Digital 3D Occlusion Analysis Tool for Orthodontic Case Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The American Board of Orthodontics faces challenges in objectively assessing the difficulty of orthodontic cases due to the time-consuming and subjective nature of physically measuring plaster models, which can lead to inconsistent certification standards.
Innovation Solution
The development of a computer-implemented method using electronic 3D models to analyze occlusion by scanning before and after models, allowing for the generation of occlusion scores based on specific point inputs and linear regression calculations, thereby providing a more objective and efficient evaluation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical plaster models are measured manually, then measurement detail and tactile assessment are improved, but time consumption and subjectivity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates digital 3D copies of physical plaster models through scanning technology. These digital replicas preserve all measurement details of the original models while enabling automated analysis, thereby eliminating the time-consuming manual measurement process without sacrificing measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual measurement system with an automated digital measurement system. Computer algorithms automatically analyze the digital 3D models to extract occlusion parameters, substituting human tactile assessment with computational analysis that is both faster and equally precise.
2Measurement precision
If physical plaster models are measured manually, then comprehensive tactile assessment is improved, but objectivity and consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective human tactile assessment with objective computational analysis. The system uses standardized algorithms to automatically measure and evaluate occlusion parameters from digital 3D models, ensuring consistent and reproducible results that are free from human bias while maintaining comprehensive assessment capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the assessment process from qualitative tactile evaluation to quantitative digital parameter measurement. By converting occlusion characteristics into measurable digital parameters, the system achieves both comprehensive assessment and objective reliability through standardized computational metrics.
3Productivity
If digital 3D models are used for occlusion analysis, then time efficiency and objectivity are improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates high-fidelity digital 3D copies of physical plaster models through accurate scanning processes. These digital replicas maintain the geometric precision and surface details of the original models, ensuring that measurements taken from digital copies are as accurate as those from physical models while enabling automated analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs sophisticated computational algorithms that automatically extract precise occlusion parameters from digital 3D models. The automated measurement system uses standardized mathematical methods to calculate overjet, overbite, and other occlusion metrics with high precision, matching or exceeding the accuracy of manual measurement while dramatically improving efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic 3D model of at least a portion of a maxillary arch of a patient is displayed. Inputs indicating a tip of a mesiobuccal cusp of a maxillary first molar are received for both the patient's right and left sides. In addition, an electronic 3D model of at least a portion of a mandibular arch of a patient is displayed. Inputs indicating relevant points on the mandibular first molar are received for both the patient's right and left sides. Side scores are generated for the patient's right and left sides based on the indicated points. A final occlusion score for the patient is displayed. The final occlusion score is based on the side score for the right side and the side score for the left side.