Dental Device Edge Curve Generation Outside Interproximal Areas
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual cutting of polymeric shell dental devices, such as clear aligners and retainers, is time-consuming and labor-intensive, leading to inconsistent results due to technician-dependent processes.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for generating an edge curve by identifying tooth reference and offset points on a dental model to create a digital edge curve outside the interproximal area, using spline fitting and control points for precise control over the shape of the dental device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual cutting is used to generate the edge of dental devices, then the process allows technician flexibility and judgment, but it is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical cutting process with an automated computer-implemented method. The system automatically identifies tooth reference points, calculates offset points, and generates edge curves using spline fitting algorithms, eliminating the need for manual technician intervention in the cutting process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the dental device edge to be generated automatically from digital dental models without requiring technician skill and judgment. The algorithm independently identifies reference points, calculates offset distances, and produces consistent edge curves across multiple devices.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual cutting is used to generate the edge of dental devices, then the technician can make judgment calls, but the results are inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent standardizes the edge generation process by defining specific parameters including offset distances from tooth reference points, spline fitting algorithms, and mathematical criteria for identifying tooth features. These standardized parameters ensure that the same edge curve geometry is produced consistently across different devices and technicians.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing manual technician judgment with an automated algorithmic system, the patent eliminates variability introduced by different technicians' skill levels and decision-making processes, achieving reliable and repeatable edge curve generation.
3Productivity
If a digital edge curve method is implemented, then time and labor are reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple manual cutting with a computer-implemented system that uses digital dental models, automated point identification algorithms, offset calculations, and spline fitting. While this increases system complexity, it dramatically improves productivity by eliminating manual labor and ensuring consistent results.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for generating an edge curve to facilitate manufacture of at least a portion of a dental device includes identifying at least one tooth reference point for each of at least two teeth on a dental model; identifying at least one offset point corresponding to each of said at least one tooth reference points such that said at least one offset point is on a gingival surface of said dental model and located outside an interproximal area; and generating said edge curve by connecting the offset points such that the edge curve is outside the interproximal area and on the gingival surface.