System for measuring teeth movement and contact pressure

A wearable dental apparatus for capturing dental properties of a patient includes a support structure. The support structure is configured to be worn on the dentition of the patient. The wearable dental apparatus includes at least one sensor. The sensor is coupled to the support structure. The sensor is configured to capture a series of measurement of a dental property of the patient. The measurements are associated with one or more locations on the dentition of the patient. A dental map is generated based on at least some of the measurements and is displayed. The dentition of a patient is restored by selecting a restoration material based on the measurements.

BACKGROUND

The masticatory force generated during biting puts pressure on the patient's dentition. Often, this force is concentrated on a few contact points between the upper and lower dentition.

A dental restoration is used to restore a tooth or multiple teeth. For example, a crown is a dental restoration that is used to restore a single tooth. A bridge is another example of a dental restoration. A bridge restores multiple teeth. In some circumstances, dental restorations are used to restore functionality after a tooth is damaged. In other circumstances, dental restorations are used to aesthetically improve a patient's dentition.

Dental restorations may be formed from many different materials. Each material has its own properties. Some materials are very strong. Other materials provide superior aesthetic properties.

SUMMARY

In general terms, this disclosure is directed to a system for measuring teeth movement and contact pressure. In one possible configuration and by non-limiting example, a dental appliance is formed to measure the pressure at various points along the dentition of the patient. In some embodiments the pressure measurements are used to design and select materials for dental restorations.

One aspect is a wearable dental appliance for capturing dental properties of a patient comprising: a support structure configured to be worn by the patient on a dentition of the patient; and at least one sensor coupled to the support structure, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to capture a series of measurements of a dental property of the patient, the measurements being associated with one or more locations on the dentition of the patient.

Another aspect is a system for capturing dental properties of a patient comprising: a wearable dental appliance comprising: a support structure configured to be worn by the patient on a dentition of the patient; and at least one sensor coupled to the support structure, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to capture a measurement of a dental property of the patient; and a computing device comprising a processing device, computer readable storage device, the computer readable storage device storing data instructions which, when executed by the processing device, cause the processing device to: receive measurements from the wearable dental appliance; associate the measurements with locations on the dentition of the patient; generate a dental map, wherein the dental map is configured to display at least some of the measurements on an image of at least a portion of the dentition of the patient.

Yet another aspect is a method of restoring the dentition of a patient comprising: capturing an impression of the dentition of the patient; fabricating a dental appliance to be worn on at least a portion of the dentition of the patient, wherein the dental appliance includes at least one sensor configured to measure a dental property of the patient; using the dental appliance to capture measurement data while the patient is wearing the dental appliance, wherein the measurement data comprises a plurality of measurements captured by the one or more sensors; associating the measurement data with one or more locations on the dentition of the patient; selecting a restoration material based in part on the measurement data; and fabricating a dental restoration for the patient, wherein the dental restoration is formed, at least in part, from the selected restoration material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to a dental appliance and methods for fabricating and using the dental appliance. The dental appliance is configured to be worn over the teeth of a patient. In some embodiments, the dental appliance includes one or more measurement devices or sensors to measure properties relating to the physiology of the patient. For example, in some embodiments the dental appliance includes sensors to measure acceleration, velocity, or movement of the dentition. Additionally, in some embodiments the dental appliance includes sensors to measure force or pressure on the surface of the dentition. In some embodiments, information captured by the dental appliance is associated with a dental model of the patient's dentition. In some embodiments, the information captured by the dental appliance is used in the selection of a material for use in a dental restoration.

FIG. 1is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example of a system100for fabricating a dental restoration124using a dental appliance112for measuring teeth movement and interference. In this example, the system100includes a dental office102, a dental lab108, and an analysis location114.

The example dental office102includes a dental impression station104and a restoration installation station126. Although shown as a single dental office in this figure, in some embodiments, the dental office102comprises multiple dental offices. For example, in some embodiments, the dental impression station104and the restoration installation station126are in different dental offices. Further, in some embodiments, one or both of the dental impression station104and the restoration installation station126are not in a dental office.

The example dental impression station104generates a dental impression106of the dentition of the patient P. The dental impression106is a geometric representation of the dentition of the patient P. In some embodiments, the dental impression106is a physical impression captured using an impression material, such as sodium alginate, or vinylpolysiloxane. In other embodiments, other impression materials are used as well.

