Three-dimensional occlusal and interproximal contact detection and display using virtual tooth models

US7442041B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ora Metrix, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Hans Imgrund · Berlin, DE
• Rudger Rubbert · Berlin, DE
• Dimitrij Kouzian · Berlin, DE
• Peer Sporbert · Berlin, DE
• Stephan Maetzel · Berlin, DE
• Rohit Sachdeva · Plano, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 13, 2004
• Grant date: Oct 28, 2008
• Expiry date: Jul 29, 2025

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06T2219/2012
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method for monitoring tooth wear and a method for monitoring tooth wear and gingival recession and erosion by comparing three-dimensional virtual models at different times are described, as well as occlusal contact between upper and lower virtual three-dimensional teeth of a patient when the upper and lower arches are in an occluded condition are determined and displayed to the user on a user interface of a general purpose computing device. Various techniques for determining occlusal contacts are described. The areas where occlusal contact occurs is displayed on the user interface in a readily perceptible manner, such as by showing the occlusal contacts in green. If the proposed set-up would result in a interpenetration of teeth in opposing arches, such locations of interpenetration are illustrated in a contrasting color or shading (e.g., red). The ability to calculate distances and display occlusal contacts in a proposed set-up assists the user in planning treatment for the patient. The process can be extended to interproximal contact detection as well. The concepts also apply to dental prosthetics, such as crowns, fillings and dentures.