| System and method for positioning teeth -> Monitor Keywords |
|
|
 
System and method for positioning teethRelated Patent Categories: Dentistry, Orthodontics, Method Of Positioning Or Aligning TeethSystem and method for positioning teeth description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070092850, System and method for positioning teeth. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/820,387 (Attorney Docket No. 018563-006410US/AT-000120.1), filed Apr. 7, 2004, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/044,385 (U.S. Pat. No. 6,767,208), (Attorney Docket No. 018563-006400US/AT-000120), filed Jan. 10, 2002, the full disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention is related generally to the field of orthodontics, and more particularly to a system and a method for gradually repositioning teeth. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0003] A fundamental objective in orthodontics is to realign a patient's teeth to positions where the teeth function optimally and aesthetically. Typically, appliances such as braces are applied to the teeth of the patient by a treating orthodontist. Each appliance exerts continual forces on the teeth which gradually urge the teeth toward their ideal positions. Over a period of time, the orthodontist adjusts the appliances to move the teeth toward their final destination. [0004] The process of attaching the braces to teeth is tedious and painful. Additionally, each visit to the orthodontist is time consuming and expensive. The process is further complicated by uncertainties in determining a final arrangement for each tooth. Generally, the final tooth arrangement is determined by the treating orthodontist who writes a prescription. Traditionally, the prescription is based on the orthodontist's knowledge and expertise in selecting the intended final position of each tooth and without a precise calculation of forces being exerted on the teeth when they contact each other. [0005] A method to create a digital model of a patient's teeth includes creating an impression of the patient's teeth; and scanning the impression using an X-ray source to generate the digital model. [0006] Advantages of the invention include one or more of the following. The system eliminates the need to pour plaster models. The system generates the digital models independent of geometry of teeth since X-rays always pass through. The system assists with the alignment of upper and lower jaws into a bite using the scan model of a bite and allows for accurate bite alignment. Digital detailing allows a cleanup of any defects in the model. The system assists in the reconstruction of teeth in cases where they are distorted/chipped, for example. Bite articulation can be done in a virtual mode. The system can scan impressions as well as plaster models. When a prescription or other final designation is provided, a computer model can be generated and manipulated to match the prescription. The prescription may be automatically interpreted in order to generate an image as well as a digital data set representing the final tooth arrangement. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0007] FIG. 1 is an elevational diagram showing the anatomical relationship of the jaws of a patient. [0008] FIG. 2A illustrates in more detail the patient's lower jaw and provides a general indication of how teeth may be moved by the methods and apparatus of the present invention. [0009] FIG. 2B illustrates a single tooth from FIG. 2A and defines how tooth movement distances are determined. [0010] FIG. 2C illustrates the jaw of FIG. 2A together with an incremental position adjustment appliance which has been configured according to the methods and apparatus of the present invention. [0011] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a process for producing incremental position adjustment appliances. [0012] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a process for optimizing a final placement of the patient's teeth. [0013] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a process for performing functional occlusion on the patient's teeth. [0014] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating an optional process for incorporating midtreatment information to the final placement of the patient's teeth. [0015] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a system for generating appliances in accordance with the present invention. [0016] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of one scanner embodiment. [0017] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for treating a patient using the scanner of FIG. 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0018] FIG. 1 shows a skull 10 with an upper jaw bone 22 and a lower jaw bone 20. The lower jaw bone 20 hinges at a joint 30 to the skull 10. The joint 30 is called a temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The upper jaw bone 22 is associated with an upper jaw 101, while the lower jaw bone 20 is associated with a lower jaw 100. [0019] A computer model of the jaws 100 and 101 is generated, and a computer simulation models interactions among the teeth on the jaws 100 and 101. The computer simulation allows the system to focus on motions involving contacts between teeth mounted on the jaws. The computer simulation allows the system to render realistic jaw movements which are physically correct when the jaws 100 and 101 contact each other. The model of the jaw places the individual teeth in a treated position. Further, the model can be used to simulate jaw movements including protrusive motions, lateral motions, and "tooth guided" motions where the path of the lower jaw 100 is guided by teeth contacts rather than by anatomical limits of the jaws 100 and 101. Motions are applied to one jaw, but may also be applied to both jaws. Based on the occlusion determination, the final position of the teeth can be ascertained. Continue reading about System and method for positioning teeth... Full patent description for System and method for positioning teeth Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this System and method for positioning teeth patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like System and method for positioning teeth or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Reusable multi-piece orthodontic appliances Next Patent Application: Implant Industry Class: Dentistry ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the System and method for positioning teeth patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.09889 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Daimler Chrysler , DirecTV , Exxonmobil Chemical Company , Goodyear , Intel , Kyocera Wireless , 174 |
 * Protect your Inventions * US Patent Office filing 
PATENT INFO |
|