In some embodiments, the dental impression106is a digital impression. In some embodiments, the digital impression is represented by one or more of a point cloud, a polygonal mesh, a parametric model, or voxel data. In some embodiments, the digital impression is generated directly from the dentition of the patient P, using for example an intraoral scanner. Example intraoral scanners include the TRIOS Intra Oral Digital Scanner, the Lava Chairside Oral Scanner C.O.S., the Cadent iTero, the Cerec AC, the Cyrtina IntraOral Scanner, and the Lythos Digital Impression System from Ormco. In other embodiments, a digital impression is captured using other imaging technologies, such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In yet other embodiments, the digital impression is generated from a physical impression by scanning the impression or plaster model of the dentition of the patient P created from the physical impression. Examples of technologies for scanning a physical impression or model include three dimensional laser scanners and computed tomography (CT) scanners. In yet other embodiments, digital impressions are created using other technologies.

The example dental lab108includes an appliance fabrication station110and a restoration fabrication station122. Although shown as a single dental lab in this figure, in some embodiments, the dental lab108comprises multiple dental labs. For example, in some embodiments, the appliance fabrication station110and the restoration fabrication station122are in different dental labs. Further, in some embodiments, one or both of the appliance fabrication station110and the restoration fabrication station122are not in the dental lab108. For example, in some embodiments, one or both of the appliance fabrication station110and the restoration fabrication station122are in the dental office102.

The example appliance fabrication station110fabricates a dental appliance112for the patient P. In some embodiments, the dental appliance is a splint or orthodontic retainer and is configured to be worn on the teeth of the patient P. In some embodiments, the dental appliance112is configured to measure one or more of movement, velocity, pressure, and force while the patient P is wearing the dental appliance112. Examples of the dental appliance112are described in more detail inFIGS. 4-7.

The example analysis location114includes a computing device116including a data capture and analysis engine118. In some embodiments, the patient P wears the dental appliance112at the analysis location114. In other embodiments, the patient P does not visit the analysis location. Instead, the patient P wears the dental appliance112and then delivers it to the analysis location114. Further, in some embodiments, the dental appliance112is not physically delivered to the analysis location. Instead, some or all of the data measured by the dental appliance112is transmitted to the analysis location114. Although shown as a separate location in this figure, in some embodiments, the analysis location114is the dental office102or the dental lab108. In other embodiments, the analysis location is the home of the patient.

The computing device116operates to generate a dental property map120using data representing properties measured by the dental appliance112. In some embodiments, the dental property map120includes data representing properties measured by the dental appliance112mapped to locations on the dentition of the patient P. Further, in some embodiments, the dental property map120includes data corresponding to the maximum force experienced and minimum restoration material strength recommended for one or more locations on the dentition of the patient P. In some embodiments, the dental property map120is used to fabricate a dental restoration124. In other embodiments, the dental property map120is used as a diagnostic tool to evaluate the occlusion of the patient P regardless of whether the patient needs a dental restoration. In yet other embodiments, the dental property map120is generated after the patient has received the new dental restoration to evaluate the occlusion of the patient after the dental restoration is installed.

The restoration fabrication station122operates to fabricate a dental restoration124for the patient P. In some embodiments, the dental restoration124is a filling, partial crown, full crown, veneer, or bridge. Other embodiments of the dental restoration124are possible as well. In some embodiments, the materials used in forming the dental restoration124are selected based on the dental property map120. In some embodiments, the dental restoration124is formed a from an acrylic, ceramic, or metallic material. In some embodiments, the dental impression106is used in the fabrication of the dental restoration124. In other embodiments, a different dental impression is used in the fabrication of the dental restoration124. For example, in some embodiments, the dental impression106is captured before the dentist D has prepped the dentition of the patient P for the dental restoration124. Accordingly, in these embodiments, another dental impression is used to fabricate the dental restoration124.

In some embodiments, the dental restoration124is seated in the mouth of the patient P in the restoration installation station126by a dentist D. In some embodiments, the patient P may be reevaluated with a new device.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the dental office102is connected to the dental lab108by network128. Similarly, in some embodiments, the dental lab108is connected by network130to the analysis location114. Although not shown in this figure, in some embodiments the analysis location114is connected to the dental office102by a network as well.

The networks128and130are electronic communication networks that facilitate communication between the dental office102, the dental lab108, and the analysis location114. An electronic communication network is a set of computing devices and links between the computing devices. The computing devices in the network use the links to enable communication among the computing devices in the network. The networks128and130can include routers, switches, mobile access points, bridges, hubs, intrusion detection devices, storage devices, standalone server devices, blade server devices, sensors, desktop computers, firewall devices, laptop computers, handheld computers, mobile telephones, and other types of computing devices.

In various embodiments, the networks128and130include various types of links. For example, the networks128and130can include wired and/or wireless links, including Bluetooth, ultra-wideband (UWB), 802.11, ZigBee, and other types of wireless links. Furthermore, in various embodiments, the networks128and130are implemented at various scales. For example, the networks128and130can be implemented as one or more local area networks (LANs), metropolitan area networks, subnets, wide area networks (such as the Internet), or can be implemented at another scale. Further, in some embodiments, the network128and network130are the same network, such as the Internet or another network.

