Occlusion Setup Fixture for Teeth Model Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for recording digital 3D representations of teeth models for dental restorations require a time-consuming bite scan to align upper and lower models accurately, often resulting in alignment errors due to imprecise fixation techniques.
Innovation Solution
An occlusion setup fixture with guided relative movement between model interfaces allows for precise alignment of teeth models, enabling a two-scan procedure to record and virtually arrange digital 3D representations according to patient occlusion, eliminating the need for a bite scan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a bite scan is performed to align digital 3D representations according to patient occlusion, then alignment accuracy is improved, but scan time and procedural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by pre-aligning the physical teeth models in occlusion using an occlusion setup fixture before scanning. The fixture includes guiding structures that confine the relative movement between upper and lower model interfaces, ensuring accurate occlusal alignment is established beforehand. This eliminates the need for a separate bite scan procedure, as the alignment is already captured in the initial scan of the occluded models.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the alignment function from the scanning process itself. Instead of relying on the scanner to determine alignment through a bite scan, the alignment is mechanically established by the occlusion setup fixture's guiding structures (such as pins and slots) that physically constrain the models to their correct occlusal relationship during scanning.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rubber bands are used to hold physical teeth models together during bite scan, then displacement is prevented, but alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces an intermediary occlusion setup fixture that mechanically mediates the connection between upper and lower teeth models. Instead of using rubber bands, the fixture employs precise mechanical elements such as guiding pins, slots, and model interfaces that maintain stable contact and confinement without introducing alignment errors. This intermediary device provides both stability and precision simultaneously.
3Measurement precision
If physical teeth models are arranged in occlusion and fixed for bite scan, then alignment is achieved, but procedural complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The occlusion setup fixture serves multiple functions simultaneously: it holds and aligns both upper and lower teeth models, confines their relative movement through guiding structures, and maintains their occlusal relationship during scanning. This multi-functional device consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate steps and tools, including model holding mechanisms, alignment guides, and stabilization systems.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2C
AI summary
Disclosed is a method, an occlusion setup fixture and system for recording digital 3D representations of physical teeth models of a patient's jaws and for arranging the digital 3D representations according in a common coordinate system such that the digital 3D representations are arranged according to the patient's occlusion. The recorded digital 3D representations are virtually brought into occlusion by a virtual movement, where the virtual movement comprises a translation along a path according to the confined relative movement of the occlusion setup fixture.