3D Dental Arch Width Measurement for Faster Orthodontic Planning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental treatment planning processes for orthodontic treatments, particularly those involving arch and/or palatal expansion, lack tools to efficiently evaluate and visualize the impact of arch widening on teeth and other orthodontic treatments, requiring manual and time-consuming steps that are complex and require high knowledge of orthodontic norms.
Innovation Solution
Implementing systems and methods to automatically measure and provide dental arch width during treatment planning, using 3D scanning and automated agents to determine arch width, allowing for the generation of orthodontic treatment plans and aligner designs that incorporate arch width changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual treatment planning steps are used to evaluate arch widening impact, then detailed professional assessment can be performed, but the process requires substantial time and high level of orthodontic knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with optical scanning technology. An intraoral scanner captures 3D images of the patient's dentition, and software automatically calculates arch width measurements, eliminating the need for manual calipers and physical models while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital 3D copies of the patient's dental arch through scanning. These virtual models allow for repeated measurements and simulations of arch expansion scenarios without requiring physical replicas or manual reconstruction, saving time while preserving detailed anatomical information.
2Reliability
If manual treatment planning steps are used, then complex orthodontic assessments can be performed, but the process is complex and requires high knowledge of orthodontic norms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality where the software automatically performs arch width measurements and treatment simulations without requiring manual intervention. The system independently processes 3D scan data, calculates measurements, and generates treatment scenarios, reducing the complexity burden on the orthodontist while maintaining reliable results.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces software as an intermediary between the physical dental arch and the orthodontist's decision-making process. The software acts as a mediator that automatically processes complex measurements and presents simplified, actionable insights, reducing the cognitive load and complexity requirements for the practitioner.
3Productivity
If automated arch width measurement is implemented, then treatment planning efficiency is improved, but integration with existing orthodontic workflows is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the measurement system to be multi-functional, serving multiple purposes within orthodontic practice. The same 3D scanning infrastructure used for general treatment planning is also utilized for arch width measurements and expansion simulations, eliminating the need for separate dedicated equipment and simplifying integration into existing workflows.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for rapidly and reliably determining an arch width of a patient's dental arch. A three-dimensional (3D) model of a patient's teeth, including a target tooth, can be received. Dental features from the 3D model may be extracted. The dental features may include a point of intersection between an occlusal surface of a tooth and a long axis of the tooth. An arch width between the target tooth and an opposing tooth may be determined based on the extracted dental features.