Unified three dimensional virtual craniofacial and dentition model and uses thereof

• US 9,561,088 B2
• Filed: 12/31/2014
• Issued: 02/07/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 04/13/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Orametrix Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Orametrix Incorporated
• Inventors: Sachdeva, Rohit, Sporbert, Peer, Getto, Phillip, Kaufmann, Markus, Abraham, Charles L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Johns, Andrew W
• Application Number:
  US14/588,100
• Publication Number:
  US 20150374460A1
• Time in Patent Office: 769 Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/24 for the mouth, i.e. stomatoscopes, e.g. with tongue depressors tongue depressors per se A61B13/00; Instruments for opening or keeping open the mouth combined with saliva removers A61C17/00; mouth openers for animals A61D15/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0013 Medical image data A61B1/00011, A61B6/56, A61B8/56 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0077 Devices for viewing the surface of the body, e.g. camera, magnifying lens
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0088 for oral or dental tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/055 involving electronic [EMR] or nuclear [NMR] magnetic resonance, e.g. magnetic resonance imaging
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4547 Evaluating teeth
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 6/032 Transmission computed tomography [CT]
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 6/4085 Cone-beams
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 6/51 for dentistry
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/0875 for diagnosis of bone A61B5/4504 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 13/0004 Computer-assisted sizing or machining of dental prostheses
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 13/082 Cosmetic aspects, e.g. inlays; Determination of the colour A61C19/10 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 19/045 for recording mandibular movement, e.g. face bows
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 5/40 Implements for surgical treatment of the roots or nerves of the teeth; Nerve needles; Methods or instruments for medication of the roots
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 5/77 Methods or devices for making crowns
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 7/002 Orthodontic computer assisted systems
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 7/08 Mouthpiece-type retainers or positioners, e.g. for both the lower and upper arch arch-shaped medicament applicators for teeth or gums A61C19/063; mouthguards for protecting the teeth of sportsmen A63B71/085
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 7/12 Brackets; Arch wires; Combinations thereof; Accessories therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 7/14 Brackets A61C7/28 takes precedence; Fixing brackets to teeth
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 7/20 Arch wires A61C7/28 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 9/0053 : Optical means or methods, e.g. scanning the teeth by a laser or light beam
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 17/00 : Three dimensional [3D] modelling, e.g. data description of 3D objects
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 19/00 : Manipulating 3D models or images for computer graphics
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 19/20 : Editing of 3D images, e.g. changing shapes or colours, aligning objects or positioning parts
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 2210/41 : Medical
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 2219/028 : Multiple view windows (top-side-front-sagittal-orthogonal)
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/20 : for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities, e.g. managing hospital staff or surgery rooms
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 50/50 : for simulation or modelling of medical disorders
• CPC Class Codes: G16Z 99/00 : Subject matter not provided for in other main groups of this subclass

Abstract

A method and apparatus are disclosed enabling an orthodontist or a user to create an unified three dimensional virtual craniofacial and dentition model of actual, as-is static and functional anatomy of a patient, from data representing facial bone structure; upper jaw and lower jaw; facial soft tissue; teeth including crowns and roots; information of the position of the roots relative to each other; and relative to the facial bone structure of the patient; obtained by scanning as-is anatomy of craniofacial and dentition structures of the patient with a volume scanning device; and data representing three dimensional virtual models of the patient'"'"'s upper and lower gingiva, obtained from scanning the patient'"'"'s upper and lower gingiva either (a) with a volume scanning device, or (a) with a surface scanning device. Such craniofacial and dentition models of the patient can be used in optimally planning treatment of a patient.

Claims

1. A method of orthodontic treatment planning for a patient having tooth-roots abnormalities, comprising the steps of:

(a) scanning craniofacial and dentition structure of said patient using a volume scanner, thereby obtaining digital images of said craniofacial and dentition structure of said patient;

(b) creating a three dimensional virtual model of said craniofacial and dentition structure of said patient from said digital images, wherein said three dimensional virtual model comprises said patient'"'"'s teeth with three-dimensional crowns, three-dimensional roots and three-dimensional upper and lower jaw bones;

(c) identifying said tooth-roots abnormalities from said three dimensional virtual model; and

(d) planning corrective treatment steps to cure said tooth-roots abnormalities.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said tooth-roots abnormalities comprise one or more tooth-roots entangled with one or more different tooth-roots;

and wherein said corrective treatment steps comprise repositioning said teeth in a step-wise manner such that said treatment steps enable un-entangling of said tooth-roots.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said tooth-roots abnormalities comprise one or more tooth-roots or portion(s) thereof placed out-side of said upper or lower jaw bones of said patient as applicable;

and wherein said corrective treatment steps comprise repositioning said teeth, in a step-wise manner, such that said tooth-roots are completely contained in such bones as desired.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein upper and lower gingiva are integrated within said three dimensional virtual model of craniofacial and dentition structure of said patient;

and wherein shape of said upper and lower gingiva is adjusted as desired thereby enabling curing said tooth-roots abnormalities.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein orthodontic appliances are designed for assisting in curing said tooth-roots abnormalities.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein said orthodontic appliances include one or more orthodontic brackets.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein said orthodontic appliances include one or more sets of aligners.

