Transparent Tooth Model for Dental Imaging Teaching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental imaging techniques for intraoral periapical radiography face challenges such as ambiguous projection directions, uncertainties in tooth morphology, and inefficiencies in teaching apparatuses due to the use of X-rays and opaque tooth models, leading to inaccurate and time-consuming imaging processes.
Innovation Solution
A dental imaging teaching apparatus featuring a partially transparent tooth model with deformable nodes and connections, a visible light source, and a graduated imaging plate, allowing for intuitive visualization and adjustment of projection angles and positions without ionizing radiation, enabling real-time simulation of tooth structures and internal relationships.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If X-rays are used for dental imaging teaching, then imaging capability is achieved, but radiation safety and equipment complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visible light to copy the imaging process of X-rays, creating a safe teaching model that replicates the essential imaging geometry and principles without using harmful radiation. The light source, transparent tooth model, and imaging plate together form a visible light imaging system that mimics X-ray periapical radiography
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces visible light as an intermediary substance to replace X-rays in the imaging process. The light source acts as a mediator that allows students to observe imaging geometry and principles through visible illumination passing through the transparent tooth model onto the imaging plate
2Strength
If opaque tooth models are used in teaching apparatus, then structural integrity is maintained, but internal structure visualization is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the tooth model transparent in the regions where internal structures need to be visualized, while maintaining appropriate structural integrity. The transparent material allows light to pass through and reveal internal anatomical features such as root canals and pulp chambers
3Device complexity
If facial landmarks are used for projection direction estimation, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but projection accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual estimation method using facial landmarks with a more precise optical system. By using a light source that projects through the transparent tooth model directly onto the imaging plate, the system eliminates the need for external facial landmark references and provides accurate projection geometry through direct optical measurement
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
This solution enhances the accuracy and efficiency of dental imaging by allowing real-time visualization and simulation of tooth structures, reduces radiation exposure, and improves teaching efficiency by providing a practical and intuitive method for training and education.
Implementation Method 1
a tooth model (2), which is at least partially transparent to visible light
Data Source
AI summary
A dental imaging teaching apparatus includes a light source, a tooth model and an imaging plate. The light source is configured to emit visible light, and the tooth model is at least partially transparent to visible light. The imaging plate is provided with graduations in the form of a grid. The tooth model includes a plurality of nodes and connections. The plurality of nodes is connected by the connections, forming a mesh. This dental imaging teaching apparatus avoids the ambiguities and operating difficulties associated with the conventional X-ray projection techniques, enhances radiography technology and reduces imaging repetitions, effectively reducing a patient's unnecessary exposure to the harmful radiation due to such repetitions. Moreover, it can be easily applied to teaching and professional education, and as the first periapical projection teaching apparatus, it improves the theoretical system of periapical projection technology for oral and maxillofacial imaging for medical use.