Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating an orthodontic patient include processing that begins by generating digital information regarding the orthodontic patient by a site orthodontic system. The site orthodontic system then transmits the digital information to an orthodontic server, which creates an electronic patient record therefrom. The orthodontic server then generates an initial treatment from the electronic patient record, wherein the initial treatment plan includes precise steps to obtain a desired orthodontic structure. The orthodontic server then transmits a digital version of the initial treatment plan to the site orthodontic system. Upon confirmation from the site orthodontic system, the orthodontic server designs an orthodontic apparatus for one of the precise steps based on the treatment plan. The orthodontic apparatus is then fabricated and provided to the site orthodontic system.

Abstract: An integrated system is described in which digital image data of a patient, obtained from a variety of image sources, including CT scanner, X-Ray, 2D or 3D scanners and color photographs, are combined into a common coordinate system to create a virtual three-dimensional patient model. Software tools are provided for manipulating the virtual patient model to simulation changes in position or orientation of craniofacial structures (e.g., jaw or teeth) and simulate their affect on the appearance of the patient. The simulation (which may be pure simulations or may be so-called “morphing” type simulations) enables a comprehensive approach to planning treatment for the patient. In one embodiment, the treatment may encompass orthodontic treatment. Similarly, surgical treatment plans can be created. Data is extracted from the virtual patient model or simulations thereof for purposes of manufacture of customized therapeutic devices for any component of the craniofacial structures, e.g.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a patient treatment plan includes processing that begins by providing a list of health care services to a patient and/or care provider. The processing continues by prompting for input of digital information regarding the patient when health care services applicable to addressing the patient's treatment needs have been concurrently selected. The processing continues by determining whether a sufficient amount of digital information has been received. If so, the processing continues by simulating treatment of a patient based on the digital information, a treatment objective, and normalized patient data. The processing then continues by generating the patient treatment plan in accordance with the simulating of the treatment when the simulated treatment results have been acknowledged.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a orthodontic template that assists in the placement of an orthodontic apparatus includes processing that begins by obtaining a digital model of an orthodontic structure of an orthodontic patient. The processing continues by obtaining a selection of one of a plurality of orthodontic apparatuses for the orthodontic structure to produce a selected orthodontic apparatus. The processing then continues by obtaining a digital model of placement of the selected orthodontic apparatus on the digital model of the orthodontic structure. The processing then continues by retrieving a digital image of a tooth mounting apparatus (e.g., a bracket, a band, a headgear tube, etc.) of the selected apparatus for a given tooth.

Abstract: An interactive, software-based treatment planning method to correct a malocclusion is described. The method can be performed on an orthodontic workstation in a clinic or at a remote location such as a lab or precision appliance manufacturing center. The workstation stores a virtual three-dimensional model of the dentition of a patient and patient records. The virtual model is manipulated by the user to define a target situation for the patient, including a target archform and individual tooth positions in the archform. Parameters for an orthodontic appliance, such as the location of orthodontic brackets and resulting shape of an orthodontic archwire, are obtained from the simulation of tooth movement to the target situation and the placement position of virtual brackets. The treatment planning can also be executed remotely by a precision appliance service center having access to the virtual model of the dentition.

Abstract: A robotic bending apparatus for bending archwires and other types of elongate, bendable medical devices into a desired configuration includes a first gripping tool and a moveable gripping tool. The first gripping tool can be either fixed with respect to a base or table for the robot or positioned at the end of robot arm. The moveable gripping tool is mounted to the end of a moveable robot arm having a proximal portion also mounted to the base. The robot preferably comprises a six axis bending robot, in which the distal end of the moveable arm can move relative to the fixed gripping tool about three translational axes and three rotational axes. The gripping tools preferably incorporate force sensors which are used to determine overbends needed to get the desired final shape of the archwire. The robot may also include a resistive heating system in which current flows through the wire while the wire is held in a bent condition to heat the wire and thereby retain the bent shape of the wire.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a three-dimensional digital model of an orthodontic patient include processing that begins by obtaining data of an orthodontic structure of the orthodontic patient. The processing then continues by obtaining at least one scaling reference point of the orthodontic structure. The processing continues by scaling the data of the orthodontic structure based on the at least one scaling reference point to produce scaled data. The process then continues by obtaining at least two orientation reference points relating to the orthodontic structure. The processing then continues by mapping the scaled data to a coordinate system based on the at least two orientation reference points to produce the three-dimensional digital model of the orthodontic patient.

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.

Abstract: A robotic bending apparatus for bending archwires and other types of elongate, bendable medical devices into a desired configuration includes a first gripping tool and a moveable gripping tool. The first gripping tool can be either fixed with respect to a base or table for the robot or positioned at the end of robot am. The moveable gripping tool is mounted to the end of a moveable robot arm having a proximal portion also mounted to the base. The robot preferably comprises a six axis bending robot, in which the distal end of the moveable arm can move relative to the fixed gripping tool about three translational axes and three rotational axes. The gripping tools preferably incorporate force sensors which are used to determine overbends needed to get the desired final shape of the archwire. The robot may also include a resistive heating system in which current flows through the wire while the wire is held in a bent condition to heat the wire and thereby retain the bent shape of the wire.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating an orthodontic patient include processing that begins by generating digital information regarding the orthodontic patient by a site orthodontic system. The site orthodontic system then transmits the digital information to an orthodontic server, which creates an electronic patient record therefrom. The orthodontic server then generates an initial treatment from the electronic patient record, wherein the initial treatment plan includes precise steps to obtain a desired orthodontic structure. The orthodontic server then transmits a digital version of the initial treatment plan to the site orthodontic system. Upon confirmation from the site orthodontic system, the orthodontic server designs an orthodontic apparatus for one of the precise steps based on the treatment plan. The orthodontic apparatus is then fabricated and provided to the site orthodontic system.

