Automated Tooth Crown Shape Extraction from Intraoral Scan Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for determining tooth crown shapes in dental prosthetics often rely on manual labor and expertise, making it time-consuming and labor-intensive to construct a database of tooth crown shapes for various patients, and struggle to accurately replicate natural tooth shapes without preoperative models.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a computer program to acquire tooth crown information by processing 3D dental scanner data, extracting vertex groups, calculating normal vectors, and using a neural network to classify and output tooth crown shapes, thereby automating the database construction and improving shape accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual extraction and registration of tooth crown shapes is performed, then accuracy of tooth crown shape determination is improved, but time consumption and labor requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical extraction and registration processes with an automated image processing system. The system automatically extracts tooth crown shapes from intraoral images using algorithms, identifies tooth positions and types, and registers them in a database without requiring manual intervention for each individual tooth, thereby significantly reducing time consumption while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically processing intraoral images to extract, identify, and register tooth crown shapes. The automated algorithm independently completes the entire workflow from image input to database registration, eliminating the need for manual operational steps and reducing both time and labor requirements
2Measurement precision
If manual extraction and registration of tooth crown shapes is performed, then accuracy of tooth crown shape determination is improved, but labor requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical extraction and registration processes with an automated image processing system. The system automatically extracts tooth crown shapes from intraoral images using algorithms, identifies tooth positions and types, and registers them in a database without requiring manual intervention for each individual tooth, thereby significantly reducing time consumption while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically processing intraoral images to extract, identify, and register tooth crown shapes. The automated algorithm independently completes the entire workflow from image input to database registration, eliminating the need for manual operational steps and reducing both time and labor requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If tooth crown shape is determined based on experience or skill of dental technician, then flexibility in treatment planning is improved, but accuracy of replicating natural tooth shape deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates accurate digital copies of natural tooth crown shapes by extracting precise geometric data from intraoral images. These digital models serve as precise templates that can be used for treatment planning and prosthetic fabrication, combining the accuracy of direct observation with the flexibility of digital processing and storage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces digital image data as an intermediary between the physical tooth and the treatment planning process. The extracted tooth crown shape information serves as a mediator that preserves the natural tooth's geometry while enabling flexible digital manipulation, storage, and application in various treatment scenarios
4Adaptability or versatility
If preoperative model is not available, then treatment accessibility is improved, but accuracy of contact surface optimization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates accurate digital copies of natural tooth crown shapes by extracting precise geometric data from intraoral images. These digital models serve as precise templates that can be used for treatment planning and prosthetic fabrication, combining the accuracy of direct observation with the flexibility of digital processing and storage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical extraction and registration processes with an automated image processing system. The system automatically extracts tooth crown shapes from intraoral images using algorithms, identifies tooth positions and types, and registers them in a database without requiring manual intervention for each individual tooth, thereby significantly reducing time consumption while maintaining accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
A normal vector or a curvature at each of a plurality of vertexes that are included in data relating to an oral cavity shape including a tooth crown shape of at least one tooth and define the oral cavity shape is acquired. Then, a vertex group that defines the tooth crown shape of the at least one tooth is extracted from the plurality of vertexes based on the acquired normal vectors or curvatures. Further, the extracted vertex group is outputted as tooth crown shape information that specifies a tooth crown portion in the oral cavity shape. Consequently, automatic construction of a database for a tooth crown shape can be implemented.