Abstract:
A method for detecting tooth wear using digital 3D models of teeth taken at different times. The digital 3D models of teeth are segmented to identify individual teeth within the digital 3D model. The segmentation includes performing a first segmentation method that over segments at least some of the teeth within the model and a second segmentation method that classifies points within the model as being either on an interior of a tooth or on a boundary between teeth. The results of the first and second segmentation methods are combined to generate segmented digital 3D models. The segmented digital 3D models of teeth are compared to detect tooth wear by determining differences between the segmented models, where the differences relate to the same tooth to detect wear on the tooth over time.
Abstract:
A method includes forming a two-dimensional interrogating beam on a selected sample region of a surface; collecting light transmitted through or reflected from the sample region with an array of lenses to form a sample array of focus spots; imaging the sample array of focus spots through an imaging lens on a sensor; and comparing an image of the sample array of focus spots to a reference array of focus spots to determine a level of non-uniformity in the sample region.
Abstract:
Methods for recognizing or identifying tooth types using digital 3D models of teeth. The methods include receiving a segmented digital 3D model of teeth and selecting a digital 3D model of a tooth from the segmented digital 3D model. An aggregation of the plurality of distinct features of the tooth is computed to generate a single feature describing the digital 3D model of the tooth. A type of the tooth is identified based upon the aggregation, which can include comparing the aggregation with features corresponding with known tooth types. The methods also include identifying a type of tooth, without segmenting it from an arch, based upon tooth widths and a location of the tooth within the arch.
Abstract:
Methods for recognizing or identifying tooth types using digital 3D models of teeth. The methods include receiving a segmented digital 3D model of teeth and selecting a digital 3D model of a tooth from the segmented digital 3D model. An aggregation of the plurality of distinct features of the tooth is computed to generate a single feature describing the digital 3D model of the tooth. A type of the tooth is identified based upon the aggregation, which can include comparing the aggregation with features corresponding with known tooth types. The methods also include identifying a type of tooth, without segmenting it from an arch, based upon tooth widths and a location of the tooth within the arch.
Abstract:
Methods for estimating and predicting tooth wear based upon a single 3D digital model of teeth. The 3D digital model is segmented to identify individual teeth within the model. A digital model of a tooth is selected from the segmented model, and its original shape is predicted. The digital model is compared with the predicted original shape to estimate wear areas. A mapping function based upon values relating to tooth wear can also be applied to the selected digital model to predict wear of the tooth.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for displaying synchronized views and animations of digital 3D models of a person's intra-oral structure such as teeth. Two digital 3D models obtained from scans at different times are displayed in side-by-side views and synchronized via registration of the two scans or corresponding models. A user's control input to one displayed model causes the same manipulation of both models since they are registered. The two digital 3D models can also be displayed in an animation mode where the first model slowly morphs into the second model to illustrate changes in the intra-oral structure over time.
Abstract:
Methods for estimating and predicting tooth wear based upon a single 3D digital model of teeth. The 3D digital model is segmented to identify individual teeth within the model. A digital model of a tooth is selected from the segmented model, and its original shape is predicted. The digital model is compared with the predicted original shape to estimate wear areas. A mapping function based upon values relating to tooth wear can also be applied to the selected digital model to predict wear of the tooth.
Abstract:
Methods for aligning a digital 3D model of teeth represented by a 3D mesh to a desired orientation within a 3D coordinate system. The method includes receiving the 3D mesh in random alignment and changing an orientation of the 3D mesh to align the digital 3D model of teeth with a desired axis in the 3D coordinate system. The methods can also detect a gum line in the digital 3D model to remove the gingiva from the model.
Abstract:
A method for detecting tooth wear using digital 3D models of teeth taken at different times. The digital 3D models of teeth are segmented to identify individual teeth within the digital 3D model. The segmentation includes performing a first segmentation method that over segments at least some of the teeth within the model and a second segmentation method that classifies points within the model as being either on an interior of a tooth or on a boundary between teeth. The results of the first and second segmentation methods are combined to generate segmented digital 3D models. The segmented digital 3D models of teeth are compared to detect tooth wear by determining differences between the segmented models, where the differences relate to the same tooth to detect wear on the tooth over time.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for displaying synchronized views and animations of digital 3D models of a person's intra-oral structure such as teeth. Two digital 3D models obtained from scans at different times are displayed in side-by-side views and synchronized via registration of the two scans or corresponding models. A user's control input to one displayed model causes the same manipulation of both models since they are registered. The two digital 3D models can also be displayed in an animation mode where the first model slowly morphs into the second model to illustrate changes in the intra-oral structure over time.