster casting process with an X-ray imaging system that captures dental structures directly. Instead of taking impressions, pouring plaster, and waiting for setting, the system uses X-ray beams to generate digital 3D models immediately, eliminating the mechanical mold-making process entirely
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies of dental structures through X-ray imaging rather than physical plaster copies. The X-ray scan data is processed to generate virtual 3D models that can be manipulated and stored electronically, replacing the need for physical plaster study casts
2Reliability
If plaster molds are created for dental modeling, then physical models are available, but they are fragile and susceptible to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates digital copies of dental structures that are inherently non-fragile. The X-ray scan data generates virtual 3D models stored as digital files, which cannot be physically damaged like plaster models. These digital models can be replicated, transmitted, and stored without risk of physical degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the physical state of dental models from solid plaster material to digital data format. This fundamental parameter change from physical to digital existence eliminates susceptibility to physical damage, fragility, and degradation over time
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional impression and casting methods are used, then dental models can be produced, but the process requires multiple labor-intensive steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate steps (impression taking, model casting, scanning) into a single integrated X-ray imaging process. The system simultaneously captures and processes dental data in one procedure, eliminating the sequential workflow of conventional methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the intermediate plaster casting step from the workflow. By using X-ray imaging to directly capture dental structures, the system removes the need for physical impressions and molds, simplifying the process to just scanning and digital model generation
4Adaptability or versatility
If plaster study casts are used, then physical models are available, but they cannot be interactively interfaced with other diagnostic information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal digital platform that can integrate multiple types of dental diagnostic information. The X-ray scan data and generated 3D models can be combined with photographs, radiographs, and other diagnostic data in a single digital system, enabling comprehensive interactive analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies of dental structures that exist in a format compatible with other digital diagnostic information. This digital nature allows seamless integration, manipulation, and display alongside photographs and radiographs, unlike physical plaster models
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach simplifies the generation of accurate digital models, reduces the need for labor-intensive plaster mold creation, and allows for interactive and precise manipulation of tooth positioning data, enhancing orthodontic planning and treatment.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining a plurality of projection images acquired by scanning a negative impression of the patient's teeth using a computed tomographic imaging apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A method or computer program for forming a digital model of a patient's teeth. The method includes the steps of: obtaining a plurality of projection images acquired by scanning a negative impression of the patient's teeth using a computed tomographic imaging apparatus; generating, from the plurality of projection images, an air volume model of the air that surrounds the negative impression; defining a transition surface along edges of the air volume model that touch the negative impression; forming the digital model of the patient's teeth according to the defined transition surface; and displaying, storing, or transmitting at least a portion of the digital model of the teeth.