Segmented 3D Tooth Comparison for Precise Dental Change Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting and monitoring dental conditions, such as tooth movement and gingival recession, lack accuracy in measuring anatomically correct distances and movements over time, often relying on non-corresponding tooth surfaces and are not efficient in tracking color and shade changes.
Innovation Solution
The method involves obtaining digital 3D representations of teeth at different times, segmenting these models to identify individual teeth, locally aligning them for anatomically correct correspondence, and comparing selected regions to determine precise movements and changes in parameters like tooth size, shape, and gingival position using transformation matrices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If prior art methods measure distance between closest parts of tooth surfaces, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision is poor because the parts are not anatomically identical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tooth surface into multiple anatomically defined regions (cusp, ridge, groove, etc.) and performs measurements within corresponding segmented regions rather than between arbitrary closest points. This segmentation enables anatomically correct correspondence while maintaining systematic measurement procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different measurement approaches to different anatomical regions of the tooth. By recognizing that different parts of the tooth have different functional characteristics, the system selects appropriate reference points and measurement methods for each specific region, thereby improving overall measurement precision.
2Reliability
If digital 3D representations are obtained and compared at different time points, then the ability to monitor development over time is improved, but the complexity of data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions including obtaining digital 3D representations at multiple time points, segmenting the tooth surfaces, and establishing anatomical correspondences before conducting the actual comparison. This preliminary preparation enables reliable longitudinal monitoring while organizing the data processing into manageable systematic steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital 3D copies of the tooth at different time points and performs comparisons on these copies rather than on the physical teeth themselves. This allows for repeated, non-invasive measurements and enables sophisticated data processing without affecting the patient.
3Measurement precision
If transformation matrices are used to align 3D tooth models, then the measurement precision is improved, but the computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tooth surface into multiple anatomical regions and generates transformation matrices for corresponding regions rather than for the entire tooth surface at once. This segmentation reduces the computational complexity of each individual matrix calculation while maintaining high precision through region-specific alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the transformation matrices based on the specific anatomical region being analyzed. By adapting the transformation parameters to match the local geometry and characteristics of each tooth region, the system achieves high precision with optimized computational requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a method, user interface and system for detecting and monitoring development of a dental condition. In particular the invention relates to detecting and monitoring such a development by comparing digital 3D representations of the patient's set of teeth recorded at a first and a second point in time.