Dental Occlusion Measurement Device Using Optical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current occlusal indicators, such as articulating paper and dynamic systems like T-Scan, face challenges in providing reliable and objective measurements of dental occlusion due to issues like pseudo-contacts, saliva interference, and subjective interpretations, leading to inconsistent results across clinicians and devices.
Innovation Solution
A device combining static and dynamic sensing capabilities, featuring a light source, image-recording elements, and an image processor within a control unit, using a soft material cartridge that captures bite impressions and automatically adjusts for optimal image capture, allowing for precise registration of occlusal contacts and pressure analysis without the need for silicone molds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If articulating paper is used for occlusal analysis, then occlusal contacts can be identified, but pseudo-contacts occur and results are subjective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/artificial system of articulating paper with a digital imaging system. A camera captures images of the occlusal surfaces, and software automatically analyzes the images to identify contact points. This substitution eliminates the subjective interpretation and pseudo-contact problems inherent in articulating paper methods, providing objective and reliable measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the occlusal surfaces through imaging. Instead of relying on physical artifacts like articulating paper marks, the system captures optical images and processes them digitally. This copying approach allows for repeated analysis, objective measurement, and eliminates the degradation and subjectivity issues of physical indicators.
2Measurement precision
If dynamic occlusal analysis systems are used, then bite pressure can be measured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical pressure sensing systems with an optical imaging system. Instead of using multiple pressure sensors and complex mechanical structures, the system uses a camera to capture images and software to analyze contact areas. This substitution maintains measurement capability while dramatically reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital representations of occlusal contacts through imaging rather than relying on complex mechanical transducers. The digital copy of the contact pattern allows for pressure and force analysis through image processing, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If silicone molds are used for bite impressions, then dental alignment can be recorded, but the process becomes time-consuming and less immediate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical molding process with optical imaging. Instead of using silicone materials that require setting time and manual handling, the system uses a camera to instantly capture images of the occlusal surfaces. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming aspects of mold taking while maintaining the ability to record dental alignment accurately.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs the measurement action immediately upon image capture, eliminating the sequential steps required by silicone molding (application, setting, removal, processing). The preliminary capture of the image provides immediate data for analysis, significantly reducing the total time required for dental alignment recording.
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
The device provides accurate, objective, and immediate data on dental alignment and bite pressure, enhancing diagnostic precision and reducing subjective interpretation, with results that can be easily digitized for computerized treatment methods, improving the reliability of occlusal analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a light source housed in a main body
Implementation Method 2
at least one image-recording element associated with an image processor is arranged in a control unit
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for measuring dental parameters, more specifically for measuring alignment, bite pressure and dental occlusion in a subject, the device being formed from a main body containing a light source and at least one image-recording element linked with an image processor disposed in a control unit. The device includes a cartridge that is inserted automatically into the main body, the cartridge including a support for a plate of soft material for imprinting the bite of a subject. The main body also contains traction elements for the plate support and, optionally, for the at least one image-recording element, as well as a display screen disposed on the outside of said main body.