Digitally modeling the deformation of gingival

Dentistry – Orthodontics – Method of positioning or aligning teeth

Reexamination Certificate

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

C433S213000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06514074

ABSTRACT:

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD
The invention relates generally to the fields of dentistry and orthodontics.
BACKGROUND
Two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) digital image technology has recently been tapped as a tool to assist in dental and orthodontic treatment. Many treatment providers use some form of digital image technology to study the dentitions of patients. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/169,276, incorporated by reference above, describes the use of 2D and 3D image data in forming a digital model of a patient's dentition, including models of individual dentition components. That application also describes using the digital dentition models in developing an orthodontic treatment plan for the patient, as well as in creating one or more orthodontic appliances to implement the treatment plan.
SUMMARY
The invention provides computer-automated techniques for digitally modeling the gingival tissue of an orthodontic patient, including deformation of the gingival tissue during orthodontic treatment. These techniques are useful, for example, in creating orthodontic appliances that carry out the orthodontic treatment while fitting securely over the patient's teeth and gums. Modeling the gums and deformation of the gums helps ensure that the orthodontic appliances do not press too tightly against the patient's gums and cause discomfort or pain. Modeling how the gums react to treatment also provides a more complete understanding of what to expect during treatment. Moreover, computer-generated images and animations of the dentition during treatment are more complete and aesthetically pleasing when the gums are included.
The invention involves using a computer to develop a course of treatment for an orthodontic patient. In one aspect, the computer first obtains a digital model of a patient's dentition, including a dental model representing the patient's teeth at a set of initial positions and a gingival model representing gum tissue surrounding the teeth. The computer then derives from the digital model an expected deformation of the gum tissue as the teeth move from the initial positions to another set of positions.
In another aspect, the computer obtains a data set representing the patient's dentition, including a digital model of the patient's teeth at a set of initial positions and a first digital gingival model representing the gingival tissue surrounding the teeth at the set of initial positions. The computer then derives from the data set a second digital gingival model for use in modeling deformation of the gingival tissue as the teeth move. The computer, with or without human assistance, manipulates the second gingival model to model deformation of the patient's gums.
Other embodiments and advantages are apparent from the detailed description and the claims below.


