Patent ID: 7156661
Filing Date: 2007-01-02
Classification: A61C

Abstract:
1. A method for matching computer models of a jaw, the method comprising: loading a first computer model of a jaw having teeth in initial positions; loading a second computer model of the jaw, wherein positions of at least some of the teeth in the second computer model are different than the initial positions; identifying at least one reference point on a region of the first computer model, the region comprising a portion of the jaw other than the teeth; identifying a corresponding reference point on a corresponding region of the second computer model for each point identified on the first model; matching the region of the first computer model with the corresponding region of the second computer model, using the identified reference points; matching the first and second computer models as a whole, using the matched regions; and calculating positional differences between the teeth in their initial positions and the teeth in their positions in the second computer model, using the matched regions as non-moving reference regions.