Orthodontic Treatment Planning Using Integrated 3D Patient Models
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthodontic treatment planning methods are limited by the lack of detailed patient information, leading to inaccurate treatment plans and longer treatment times due to the inability to precisely model tooth root structures and bone anatomy.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that integrate three-dimensional intraoral surface scan data and volumetric scan data to generate a precise patient model, allowing for the determination of a tooth's center of rotation, which is defined as a point between one-third and one-half of the distance from the base to the apex of the root along the longitudinal axis, enabling more accurate treatment planning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If only intraoral surface scan data is used for treatment planning, then the modeling process is simpler, but the accuracy of tooth root structure and bone anatomy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple scanning technologies (intraoral surface scanning and volumetric scanning) into an integrated scanning system that captures both surface geometry and internal anatomical structures. This merging of scanning modalities allows simultaneous acquisition of comprehensive dental and bone anatomy data, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity by achieving high accuracy through integrated rather than separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional surface scanning to three-dimensional volumetric scanning, adding a depth dimension that reveals internal tooth root structures and bone anatomy. This dimensional enhancement enables accurate modeling of subsurface features without requiring separate invasive procedures, thus improving measurement precision while managing system complexity through a unified 3D approach.
2Measurement precision
If detailed patient information is obtained through multiple scanning methods, then treatment plan accuracy improves, but treatment planning time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs comprehensive scanning and creates the integrated 3D patient model before treatment begins, capturing all necessary anatomical information in advance. This preliminary action ensures that accurate treatment planning is completed upfront, avoiding the need for additional scanning or adjustments during treatment, thus improving treatment plan accuracy while preventing time loss during the actual treatment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital 3D copy of the patient's dentition and bone anatomy that can be manipulated and analyzed without requiring physical models or additional patient visits. This digital replication allows multiple treatment scenarios to be evaluated rapidly on the digital model, improving planning accuracy through virtual simulation while minimizing the time required for physical model fabrication and patient appointments.
3Loss of information
If conventional scanning methods are used, then the equipment and process are simpler, but the amount of patient information obtained is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the scanning process into two complementary components: intraoral surface scanning for crown geometry and volumetric scanning for root and bone anatomy. This segmentation allows each scanning modality to be optimized for its specific purpose while being integrated into a unified system. The segmented approach reduces information loss by ensuring that no critical anatomical feature is missed, while managing device complexity through modular integration of specialized scanning components.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of orthodontic treatment planning for a patient includes receiving three-dimensional intraoral surface scan data of a dentition of the patient, receiving three-dimensional volumetric scan data of the dentition of the patient, and overlaying the intraoral surface scan data and the volumetric scan data to generate an integrated patient model comprising a root of at least one tooth having a longitudinal axis. The method further includes determining, for use in planning an orthodontic treatment, a center of rotation of the at least one tooth, wherein the center of rotation is defined as a point located a predetermined distance from a base of the root to an apex of the root along the longitudinal axis of the at least one tooth in the integrated patient model.