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

US7590462B2 · 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
• Peer Sporbert · Berlin, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 22, 2005
• Grant date: Sep 15, 2009
• Expiry date: Jun 30, 2026

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.