Patent ID: 7942672
Filing Date: 2011-05-17
Classification: A61C

Abstract:
1. A computing device-implemented method for modeling gingiva, the method comprising: scanning a patient's teeth and gums, or a physical model thereof, to obtain location data; developing a digital model via a computing device, where the model represents a dentition and gingiva from the location data; defining in the model a gingival line at an intersection between at least one tooth and at least a portion of its surrounding gums; measuring a gingival pocket depth at a number of reference locations; establishing in the model one or more gingival attachment points at the pocket depth from the gingival line; and deriving in the model an expected gum tissue configuration surrounding a particular tooth based on changes to the gingival line and one or more gingival attachment points; and deriving a cut line for one or more dental position adjustment appliances, where the cut line is associated with a dynamically modeled gingival line.