Orthodontic Treatment Planning Using State Space Search

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional orthodontic treatments face challenges such as poor appearance, comfort issues, difficulty in maintaining dental hygiene, and the need for extensive clinician training and time-consuming adjustments, while computer-aided invisible orthodontic treatments lack precision and efficiency in adjusting intermediate tooth arrangements during the treatment process.

Innovation Solution

A state space search method is employed to generate digital data sets representing tooth arrangements, using operators like movement and rotation to find optimal tooth alignment paths, with a cost function guiding the search to meet specific orthodontic treatment requirements, allowing for flexible and customized treatment plans.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional computer aided methods use interpolation algorithm to generate intermediate teeth arrangements, then the treatment plan can be generated automatically, but it becomes difficult to adjust or fine-tune the treatment between teeth during the treatment process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of treatment plan generationVSAvoidflexibility to adjust intermediate arrangements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the tooth arrangement modification into independent operators that can be applied to individual teeth or groups of teeth. Each operator represents a discrete modification step, allowing the treatment plan to be broken down into manageable, adjustable units rather than a fixed interpolated sequence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic treatment planning system where intermediate tooth arrangements can be modified in real-time during the planning process. The state space search method allows clinicians to adjust operators and re-run the search to generate updated treatment plans, making the system adaptable rather than static.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual modification of positive plaster model is used to form invisible appliance, then the appliance can be customized, but the process has low precision and low efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoidprecision of appliance fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of modifying plaster models with a computer-based digital system. The state space search algorithm automatically generates precise digital representations of intermediate tooth arrangements, eliminating the imprecision of manual model modification while maintaining full customization capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the working parameters from physical model dimensions to digital coordinate data. By representing tooth arrangements as digital datasets with precise coordinates and applying mathematical operators, the system achieves higher manufacturing precision while preserving the ability to customize treatment plans for individual patients.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If a series of invisible appliances are used for orthodontic treatment, then appearance and comfort are improved, but the method lacks flexibility in adjusting intermediate tooth arrangements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient comfort and appearanceVSAvoidflexibility in treatment adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary planning of the entire treatment sequence using state space search before fabricating any appliances. By pre-calculating multiple possible treatment paths and allowing adjustments during the digital planning phase, the system prepares flexible intermediate arrangements in advance, enabling customization throughout treatment without requiring complex adjustments later.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9333051B2Method for manufacturing appliances for repositioning teeth

Publication Date: 2016.05.10 WUXI EA MEDICAL INSTR TECH

AI summary

A method for generating digital data sets is provided. The method includes: obtaining a first digital data set representing a first tooth arrangement; providing at least one operator for modifying a digital data set representing a tooth arrangement; providing target data which represents orthodontic treatment requirements; generating a second digital data set representing a second tooth arrangement based on the first digital data set using a state space search method and the at least one operator; determining whether the second tooth arrangement meets the treatment requirements; generating a Nth digital data set representing a Nth tooth arrangement based on a N−1th data set representing a N−1th tooth arrangement using the state space search method and the at least one operator, where N is an integer greater than 2; and determining whether the Nth tooth arrangement meets the treatment requirements.