3D Jaw Model Correction for Dental Occlusion Accuracy

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current 3D scanning systems for dentistry assume rigid jaws, leading to misalignments and inaccuracies in digital 3D models due to the deformation of the lower jaw between open and closed positions.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that corrects the digital 3D representation of jaws by adjusting the position and orientation of surface points or vertices based on information from bite scans, ensuring accurate alignment and occlusion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the patient opens the mouth to acquire 3D scan of the lower and upper jaw, then the scan can be acquired, but the lower jaw deforms causing misalignment between open and closed positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to open mouth for scanningVSAvoidalignment accuracy of jaw models

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static rigid jaw model into a dynamic model that accounts for jaw deformation. The lower jaw model is modified to include deformation characteristics that occur when the mouth opens and closes, allowing the system to adapt the jaw representation based on the scanning state (open vs closed mouth) to maintain alignment accuracy throughout the scanning process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of the lower jaw model by applying deformation corrections based on the difference between the open-mouth scan and closed-mouth bite scan. The system calculates the deformation vector field that transforms the lower jaw model from its open-mouth configuration to its closed-mouth configuration, thereby correcting misalignments caused by jaw flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the jaws are treated as rigid and forced together as static objects, then the 3D model generation is simplified, but misalignments and undesired intersections occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of model generationVSAvoidaccuracy of occlusion alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic deformation correction to the otherwise static model generation process. Instead of simply forcing the rigid lower jaw model to align with the upper jaw model, the system dynamically adjusts the lower jaw model by applying a deformation vector field that accounts for the actual deformation that occurs during mouth closure, thereby eliminating intersections and misalignments while maintaining a relatively simple overall workflow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical forcing-together of rigid static models with a computational deformation correction approach. Instead of physically constraining the models to fit together (which causes intersections), the system uses mathematical deformation fields to naturally adjust the lower jaw model positions and orientations, achieving accurate occlusion alignment without mechanical forcing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Area of stationary object

If the lower jaw is scanned in open position, then complete jaw coverage is achieved, but the width differs from closed position causing gaps or intersections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage area of jaw scanVSAvoiddimensional accuracy of jaw model

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary deformation correction by calculating the deformation vector field from the open-mouth scan to the closed-mouth bite scan before final model integration. This preliminary action of pre-computing the deformation characteristics allows the system to proactively correct the dimensional discrepancies in the lower jaw model before it is combined with the upper jaw model, preventing gaps and intersections in the final occlusion alignment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the dimensional parameters of the lower jaw model by applying the computed deformation vector field. The deformation correction modifies the positions and orientations of surface points on the lower jaw model, transforming the dimensions captured in the open-mouth scan to match the dimensions in the closed-mouth bite scan, thereby ensuring dimensional accuracy for restoration fabrication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250120793A1System and method for improving the accuracy of a 3D representation

Publication Date: 2025.04.17 3SHAPE AS

AI summary

A computer-implemented method for improving the accuracy of a three-dimensional (3D) representation of a jaw, the method including obtaining a first digital 3D representation of at least a part of a first jaw; obtaining a second digital 3D representation of at least a part of a second jaw; combining several 3D frames generated for a number of different views of the jaws in occlusion, wherein each 3D frame includes data expressing the geometry of at least a part of the jaws in occlusion; and correcting the first digital 3D representation by adjusting the position of one or more surface points belonging to the first digital 3D representation based on the position of 3D frames associated with the third digital 3D representation, whereby the accuracy of the first digital 3D representation is improved.