Digital Tooth Modeling With Interproximal Space Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital scans fail to accurately depict small interproximal spaces between teeth, leading to inaccurate digital tooth models that may appear connected, complicating orthodontic treatments requiring multiple aligner stages.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing scannable objects to measure and digitally capture interproximal spaces, followed by a segmentation process to maintain these spaces in digital tooth models, ensuring accurate representation of tooth contours and spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional digital scans are used to capture teeth, then the scanning process is simple and fast, but the interproximal spaces between teeth are not accurately depicted, causing teeth to appear connected in the digital model
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the digital teeth model into individual tooth components. After capturing the complete dental arch with digital scans, the system segments each tooth separately, using the scannable objects as reference to maintain accurate interproximal spaces. This segmentation process allows precise representation of spaces between teeth that would otherwise appear connected in conventional scans.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses scannable objects as intermediary elements placed between adjacent teeth. These objects serve as mediators that physically occupy the interproximal spaces and can be detected by the digital scanning system. The scannable objects translate the otherwise invisible or undetectable interproximal spaces into scanable features, allowing accurate digital representation of tooth spacing without requiring complex scanning hardware.
2Manufacturing precision
If scannable objects are inserted between teeth to measure interproximal spaces, then the accuracy of digital tooth models is improved, but the procedure becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses scannable objects that are digitally copied or replicated in the virtual environment. After physical scannable objects are placed between teeth during scanning, their digital representations are created and then removed in the virtual environment, leaving behind accurate representations of the interproximal spaces. This copying approach allows the physical objects to be temporarily used for measurement without permanently remaining in the patient's mouth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-fabricating scannable objects with known geometric characteristics before the scanning procedure. These objects are designed in advance with specific shapes and dimensions that facilitate easy placement between teeth and accurate digital detection. The preliminary preparation of these standardized objects streamlines the overall process, making the additional steps more efficient despite the increased procedural complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple aligner stages are used to treat teeth requiring extensive movement, then the teeth can be properly repositioned, but the treatment duration is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by providing highly accurate digital tooth models with precise interproximal space representation. This accurate baseline information serves as feedback for treatment planning, allowing orthodontists to simulate and evaluate different treatment scenarios before beginning. The precise digital models enable better prediction of tooth movement requirements, potentially optimizing the number of aligner stages needed and reducing unnecessary treatment steps.
Data Source
AI summary
Creating a digital tooth model of a patient's tooth using interproximal information is provided. Interproximal information is received that represents a space between adjacent physical teeth of the patient. A digital teeth model of a set of physical teeth of the patient that includes the adjacent physical teeth is received. One or more digital tooth models is created that more accurately depicts one or more of the physical teeth than the corresponding digital teeth included in the digital teeth model based on the interproximal information.