FIG. 2is an example process170performed at some embodiments of the dental impression station104.

First, at operation172, the dentition of the patient P is captured. As described above with respect toFIG. 1, in some embodiments, the dentition is captured using a physical impression material and in other embodiments, the dentition is captured using a digital impression system.

Next, at operation174, the bite record of the patient P is captured. In some embodiments, the bite record comprises information about contact between the upper dentition and lower dentition of the patient. In some embodiments, the bite record is captured in one or more of following positions: centric occlusion, centric relation, and various excursive bite positions. In some embodiments, this operation is not performed and the bite record is not captured.

In some embodiments, the bite record is captured using a bite registration material such as bite registration wax or polysiloxane. A bite registration material captures the relationship between the upper and lower dentition of the patient P as indents when the patient P bites into the material. In some embodiments, the contact regions are identified as holes or thin regions in the bite registration material.

In other embodiments, the bite record of the patient P is captured using a marking paper, such as articulating or occlusal marking paper or film. In these embodiments, the patient P bites down on the marking paper. Material from the marking paper transfers to the teeth of the patient P in the contact regions. These marks on the teeth of the patient can then be recorded in a photograph or manually on a tooth chart.

Next, at operation176, one or more regions of interest are identified. In some embodiments, a group of teeth, a tooth, or a particular region of a tooth is identified as an area of interest. Example areas of interest include the lower, right quadrant; the lower, right second molar; and the distal-lingual cusp of the lower, right second molar. In some embodiments, the regions of interest are identified based on planned locations for dental restorations. For example, if the dentist D is planning to replace the upper, left cuspid with a crown, that tooth may be identified as a region of interest. Additionally, in some embodiments, regions of interest are identified based on the contact points in the bite record captured during operation174. Further, in some embodiments, regions of interest are identified based on wear patterns on the dentition of the patient P. However, in some embodiments, this operation is not performed.

Next, at operation178, the dental impression106is transmitted. In some embodiments, the dental impression106is transmitted to the dental lab108. In some embodiments, the bite record captured in operation174and the regions of interest identified in operation176are transmitted with the dental impression106. In some embodiments, the dental impression106is transmitted across the network128as a digital impression. In other embodiments, the dental impression106is transmitted as a physical dental impression or dental model.

FIG. 3is an example process220of fabricating the dental appliance112. In some embodiments, process220is performed at the appliance fabrication station110.

First, at operation222, the dental impression106is received. As described above with respect toFIGS. 1-2, in some embodiments, the dental impression106is a physical dental impression, a physical dental model, or a digital impression. Additionally, in some embodiments, the dental impression106includes bite record information or information about regions of interest.

Next, at operation224, a digital model is created. The digital model is created from the dental impression106. The digital model is a three-dimensional model representing the surface of the dentition of the patient P. In some embodiments, the digital model is formed by scanning a plaster model with a three-dimensional laser scanner.

Next, at operation226, the interior surface of the appliance is defined. The interior surface of the dental appliance112is formed to closely follow the exterior surface of the digital model of the dentition of the patient P. For example, in some embodiments, the inner surface of the dental appliance112is formed by offsetting or expanding the exterior surface of the digital model by a predetermined factor.

Next, at operation228, the exterior surface of the dental appliance112is defined. In some embodiments, the exterior surface of the dental appliance112is formed by offsetting or expanding the interior of the dental appliance112by the thickness of the dental appliance112. In some embodiments, the thickness of the dental appliance112is between 1 mm and 6 mm. In other embodiments, the dental appliance112is thicker or thinner. Further, in some embodiments, the thickness of the dental appliance112is uniform, while in other embodiments, the thickness of the dental appliance112is nonuniform.

Next, at operation230, one or more sensor fixture points are defined. The sensor fixture points are configured to secure sensors to the dental appliance112. In some embodiments, the sensor fixture points are slots. Other embodiments of the sensor fixture points are possible as well. Additionally, some embodiments include tracks in the exterior surface of the dental appliance112to allow wires to run to the sensor fixture points. Sensor fixture points are illustrated and described in greater detail with respect toFIG. 7.

Next, at operation232, the support structure of the dental appliance112is fabricated. In some embodiments, the support structure of the dental appliance112is fabricated using a rapid fabrication machine. One example of a rapid fabrication machine is a three-dimensional printer, such as the ProJet line of printers from 3D Systems, Inc. of Rock Hill, S.C. Another example of a rapid fabrication machine is a milling device, such as a computer numerically controlled (CNC) milling device.

In alternative embodiments, the support structure is fabricated using other fabrication technologies such as by using a dental vacuum form machine with a physical dental model.

