Virtual Gingiva Modeling for Orthodontic Aligner Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthodontic aligner technologies struggle to accurately predict and generate realistic 3D models of gingiva shape changes during treatment, leading to improper fit and deterioration of aligners over time, as they treat gingiva and teeth as a single mesh without accounting for actual changes in gingiva shape as teeth are repositioned.
Innovation Solution
A system and methodology that uses an initial gingiva scan, considering tooth morphology and root movements, to generate precise gingiva models by applying force field vectors and finite element analysis, ensuring accurate adaptation of gingiva shape throughout treatment, minimizing model size and adding necessary features for aligner manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the gingiva and teeth geometries are treated as a single mesh that are strictly stitched and attached together, then the initial aligner models fit properly, but the aligners for later steps of treatment progressively deteriorate in fit due to inaccurate gingiva shape updates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the gingiva geometry from the teeth mesh by identifying and separating gingiva vertices, allowing independent manipulation and updating of gingiva shape without being constrained by the teeth mesh structure. This enables accurate representation of gingiva adaptation while maintaining proper aligner fit throughout treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic updating of gingiva shape at each treatment step by calculating new gingiva vertex positions based on tooth movement and gingival adaptation parameters. This dynamic approach allows the gingiva model to evolve realistically throughout treatment, maintaining aligner fit consistency across all treatment stages.
2Manufacturing precision
If the actual shapes of the patient's gingiva are used as the starting point, then the initial models fit perfectly, but updates to the gingiva shapes cause wrinkles in the gingiva shape as teeth move
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameters governing gingiva shape by introducing adaptation factors and control variables that regulate how gingiva vertices respond to tooth movement. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves smooth gingiva transformation without wrinkles while maintaining initial model accuracy.
3Shape
If completely virtual gingiva shapes are generated with no wrinkles and warping, then the surface appears smooth, but the models do not accurately represent the realistic shape of the gingiva
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms by comparing the generated gingiva shapes against realistic gingival adaptation patterns and adjusting the model accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that the virtual gingiva shapes maintain smooth surfaces while accurately representing realistic gingiva morphology and behavior during treatment.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and associated methodology for the generation of digital models that account for the adaptation of the shape of the patient's gingiva is provided. The exemplary system uses an initial scan of the patient's gingiva as a base model, taking into account the type and morphology of the teeth, the shape, orientation and movements of the roots inside the gingiva, and other factors for a more accurate prediction of the changes in the shape of the gingiva throughout every step of the treatment. In particular, the system proactively determines the areas of the model that will be covered by the aligner and prevents changes to such areas, whereas the shape of the model outside these areas is altered in a way to minimize the size of model and to add any necessary features for the manufacturing of the aligners.