Automatic Tooth Axis Construction from 3D Dental Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthodontic methods face challenges in accurately positioning orthodontic brackets on severely crowded teeth or those obstructed by opposing arches, due to difficulty in accessing optimal surfaces and human error in manual construction of tooth axes, which prolongs the bonding procedure and increases the risk of incorrect placement.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system for automatically constructing a tooth's axes using three-dimensional digital data sets, employing algorithms to calculate orthogonal unit vectors based on the tooth's crown shape and gingival tissue models, reducing human error and improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual construction of tooth axes is used, then flexibility in handling complex tooth geometries is maintained, but time consumption and human error increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical construction of tooth axes with an automated computer-based system that uses algorithms to calculate axes from 3D dental images. This substitution eliminates human error and time consumption while maintaining or improving precision through computational methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies of tooth structures from 3D images and performs axis construction on these virtual models rather than physically measuring actual teeth. This copying approach allows repeated, error-free measurements without manipulating the actual teeth, thereby saving time and reducing human error.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual bracket placement is performed, then adaptability to individual tooth surfaces is maintained, but placement accuracy decreases due to difficulty in accessing optimal surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation of optimal bracket positions and tooth axes before the actual bracket placement. By pre-determining the exact positions using 3D imaging and computational algorithms, the orthodontist can focus on execution rather than measurement, improving placement accuracy while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces digital 3D models as an intermediary between the physical tooth and the bracket. These virtual models allow precise visualization and calculation of optimal bracket positions without requiring direct physical access to difficult-to-reach surfaces, thereby improving placement accuracy while maintaining the ability to adapt to individual tooth geometries.
3Productivity
If conventional bonding procedures are used, then simplicity of the process is maintained, but procedure duration increases due to moisture contamination constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs all measurements, axis constructions, and bracket position calculations before the bonding procedure begins. By completing all planning and measurement tasks in advance using 3D imaging, the actual bonding procedure can be executed faster without compromising accuracy, as all critical decisions have already been made.
Data Source
AI summary
System and method for automatic construction of the tooth's axes in terms of three orthogonal unit vectors are disclosed. Three dimensional data for a tooth is used to automatically construct the tooth's axes. System and methods for automatic construction of the axes for different types of teeth such as incisors, canines, premolars, and molars are disclosed.