Interdental Filler Model Generation for Orthodontic Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Interdental gaps between teeth can cause discomfort and reduce the effectiveness of orthodontic appliances, as they can lead to bending or deformation and lack of support when wearing orthodontic devices like aligners.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for generating interdental filler models using a computing system to create a 3D representation of a surface that fills the gap between teeth, which can be used to manufacture orthodontic appliances with integrated interdental fillers, reducing discomfort and improving appliance effectiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If orthodontic appliances are worn by patients with interdental gaps, then the treatment can proceed, but the appliance experiences bending or deformation and provides insufficient support

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveappliance effectivenessVSAvoidappliance support
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by generating a virtual model of the interdental filler before manufacturing the actual orthodontic appliance. The system creates a 3D digital representation of the gap between teeth, determines the optimal shape and size of the filler, and prepares the model in advance. This allows the appliance to be designed with the filler already integrated, ensuring proper support and fit before the treatment begins.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If orthodontic appliances are worn by patients with interdental gaps, then the treatment can proceed, but the patient experiences discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepatient comfortVSAvoidappliance fit
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by focusing on the specific interdental gap region rather than modifying the entire appliance. The system generates a filler model that is precisely tailored to fit the gap between two specific teeth, with customized dimensions and curvature. This localized approach ensures that the filler provides the necessary support and comfort in the gap area without affecting the overall appliance design, thereby improving patient comfort while maintaining reliable fit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If an automated or semi-automated system is used to generate interdental filler models, then the manufacturing process is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveappliance manufacturingVSAvoidmodeling system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies copying by creating a virtual 3D digital model of the interdental filler before producing the physical appliance. The system captures the geometry of the interdental gap and generates a digital representation that can be manipulated, analyzed, and approved before manufacturing. This virtual copy allows for automated generation and optimization of the filler design, simplifying the manufacturing process while reducing the need for complex manual modeling operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS12064302B2Method and system for generating interdental filler models
Publication Date: 2024.08.20 ARKIMOS LTD
  • US12064302B2 patent drawing
  • US12064302B2 patent drawing
  • US12064302B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for generating an interdental filler model for a patient. Locations for ends of the interdental filler model may be determined. A curvature of the interdental filler model may be determined. A shape of the interdental filler model may be determined. A first arc may be determined for a first end of the interdental filler model and a second arc may be determined for a second end of the interdental filler model. A set of arcs may be interpolated between the first arc and the second arc. The set of arcs may be grounded on the patient's gingiva. The interdental filler model may be generated based on the set of arcs.