Abstract: A method for segmenting a 3D model image of a patient's dentition obtains a first 3D model image of the patient dentition and obtains a first segmentation of the first 3D model image, wherein the first segmentation provides at least a tooth surface contour and a tooth label for one or more teeth of the first 3D model. A second 3D model image of the patient dentition is obtained. Each segmented tooth surface contour of the first 3D model is registered to corresponding tooth surface contour of the second 3D model. A second segmentation of the second 3D model image is obtained according to the registered tooth surface contour, wherein the second segmentation similarly provides at least tooth surface contour and a tooth labeling for one or more teeth of the second 3D model image. The segmented second 3D model image is displayed, transmitted, or stored.

Abstract: A method for generating a digital model of dentition, executed at least in part by a computer, acquires a 3-D digital mesh that is representative of the dentition along a dental arch, including includes braces, teeth, and gingival tissue. The method modifies the 3-D digital mesh to generate a digital mesh dentition model by processing the digital mesh and automatically detecting one or more initial bracket positions from the acquired mesh, processing the initial bracket positions to identify bracket areas for braces that lie against tooth surfaces, identifying one or more brace wires extending between brackets, removing one or more brackets and one or more wires from the dentition model, and forming a reconstructed tooth surface within the digital mesh dentition model where the one or more brackets have been removed. The modified 3-D digital mesh dentition model is displayed, stored, or transmitted over a network to another computer.

Abstract: A method and system for fabricating a dental appliance for orthodontic treatment. The method comprises the steps of obtaining three-dimensional dental data from a patient scan, locating initial tooth positions, generating optimal arch forms, and determining a digital model for fabricating an orthodontic aligner with additive device. The system comprises a scanning apparatus to acquire three-dimensional dental data, and a computer apparatus programmed with instructions for generating optimal arch forms, and determining a digital model for fabricating an orthodontic aligner with additive device.

Abstract: Method and/or apparatus embodiments for 3-D cephalometric analysis of a patient according to the application can display reconstructed volume image data from a computed tomographic scan of a patient's head including segmented dentition elements having an initial arrangement from one or more 2D/3D views; can compute and display a plurality of cephalometric parameters for the patient according to the reconstructed volume image data; then use the patient specific cephalometric parameters and population biometry data, to identify one or more maxillofacial/dental abnormalities; and compose patient specific treatment plans to correct selected dentition abnormalities using maxillofacial/dental structure, which can be composed in a final tooth arrangement in a final virtual CT volume. One or more aligners can be generated to incrementally move dentition from the initial arrangement to the final tooth arrangement.

Abstract: Embodiments provide the capability to determine a digital 3D model of a patient's teeth obtains projection images acquired by scanning a negative impression of the patient's teeth using a computed tomographic imaging apparatus, where the impression includes a radio-opaque transfer element for a dental implant or crown post. One exemplary method reconstructs, from the projection images, an air volume model within the reconstructed volume and bounded by a transition surface defined according to the negative impression. A transfer element volume model of the transfer element is defined, segmented from the air volume model and from the transition surface. A combined digital 3D model of the patient's teeth is formed according to the air volume model and transfer element volume model. At least a portion of the combined digital 3D model of the teeth is displayed.

Abstract: Method and/or apparatus embodiments for 3-D cephalometric analysis of a patient according to the application can display reconstructed volume image data from a computed tomographic scan of a patient's head including segmented dentition elements having an initial arrangement from one or more 2D/3D views; can compute and display a plurality of cephalometric parameters for the patient according to the reconstructed volume image data; then use the patient specific cephalometric parameters and population biometry data, to identify one or more maxillofacial/dental abnormalities; and compose patient specific treatment plans to correct selected dentition abnormalities using maxillofacial/dental structure, which can be composed in a final tooth arrangement in a final virtual CT volume. One or more aligners can be generated to incrementally move dentition from the initial arrangement to the final tooth arrangement.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of a method for training automatic tooth charting systems, the method comprising: obtaining, through a communication network, a plurality of electronic dental charts generated by the plurality of tooth charting systems, the plurality of electronic dental charts being related to a plurality of patients; for each of the obtained electronic dental charts: extracting at least a portion of an image representing a tooth or a region of interest and obtaining at least a corresponding item of information characterizing the represented tooth or the represented region of interest; storing the extracted at least a portion of the image and the corresponding item of information in a training data set, training the automatic dental charting system with the training data set.

