Dynamic 3D Occlusograms for Precise Tooth Movement Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental treatments, such as braces and Invisalign®, struggle to accurately assess and simulate the complex occlusal interactions between teeth, which are crucial for effective tooth movement and alignment, often relying on 2D representations that can obscure the extent and type of malocclusion.
Innovation Solution
The development of a 3D occlusogram system that calculates and displays occlusal data through a virtual 3D model, using height maps and distance fields to determine potential occlusion teeth lists, occlusal distances, and color-coded occlusograms to visualize tooth interactions, enabling precise simulation and planning of dental treatments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If 2D representations are used to assess occlusion, then the assessment process is simple, but the accuracy and detail of malocclusion detection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D occlusion representations to 3D occlusogram visualizations. The system generates three-dimensional models that display occlusal contacts, tooth positions, and malocclusion characteristics from multiple angles, providing comprehensive spatial information that 2D images cannot convey. This dimensional enhancement directly improves measurement precision while the automated generation process manages the increased complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates virtual 3D copies of the patient's dentition through digital scanning and modeling. These digital replicas allow for repeated analysis, simulation of treatment outcomes, and detailed examination without requiring physical models or multiple clinical visits, thereby improving assessment accuracy while maintaining operational efficiency.
2Reliability
If complex 3D occlusal interactions are simulated, then treatment planning accuracy improves, but computational requirements and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary 3D scanning and modeling of the patient's current occlusion before treatment planning begins. This pre-established digital foundation allows for rapid simulation of various treatment scenarios without requiring time-consuming re-scanning or re-modeling, thus improving reliability while minimizing additional processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical mechanical models and manual analysis methods with computational algorithms and digital simulations. The system uses software-based occlusal analysis to calculate tooth interactions, contact points, and treatment outcomes, substituting time-consuming physical manipulations with fast computational processes that maintain high accuracy.
3Manufacturing precision
If detailed 3D occlusal data is collected and analyzed, then treatment precision improves, but data processing complexity and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and isolates specific occlusal parameters and contact points from the comprehensive 3D scan data. By identifying and focusing on the most clinically relevant features such as contact areas, occlusal gaps, and malocclusion patterns, the system achieves high treatment precision while reducing the complexity of data processing and storage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different levels of detail and analysis to different regions of the dentition based on clinical significance. High-resolution analysis is concentrated on areas with malocclusion or active treatment zones, while other regions receive standardized processing. This localized approach maintains manufacturing precision for critical areas while reducing overall data processing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for generating and modifying three-dimensional occlusograms. One method includes calculating a height map and/or a distance field of a tooth of an upper jaw or a lower jaw. An occlusogram for the tooth may be generated based on a space and/or a collision depth between the tooth and a tooth on an opposite jaw. The occlusogram may be displayed over a three-dimensional (3D) model of the tooth. The occlusogram may be dynamically changed in response to a change in one or more input parameters associated with one or more dental treatments on the tooth.