Optical Projection Dental Measurement Device for Soft Tissue Dimensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for dental rehabilitation, such as the Fox plane and Ditramax, are subjective and lack precision in dimensioning soft tissues of the face, leading to inaccuracies in transferring these dimensions for aesthetic and functional dental restorations.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a support frame, bipupillary alignment rule, occlusal plane parallelizer, inclination guide, lateral line rule, Wilson curve reference, and articulator support, which allows precise measurement and transfer of facial dimensions to an articulator for accurate dental rehabilitation planning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional instruments like Fox plane or Ditramax are used for alignment and projection, then the operator can establish reference lines, but the measurements remain subjective and inaccurate due to operator vision and judgment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective visual estimation with objective optical projection. The device uses a light source and screen to physically project reference lines (pupillary line, Camper's plane, midline) onto the patient's face, allowing measurements to be taken based on tangible light projections rather than operator vision. This substitution of mechanical/optical systems for human judgment eliminates subjectivity and improves measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement system consisting of a support structure with multiple rules and projection elements. This intermediary device acts as a mediator between the operator's intent and the actual measurement, providing standardized reference lines and measurement scales that bridge the gap between subjective judgment and objective measurement, thereby improving accuracy without requiring the operator to directly visualize precise alignment.
2Reliability
If subjective measurement methods are used, then the device structure remains simple, but the transfer of dimensions to the dental laboratory contains errors and lacks reproducibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by establishing all reference lines and measurement parameters on the patient's face before leaving the clinic. The device projects and marks the pupillary line, Camper's plane, midline, and other critical references directly onto the patient's facial features. This preliminary establishment of accurate references ensures that subsequent transfers to the dental laboratory start from verified, objective measurements rather than subjective estimates, improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a physical copy of the patient's facial dimensions and reference lines through the measurement device. The support structure with its rules and projection elements captures the spatial relationships of facial features and produces a replicable measurement record. This copied information can then be accurately transferred to the dental laboratory and articulator, ensuring consistency between the clinical measurement and the laboratory reproduction, thereby improving reliability and reproducibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device useful for taking dimensions of the stomatognathic system, in particular the soft tissues which circumscribe the masticatory system, in particular the anterior part of the face in relation to the denture. This device has graduated parts that allow taking precise measurements and can be transferred or projected to an articulator, which is used in rehabilitation processes and restorative dentistry.