Automated Orthodontic Aligner Staging to Avoid Tooth Collisions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for clear, removable tooth aligners in orthodontics lack automation in treatment planning and manufacturing, requiring labor-intensive and time-consuming manual processes due to the uniqueness of each patient's teeth and their movements.
Innovation Solution
A computing device-based system that automates the staging of teeth movement by analyzing initial and final positions, selecting optimal movement patterns, and coordinating tooth movement to avoid collisions, using techniques such as staggering, round-tripping, and varying rates to minimize treatment duration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual processes are used for treatment planning and aligner manufacturing, then customization for each patient's unique teeth is achieved, but labor and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates digital 3D models (copies) of the patient's teeth from physical impressions or scans. These digital models serve as virtual replicas that can be manipulated, analyzed, and used for treatment planning without requiring physical handling of models. This copying approach enables automated processing while maintaining the ability to customize treatment for each patient's unique dental anatomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processes (orthodontists physically manipulating models, hand-crafting aligners) with computer-based automated systems. The software automatically analyzes the digital tooth models, determines optimal treatment paths, and guides aligner manufacturing. This substitution of mechanical manual work with computational automation resolves the contradiction between customization and productivity.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple clear removable aligners are manufactured for each patient, then precise tooth movement control is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment process is divided into multiple discrete stages, with each stage represented by a separate aligner. The software segments the overall tooth movement into incremental steps, calculating intermediate positions between the initial and final desired tooth arrangements. Each aligner corresponds to one segment of the treatment, applying controlled forces to move teeth progressively toward the final position. This segmentation enables precise control while automating the complex manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary computational analysis to determine the complete treatment path before manufacturing begins. The software calculates all intermediate tooth positions, determines the sequence of aligners needed, and prepares manufacturing data in advance. This preliminary digital planning eliminates the need for iterative manual adjustments during treatment and streamlines the manufacturing process by providing complete instructions before production starts.
3Productivity
If automated systems are implemented for treatment planning, then productivity and efficiency improve, but the ability to handle unique patient cases may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system handles patient uniqueness by varying multiple parameters in the digital models and treatment plans. The software adjusts tooth geometry parameters, movement vectors, force magnitudes, and stage durations based on each patient's specific dental anatomy and treatment goals. By manipulating numerous adjustable parameters rather than following fixed protocols, the system maintains high adaptability to unique cases while benefiting from automated efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated treatment planning system performs self-service by independently analyzing each patient's digital models, determining optimal treatment paths, and generating manufacturing data without requiring manual intervention. The software adapts to each unique case by autonomously adjusting treatment parameters based on the specific dental anatomy presented in the digital models, thereby maintaining both productivity and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for detecting and avoiding collisions of teeth during orthodontic treatment may include determining a schedule of movement for dental objects during treatment stages, calculating a respective route from an initial position toward a final position for each of the dental objects during the treatment stage, and modifying the schedule of movement with a first modification to avoid a collision or obstruction between two of the dental objects on their respective routes. The modification may include moving a first of the dental objects away from the respective route of a second of the dental objects, and moving the first dental object toward its respective final position after the second dental object has sufficiently traversed its respective route to avoid the collision.