Statistical Shape Model for 3D Tooth Arrangement Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for generating a 3D digital model representing a target tooth arrangement are time-consuming, laborious, and skill-dependent, making it difficult to ensure consistency in the fabrication of shell-shaped repositioners for orthodontic treatments.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using a Statistical Shape Model (SSM) to align a 3D digital model of teeth by extracting feature vectors from the initial tooth arrangement, creating a transformation matrix, and transforming the model to obtain a digital data set representing the target tooth arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual manipulation of 3D digital model is used to obtain target tooth arrangement, then flexibility in treatment planning is improved, but time consumption and labor intensity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical manipulation of 3D digital models with an automated computer-implemented method. The system automatically identifies corresponding feature points between initial and target tooth arrangements, extracts feature vectors, performs alignment using Statistical Shape Model, and generates transformation matrices without requiring manual intervention, thereby eliminating time consumption while preserving treatment planning flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the computer algorithm to autonomously complete the entire process of obtaining target tooth arrangement. The automated feature point identification, feature vector extraction, and model alignment procedures eliminate the need for operator skill and manual effort, making the process independent while maintaining adaptability
2Ease of operation
If manual manipulation of 3D digital model is used to obtain target tooth arrangement, then operator judgment can be applied, but consistency of results becomes difficult to ensure due to skill dependency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual operator judgment with an automated computer-based system that consistently applies the same algorithmic procedures. The Statistical Shape Model and feature vector extraction methods ensure that the same input always produces the same output, eliminating variability due to different operator skills while preserving the ability to make clinically sound decisions through programmed logic
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms the subjective parameter of operator judgment into objective, quantifiable parameters through feature vectors and transformation matrices. By converting manual manipulation into mathematical operations with defined parameters, the system ensures reproducible and consistent results across different cases and operators
3Productivity
If automated computer-implemented method is used to generate digital data set, then time efficiency and consistency are improved, but complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex automated process into distinct modular steps: feature point identification, feature vector extraction, Statistical Shape Model alignment, and transformation matrix generation. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently implemented or modified, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high productivity through automated execution
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, the present application provides a computer-implemented method for generating a digital data set representing a target tooth arrangement, comprising: obtaining a first 3D digital model representing an initial tooth arrangement; extracting at least one feature from each tooth of the first 3D digital model; generating a feature vector based on the extracted features; and aligning the first 3D digital model using a Statistical Shape Model based on the feature vector to obtain a second 3D digital model representing a target tooth arrangement.