Orthodontic Appliance Design With Reduced PDL Modeling

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional finite-element models for orthodontic biomechanics face challenges due to limited patient imaging, inaccurate tooth root geometries, non-linear PDL responses, and increased simulation times, leading to unpredictability in orthodontic treatments.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a Reduced Order Model (ROM) of the periodontal ligament (PDL) to generate an orthodontic appliance design, which reduces simulation time by two orders of magnitude while accurately representing mechanical responses, using a simplified mathematical representation of PDL mechanics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional finite-element models are used for orthodontic biomechanics, then accurate mechanical response can be obtained, but simulation time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of mechanical responseVSAvoidsimulation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential mechanical response characteristics of the PDL by applying Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) to finite-element simulation data. This creates a Reduced Order Model (ROM) that captures the critical mechanical behavior while eliminating unnecessary computational complexity, thereby reducing simulation time while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a computational surrogate (ROM) that copies the essential input-output behavior of the complex finite-element model. The ROM uses a reduced set of basis functions derived from POD to replicate PDL mechanical responses, enabling rapid predictions without repeated complex simulations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If detailed PDL modeling is performed, then mechanical response accuracy improves, but computational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePDL mechanical response accuracyVSAvoidmodel complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential mechanical response characteristics of the PDL by applying Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) to finite-element simulation data. This creates a Reduced Order Model (ROM) that captures the critical mechanical behavior while eliminating unnecessary computational complexity, thereby reducing simulation time while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the PDL modeling from a detailed physical representation to a simplified mathematical parameterization. The ROM uses a reduced set of basis functions and coefficients to represent the mechanical response, changing the representation parameters to achieve both accuracy and simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250281262A1Method for Generating Design of Orthodontic Appliance

Publication Date: 2025.09.11 SOLVENTUM INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES CO

AI summary

A method for generating a design of an orthodontic appliance includes receiving a digital three-dimensional (3D) representation of at least one tooth. The method further includes accessing a Reduced Order Model (ROM) of a periodontal ligament (PDL) of the at least one tooth in the digital 3D representation. The ROM represents a mechanical response of the PDL of the at least one tooth. The method further includes generating the design of the orthodontic appliance based at least partially on the ROM of the PDL of the at least one tooth.