Digital Separation of Adjacent Teeth Using 3D Enamel Removal Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for digital orthodontic treatment planning lack an efficient process for modeling and performing digital separation of teeth after interproximal reduction (IPR), which is necessary for accurate treatment planning and enamel removal.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for performing digital separation between 3D digital models of adjacent teeth by generating a separation plane and updating the model to simulate enamel removal, using techniques such as cutting planes and distance field data structures to improve computational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional methods are used to model digital separation of teeth, then the process is simple to implement, but the computational efficiency is low and the precision of enamel removal simulation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tooth model into multiple components (enamel layer, dentin layer, pulp chamber) and processes each segment separately. The enamel removal simulation is divided into identification of target areas, calculation of removal volume, and generation of separation geometry, allowing parallel processing and improving computational efficiency while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from 2D surface representations to 3D volumetric modeling of teeth. By using three-dimensional digital models with depth information, the system can accurately simulate enamel removal in all spatial dimensions, significantly improving the precision of the simulation compared to traditional two-dimensional approaches.
2Measurement precision
If detailed 3D modeling is performed to accurately simulate enamel removal, then the precision improves, but the computational complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing of the 3D tooth model before the actual enamel removal simulation. This includes pre-identifying enamel regions, pre-calculating surface normals, and pre-segmenting the tooth structure. These preliminary actions organize the data in advance, reducing the computational complexity during the main simulation phase while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates simplified digital copies or representations of the complex tooth geometry for computational purposes. Instead of directly processing the full high-resolution scan data, the system generates a computational model that captures the essential geometric features needed for enamel removal simulation, reducing complexity while preserving measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed systems and methods are for performing digital separation of teeth. The method includes: (i) obtaining a 3D digital model of two adjacent teeth, wherein the 3D digital model includes a first set of elements comprising first tooth elements and second tooth elements, (ii) generating a separation plane relative to the two adjacent teeth by: obtaining a second set of elements associated with a separation zone, identifying a third set of elements which are a subset of the second set of elements, and determining the separation plane, (iv) performing the digital separation by generating a first cutting plane and a second cutting plane, and (v) updating the 3D digital model by removing the first tooth elements and the second tooth elements which are between the first and second cutting planes, and (vi) storing the updated 3D digital model in a memory.