Fiducial Marker Transfer Jigs for Dental Jaw Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental scanning methods face challenges in accurately analyzing and correcting malpositioned teeth and poor bite registration, as they often rely on insufficient reference points, leading to stress on temporomandibular joints and suboptimal dental appliance fitting.
Innovation Solution
The use of fiducial markers, which are radiopaque features attached to the alveolar bone, provides stable and precise reference points for scanning, allowing for accurate alignment and analysis of jaw positions, enabling the creation of a precise digital jaw model for orthodontic and dental treatments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional dental scanning methods are used without fiducial markers, then the scanning process is simpler and faster, but the measurement precision and alignment accuracy of jaw positions deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Fiducial markers serve as intermediary reference objects between the scanning system and the patient's anatomy. These markers are attached to fiducial fixtures that are secured to the alveolar bone, providing stable, scanable reference points that mediate the alignment between upper and lower jaw scans without requiring direct scanning of anatomical landmarks.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiducial markers are designed with radiopaque materials that appear distinct in scan images, creating visual contrast that facilitates easy identification and automated detection by scanning systems. The markers' distinctive appearance in different imaging modalities (X-ray, CT, optical scans) enables reliable detection and alignment across multiple scan types.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fiducial markers are attached directly to alveolar bone, then the stability and precision of reference points improve, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fiducial marker system uses a nested structure where the radiopaque marker is attached to a fixture that interfaces with the bone. The marker itself may have nested geometric features (spheres within spheres, concentric circles) that provide multiple detection levels and enable automated detection algorithms to reliably identify marker position and orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiducial markers utilize radiopaque materials that create high-contrast visual signals in scan images. This radiographic visibility transforms the otherwise invisible bone-attached reference points into easily detectable features that scanning systems can automatically identify and track throughout the imaging process.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple fiducial markers are used for accurate jaw alignment, then the manufacturing precision of dental appliances improves, but the quantity of substances and components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fiducial markers serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide reference points for 3D alignment, enable detection of jaw position and movement, facilitate registration between different scan types, and serve as anchors for attaching the scanning apparatus. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate reference systems for each purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines the fiducial marker, fixture, and attachment mechanism into an integrated assembly that is secured to the alveolar bone. This merging of components eliminates the need for separate reference markers and mounting devices, reducing overall component quantity while maintaining alignment precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Example dental methods involve using a marker transfer jig that captures the location of one or more fiducial markers on a patient's jaw and then helps position an alternate marker, tool, fixture or some other chosen device on a cast model of the patient's jaw. The cast model with the attached alternate marker, tool, fixture or other chosen device is radiographically scanned and analyzed to aid in various orthodontic and other dental treatments.