Dental Panoramic Rendering from 3D Intraoral Scan Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional imaging techniques in dentistry, such as X-ray bitewing radiograms and cone beam computed tomography, rely on ionizing radiation and are limited in their ability to provide comprehensive views of the dental arch, often requiring multiple images and suffering from geometric distortions when stitched together.
Innovation Solution
The method involves generating a three-dimensional (3D) model of a dental site from intraoral scans and projecting it onto various surface targets to create panoramic two-dimensional (2D) images, reducing geometric distortions and providing a comprehensive view of the dental arch with fewer images, including buccal, lingual, and occlusal views.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple local tooth arch renderings are stitched together to provide a comprehensive picture of the jaw, then the completeness of the dental arch view is improved, but geometric distortions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from stitching multiple 2D local renderings together to projecting a single 3D dental model onto a 2D panoramic plane. This dimensionality change allows the entire dental arch to be visualized in one continuous image without the geometric distortions that occur when stitching multiple 2D images together.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital 3D copy of the patient's dentition through intraoral scanning, then generates panoramic views by projecting this digital model. This digital copying approach eliminates the need to physically stitch multiple radiographic images together, avoiding the geometric distortions inherent in traditional stitching methods.
2Loss of information
If traditional X-ray techniques are used to image teeth, then diagnostic information is obtained, but ionizing radiation exposure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical copying through intraoral scanning to create a digital 3D model of the dentition, replacing ionizing radiation-based X-ray imaging. This optical copying method captures diagnostic information without exposing the patient to ionizing radiation, while still providing comprehensive views of the dental structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/radiation-based X-ray imaging system with an optical scanning system that uses light to capture dental surfaces. This substitution eliminates ionizing radiation while maintaining the ability to obtain diagnostic information about tooth structure and alignment.
3Loss of information
If seven separate images are taken to show the entire dental arch, then completeness of view is improved, but procedure complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple views of the dental arch into a single panoramic 2D image by projecting the 3D model onto a panoramic plane. This combining approach replaces the need to take and stitch together seven separate images, simplifying the procedure while maintaining complete visualization of the dental arch.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses 3D modeling and projection to create a panoramic view that consolidates information from multiple angles into a single comprehensive image. This dimensional approach allows the entire dental arch to be visualized in one image rather than requiring seven separate photographs or radiographs.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are described that use a three-dimensional (3D) model of a dental site to generate a panoramic two-dimensional (2D) image of the dental site. In one example, a method includes receiving a 3D model of the dental site generated at least in part from an intraoral scan, generating a surface shaped to substantially surround a dental arch represented by the dental site, computing a surface projection by projecting the dental site onto the surface, and generating the panoramic 2D image from the surface projection.