Abstract: A method for generating a digital model of dentition, executed at least in part by a computer, acquires a 3-D digital mesh that is representative of the dentition along a dental arch, including includes braces, teeth, and gingival tissue. The method modifies the 3-D digital mesh to generate a digital mesh dentition model by processing the digital mesh and automatically detecting one or more initial bracket positions from the acquired mesh, processing the initial bracket positions to identify bracket areas for braces that lie against tooth surfaces, identifying one or more brace wires extending between brackets, removing one or more brackets and one or more wires from the dentition model, and forming a reconstructed tooth surface within the digital mesh dentition model where the one or more brackets have been removed. The modified 3-D digital mesh dentition model is displayed, stored, or transmitted over a network to another computer.

Abstract: Method for allowing patient review of virtual restoration element in video of dentition. At least one restoration element for at least one selected tooth of patient dentition is designed using 3D dentition models based on CAD/CAM techniques. Then, real-time video of the patient's dentition including the at least one selected tooth is displayed, where the video orientation is controlled by the patient. Then, the displayed real-time video of the dentition is modified in real-time including the at least one selected tooth to show the at least one restoration element registered to physical teeth in the real-time video of dentition to replace the at least one selected tooth in the modified displayed real-time video of the dentition.

Abstract: A method for segmenting a 3D model image of a patient's dentition obtains a first 3D model image of the patient dentition and obtains a first segmentation of the first 3D model image, wherein the first segmentation provides at least a tooth surface contour and a tooth label for one or more teeth of the first 3D model. A second 3D model image of the patient dentition is obtained. Each segmented tooth surface contour of the first 3D model is registered to corresponding tooth surface contour of the second 3D model. A second segmentation of the second 3D model image is obtained according to the registered tooth surface contour, wherein the second segmentation similarly provides at least tooth surface contour and a tooth labeling for one or more teeth of the second 3D model image. The segmented second 3D model image is displayed, transmitted, or stored.

Abstract: A method for displaying a superimposition of a second dental model on a first dental model of a patient's dentition, obtains a first 3D model of the patient's dentition and a segmentation of the first 3D model. A second 3D model of the patient's dentition and a segmentation of the second 3D model are obtained. A selected tooth is identified from the segmented teeth of the first and second 3D models. A post-treatment target position for the selected tooth of the first 3D model is determined according to a movement indication calculated for the selected tooth. The second 3D model is registered to the first 3D model based on the target position of the at least one selected tooth. An imposition of the second 3D model onto the first 3D model of the patient dentition is displayed.

Abstract: A method for registering a 3D mesh and a 3D volume image of a patients teeth obtains a 3D volume image of the patients teeth in an occlusion position, the 3D volume image containing at least one jaw portion. A contour surface is generated to form the 3D mesh corresponding to at least one of lingual and vestibular surfaces of the teeth from the 3D volume image. A registered mesh is provided in an occlusion position, the registered mesh having at least one of the vestibular and lingual surfaces. The registered mesh is registered with the generated contour surface content and displayed with the 3D volume image.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for generating one or more segmented 3-D teeth models obtains a 3-D mesh model of a patient's dentition and executes a first segmentation procedure on the obtained 3-D mesh model, displaying one or more segmented teeth from the 3-D mesh model. At least one of the one or more segmented teeth is recorded according to operator instruction and removed from the 3-D mesh model to form a modified 3-D mesh model. A repeating sequence identifies a modified segmentation procedure, executes the modified segmentation procedure on the modified 3-D mesh model, displays one or more segmented teeth from the modified 3-D mesh model, records at least one of the one or more segmented teeth, and removes the recorded at least one tooth from the modified 3-D mesh model. Recorded segmentation results are displayed, stored, or transmitted.