8. The method of claim 5 or 6, wherein said orthodontic appliances include one or more orthodontic archwires.

9. A method of orthodontic treatment planning for a patient having tooth-appearance abnormalities, tooth shape anomalies, fractured anatomy, loss of structure, loss of one or more teeth, comprising the steps of:

(a) scanning craniofacial and dentition structure of said patient using a volume scanner, thereby obtaining digital images of said craniofacial and dentition structure of said patient;

(b) creating a three dimensional virtual model of said craniofacial and dentition structure of said patient from said digital images, wherein said three dimensional virtual model comprises said patient'"'"'s teeth with three-dimensional crowns, three-dimensional roots and three-dimensional upper and lower jaw bones;

(c) identifying said tooth-appearance abnormalities; and

(d) planning corrective treatment steps to cure said tooth-appearance abnormalities; and

corrective restorative and implant treatment to cure said loss of one or more teeth.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein said tooth-appearance abnormalities comprise one or more teeth of said patient having sizes smaller than desired;

and wherein said corrective treatment steps are to increase size or change form of each of said one or more teeth to said desired size.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein said tooth-appearance abnormalities comprise one or more teeth of said patient having sizes larger than desired;

and wherein said corrective treatment steps are to decrease said size or form of each of said one or more teeth to said desired size.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein said tooth-appearance abnormalities comprise one or more teeth of said patient having shapes other than desired;

and wherein said corrective treatment steps are to reshape each of said one or more teeth to said desired shape.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein said tooth-appearance abnormalities comprise one or more teeth of said patient having undesirable sizes and shapes;

and wherein said corrective treatment steps are to resize and reshape each of said one or more teeth to said desired size and shape.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein said tooth-appearance abnormalities comprise one or more teeth of said patient having one or more line angles misplaced on said one or more teeth;

and wherein said corrective treatment steps are to properly restore each of said one or more of line angles.

15. The method of claim 9, wherein said tooth-appearance abnormalities comprise one or more teeth of said patient having one or more points misplaced on said one or more teeth;

and wherein said corrective treatment steps are to properly place each of said one or more misplaced points.

16. The method of claim 9, wherein tooth anatomy, size and form can be restored based upon a template tooth from a library of said template teeth.

17. The method of claim 9, wherein tooth anatomy, size and form can be restored based upon a similar tooth in said patient'"'"'s mouth.

18. The method of claim 9, wherein tooth anatomy, size and form can be restored based upon a mirror image of non-affected side of said tooth of said patient.

19. A method of orthodontic treatment planning for a patient having tooth-appearance abnormalities, tooth shape anomalies, fractured anatomy, loss of structure, loss of tooth, comprising the steps of:

(a) scanning dentition of said patient using an in-vivo or an invitro surface scanner, thereby obtaining digital images of said dentition of said patient;

(b) creating a three dimensional virtual model of said dentition of said patient from said digital images, wherein said three dimensional virtual model comprises said patient'"'"'s teeth with three-dimensional crowns;

(c) identifying said tooth-appearance abnormalities, tooth shape anomalies, fractured anatomy, loss of structure, loss of tooth;

(d) planning corrective treatment steps to cure said tooth-appearance abnormalities, tooth shape anomalies, fractured anatomy, loss of structure, loss of tooth;

(e) designing device to correct said tooth-appearance abnormalities, tooth shape anomalies, fractured anatomy, loss of structure, loss of tooth; and

(f) sending data to for manufacturing said device.

20. A method of orthodontic treatment planning for a patient having soft tissue abnormalities, comprising the steps of:

(a) scanning soft tissue structure of said patient using a volume scanner and/or an in-vivo or invitro scanner, thereby obtaining digital images of said soft tissue structure of said patient;

(b) creating a three dimensional virtual model of said soft tissue structure of said patient from said digital images;

(c) identifying said soft tissue abnormalities from said three dimensional virtual model of said soft tissue structure of said patient;

(d) planning corrective treatment steps to cure said soft tissue abnormalities;

(e) designing device to correct said soft tissue abnormalities; and

(f) sending data for manufacturing said device.

