Virtual Jaw Articulation Using Optical Dental Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for replicating the movement of the lower jaw relative to the upper jaw in dental articulators are cumbersome, time-consuming, and require expert handling, limiting their efficiency in dental procedures.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing virtual models and scanners, such as optical scanners based on confocal imaging techniques, to determine the spatial relationship between dental structures and body references like the ear canals or TMJ, allowing for the generation of precise virtual models that replicate the patient's jaw movement, reducing the need for physical manipulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional mechanical facebow and bite fork methods are used to replicate jaw movement, then spatial relationship data can be obtained, but the process becomes complicated and time-consuming requiring expert handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical facebow and bite fork system with an optical scanning system. The scanner captures images of anatomical landmarks and dental structures, and a computer automatically processes these images to determine spatial relationships. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical coupling devices and manual measurement procedures, thereby reducing process complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the patient's anatomical structures through optical scanning and image processing. Instead of using physical plaster models and mechanical artifacts, the system generates digital representations of the jaw, teeth, and surrounding anatomy. This virtual copying approach simplifies the workflow by eliminating physical manipulation steps while preserving the spatial relationship information needed for dental procedures.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional plaster model mounting procedures are performed, then dental arches can be replicated, but the process requires expert handling and significant time investment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual plaster model mounting with automated computer-based image processing. The system uses software to automatically align, register, and reconstruct three-dimensional models from scanned images, eliminating the need for expert manual manipulation of plaster models. This automation significantly reduces procedure time while maintaining or improving replication accuracy through precise digital algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary capture and processing of anatomical data through optical scanning before any model construction is needed. By acquiring and processing the spatial relationship data in advance through automated systems, the preparation work is completed digitally, eliminating time-consuming manual model mounting steps that previously required expert handling and significant time investment.
3Reliability
If conventional articulator setup methods are used, then jaw movement can be simulated, but the process is cumbersome and limits procedural efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the cumbersome mechanical articulator setup process with a computer-based virtual articulation system. The software uses the captured spatial relationship data to simulate jaw movements and test dental restorations in a virtual environment, eliminating the need for physical articulator assembly and adjustment. This substitution maintains the reliability of jaw movement simulation while dramatically improving procedural efficiency by reducing setup time and eliminating manual manipulation steps.
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 approach simplifies the setup process, enhances precision, and reduces the time required for dental procedures by providing accurate virtual models that can be used in orthodontic and prosthodontic applications.
Implementation Method 1
scanners, such as optical scanners based on confocal imaging techniques
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system are provided for providing patient data useful for dental procedures, including scanning a dental structure of a patient when coupled to a geometric structure to provide a virtual model representative of the coupling and the dental structure, and relating the virtual model to a body reference of the patient.