Electronic Dental Charting with 3D Parametric Models

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional dental charting methods rely on paper-based two-dimensional representations, which are inefficient and prone to errors, lack the ability to accurately depict three-dimensional dental structures, and do not facilitate easy data management or collaboration among dental practitioners.

Innovation Solution

An electronic system for dental charting that generates and adjusts three-dimensional representations of dental data sets, allowing for real-time input and modification of dental information, automatic generation of charting text, and conversion into standalone formats for easy storage and sharing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If paper-based two-dimensional dental charting is used, then simplicity and ease of use are maintained, but accuracy in depicting three-dimensional dental structures and data management efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of dental structure representationVSAvoidcomplexity of charting system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional paper charts to three-dimensional digital representations of dental structures. The system generates and displays 3D models of dentition that can be viewed from multiple angles, providing accurate spatial relationships and anatomical details that cannot be captured in flat 2D drawings, thereby resolving the contradiction between representation accuracy and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates digital copies of physical dental structures through scanning or data input, then manipulates these digital replicas on computer screens. This allows practitioners to work with accurate 3D copies without needing physical models, improving both accuracy and efficiency while managing complexity through software-based solutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Productivity

If traditional paper dental charts are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but collaboration efficiency and data management capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollaboration efficiency among practitionersVSAvoidcomplexity of electronic charting system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic charting system serves multiple functions: it stores patient records, generates 3D visualizations, enables annotations, facilitates sharing among practitioners, and integrates with practice management software. This multi-functional platform improves collaboration efficiency by centralizing all dental charting activities in one accessible system, outweighing the increased complexity through consolidated functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces a digital intermediary layer between practitioners and patient data. Instead of directly manipulating physical charts, practitioners interact with the electronic system that mediates data storage, retrieval, and presentation, enabling seamless collaboration and efficient data management across multiple users and locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If hand-written notes are used on paper charts, then ease of operation is maintained, but data accuracy and error reduction deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata accuracyVSAvoidease of charting operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic system provides self-correcting features such as automated data validation, spell checking, and template-based entries that guide practitioners toward accurate documentation. The system automatically maintains data integrity through version control and audit trails, reducing errors without significantly increasing operational complexity compared to handwritten methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates immediate feedback mechanisms that alert practitioners to potential errors, missing information, or inconsistencies in real-time during data entry. This continuous feedback loop enhances data accuracy by catching errors before they are finalized, while maintaining ease of operation through user-friendly interfaces and contextual prompts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10319470B2Electronic dental charting
Publication Date: 2019.06.11 BADAWI HISHAM
  • US10319470B2 patent drawing
  • US10319470B2 patent drawing
  • US10319470B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems, methods, electronic devices and computer-readable media for charting dental information are described. The method includes generating or retrieving a dental data set including separately-modifiable parameters defining dental information relative to a base parametric model, the parameters providing information for generating signals for displaying a three-dimensional (3D) representation of at least a portion of a dentition represented by the dental data set; receiving an input via the 3D representation; and based on the received input, adjusting at least one of the parameters.