Smartphone Dental Imaging Adapter With Venting and Lip Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthodontic treatment planning and monitoring require professional dental imaging systems, which are costly and complex, limiting patient or caregiver's ability to conveniently capture high-quality images of teeth for treatment tracking.
Innovation Solution
A smartphone dental imaging apparatus with a tubular body and patient interface that securely attaches to a smartphone, retracting lips, providing shade-free illumination, and venting to prevent fogging, allowing high-quality image capture without additional equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If professional dental imaging systems are used, then image quality is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A tubular adapter acts as an intermediary component between the smartphone camera and the patient's oral cavity. The adapter includes a mouthpiece portion that interfaces with the patient's lips and teeth, a tubular body that guides light, and a camera interface that couples to the smartphone. This intermediary structure enables a smartphone to function as a dental imaging device by mediating the optical path and providing mechanical support, thereby achieving professional-quality imaging without complex specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The dental imaging apparatus is designed to be universally compatible with various smartphone models through a standardized camera interface that can accommodate different camera positions and configurations. The adapter serves multiple functions: it holds the smartphone securely, positions the camera optimally, provides shade-free illumination, and interfaces with the patient's oral cavity. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace multiple specialized tools.
2Measurement precision
If professional dental imaging systems are used, then image quality is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dental imaging apparatus uses inexpensive, easily manufactured components including a tubular adapter that can be produced through simple molding processes, a disposable or easily cleanable mouthpiece portion, and standard smartphone hardware. These components are far cheaper than professional dental imaging systems while achieving comparable image quality for orthodontic monitoring purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus creates a simplified copy of professional dental imaging functionality using readily available smartphone cameras instead of expensive specialized sensors. By replicating the essential imaging capability through a clever mechanical adapter and software processing, the system achieves professional-grade results at consumer-electronic price points.
3Ease of operation
If the smartphone camera is positioned close to the patient's mouth for imaging, then imaging capability is improved, but fogging of the lens occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular body of the adapter serves as an intermediary barrier between the smartphone camera lens and the patient's warm, humid oral environment. The tube maintains a physical separation that prevents moisture and heat from reaching the lens, while still allowing optical transmission for imaging. This intermediary structure eliminates the harmful thermal and moisture exchange that causes fogging.
4Ease of operation
If the smartphone is held manually for imaging, then flexibility is improved, but positioning precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter merges the smartphone with a rigid positioning structure that includes a tubular body and mouthpiece assembly. This combination provides stable, reproducible positioning of the camera relative to the patient's oral cavity, eliminating the positioning variability that occurs with manual holding. The integrated structure maintains flexibility in patient positioning while ensuring precise camera alignment through the fixed geometric relationship between adapter components.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are systems for monitoring a subject's teeth during orthodontic treatment. In particular, described herein are apparatuses having a fixed focal length for coupling to a patient's smartphone, including a built-in lip/cheek retractor. These smartphone dental imaging apparatuses may be configured to easily and robustly interface with the user's smartphone to allow capture of dental images.