Customized Orthodontic Devices via Digital Parameter Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthodontic treatment devices are often standardized and fail to adequately fit the unique malocclusions of individual patients, limiting their effectiveness and adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for generating an input file for a 3D printer by visualizing a virtual model of a patient's teeth and adapting a predefined virtual orthodontic treatment device to fit the patient's specific needs, allowing for detailed customization of orthodontic treatment devices using 3D printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If standardized orthodontic treatment devices are used, then manufacturing cost and complexity are reduced, but the fit and effectiveness for individual patient malocclusions deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by digitally modifying the standardized appliance design parameters (size, shape, position) to match the specific patient's dental anatomy. The system allows adjustment of geometric parameters of the appliance based on the patient's 3D scan data, enabling customization without manual fabrication while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through digital parameter modification rather than physical adaptation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-defining a library of standardized orthodontic appliance designs that can be selectively adapted. These pre-designed appliances serve as starting templates that have already been optimized for general orthodontic use, and the system performs preliminary digital adaptation to patient-specific geometry before final manufacturing, reducing the need for post-manufacturing adjustments
2Manufacturing precision
If customized orthodontic treatment devices are manufactured using traditional methods, then fit to individual patient needs is improved, but manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical customization methods (manual measurement, physical modeling, hand fabrication) with a digital system. The process uses 3D scanning to capture patient dental geometry, digital software to adapt appliance designs, and automated manufacturing (3D printing or CNC machining) to produce the customized appliance. This substitution of mechanical processes with digital and automated systems maintains high customization accuracy while dramatically improving manufacturing efficiency and reducing costs
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables efficient customization by changing digital design parameters of standardized appliances to match patient-specific requirements. Rather than creating entirely custom designs from scratch, the system efficiently modifies parameters such as appliance size, contour, and positioning based on the patient's 3D dental model, allowing rapid generation of customized appliances with high precision
3Device complexity
If standardized orthodontic devices are used, then device availability and simplicity are improved, but adaptability to unique patient malocclusions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the previously static standardized appliance designs adaptable and configurable. The system allows the appliance parameters to be dynamically adjusted based on the patient's specific dental anatomy and treatment requirements. The digital model can be flexibly modified within defined parameters, enabling the same basic appliance type to adapt to various malocclusion types and patient geometries while maintaining the fundamental simplicity and effectiveness of standardized designs
Data Source
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AI summary
Computer implemented methods for generating an input file for a 3D printer, the methods comprising visualizing a virtual model of a patient's teeth on a display, visualizing a predefined virtual orthodontic treatment device on the display and adapting a shape of the predefined virtual orthodontic treatment device in response to user input. The method then comprises generating an input file for a 3D printer based on the adapted virtual orthodontic treatment device. The present disclosure further relates to computing systems, and computer programs and methods for 3D printing orthodontic treatment devices.