Diagnostic method of orthodontic state and apparatus for dispensing corrective preparations

摘要

A method and apparatus for diagnosing orthodontic conditions of an individual. The apparatus includes an outer case and a user interface disposed on the outer case for communicating with the individual. The apparatus further has diagnostic hardware including at least one digital camera carried within the case adapted to take a plurality of video images of the teeth and mouth of the individual. The apparatus further has electronic circuitry which is preprogrammed with statistical data for comparison to actual data collected by the diagnostic hardware and transmitted to the electronic circuitry. The circuitry is further adapted to diagnose whether the individual has correctable orthodontic conditions. The apparatus is further adapted to dispense instructions to the individual for receiving proper corrective orthodontic care. The method of the invention includes providing an apparatus adapted to take various digital images of the individual's teeth and mouth. The digital images are analyzed by the electronic circuitry and compared to the statistical data preprogrammed within the apparatus for diagnosing whether the individual has correctable orthodontic conditions. The method further includes the steps of informing the individual as to whether their orthodontic conditions are correctable and instructing the individual on how to correct the orthodontic conditions diagnosed and dispensing an appropriate appliance.