Form-Fitting Component for TMJ Relation Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transferring patient-specific temporomandibular joint relations to virtual or physical articulators are complex and require the creation of plaster models or expensive 3D scanning, limiting the efficiency and accuracy of simulating chewing motions for dental prostheses.
Innovation Solution
The use of form-fitting components that directly imprint face bow information onto impression materials, allowing for patient-specific temporomandibular joint relation measurement and transfer into virtual or physical articulators without the need for plaster models, using a two-step process involving impression scanning and transformation data entry into the articulator system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If plaster models are created and physically articulated to transfer temporomandibular joint relations, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a digital copy (virtual articulator) to replace the physical plaster model and physical articulator system. The face bow measurement data is directly transferred to create a virtual representation of the patient's jaw relationship, eliminating the need for physical copying through plaster models while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical articulators and plaster models with a digital computing system. The virtual articulator software processes face bow data and jaw model data computationally to determine temporomandibular joint relations, substituting mechanical manipulation with digital algorithms.
2Measurement precision
If plaster models and physical articulators are used for transfer, then measurement accuracy is improved, but loss of time increases due to multiple processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the face bow measurement data and directly imports it into the virtual articulator system. This digital copying process eliminates the time-consuming physical steps of creating plaster models, mounting them in articulators, and then scanning or photographing them for digital transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary digital preparation by importing face bow data and jaw model data into the virtual articulator system before the actual measurement transfer. The system pre-configures the digital environment with all necessary reference frames and transformation matrices, so that when data is transferred, it can be immediately processed without post-processing delays.
3Device complexity
If manual parameter setting via sliders is used in virtual articulators, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual slider adjustment with automated computational algorithms. The virtual articulator system uses computer vision and image processing algorithms to automatically analyze face bow data and jaw model data, calculating precise parameters such as occlusal plane orientation and incisal point position without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously refines parameter measurements by analyzing the relationship between face bow reference frames and jaw model coordinates. The computational algorithm adjusts parameters based on feedback from the data analysis process, ensuring high precision through iterative optimization rather than single-pass manual setting.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to method of measuring patient-specific temporomandibular joint relation and transferring it into a virtual articulator by using a device comprising: a transfer linkage which can be attached from its upper end to a face bow; an impression means for holding impression material and for taking the impression of the upper jaw and/or the lower jaw of the patient through said impression material; at least a first form-fitting component fixed at the lower end of the transfer linkage, for leaving an impression on the impression material to be placed on the grip of the impressions means projecting out of the mouth of the patient.