Next, at operation234, the sensors are attached to the support structure of the dental appliance112. In some embodiments, the sensors are secured in the slots with an adhesive. In other embodiments, the sensors are mechanically secured instead.

FIG. 4is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the dental appliance112. The dental appliance112includes a support structure280and a measurement system282.

The support structure280is a physical structure that is configured to couple to the dentition of the patient P. In some embodiments, the support structure280is configured to fit over some or all of the lower teeth of the patient P. In other embodiments, the support structure280is configured to fit over some or all of the upper teeth of the patient P. Examples of the support structure280include dental splints and orthodontic retainers. In some embodiments, the support structure280is formed from a rigid or semi-rigid material, such as plastic or a composite material.

In some embodiments, the support structure280is formed from multiple rigid or semi-rigid components that are flexibly connected, such that each of the rigid or semi-rigid components moves independently of the rest of the support structure280. In this manner, the dental appliance112is configured to measure the movement of various teeth or groups of teeth independently. In another embodiment, the support structure280is formed from a thin, flexible film. In this manner, the effect of the support structure280on the movement of teeth is minimized. This allows for more accurate measurement of the properties of the dentition of the patient P.

The measurement system282is a system configured to measure a property of the dentition of the patient, such as acceleration, velocity, or movement of the dentition or portions of the dentition and pressure due to masticatory force at points along the dentition. In some embodiments, the measurement system measures one or both of clenching pressure and bruxing pressure, which may include static compressive stresses and shear stresses. In some embodiments, the measurement system282includes a sensor system284, a processing device286, a memory288, and a communication system290.

The sensor system284comprises one or more sensors configured to measure a property of the dentition of the patient P. In some embodiments, the sensors are disposed at various locations relative to the dentition of the patient P. In these embodiments, the sensors measure properties of the dentition of the patient P at these various locations. An example embodiment of the dental appliance112with multiple sensors disposed at various locations is shown and described with respect toFIG. 5.

In some embodiments, the sensor system284includes one or more piezoelectric pressure sensors. A piezoelectric pressure sensor is formed from a piezoelectric material such as various crystals or ceramics. In some embodiments, the piezoelectric pressure sensor is formed from a thin film of piezoelectric material such as metallized piezo film from Measurement Specialties in Hampton, Va. In response to mechanical pressure or stress, a piezoelectric material accumulates electric charge. By measuring the accumulated electrical charge, the mechanical pressure or stress can be inferred. In some embodiments of the sensor system284, piezoelectric sensors are disposed in the support structure280so as to be adjacent to the occlusal surface of the dentition of the patient P when the dental appliance112is worn. In this manner, the sensor system284measures the pressure at various points on the dentition of the patient P.

Further, in some embodiments, the sensor system284includes one or more accelerometers. An accelerometer is a device that is used to measure acceleration, including gravitational acceleration. In some embodiments, an accelerometer measures acceleration in three dimensions. In these embodiments, the orientation of the accelerometer is inferred by comparing the measured direction and magnitude of the acceleration to the expected direction and magnitude of gravitational acceleration. Additionally, in some embodiments, the motion of the accelerometer is inferred. In some embodiments of the dental appliance112, one or more accelerometers are used to infer the orientation of the dental appliance112and the movement of the dental appliance112. In this manner, the orientation and movement of the dentition of the patient P may be inferred as well. In some embodiments, multiple accelerometers are included to determine relative movement of portions of the dentition. In alternate embodiments, one or more accelerometers are coupled to the support structure280and one or more accelerometers are coupled to the opposing dentition of the patient. In this manner, the movement of the mandible of the patient is inferred based on the difference in the movements detected between the accelerometers coupled to the upper and lower dentition of the patient P.

In some embodiments, the sensor system284includes a combination of piezoelectric sensors and accelerometers. Additionally, in some embodiments of the sensor system284other types of sensors are included as well.

The processing device286is a device that is configured to capture signals from the sensor system284. In some embodiments, the processing device286is a digital signal processor. In other embodiments, the processing device286is central processing unit (CPU). Yet other embodiments of the processing device286are possible as well. In some embodiments, the processing device286captures signals from the sensor system284on a regular interval, such as once per millisecond. Other embodiments use shorter or longer intervals. In some embodiments, the processing device286captures signals from the sensor system284when one or more of the sensors generate a signal that is greater than a predetermined threshold.

In some embodiments, the processing device286records the signals from the sensor system284in the memory288. In some embodiments, the processing device286records additional information in the memory as well, such as the date and time the signal was captured and an identifier of the sensor from which the signal was captured. In some embodiments, the date and time information is used to evaluate physiological parameters for extended periods of time, such as all night while the patient P is sleeping. In some embodiments, other additional information is recorded as well. An example data table of sensor measurements is shown and described in more detail with respect toFIG. 9.

