Orthodontic Aligner Evaluation via 2D Image Comparison

Solution Overview

Problem

The current method of evaluating orthodontic aligners requires frequent orthodontist visits, leading to inconvenience and additional costs for patients, as the suitability of aligners is often assessed through visual inspections and three-dimensional scans, resulting in a higher number of aligners being manufactured than necessary.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the acquisition of two-dimensional images of the teeth and aligner, with conversion and comparison of tooth outlines to determine suitability, allowing for remote evaluation and reduced orthodontist appointments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If frequent orthodontist visits are conducted for visual inspection and three-dimensional scanning, then the suitability of aligners can be evaluated, but patient inconvenience and additional costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveevaluation accuracyVSAvoidpatient time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses two-dimensional images as copies of the actual teeth and aligner state, allowing remote evaluation without requiring the patient to physically visit the orthodontist. The image processing system analyzes these copies to determine aligner suitability, replacing the need for in-person inspections while maintaining evaluation accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical orthodontist visits and three-dimensional scanning with an automated image processing system. Two-dimensional images are captured and processed computationally to evaluate aligner fit, substituting the need for mechanical scanning equipment and physical presence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If frequent orthodontist visits are conducted for visual inspection, then the suitability of aligners can be evaluated, but additional orthodontist appointment costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveevaluation accuracyVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses two-dimensional images as copies of the actual teeth and aligner state, allowing remote evaluation without requiring the patient to physically visit the orthodontist. The image processing system analyzes these copies to determine aligner suitability, replacing the need for in-person inspections while maintaining evaluation accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the evaluation system to serve itself by automatically processing captured images to determine aligner suitability. The system captures images, processes them through outline extraction and comparison algorithms, and generates evaluation results without requiring orthodontist intervention for each assessment, reducing professional service costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the shape of the aligner is evaluated through visual inspection during orthodontist visits, then treatment suitability can be assessed, but the number of appointments increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment assessment accuracyVSAvoidtreatment efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses two-dimensional images as copies of the actual teeth and aligner state, allowing remote evaluation without requiring the patient to physically visit the orthodontist. The image processing system analyzes these copies to determine aligner suitability, replacing the need for in-person inspections while maintaining evaluation accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical orthodontist visits and three-dimensional scanning with an automated image processing system. Two-dimensional images are captured and processed computationally to evaluate aligner fit, substituting the need for mechanical scanning equipment and physical presence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20240335256A1Method of evaluating an orthodontic appliance

Publication Date: 2024.10.10 DENTAL MONITORING

AI summary

A system for evaluating an orthodontic appliance. A mobile telephone for, at an “appliance” instant, acquisition of at least one two-dimensional image (“appliance image”) of teeth at least partially representing the appliance in a service position worn by the teeth, and, at a “dentition” instant, acquisition of at least one two-dimensional image (“dentition image”) of the teeth. A computer programmed to execute, for each of a plurality of teeth represented on the at least one dentition and appliance images, the following: determination of dental and appliance attributes relative to the shape of a tooth represented on the at least one dentition image and relative to the shape of the orthodontic appliance on the at least one appliance image, respectively, and comparison of the dental and appliance attributes, followed by determination of at least a decision or at least one score according to the comparison.