Virtual Mandibular Articulation from Intra-oral Scans
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for obtaining articulation information in digital dentistry are time-consuming and require expensive analog devices, necessitating a digital replacement for the manual process of capturing mandibular articulation data.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that calculates a virtual model of mandibular articulation from extreme bite scans captured with an intraoral scanner, using digital 3D models to reproduce mandible movement relative to the maxilla, facilitating prosthesis design, orthodontic setup, and advanced diagnostics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual process using face bow and lab articulator is used to capture mandibular articulation data, then articulation information can be obtained, but the process is time consuming and requires expensive analog devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process (face bow and lab articulator) with a digital intra-oral scanning system. The scanning device captures multiple images of the dentition in different bite positions, and a processing system automatically calculates the condylar axis and reproduces mandibular movement digitally, eliminating the need for physical analog devices and manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the mandibular articulation process by capturing dentition images in various bite positions and using computational algorithms to reproduce the condylar movement and establish a virtual condylar axis. This digital replica replaces the physical articulator while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If manual process using face bow and lab articulator is used to capture mandibular articulation data, then articulation information can be obtained, but expensive analog devices are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical analog devices (face bow, lab articulator) with a digital scanning system and computational processing. The intra-oral scanner and software algorithms provide the same measurement capabilities without requiring complex physical equipment, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses digital imaging to create a virtual representation of the articulation process, replacing the need for expensive physical analog devices. The digital model and computational calculations provide accurate articulation data without the cost of traditional mechanical equipment.
3Productivity
If digital 3D models are used to reproduce mandible movement, then the process becomes more efficient and less expensive, but accurate calculation of condylar axis is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs iterative image registration and alignment algorithms that continuously refine the positioning of dentition images from different bite positions. The system compares captured images with the calculated condylar axis, adjusts parameters, and re-calculates until optimal alignment is achieved, ensuring measurement precision while maintaining efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary capture of multiple dentition images in various bite positions before final condylar axis calculation. This preliminary data collection and initial processing prepare the system for accurate subsequent calculations, ensuring both efficiency and precision in the overall workflow.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for determining virtual articulation from dental scans. The method includes receiving digital 3D models of a person's maxillary and mandibular arches, and digital 3D models of a plurality of different bite poses of the arches. The digital 3D models of the maxillary and mandibular arches are registered with the bite poses to generate transforms defining spatial relationships between the arches for the bite poses. Based upon the digital 3D models and transforms, the method computes a pure rotation axis representation for each bite pose of the mandibular arch with respect to the maxillary arch. The virtual articulation can be used in making restorations or for diagnostic purposes.