In addition, in some embodiments, the processing device286transmits and receives instructions or data using the communication system290.

The memory288is a device for storing digital data and includes computer readable media. Examples of computer readable media include, but are not limited to, random access memory, read only memory, electrically erasable programmable read only memory, flash memory, or other memory technology.

The communication system290is a device for transmitting and receiving signals corresponding to data or instructions. In some embodiments, the communication system290is configured to transmit and receive signals via a wire or cable, such as a mini USB cable, a micro USB cable, or an IEEE 1394 cable, as well as other parallel or serial cables. In other embodiments, the communication system290is configured to transmit and receive signals wireless using a wireless protocol, such as Bluetooth, ultra-wideband (UWB), 802.11, ZigBee, and other types of wireless protocols.

Some embodiments of the measurement system282do not include one or all of the processing device286, the memory288, and the communication system290. Advantageously, these embodiments may be less expensive to manufacturer.

FIG. 5is a schematic illustration of an example dental appliance analysis system340. The dental appliance analysis system340includes the dental appliance112and the computing device116. In the example shown, the dental appliance112and the computing device116are connected via cable344. Also shown is the exterior surface346of the dental appliance112and the sensor system284including sensors348a-f.

In the example shown, the dental appliance112is configured to be worn on the upper dentition of the patient P. The interior surface (not shown) of the dental appliance112is configured to fit over the exterior surface of the upper dentition of the patient P. The exterior surface348is configured to contact the opposing dentition of the patient P. The exterior surface348is shown and described in more detail with respect toFIGS. 6-7.

In the example shown, the sensors348a-fare devices for measuring a property. As described with respect toFIG. 4, examples of sensors348a-finclude, but are not limited to, piezoelectric pressure sensors and accelerometers.

The sensors348a-fare disposed along the exterior surface346of the dental appliance112. Thus, the sensors348a-fare disposed to contact the opposing dentition. In this manner, pressure is applied to the sensors348a-fthrough contact with the opposing dentition. In some embodiments, sensors are disposed in other locations as well, such as along the buccal or lingual surface of the dentition.

In the embodiment shown, the sensors348a-fare disposed around the dentition of the patient. Sensor348ais disposed at a position on the dental appliance112that is near the left, upper cuspid of the patient P when the dental appliance112is being worn. Similarly, sensor348bis near the right, upper cuspid; sensor348c, the left first molar; sensor348d, the right first molar; sensor348e, the left second molar; and sensor348f, the right second molar. Although the embodiment shown includes six sensors348a-f, other embodiments are possible with more or fewer sensors. For example, in some embodiments, one or more sensors are included for each tooth in the dentition. Additionally, in some embodiments, the sensors are not arranged symmetrically. Further, in some embodiments, only a single sensor is included. In some embodiments, the locations of the sensors are defined based on the regions of interest to the dentist D.

The computing device116operates to receive signals from the dental appliance112. In some embodiments, the computing device116sends instructions or configuration information to the measurement system282. In some embodiments, the computing device116is in electrical communication with the measurement system282, such as by cable344. Embodiments of the computing device116are illustrated and described in more detail with respect toFIG. 8.

In other embodiments, the computing device116and the measurement system282communicate wirelessly, using a wireless protocol, such as Bluetooth, ultra-wideband (UWB), 802.11, ZigBee, and other types of wireless protocols. In some of these embodiments, the dental appliance112periodically checks whether the computing device116is available for wireless communication (e.g., when the dental appliance is in the proximity of the computing device116).

In some embodiments, the dental appliance112transmits signals representing measurements to the computing device116when it is able to communicate with the computing device116. In some embodiments, the dental appliance112deletes the measurements from the memory288after confirming the measurements were transferred to the computing device116.

In alternate embodiments, the dental appliance112does not include the memory288. In these embodiments, the signals representing the measurements are transmitted to the computing device116as the properties are measured by the sensor system284. In these embodiments, measurements are only collected from the dental appliance112while it is connected to the computing device116.

Further, althoughFIG. 5describes communication occurring between the dental appliance112and the computing device116at the analysis location114, in some embodiments, the dental appliance112communicates with a different computing device. For example, in some embodiments, the dental appliance112communicates with a personal computer or smart phone of the patient P. In these embodiments, the computing device does not include the data capture and analysis engine118. Instead, the computing device transmits the data that is captured to the computing device116at the analysis location114.

FIG. 6is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the dental appliance112being worn over the dentition of a patient P. The dental appliance112includes the support structure280including an exterior surface348and an interior surface390. The dentition includes a tooth T and gingiva G. The tooth includes an exterior surface E.

The interior surface390is configured to follow the contour of the exterior surface E of the tooth T. In some embodiments, the interior surface390is offset from the exterior surface E of the tooth T by a distance D1. The offset may make it easier to position and remove the dental appliance112from the dentition of the patient P.