Abstract: Embodiments provide the capability to determine a digital 3D model of a patient's teeth obtains projection images acquired by scanning a negative impression of the patient's teeth using a computed tomographic imaging apparatus, where the impression includes a radio-opaque transfer element for a dental implant or crown post. One exemplary method reconstructs, from the projection images, an air volume model within the reconstructed volume and bounded by a transition surface defined according to the negative impression. A transfer element volume model of the transfer element is defined, segmented from the air volume model and from the transition surface. A combined digital 3D model of the patient's teeth is formed according to the air volume model and transfer element volume model. At least a portion of the combined digital 3D model of the teeth is displayed.

Abstract: A method for generating a digital model of dentition, executed at least in part by a computer, acquires a 3-D digital mesh that is representative of the dentition along a dental arch, including includes braces, teeth, and gingival tissue. The method modifies the 3-D digital mesh to generate a digital mesh dentition model by processing the digital mesh and automatically detecting one or more initial bracket positions from the acquired mesh, processing the initial bracket positions to identify bracket areas for braces that lie against tooth surfaces, identifying one or more brace wires extending between brackets, removing one or more brackets and one or more wires from the dentition model, and forming a reconstructed tooth surface within the digital mesh dentition model where the one or more brackets have been removed. The modified 3-D digital mesh dentition model is displayed, stored, or transmitted over a network to another computer.

Abstract: An extra-oral imaging apparatus can obtain a 3D volume image of a portion of a head of a patient. Exemplary dental apparatus and/or method embodiments can provide 3D mesh models of surfaces of the maxillary dental arch and the mandibular dental arch in a 3D volume image obtained from a single extraoral scan of physical casts of the maxillary dental arch and the mandibular dental arch in an occlusal relationship. In one exemplary embodiment, a first 3D mesh model of surfaces of the maxillary dental arch model and a second 3D mesh model of surfaces of the mandibular dental arch model are generated. Then, contact areas where the first 3D mesh model and the second 3D mesh model intersect are removed to separate the first and second mesh models. In another exemplary embodiment, the first 3D mesh model and the second 3D mesh model can be aligned.

Abstract: A method or computer program for forming a digital model of a patient's teeth. The method includes the steps of: obtaining a plurality of projection images acquired by scanning a negative impression of the patient's teeth using a computed tomographic imaging apparatus; generating, from the plurality of projection images, an air volume model of the air that surrounds the negative impression; defining a transition surface along edges of the air volume model that touch the negative impression; forming the digital model of the patient's teeth according to the defined transition surface; and displaying, storing, or transmitting at least a portion of the digital model of the teeth.

Abstract: Method and/or apparatus embodiments for 3-D cephalometric analysis of a patient according to the application can display reconstructed volume image data from a computed tomographic scan of a patient's head including segmented dentition elements having an initial arrangement from one or more 2D/3D views; can compute and display a plurality of cephalometric parameters for the patient according to the reconstructed volume image data; then use the patient specific cephalometric parameters and population biometry data, to identify one or more maxillofacial/dental abnormalities; and compose patient specific treatment plans to correct selected dentition abnormalities using maxillofacial/dental structure, which can be composed in a final tooth arrangement in a final virtual CT volume. One or more aligners can be generated to incrementally move dentition from the initial arrangement to the final tooth arrangement.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a gas-filled multiple glazing unit including at least two glass sheets, the process including a preassembly step in which each glass sheet is positioned inclined at an angle strictly greater than 0° and less than or equal to 10° to the adjacent glass sheet, so as to form at least one cavity, each cavity being completely closed on one of its sides; a step of partially blocking at least one of the sides of each cavity; a step of filling each cavity with gas via an injection side of the cavity; and a step of pressing the glass sheets. One or more cavities of a multiple glazing unit can be filled while reducing the amount of gas used and the filling times.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for generating a digital model of an individual intraoral component from a digital model of a patient's dentition obtains a 3-D digital mesh model of the patient's dentition and performs automatic tooth component segmentation operation on the obtained mesh model. Automated segmentation results display. Interactive segmentation of the automated segmentation results is performed according to an operator instruction. Segmentation results are displayed and stored.