Automated Orthodontic Setup Generation via Scoring and Perturbation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The orthodontic treatment planning process is time-consuming and lacks automation for determining optimal tooth positions post-treatment, relying heavily on manual methods and requiring efficient algorithms to reduce processing time and evaluate treatment options.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method generates final orthodontic treatment setups using a scoring function and perturbation processes to optimize tooth positions within digital 3D models, considering metrics like overbite, overjet, and alignment, while adhering to motion limits, and includes initialization techniques and machine learning approaches for direct mapping and clustering to achieve aesthetically and functionally correct outcomes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual methods are used for orthodontic treatment planning, then treatment quality and accuracy can be maintained through expert judgment, but the process is very time-consuming and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidtime required for treatment planning

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automated treatment planning without requiring manual intervention at each step. The algorithm independently computes optimal tooth movements, generates treatment setups, and evaluates multiple treatment options automatically, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring continuous expert input

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical processes (physical model manipulation by orthodontists) with computational algorithms. The system uses automated scoring functions, optimization algorithms, and computer-based 3D modeling to substitute human manual operations, dramatically reducing planning time while maintaining treatment quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple treatment options are evaluated manually, then comprehensive treatment planning is possible, but the complexity and time required increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of treatment options evaluatedVSAvoidcomplexity of treatment planning process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The treatment planning process is divided into distinct modular components: initial setup generation, perturbation operations, scoring function evaluation, and selection processes. Each component handles a specific aspect of treatment planning independently, making the overall complex process manageable and automatable while allowing evaluation of multiple treatment pathways

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system generates multiple perturbed setups (more than clinically necessary) and evaluates them all using automated scoring. By performing excessive actions (generating and evaluating many more options than would be manually considered), the system ensures comprehensive evaluation while automation handles the complexity, then selects the best options for clinical consideration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20210259808A1Method for automated generation of orthodontic treatment final setups

Publication Date: 2021.08.26 SOLVENTUM INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES CO

AI summary

An automated method for generating a final setup for orthodontic treatment. The method includes receiving a digital 3D model of teeth in an initial state. The method computes a scoring function based upon metrics related to the initial state to generate a corresponding score, perturbs the state of the teeth through translations and rotations of a tooth or set of teeth to generate a perturbed state of the teeth, and updates the state of the teeth based upon the score and the perturbed state of the teeth to generate one or more final setups representing a final state of the teeth after the orthodontic treatment.