Similarly, the exterior surface348is generally configured to match the contour of the interior surface. In some embodiments, the thickness of the support structure280is uniform. In other embodiments, the thickness of the support structure280is nonuniform. For example, in the embodiment shown, the portions of the support structure280that interfere with the bite (e.g., potential contact points) have a thickness of D2, while regions that are not likely to interfere have a thickness of D3. In some embodiments, the thickness D2is smaller than the thickness D3. In this manner, the support structure280is configured to minimize interference with bite of the patient P, and the measurements captured by the dental appliance112are more reflective of the actual bite of the patient P.

FIG. 7is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the dental appliance112, including the sensor348f, being worn over the dentition of a patient P. The dental appliance112includes the support structure280including an exterior surface348, an interior surface390, and a sensor fixture point430. The dentition includes a tooth T and gingiva G. The tooth includes an exterior surface E.

The sensor fixture point430is a portion of the support structure280that is configured to secure the sensor348f. In some embodiments, the sensor fixture point430is a hole in the surface of the support structure280. In other embodiments, the sensor fixture point430is a thinner area of the support structure280that serves as a bed for the sensor348f. In some embodiments, the sensor348fis secured to the support structure280with an adhesive. In alternate embodiments, the support structure280includes mechanical mechanisms to secure the sensor348f, such as a slot that the sensor348fis slid into, arms that cross over the sensor348f, or pegs that the sensor348fslides onto. Other embodiments of sensor fixture point430are possible as well.

FIG. 8illustrates an exemplary architecture of a computing device that can be used to implement aspects of the present disclosure, including any of the plurality of computing devices described herein, such as a computing device of the dental impression station104, the analysis location114, the appliance fabrication station110, the restoration fabrication station122, or any other computing devices that may be utilized in the various possible embodiments.

The computing device illustrated inFIG. 8can be used to execute the operating system, application programs, and software modules (including the software engines) described herein. By way of example, the computing device will be described below as the computing device116that operates the data capture and analysis engine118. To avoid undue repetition, this description of the computing device will not be separately repeated herein for each of the other possible computing devices, but such devices can also be configured as illustrated and described with reference toFIG. 8.

The computing device116includes, in some embodiments, at least one processing device480, such as a central processing unit (CPU). A variety of processing devices are available from a variety of manufacturers, for example, Intel or Advanced Micro Devices. In this example, the computing device116also includes a system memory482, and a system bus484that couples various system components including the system memory482to the processing device480. The system bus484is one of any number of types of bus structures including a memory bus, or memory controller; a peripheral bus; and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures.

Examples of computing devices suitable for the computing device116include a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a mobile computing device (such as a smart phone, an iPod® or iPad® mobile digital device, or other mobile devices), or other devices configured to process digital instructions.

The system memory482includes read only memory486and random access memory488. A basic input/output system490containing the basic routines that act to transfer information within computing device116, such as during start up, is typically stored in the read only memory486.

The computing device116also includes a secondary storage device492in some embodiments, such as a hard disk drive, for storing digital data. The secondary storage device492is connected to the system bus484by a secondary storage interface494. The secondary storage devices492and their associated computer readable media provide nonvolatile storage of computer readable instructions (including application programs and program modules), data structures, and other data for the computing device116.

Although the exemplary environment described herein employs a hard disk drive as a secondary storage device, other types of computer readable storage media are used in other embodiments. Examples of these other types of computer readable storage media include magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, digital video disks, Bernoulli cartridges, compact disc read only memories, digital versatile disk read only memories, random access memories, or read only memories. Some embodiments include non-transitory media. Additionally, such computer readable storage media can include local storage or cloud-based storage.

A number of program modules can be stored in secondary storage device492or system memory482, including an operating system496, one or more application programs498, other program modules500(such as the software engines described herein), and program data502. The computing device116can utilize any suitable operating system, such as Microsoft Windows™, Google Chrome™ OS, Apple OS, Unix, or Linux and variants and any other operating system suitable for a computing device. Other examples can include Microsoft, Google, or Apple operating systems, or any other suitable operating system used in tablet computing devices.

In some embodiments, a user provides inputs to the computing device116through one or more input devices504. Examples of input devices504include a keyboard506, mouse508, microphone510, and touch sensor512(such as a touchpad or touch sensitive display). Other embodiments include other input devices504. The input devices are often connected to the processing device480through an input/output interface514that is coupled to the system bus484. These input devices504can be connected by any number of input/output interfaces, such as a parallel port, serial port, game port, or a universal serial bus. Wireless communication between input devices and the interface214is possible as well, and includes infrared, BLUETOOTH® wireless technology, 802.11a/b/g/n, cellular, ultra-wideband (UWB), ZigBee, or other radio frequency communication systems in some possible embodiments.

