Virtual orthodontic treatment

摘要

A method for virtual orthodontic treatment is provided in which a virtual set of orthodontic components is associated, in a virtual space, with a first virtual three-dimensional image of teeth, and then by a set of rules which define the effect of the set of components' teeth, the effect of the virtual treatment can be computed. This virtual treatment can be used to predict the results of a real-life orthodontic treatment as to design such a treatment.

主权项

1. A method for virtual orthodontic treatment using a computer system, comprising:
(a) providing a first virtual three-dimensional (3D) image indicative of a 3D model of all teeth of at least one jaw, the model being manipulable so as to allow the viewing of the model from a desired direction; (b) selecting a virtual set of orthodontic components, comprising (i) brackets, one for each tooth in said first virtual three-dimensional (3D) image, for attachment to teeth of said first virtual three-dimensional (3D) image, each of said brackets having a slot for engaging a wire, and (ii) one or two archwires; (c) associating the brackets with the teeth of said first virtual three-dimensional (3D) image so to obtain a second image of said virtual 3D model with the brackets associated with the teeth of the model, one bracket on each tooth in said model; (d) using a set of rules, including a rule that requires each slot to engage the wire, computing the manner of movement of each tooth with the bracket associated therewith, so as to obtain a third image comprising the teeth model following the virtual treatment; (e) changing at least one bracket or the manner of associating a bracket with a tooth and repeating steps (c) and (d) one or more times until the teeth model of said third image represents a desired outcome of the orthodontic treatment; and (f) outputting at least the third image from the computer system.