Tooth Root Simulation Using Optical-Scan Crown Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental imaging methods, such as CBCT scans, expose patients to excessive radiation and increase treatment costs due to the need for multiple scans during orthodontic or endodontic treatments.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that segments and compares three-dimensional (3D) X-ray and optical-scan (OS) dental image data to determine relative position and orientation differences, allowing fusion of images to simulate tooth root positions without additional X-ray scans, using machine learning and convolutional neural networks (CNNs).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple CBCT scans are taken during treatment to monitor tooth position, then measurement precision of tooth movement is improved, but radiation exposure and treatment cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the tooth root structure from an initial CBCT scan and transports it through 3D space by calculating displacement vectors from optical scan comparisons. This virtual root model serves as a radiation-free substitute for repeated physical CBCT scans, maintaining measurement capability while eliminating harmful radiation exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs the CBCT scan and root segmentation only once at the beginning of treatment. The root model is prepared in advance and then repeatedly transported and updated based on optical scan data, eliminating the need for repeated CBCT scans throughout the treatment process.
2Measurement precision
If multiple CBCT scans are taken during treatment, then measurement precision of tooth movement is improved, but treatment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the tooth root structure from an initial CBCT scan and transports it through 3D space by calculating displacement vectors from optical scan comparisons. This virtual root model serves as a radiation-free substitute for repeated physical CBCT scans, maintaining measurement capability while eliminating harmful radiation exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs the CBCT scan and root segmentation only once at the beginning of treatment. The root model is prepared in advance and then repeatedly transported and updated based on optical scan data, eliminating the need for repeated CBCT scans throughout the treatment process.
3Loss of information
If CBCT scans are used to visualize tooth roots, then information completeness about root position is improved, but radiation exposure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the tooth root structure from an initial CBCT scan and transports it through 3D space by calculating displacement vectors from optical scan comparisons. This virtual root model serves as a radiation-free substitute for repeated physical CBCT scans, maintaining measurement capability while eliminating harmful radiation exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs the CBCT scan and root segmentation only once at the beginning of treatment. The root model is prepared in advance and then repeatedly transported and updated based on optical scan data, eliminating the need for repeated CBCT scans throughout the treatment process.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If optical scans are used instead of CBCT, then radiation exposure is reduced, but ability to visualize root structure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of both CBCT and optical scans by using CBCT only for the initial root structure capture and optical scans for ongoing position monitoring. The virtual root model combines the 3D structural information from CBCT with the precise positional data from optical scans, creating a hybrid solution that eliminates radiation while maintaining complete root visualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the tooth root structure from an initial CBCT scan and transports it through 3D space by calculating displacement vectors from optical scan comparisons. This virtual root model serves as a radiation-free substitute for repeated physical CBCT scans, maintaining measurement capability while eliminating harmful radiation exposure.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for monitoring teeth position during treatment includes segmenting three-dimensional dental X-ray image data of teeth in a first treatment state and segmenting optical-scan (OS) image data of the teeth in a second treatment state. The position and orientation of each segmented X-ray crown is compared with the position and orientation of each segmented OS crown to determine any relative position differences and any relative orientation differences. Each segmented X-ray root is repositioned and/or reoriented according to the relative position differences and/or any relative orientation differences, if any, between the corresponding segmented OS and X-ray crowns. The OS crown and the X-ray root are then fused so simulate the roots in the second treatment state without exposing the patient to additional radiation.