In this example embodiment, a display device516, such as a monitor, liquid crystal display device, projector, or touch sensitive display device, is also connected to the system bus484via an interface, such as a video adapter518. In addition to the display device516, the computing device116can include various other peripheral devices (not shown), such as speakers or a printer.

When used in a local area networking environment or a wide area networking environment (such as the Internet), the computing device116is typically connected to the network through a network interface520, such as an Ethernet interface. Other possible embodiments use other communication devices. For example, some embodiments of the computing device116include a modem for communicating across the network.

The computing device116typically includes at least some form of computer readable media. Computer readable media includes any available media that can be accessed by the computing device116. By way of example, computer readable media include computer readable storage media and computer readable communication media.

The computing device illustrated inFIG. 8is also an example of programmable electronics, which may include one or more such computing devices, and when multiple computing devices are included, such computing devices can be coupled together with a suitable data communication network so as to collectively perform the various functions, methods, or operations disclosed herein.

FIG. 9is an example measurement data table560that is stored in the memory288of some embodiments of the dental appliance112. The measurement data table560stores measurements captured by the dental appliance112. In some embodiments, the measurement data table560is stored in the computing device116instead of or in addition to being stored in the memory288.

In the measurement data table560, the first column562stores a sensor identification value, such as a sensor number. The second column564stores a measurement value representing the property measured by the sensor. The third column566stores a date and time value representing the date and time the measurement was captured. In operation, the measurement data table560is populated with a plurality of records representing measurements captured by the sensors348a-fof the dental appliance112. In some embodiments, the measurement data table560includes additional, fewer, or different columns.

FIG. 10is an example sensor data table590that is stored in the memory288of some embodiments of the dental appliance112. The sensor data table590stores information about the sensors348a-fin the dental appliance112. In some embodiments, the sensor data table590is stored in the computing device116.

In the sensor data table590, the first column592stores a sensor identification value, such as a sensor number. In some embodiments, the sensor identification value stored in the first column592correlates to a sensor identification value stored in the first column562of the measurement data table560.

The second column594stores a tooth number corresponding to the tooth in the dentition of the patient P that a sensor is adjacent to when the dental appliance is worn by the patient P. In this manner, the measurements recorded by that sensor can be associated with a particular tooth. However, some embodiments do not include the second column594.

The third column596stores a sensor type value representing the type of the sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor type value is used to interpret the measurement value stored in the second column564of the measurement data table560. For example, in some embodiments, a conversion or compensation procedure may be performed on the measurement value stored in the second column564of the measurement data table560based on the sensor type value. However, some embodiments do not include the third column596. For example, in some embodiments that include a single type of sensor the third column596is not included.

The fourth column598stores a position value representing the position of the sensor. In some embodiments, the position value is recorded as three-dimensional coordinate. In some embodiments, the position value is measured relative to the coordinate space of the digital model of the dentition of the patient P. In other embodiments, the position value is measured relative to a position of the dental appliance112(for example, the center of the dental appliance112). In these embodiments, the position relative to the dental appliance112is then converted to a position relative to the dentition of the patient P during later processing (for example, by the data capture and analysis engine118). In this manner, the measurements recorded by that sensor are associated with a particular position on the dentition of the patient P.

In operation, the sensor data table590is populated with a record representing each of the sensors in the dental appliance112. Further, in some embodiments, the sensor data table590includes additional, fewer, or different columns.

FIG. 11is an example process620of analyzing data from the dental appliance112. In some embodiments, process620is performed by the data capture and analysis engine118.

First, at operation622, the sensor measurement data and dentition information is received. In some embodiments, the sensor measurement data includes the measurement data table560and the sensor data table590, which are illustrated and described in more detail inFIG. 9andFIG. 10respectively. In some embodiments, the dentition is received as the digital model formed in operation224of the example process220of fabricating the dental appliance112, which is illustrated and described in more detail with respect toFIG. 3.

Next, at operation624, the sensor measurement data is associated with the dentition of the patient. In some embodiments, this operation is performed by mapping the position data of the sensor from the sensor data table590to the dentition. The measurements from the measurement data table560are then mapped to the position of the sensor on the dentition. In some embodiments, a data table that maps the sensor measurements to the dentition is generated during this operation. An example of this table is illustrated and described in greater detail with respect toFIG. 12.