REFERENCES:
patent: 3660900 (1972-05-01), Andrews
patent: 3860803 (1975-01-01), Levine
patent: 4504225 (1985-03-01), Yoshii
patent: 4505673 (1985-03-01), Yoshii
patent: 4755139 (1988-07-01), Abbatte et al.
patent: 4793803 (1988-12-01), Martz
patent: 4798534 (1989-01-01), Breads
patent: 4856991 (1989-08-01), Breads et al.
patent: 4936862 (1990-06-01), Walker et al.
patent: 5011405 (1991-04-01), Lemchen
patent: 5017133 (1991-05-01), Miura
patent: 5035613 (1991-07-01), Breads et al.
patent: 5055039 (1991-10-01), Abbate et al.
patent: 5059118 (1991-10-01), Breads et al.
patent: 5139429 (1992-08-01), Andreiko et al.
patent: 5186623 (1993-02-01), Breads et al.
patent: 5273429 (1993-12-01), Rekow
patent: 5338198 (1994-08-01), Wu et al.
patent: 5340309 (1994-08-01), Robertson
patent: 5342202 (1994-08-01), Deshayes
patent: 5368478 (1994-11-01), Andreiko et al.
patent: 5382164 (1995-01-01), Stern
patent: 5395238 (1995-03-01), Andreiko et al.
patent: 5431562 (1995-07-01), Andreiko et al.
patent: 5447432 (1995-09-01), Andreiko et al.
patent: 5452219 (1995-09-01), Dehoff et al.
patent: 5454717 (1995-10-01), Andreiko et al.
patent: 5456600 (1995-10-01), Andreiko et al.
patent: 5474448 (1995-12-01), Andreiko et al.
patent: 5533895 (1996-07-01), Andreiko et al.
patent: 5542842 (1996-08-01), Andreiko et al.
patent: 5549476 (1996-08-01), Stern
patent: 5587912 (1996-12-01), Anderson et al.
patent: 5605459 (1997-02-01), Kuroda et al.
patent: 5607305 (1997-03-01), Anderson et al.
patent: 5621648 (1997-04-01), Crump
patent: 5645421 (1997-07-01), Slootsky
patent: 5725376 (1998-03-01), Poirier
patent: 6217334 (2001-04-01), Hultgren
patent: 2 369 828 (1978-06-01), None
patent: WO 94/10935 (1994-05-01), None
patent: WO98/32394 (1998-07-01), None
Doyle, “Digital Dentistry”Computer Graphics World(Oct. 2000) pp. 50-52, 54.
Redmond et al., “Clinical Implications of Digital Orthodontics”Am. J. Orthodont. Dentofacial Orthopedics(2000) 117(2):240-242.
Biostar Operation & Training Manual, Great Lakes Orthodonotics, Ltd. 20 pgs.
Chiappone, “Constructing the Gnathologic Setup and Positioner”, J. Clin. Orhod. vol. 14, No. 2., 2/80, pp. 121-133.
Cottnhgam, “Gnatologic Clear Plastic Positioner”, Am. J. Orthod. vol. 55, No. 1, 01/69, pp. 23-31.
Cureton, “Correcting Maligned Mandadibular Incisors with Removable Retainers”, J. Clin. Orthod. vol. 30, No. 7, 7/96, pp. 390-395.
Elsasser, Some Observations on the History and Uses of the Kesling Positioner, Am. J. Orthod. vol. 36, 01-12/50, pp. 386-374.
Kamada et al., “construction of Tooth Positioners with LTV Vinyl Silicone Rubber and some case Reports”, J. Nihon University School of Dentistry, vol. 24, No. 1, 3/82, pp. 1-27.
Kesling, The Philosophy of the Tooth Positioning Appliance, Am. J. Orthod. Oral surg. vol. 31, No. 6, 6/45, pp. 297-304.
Kesling, Coordinating the Predetermined Pattern and Tooth Positioner with Conventional Treatment, Am. J. Orthod. Oral Surg. vol. 32, No. 5, 5/46.
Kleeman et al., The Speed Positioner, J. Clin. Orthod. vol. 30, No. 12, 12/96, pp. 673-680.
Kuroda et al., Three dimensional Dental Cast Analyzing system Using Laser Scanning, Am. J. Orthod. Dentofac. Orthop, vol. 110, No. 4, 10/96, pp. 365-369.
Nishiyama et al., A New Construction of Tooth Positioner by LTV Vinyl Silicone Rubber, J. Nihon Univ. School of Dentistry, vol. 19, No. 2, 6/77, pp. 93-102.
Yoshii, Research on a New Orthodontic Appliance: The Dynamic Positioner (D.P.)-I. The D.P. concept and Implementation of Transparent Silicone Resin (Orthocon), Nippon Dental Review, vol. 452, 6/80, pp. 61-74.
Yoshii, “Research on a New Orthodontic Appliance: The Dynamic Positioner (D.P.)-II. The D.P. Manufacturing Procedure and Clinical Applications”, Nippon Dental Review, vol. 454, 8/80, pp. 107-130.
Yoshii, Research on a New Orthodontic Appliance: The Dynamic Positioner (D.P.)-III. The General concept of the D.P. Method and its Therapeutic Effect, Part 1. Dental and Functional Reversed Occlusion Case Reports, Nippon Dental Review, vol. 457, 11/80, pp. 146-164.
Yoshii, Research on a New Orthodontic Appliance: The Dynamic Positioner (D.P.)-III. The General concept of the D.P. Method and its Therapeutic Effect, Part 2. Skeletal Reversed Occlusion Case Repots, Nippon Dental Review, vol. 458, 12/80, pp. 112-129.
Sheridan, Moving Teeth with Essix™ Appliances: Windows & Divots™, Essix™ Appliences Fabrication, Application and Rationale, Raintree Essix & ARS Materials, Inc. Technical Magazine, www.essix.com/magazine/dafault, 8/97, 7 pgs.
Shilliday, Minimizing Finishing Problems with the Mini-positioner, Am. J.Orthod. vol. 59, No. 6, 6/71, pp. 596-599.
Warunek et al. Physical and Mechanical Properties of Elastomers in Orthodontic Positioners, Am. J. Orthod. Dentofac. Orthop, vol. 95, No. 5, 5/89, pp. 388-400.
Wells, Application of the Positioner Appliance in Orthodontic Treatment, Am. J. Orthodont. vol. 58, No. 4, 10/70, pp. 351-366.

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for the USA inventors and patents. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Digitally modeling the deformation of gingival does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Digitally modeling the deformation of gingival, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Digitally modeling the deformation of gingival will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3118701

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.