Diagnostic Intraoral Scanning With OCT and Near-Infrared Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dental imaging techniques, such as X-rays and cone beam computed tomography, rely on ionizing radiation and struggle to accurately visualize internal tooth structures like enamel and dentin, as well as soft tissues, plaque, and soft calculus, necessitating the development of non-ionizing radiation methods for comprehensive 3D dental imaging.

Innovation Solution

Intraoral scanning systems using non-ionizing radiation, such as near-infrared (near-IR) imaging, combined with optical coherence tomography (OCT) and ultrasound, generate 3D volumetric models that include surface and internal tooth structures, enabling detailed visualization and analysis of dental conditions like caries and cracks, with methods for displaying and manipulating these models to aid in diagnosis and treatment planning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If ionizing radiation (X-rays, CBCT) is used to image internal tooth structures, then internal structures can be visualized, but ionizing radiation exposure risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinternal structure visualizationVSAvoidionizing radiation exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces ionizing radiation-based imaging systems with non-ionizing optical imaging systems. Specifically, it uses optical coherence tomography (OCT) and near-infrared (NIR) imaging to visualize internal tooth structures without exposing patients to ionizing radiation. The OCT system uses low-coherence light to obtain cross-sectional images of dental tissues, while NIR imaging uses near-infrared light to penetrate and image subsurface structures, both eliminating the harmful radiation effect while maintaining diagnostic capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If conventional imaging techniques are used, then imaging speed is fast, but ability to visualize soft tissues, plaque and soft calculus is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging speedVSAvoidsoft tissue and plaque visualization

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite imaging system that integrates multiple imaging modalities within a single apparatus. It combines optical coherence tomography (OCT) for high-resolution cross-sectional imaging of hard tissues, near-infrared (NIR) imaging for subsurface structure visualization, and visible light imaging for surface documentation. This multi-modal composite system enables simultaneous or sequential acquisition of diverse dental information including soft tissues, plaque, and calculus while maintaining efficient imaging speed through integrated hardware and coordinated scanning protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate imaging devices are used to achieve comprehensive dental imaging, then imaging capability is comprehensive, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomprehensive imaging capabilityVSAvoidnumber of imaging devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple previously separate imaging devices into a single integrated intraoral imaging apparatus. It combines optical coherence tomography (OCT) components, near-infrared (NIR) imaging components, and visible light imaging components into one unified system that can be inserted into the patient's mouth. The integration includes shared mechanical structures, coordinated scanning mechanisms, and unified data processing systems, thereby achieving comprehensive imaging capability (hard tissues, soft tissues, plaque, calculus) while reducing the number of devices from multiple separate units to a single multi-functional apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Provides accurate, non-ionizing radiation-based 3D volumetric models for detailed dental imaging, allowing for improved diagnosis and treatment planning by visualizing both surface and internal tooth structures, including caries and cracks, and facilitating tracking of dental conditions over time.

Implementation Method 1

A 3D volumetric scan may include or be derived from one or more other scanning modalities, including, but not limited to: optical coherence tomography (OCT), ultrasound (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray, etc.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNear-infrared penetration: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

optical coherence tomography (OCT)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical coherence tomography: Interference

Implementation Method 3

ultrasound (US)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasound: Ultrasound

Data Source

PatentUS12390311B2Diagnostic intraoral scanning apparatuses

Publication Date: 2025.08.19 ALIGN TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

Described herein are intraoral scanning apparatuses comprising visible light and near-infrared (near-IR) light images from a patient's dentition. These apparatuses may display a 3D model of the patient's dental arch and a plurality of images of the patient's dental arch taken from different angles and positions relative to the patient's dental arch, and may both generate and display a two-dimensional (2D) image based on a relative angle and position between the indicator relative to the 3D model of the patient's dental arch.