Virtual Dental Occlusion With Semi-Automatic Jaw Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining virtual occlusion in orthognathic surgery planning are cumbersome and time-consuming, often requiring manual manipulation of 3D models by surgeons, which can lead to sub-optimal outcomes and require extensive training, especially in split mandible or maxilla cases where multiple parts need precise repositioning.

Innovation Solution

A semi-automatic algorithm that simulates contact between teeth using a graphical user interface (GUI) allows users to specify limited clinically relevant spatial and rotational parameters, with the algorithm adjusting additional parameters to achieve optimal occlusion, dividing the six degrees of freedom between user-controlled and algorithm-manipulated parameters to simplify the process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual manipulation of 3D models is used to determine occlusion, then the surgeon has full control over the process, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires extensive training

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of occlusion determinationVSAvoidtime for occlusion determination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables the occlusion determination process to partially serve itself through automated algorithms. The computer automatically adjusts jaw positions and evaluates occlusion criteria without requiring continuous manual intervention, reducing the time burden on surgeons while maintaining clinical control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical manipulation of 3D models with an automated computational system. The computer algorithm automatically performs the iterative adjustment of jaw positions and occlusion evaluation that previously required manual surgeon intervention, significantly reducing time requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If manual manipulation of 3D models is used to determine occlusion, then the surgeon can make clinical judgments, but the process requires extensive training and leads to sub-optimal outcomes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of occlusion determinationVSAvoidcomplexity of the determination process

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual surgeon manipulation with an automated computational algorithm that systematically evaluates occlusion criteria. This substitution improves precision by eliminating human error and fatigue while managing complexity through software automation rather than manual procedural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates automated feedback mechanisms where the computer continuously evaluates occlusion criteria and adjusts jaw positions accordingly. This feedback loop ensures optimal occlusion determination by systematically checking against established clinical criteria without requiring surgeon expertise in the adjustment process itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If all six degrees of freedom are manually adjusted, then complete control is achieved, but the process becomes overly complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol over spatial parametersVSAvoidsimplicity of parameter adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the six degrees of freedom into two distinct groups: three parameters controlled manually by the surgeon (positioning the moving jaw in space) and three parameters controlled automatically by the computer (precise alignment and occlusion adjustment). This segmentation allows the surgeon to focus on clinically relevant positioning while the algorithm handles the complex alignment mathematics, simplifying the overall operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The computer acts as an intermediary between the surgeon's high-level clinical decisions and the low-level geometric adjustments. The surgeon specifies the three primary positioning parameters, and the computer automatically computes and applies the remaining three parameters needed for precise occlusion, mediating between clinical intent and geometric realization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20240407901A1Method to semi-automatically determine virtual dental occlusion

Publication Date: 2024.12.12 MATERIALISE NV

AI summary

Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide for a method of determining a virtual occlusion. The method may include obtaining a 3-D representation of a patient's first and second jaw portions. The method may further include, with the 3-D representation, representing in a GUI an initial position of the first jaw portion relative to the second jaw portion, the initial position being defined by six pre-determined degrees of freedom relative to a coordinate system fixed relative to the first jaw portion. The method may further include receiving user input of changes at least one degree of freedom, and automatically adjusting at least one other degree of freedom to minimize a vertical distance of the control point to the origin, thereby determining a virtual occlusion. The method may further include representing, in the GUI, the first and second jaw portions in the determined virtual occlusion.