Dental Modeling System Using Instant Centers of Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthodontic simulation techniques lack precision and accuracy in modeling tooth movement and growth, often relying on intrusive markers and x-rays, which can lead to inaccurate diagnosis and treatment due to the complexity of tooth movement that is not purely linear or translational.
Innovation Solution
A system using electronic modeling to create a precise three-dimensional virtual model of the teeth, employing instant centers of rotation and mathematical coordinates to simulate tooth movement, allowing for precise tracking and manipulation of tooth positions and growth projections over time, without the need for markers or plaster casts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If markers and x-rays are used to track tooth movement, then positioning data can be obtained, but the process becomes intrusive and less precise due to manual outlining and image resolution limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital three-dimensional copy of the patient's teeth and jaw structure from initial x-rays and scans. This virtual model allows repeated precise measurements without repeating the intrusive physical procedures. The digital model can be manipulated and measured as many times as needed, eliminating the need for repeated marker insertion and x-ray taking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of physically placing markers and manually outlining teeth on x-rays with a digital computational system. The system uses computer algorithms to automatically track tooth movement through multiple digital models, replacing manual measurement techniques with automated digital analysis that provides higher precision without physical intrusion.
2Ease of manufacture
If linear tooth growth models are used, then the modeling process is simple, but the accuracy decreases because tooth movement is not truly linearly translational
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates curved paths of movement instead of straight lines to model tooth movement. By allowing teeth to move along curved trajectories in three-dimensional space rather than linear paths, the model accurately represents the natural arc of tooth movement while maintaining computational feasibility through digital modeling techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional x-ray images to three-dimensional digital models of the jaw and teeth. This added dimensionality allows the system to model complex curved movement paths that cannot be captured in 2D, providing both accuracy and ease of manipulation through digital tools.
3Manufacturing precision
If instant centers of rotation are used to model tooth movement, then prediction accuracy improves, but the complexity of tracking and measurement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the patient's dentition and jaw structure that can be repeatedly analyzed to locate instant centers of rotation. The digital model allows automated detection of rotational centers through computational algorithms, eliminating the need for complex manual tracking procedures while maintaining high prediction accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple digital models at different time points to calculate and verify instant centers of rotation. By comparing movements across multiple time points and using this feedback to refine the rotational center locations, the system achieves accurate predictions while simplifying the tracking process through iterative digital analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for simulating tooth movement utilizes electronic modeling to represent the teeth. Instant centers of rotation are determined and projected paths of movement are plotted. The electronic model provides improved precision and provides a method for simulating movement in three dimensions. The movement from growth and/or correction is shown with the electronic model. The simulation provides for improved correction.