Interactive orthodontic care system based on intra-oral scanning of teeth

US6648640B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ora Metrix, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Rudger Rubbert · Berlin, DE
• Thomas Weise · Berlin, DE
• Friedrich Riemeier · Berlin, DE
• Rohit Sachdeva · Plano, US
• Werner Butscher · Berlin, DE
• Peer Sporbert · Berlin, DE
• Hans Imgrund · Berlin, DE
• Lutz Pfeil · Berlin, DE
• Hans-Florian Geerdes · Berlin, DE
• Dimitrij Kouzian · Berlin, DE
• Mario Leichner · Hohen Neuendorf, DE
• Stephan Maetzel · Berlin, DE
• Peter See · Berlin, DE
• Jens Troeger · Redmond, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 13, 2001
• Grant date: Nov 18, 2003
• Expiry date: Oct 21, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G16H80/00
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Interactive, computer based orthodontist treatment planning, appliance design and appliance manufacturing is described. A scanner is described which acquires images of the dentition which are converted to three-dimensional frames of data. The data from the several frames are registered to each other to provide a complete three-dimensional virtual model of the dentition. Individual tooth objects are obtained from the virtual model. A computer-interactive software program provides for treatment planning, diagnosis and appliance from the virtual tooth models. A desired occlusion for the patient is obtained from the treatment planning software. The virtual model of the desired occlusion and the virtual model of the original dentition provide a base of information for custom manufacture of an orthodontic appliance. A variety of possible appliance and appliance manufacturing systems are contemplated, including customized archwires and customized devices for placement of off-the shelf brackets on the archwires, and removable orthodontic appliances.