Machine-Learning Dental Workflow Configuration From 3D Scans

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dental CAD/CAM software requires manual configuration of restoration and manufacturing parameters by dental practitioners, which is time-consuming, error-prone, and often not optimal for the patient, lacking expert knowledge and frequently changing dependencies.

Innovation Solution

A machine learning engine is employed to configure dental workflows with intelligent recommendations for restoration and manufacturing parameters, utilizing input data from 3D scans and user preferences to optimize the process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual configuration of restoration and manufacturing parameters is used, then user control and customization are maintained, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of configurationVSAvoidconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically configures restoration and manufacturing parameters by extracting features from 3D scan data and generating recommendations without requiring manual input from the user. The machine learning engine autonomously processes the configuration task, eliminating the need for users to manually select and adjust numerous parameters while still maintaining customization through user preferences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of configuring parameters is replaced with an automated machine learning-based system. The ML engine processes 3D scan data, extracts relevant features, and generates configuration recommendations automatically, substituting the manual operational steps with an intelligent automated system that reduces configuration time and minimizes errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual configuration is used, then user expertise is required, but this leads to errors and suboptimal configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual configuration expertise with an automated machine learning engine that processes 3D scan data and generates reliable configuration recommendations. The ML model encapsulates expert knowledge and complex dependency relationships, providing accurate and consistent configurations without requiring the user to possess specialized expertise or manually navigate complex parameter relationships.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The machine learning engine acts as an intermediary between the raw 3D scan data and the final configuration parameters. It processes the complex relationships and dependencies between various parameters, translating the geometric data into appropriate restoration and manufacturing settings while filtering out potential errors and optimizations that would be difficult for users to identify.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If standard parameters are used, then configuration speed is improved, but the results may not be optimal for the specific patient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration speedVSAvoidrestoration quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system generates configuration recommendations that are specifically tailored to the local characteristics of the patient's dental cavity as captured in the 3D scan. By extracting features from the scan data and analyzing the specific geometry, the ML engine provides localized optimization for each patient case rather than applying generic standard parameters, ensuring high-quality restoration outcomes while maintaining efficient processing speeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts configuration parameters based on the specific features extracted from each patient's 3D scan data. The machine learning engine modifies restoration and manufacturing parameters according to the unique characteristics of the dental cavity, such as geometry, material requirements, and structural considerations, thereby optimizing the restoration quality for each individual patient while maintaining rapid configuration through automated parameter generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Productivity

If automated ML-based configuration is used, then configuration speed and quality are improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The machine learning engine serves as a sophisticated intermediary layer that handles the complexity of parameter generation. It processes the 3D scan data, extracts relevant features, and translates them into appropriate configuration recommendations, shielding the user from the underlying system complexity while delivering efficient and high-quality configuration results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses pre-trained machine learning models that have been trained on extensive datasets of successful restorations and configurations. The ML engine copies and adapts proven configuration patterns from the training data to generate recommendations for new cases, leveraging accumulated knowledge to achieve high productivity and quality without requiring the user to manually manage the complexity of the configuration system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP4312873B1Configuring dental workflows through intelligent recommendations
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 DENTSPLY SIRONA INC
  • EP4312873B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4312873B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4312873B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Using a configuration recommendation module, a recommendation for configuring a dental manufacturing system is proposed. The recommendation takes into consideration user-specific information such as preferred dental practitioner tools, preferred restoration esthetics and dynamic and static inputs automatically retrieved by a CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing) resource.