Virtual Dental Occlusion Using Semi-Automatic Jaw Contact Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthognathic surgery planning systems require manual or automated methods to determine virtual occlusion, which are cumbersome, time-consuming, and often result in sub-optimal outcomes due to the complexity of aligning split jaws and accounting for clinical requirements, necessitating specialized training or limiting user input.
Innovation Solution
A semi-automatic algorithm that simulates contact between jaws using a graphical user interface, allowing users to manipulate a limited set of clinically relevant parameters, with the algorithm adjusting the remaining parameters to achieve optimized occlusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual methods are used to determine virtual occlusion by rotating and translating 3-D models of jaws, then the occlusion can be specified, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires specialized training
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows the occlusion determination process to partially serve itself by automatically calculating the vertical translation of the moving jaw based on contact point detection between upper and lower teeth, reducing the need for manual adjustment while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the approach from manually adjusting all six degrees of freedom to manually setting only four parameters (horizontal translations and axial rotation) while the system automatically determines the remaining two parameters (vertical translation and coronal/sagittal rotations) based on tooth contact geometry
2Measurement precision
If manual rotation and translation of 3-D jaw models is performed to specify occlusion, then the desired occlusion can be achieved, but the operation becomes cumbersome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the occlusion determination process into two parts: user-controlled parameters (horizontal position and axial rotation) and system-calculated parameters (vertical position and coronal/sagittal rotations), making the interface simpler while maintaining comprehensive control
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary algorithm that translates user inputs on four parameters into the complete six-degree-of-freedom occlusion specification, automatically calculating the remaining parameters based on simulated tooth contact between upper and lower jaws
3Productivity
If automated algorithms are used to determine virtual occlusion, then time is reduced, but user input and control are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the balance between user control and automated calculation, allowing users to specify four clinically relevant parameters while the system automatically adapts to calculate the remaining two parameters based on real-time tooth contact simulation
Data Source
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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.