3D Dental Scan Integration with Medical Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D medical scans of the cranio-facial region often have missing or inaccurate data in the teeth occlusal surfaces due to metal dental fillings or prostheses, and existing methods require artificial fiducial structures for concurrent dental model integration, limiting the accuracy and feasibility of combining dental models with medical scans.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that automatically align and combine digital three-dimensional dental models with cranio-facial 3D medical scan records without artificial markers, using algorithms to refine the positioning and eliminate occlusal surface data, allowing for enhanced accuracy and integration of dental models into medical scans taken at different times or locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If 3D medical scans are performed to obtain cranio-facial bone structure data, then the overall anatomical information is improved, but the accuracy of teeth occlusal surfaces deteriorates due to metal scattering causing data voids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two different data acquisition systems: 3D medical scan records (CT, CBCT, or MRI) for cranio-facial bone structure and separate dental model records (from intraoral scanners or optical scanners) for teeth occlusal surfaces. By merging these complementary data sets, the system achieves complete information coverage where the medical scan provides bone anatomy and the dental model provides accurate tooth surface geometry that the medical scan cannot capture due to metal interference.
2Measurement precision
If artificial fiducial structures are used to align dental models with medical scans, then the integration accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and procedural difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-alignment by automatically identifying corresponding anatomical landmarks in both the medical scan record and the dental model record. The computer system independently determines the spatial relationship between the two data sets through algorithmic comparison of tooth root positions, jawbone geometry, and other common anatomical features, eliminating the need for external fiducial markers or manual alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical alignment system (physical fiducial markers attached to dental impressions) with a computational alignment system. Instead of using physical reference objects that require careful placement and matching, the system uses digital image processing algorithms to automatically register the dental model with the medical scan by comparing geometric features and calculating transformation matrices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dental models and medical scans are acquired concurrently with fiducial markers, then the integration feasibility is improved, but the ease of operation and patient comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows the medical scan and dental model acquisition to be performed at different times and in different locations. The medical scan can be obtained during the initial diagnostic phase, while the dental model can be scanned later during treatment planning. The computer system stores both data sets and performs retrospective alignment and integration, eliminating the requirement for concurrent acquisition procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
By matching a first data set including digital, three-dimensional, dental models with a second data set including digital, cranio-facial 3D medical scan records, missing or inaccurate portions of the cranio-facial 3D medical scan record can be improved. Example methods for matching the data sets include automatically positioning the dental model with respect to the 3D medical scan record and automatically eliminating common (i.e., overlapping) portions from one of the data sets. Two-dimensional images can be mapped onto images generated from either of the first and second data sets to enhance accuracy and/or photo-realism.