Multispectral Intraoral Scanning for 3D Internal Tooth 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 caries and cracks, while non-ionizing methods lack the ability to provide comprehensive three-dimensional models of both surface and internal tooth features.
Innovation Solution
Intraoral scanners equipped with light sources emitting in multiple spectral ranges, including visible and penetrative wavelengths, capture both surface and internal tooth structures using trans-illumination and small-angle penetration imaging, allowing for the generation of 3D volumetric models that combine surface and internal features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ionizing radiation techniques (X-rays, CBCT) are used, then internal tooth structures can be visualized, but harmful radiation exposure occurs and measurement precision for internal features remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ionizing radiation-based imaging systems with optical imaging systems that use visible and infrared light. The intraoral scanner uses light sources and sensors to capture optical reflections and transmissions through tooth structures, substituting the mechanical/radiation-based X-ray and CBCT systems with an optical field-based system that avoids harmful radiation while providing internal structure visualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple wavelengths of light (visible and infrared ranges) to penetrate and reflect from different tooth structures. By changing the optical parameters (wavelength, intensity, angle) of the illuminating light, the system achieves varying penetration depths and contrasts to visualize different internal features like enamel, dentin, caries, and cracks without using ionizing radiation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If non-ionizing optical methods are used, then harmful radiation is avoided, but the ability to provide comprehensive three-dimensional models of internal tooth features is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional surface imaging to three-dimensional volumetric imaging by capturing optical data from multiple angles and depths. The intraoral scanner moves around the tooth and captures reflections and transmissions at different positions, then reconstructs these multi-angle optical measurements into a comprehensive 3D model that reveals internal structures throughout the tooth volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the tooth into different internal regions (enamel, dentin, pulp chamber) by analyzing optical properties at various depths and angles. The system divides the imaging task into multiple optical measurements taken from different positions and wavelengths, then integrates these segmented data sets to create a complete internal structural model.
3Measurement precision
If multiple spectral ranges are used, then internal structures become visible, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intraoral scanner is designed as a multi-functional device that combines surface scanning and internal imaging capabilities in a single apparatus. The same light sources (emitting multiple wavelengths) and sensors used for surface topography mapping also capture internal structural information by analyzing optical transmissions and reflections, eliminating the need for separate imaging devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the surface scanning function and internal imaging function into a unified optical imaging system. The intraoral scanner combines visible light sources for surface mapping with infrared light sources for internal penetration, using a single sensor array and processing system to simultaneously or sequentially capture both surface and internal tooth features.
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
The method enables the creation of detailed 3D volumetric models of teeth, including internal structures like caries and cracks, without ionizing radiation, providing accurate diagnostic information for dental procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a light source or light sources that can illuminate in two or more spectral ranges
Implementation Method 2
a sensor or sensors for detecting the emitted light
Implementation Method 3
capture both surface and internal tooth structures using trans-illumination and small-angle penetration imaging
Implementation Method 4
small-angle penetration imaging
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for generating and displaying a model of a subject's teeth. Described herein are intraoral scanning methods and apparatuses for generating a three-dimensional model of a subject's intraoral region (e.g., teeth). These methods and apparatuses may be used for identifying and evaluating lesions, caries and cracks in the teeth.