Trans-illuminative Intraoral LED Lighting for Dental Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing dental caries and intraoral pathology provide low-definition, radiation-based images of internal tooth structures and surrounding tissues, failing to offer high-quality, full-color images across multiple teeth and arches simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A trans-illuminative intraoral diagnostic lighting system using a sealed housing with LEDs, a removable light diffusing positioning apparatus, and a dental retractor to illuminate the oral cavity from within and capture images from outside, allowing light to pass through teeth for clear visualization of internal structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If X-rays are used to image internal tooth structures, then radiation-based diagnostic images are obtained, but the image definition is low and only black and white images are produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the X-ray radiation-based imaging system with a visible light transillumination system. LEDs emit light that passes through the translucent teeth, and a camera captures the transmitted light patterns, substituting ionizing radiation with non-ionizing visible light while achieving comparable diagnostic information without harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the natural color properties of teeth and surrounding tissues when illuminated by visible light. Different structures (enamel, dentin, pulp, caries, soft tissues) transmit and absorb light differently, producing characteristic color patterns that provide diagnostic information while enabling full-color imaging unlike black-and-white X-rays.
2Measurement precision
If external light sources are used to illuminate teeth for imaging, then light can be provided, but internal tooth structures cannot be visualized clearly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of illuminating teeth from the external surface and capturing reflected light, the patent inverts the approach by placing the light source inside the oral cavity behind the teeth and capturing transmitted light from the external surface. This allows light to penetrate through the tooth structure, making internal features visible through their light transmission characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the natural translucency of tooth structures as an intermediary medium. The teeth themselves act as the medium through which light passes, with different internal structures (enamel, dentin, pulp chambers, caries) modifying the light in characteristic ways that reveal their presence and condition in the captured images.
3Area of stationary object
If intraoral cameras are used to detect lesions, then transillumination can detect insipient lesions on 1-2 posterior teeth, but abnormalities cannot be detected across multiple teeth or arches simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal imaging system that can simultaneously capture multiple teeth and arches in a single exposure. The combination of intraoral LED illumination and external camera positioning allows the system to function as both a detailed lesion detector and a comprehensive full-mouth survey tool, eliminating the need to compromise between coverage area and diagnostic detail.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables radiation-free, high-definition, full-color imaging of both hard and soft tissues, improving diagnostic accuracy and communication between dentists and patients, as well as facilitating the fabrication of ceramic restorations.
Implementation Method 1
The housing includes portable and rechargeable power such as, for example, a battery, and a wireless receiver
Implementation Method 2
The natural translucency of teeth makes it possible for a sufficiently intense light to shine through the teeth and allow an image to be taken on the opposite side of the teeth from the location of the source of the light
Implementation Method 3
A removable, light diffusing positioning apparatus is removably attachable to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A trans-illuminative intraoral diagnostic lighting system includes a housing containing at least one LED and has a removable light diffusing positioning apparatus attached to it that facilitates proper positioning of the housing within the oral cavity of a person behind their teeth. When the LED(s) is/are activated, the oral cavity is illuminated and light passes through the teeth making their internal structures visible outside the oral cavity. A retractor may be used to retract the cheeks and lips to allow full exposure of the teeth and a camera may be employed to photograph the teeth from outside the oral cavity.