Abstract: A 3D scan data of an anatomical structure is obtained. The 3D scan data is transmitted to a remote facility for further use. For example, the three-dimensional scan data can be used to design an anatomical device, manufacture an anatomical device, monitor structural changes of the anatomy, archive data pertaining to the anatomical structure, perform a closed-loop iterative analysis of the anatomical structure, perform an interactive consultation of the structure, perform simulations based upon the structure, make a diagnosis related to the anatomical structure, determine a treatment plan based on the anatomical structure, manufacture the anatomical device, perform a verification of a treatment or structure, or for educational purposes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a three-dimensional digital model of an orthodontic patient include processing that begins by obtaining data of an orthodontic structure of the orthodontic patient. The processing then continues by obtaining at least one scaling reference point of the orthodontic structure. The processing continues by scaling the data of the orthodontic structure based on the at least one scaling reference point to produce scaled data. The process then continues by obtaining at least two orientation reference points relating to the orthodontic structure. The processing then continues by mapping the scaled data to a coordinate system based on the at least two orientation reference points to produce the three-dimensional digital model of the orthodontic patient.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for detecting the spatial structure of a three-dimensional surface by projection of a pattern on to the surface along a projection direction which defines a first axis, and by pixel-wise detection of at least one region of the pattern projected on to the surface, by means of one or more sensors in a viewing direction of the sensor or sensors, which defines a second axis, wherein the first and the second axes (or a straight line parallel to the second axis) intersect at an angle different from 0° so that the first and the second axes (or the straight line parallel thereto) define a triangulation plane, wherein the pattern is defined at least upon projection into a plane perpendicularly to the first axis by a varying physical parameter which can be detected by the sensor (sensors), and wherein the pattern is such that the difference in the physically measurable parameter, measured between predeterminable image pixels or pixel groups, along a predeterminable pixel row

Abstract: A method is described for taking a three-dimensional virtual model of the dentition and associated anatomical structures of a patient and isolating individual teeth from the rest of the anatomical structure, e.g. gums, to thereby produce individual, virtual three-dimensional tooth objects. The individual tooth objects can be displayed on the display of an orthodontic workstation and moved independently from each other, and thereby form the basis of planning treatment for the patient. The individual, virtual three-dimensional tooth objects are created by comparing the virtual model of the dentition to virtual, three-dimensional template teeth that are stored in memory in a process described in detail herein. The template teeth can include roots as well as crowns. The template teeth can be stored objects acquired from some external source or alternatively developed from a database of patient scans. Virtual three-dimensional brackets are also stored in the memory of the workstation.

Abstract: An orthodontic workstation stores a library of virtual three-dimensional brackets in a memory. Each of the virtual brackets has a unique three-dimensional configuration and prescription. Typically, the library of bracket comprises a library of commercially available, off-the-shelf brackets. The workstation further includes an interactive treatment planning program that permits a user to move teeth from a virtual model of the dentition to a proposed set-up. In one possible embodiment, the treatment planning program provides the ability to display a virtual bracket placed on a virtual tooth and change the prescription or configuration of the virtual bracket. The treatment program automatically compares the modified prescription with the prescription information of the virtual brackets in the library and selects a bracket from the library that most closely matches the virtual bracket displayed on the tooth. Thus, the user does not have to use customized brackets.

Abstract: Occlusal contact between upper and lower virtual three-dimensional teeth of a patient when the upper and lower arches are in an occlused 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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating an orthodontic patient include processing that begins by generating digital information regarding the orthodontic patient by a site orthodontic system. The site orthodontic system then transmits the digital information to an orthodontic server, which creates an electronic patient record therefrom. The orthodontic server then generates an initial treatment from the electronic patient record, wherein the initial treatment plan includes precise steps to obtain a desired orthodontic structure. The orthodontic server then transmits a digital version of the initial treatment plan to the site orthodontic system. Upon confirmation from the site orthodontic system, the orthodontic server designs an orthodontic apparatus for one of the precise steps based on the treatment plan. The orthodontic apparatus is then fabricated and provided to the site orthodontic system.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object measurement process and device are disclosed by means of optical image capture, projection of patterns and triangulation calculations. The pattern projection unit and the image capture unit are separately designed and can be independently positioned and guided during the measurement process. This is particularly advantageous for diagnosis, therapy and documentation in the field of invasive medicine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for designing an orthodontic structure to provide tooth movement includes processing that begins by obtaining a three-dimensional digital model of a desired orthodontic structure. The processing continues by generating a zero force arch wire based on the three-dimensional digital model of the desired orthodontic structure. The processing continues by placing brackets on at least some of the plurality of teeth in a zero force position with respect to the zero force arch wire. Having placed the brackets on the desired orthodontic structure, the placement is transferred to a three-dimensional digital model of an actual orthodontic structure. Having transferred the bracket placement, a jig may be formed from the digital model of the actual orthodontic structure with the brackets installed. The jig holds the physical embodiments of the brackets such that the brackets may be placed in the patient's mouth in the position determined by the automated process.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for constructing a virtual three-dimensional model of an object using a data processing system, and at least one machine-readable memory accessible to said data processing system. A set of at least two digital three-dimensional frames of portions of the object are obtained from a source, such as a computing system coupled to an optical or laser scanner, CT scanner, Magnetic Resonance Tomography scanner or other source. The at least two frames comprise a set of point coordinates in a three dimensional coordinate system providing differing information of the surface of the object. The frames provide a substantial overlap of the represented portions of the surface of the object, but do not coincide exactly for example due to movement of the scanning device relative to the object between the generation of the frame. Data representing the set of frames are stored in the memory.