21. A method of planning treatment for a patient having one or more root abnormalities, comprising the steps of:

(a) scanning craniofacial and dentition structure of said patient using a volume scanner and/or a surface scanner, thereby obtaining digital images of said craniofacial and dentition structure of said patient;

(b) creating a three dimensional virtual model of said craniofacial and dentition structure of said patient from said digital images, wherein said three dimensional virtual model comprises said patient'"'"'s teeth with three-dimensional crowns, three-dimensional roots, three-dimensional upper and lower jaw bones and soft tissue;

(c) diagnosing said root abnormalities;

wherein said diagnosed root abnormalities have an impact on;

(i) one or more other roots; and

/or

(ii) bone; and

/or

(iii) soft tissue;

(d) planning corrective treatment steps to cure said diagnosed root abnormalities;

wherein said corrective treatment steps comprise one or more of following;

(A) orthodontic treatment, (B) surgical treatment, (C) periodontal treatment, (D) endodontic treatment, and (E) restorative treatment;

(e) designing one or more devices to correct said root abnormalities; and

(f) sending data to a facility for manufacturing said one or more devices.

22. A method of planning treatment for a patient having one or more alveolar bone abnormalities or defects, comprising the steps of:

(a) scanning craniofacial and dentition structure of said patient using a volume scanner and/or a surface scanner, thereby obtaining digital images of said craniofacial and dentition structure of said patient;

(b) creating a three dimensional virtual model of said craniofacial and dentition structure of said patient from said digital images, wherein said three dimensional virtual model comprises a three dimensional virtual model of bone, teeth with crowns and roots, and/or soft tissue of said patient;

(c) diagnosing said bone defects and abnormalities;

wherein said diagnosed bone abnormalities and/or defects have an impact on;

(i) one or more roots; and

/or

(ii) soft tissue; and

/or

(iii) adjacent bone;

(d) planning corrective treatment steps to cure said diagnosed bone abnormalities and/or defects;

wherein said corrective treatment steps comprise one or more of following;

(A) orthodontic treatment, (B) surgical treatment, (C) periodontal treatment, (D) restorative treatment, (E) endodontic treatment, and (F) prosthodontic treatment;

(e) designing one or more devices to correct said bone abnormalities and/or defects; and

(f) sending data to a facility for manufacturing said one or more devices.

23. A method of planning treatment for a patient having one or more gingival tissue abnormalities or defects, comprising the steps of:

(a) scanning craniofacial and dentition structure of said patient using a volume scanner and/or a surface scanner, thereby obtaining digital images of said craniofacial and dentition structure of said patient;

(b) creating a three dimensional virtual model of said craniofacial and dentition structure of said patient from said digital images, wherein said three dimensional virtual model comprises a three dimensional virtual model of bone, teeth with crowns and roots, and/or gingival tissue, of said patient;

(c) diagnosing said gingival defects and abnormalities;

wherein said diagnosed gingival abnormalities and/or defects have an impact on;

(iv) one or more roots; and

/or

(v) adjacent soft tissue; and

/or

(vi) bone; and

/or tooth crown,

(d) planning corrective treatment steps to cure said diagnosed gingival abnormalities and/or defects;

wherein said corrective treatment steps comprise one or more of following;

(A) orthodontic treatment, (B) surgical treatment, (C) periodontal treatment;

(D) restorative treatment;

(e) designing one or more devices to correct said gingival abnormalities and/or defects; and

(f) sending data to a facility for manufacturing said one or more devices.

24. A method of planning an optimal treatment for a patient having one or more craniofacial and/or dental abnormalities or defects, comprising the steps of:

(a) scanning craniofacial and dentition structure of said patient using a volume scanner and/or a surface scanner, thereby obtaining digital images of said craniofacial and dentition structure of said patient;

(b) creating a three dimensional virtual model of said craniofacial and dentition structure of said patient from said digital images, wherein said three dimensional virtual model comprises said patient'"'"'s teeth with three-dimensional crowns and three-dimensional roots and three-dimensional upper and lower jaw bones;

(c) diagnosing said craniofacial and/or dental abnormalities and/or defects;

wherein said diagnosed abnormalities and/or defects require a combination of one or more treatment types;

wherein said treatment types comprise one or more from following treatment types;

(A) orthodontic, (B) oral surgery, (c) restorative dentistry, (d) periodontal surgery, (E) endodontics, (F) plastic surgery;

(d) evaluating different treatment options from view point of;

(i) treatment priority;

(ii) patient desires;

(iii) doctor skills;

(iv) timeliness of care;

(v) treatment cost;

(vi) degree of invasiveness;

(vi) effectiveness;

(e) planning corrective treatment steps to cure said diagnosed gingival abnormalities and/or defects;

wherein said corrective treatment steps comprise one or more of following;

(A) orthodontic treatment, (B) surgical treatment, (C) periodontal treatment;

(D) restorative treatment;

(f) designing one or more devices to correct said gingival abnormalities and/or defects; and

(g) sending data to a facility for manufacturing said one or more devices.