Next at operation626, colors are assigned to the dentition based on one or more of the properties in the sensor measurement data. For example, in some embodiments, the colors are assigned based on the maximum pressure measured by the sensor. In some embodiments, a first color is assigned when the maximum pressure measured is less than or equal to 150 MPa, a second color is assigned when the maximum pressure measured is greater than 150 MPa and less than or equal to 250 MPa, and a third color is assigned when the maximum pressure measured is greater than 250 MPa. In some embodiments, more or fewer colors are assigned. Additionally, in some embodiments, different threshold values are used. In some embodiments, the threshold values are selected based on the material strength of potential dental restoration materials. Further, in some embodiments, different methods of visually indicating the values measured are used, such as shading, circling, or texturing regions of the dentition. Still other embodiments are possible as well.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the colors (or other visual indicators) are assigned based on different properties, such as acceleration or tooth movement. In some embodiments that include multiple sensor types, multiple colors representing different properties are assigned to regions of the dentition.

Next, at operation628, the dentition is visualized with the colors (or other visual indicators). In this manner, a user, such as the dentist D, can quickly evaluate and understand the pressures or other properties measured by the dental appliance112. An example of the visualized dentition is illustrated and described with respect toFIG. 13.

FIG. 12illustrates an example dentition data table650and an example process of computing the dentition data table650by the data capture and analysis engine118.

In some embodiments, the records in the dentition data table650are calculated by operation624of the example process620of analyzing data from the dental appliance112. For example, a record in the dentition data table650is generated by combining a record from the measurement data table560with an associated record in the sensor data table590. For example, in some embodiments, a record in the measurement data table560is combined with a record in the sensor data table590when the sensor number values of the records match (e.g., the value in the first column562of the measurement data table560is the same as the value in the first column592of the sensor data table590).

In the dentition data table650, the first column652stores a tooth number corresponding to the tooth in the dentition of the patient P that the measurement corresponds to. In some embodiments, the value in the first column652is from the second column594of the sensor data table590. However, some embodiments do not include the first column652.

The second column654stores the position at which the measurement was recorded. In some embodiments, the position value is recorded as a three-dimensional coordinate that maps to a position on the surface of the dentition of the patient P. In some embodiments, the value in the second column654is from the fourth column598of the sensor data table590. Further, in some embodiments, the value in the fourth column598of the sensor data table590is converted into the coordinate space of the dental model before being stored in the second column654.

The third column656stores a pressure value corresponding to the pressure measured by the sensor. Similarly, the fourth column658stores an acceleration value corresponding to the acceleration measured by the sensor. In some embodiments, the values in the third column656and the fourth column658are from the second column564of the measurement data table560. For example, depending on the sensor type value in the third column596of the sensor data table590, the measurement value in the second column564of the measurement data table560is stored as either the pressure value in the third column656or the acceleration value in the fourth column658. In some embodiments, the values stored in the third column656and the fourth column658are calculated by applying a conversion or compensation process to the measurement value recorded in the second column564of measurement data table560. In this manner, the measurement value stored in the second column564of the measurement data table560, which in some embodiments is a raw sensor value, is converted to a measurement in units that are meaningful to a typical observer.

In some embodiments, the dentition data table650is stored in the computing device116. Further, in some embodiments, the dentition data table650includes additional, fewer, or different columns.

FIG. 13illustrates an example dental property map120. The dental property map120includes regions680a-fcorresponding to the locations of the sensors348a-fin the dental appliance112. Each of the regions680a-fare highlighted with a color (or other visual indicator) that is associated with a different value or range of values for the property being visualized. For example, regions680a-care colored a first color, regions680d-eare colored a second color, and region680fis colored a third color. In some embodiments, these colors correspond to the pressure measured in the region.

FIG. 14is an example process710of fabricating a dental restoration124using data from the dental appliance112. In some embodiments, the process710is performed by the restoration fabrication station122.

Initially, at operation712, an impression of the prepared restoration site is received. Examples of a prepared restoration site include a tooth or series of teeth that the dentist D has prepared (i.e., removed tooth material) to receive a restoration such as a filling, partial crown, full crown, veneer, or bridge. In some embodiments, the dental property map120is generated before the dentist D prepares the restoration site. Accordingly, in those embodiments, the impression received at operation712is different than the dental impression106.

Next, at operation714, the dental property map120is received. In some embodiments, the dental property map120is received as an image. In other embodiments, the dental property map120is received as three-dimensional model data, including the associated measured property values.

Next, at operation716, the dental property map120is associated with the impression of the prepared restoration site. In some embodiments, this is performed by simply visually inspecting the dental property map120to determine the value of the property at the location for the dental restoration124. In other embodiments, the dental property map120is imported into a computer aided design (CAD) program and aligned with the coordinate system of the impression of the prepared restoration sites.

Next, at operation718, an appropriate restoration material is selected based on the impression of the prepared restoration site and the dental property map120. In some embodiments, the restoration material is selected based on the maximum pressure recorded at the location of the restoration. In other embodiments, the restoration material is selected based on a combination of the pressure recorded at the location of the restoration and the space available for the restoration between the prepared restoration site and the opposing dentition. This is beneficial for restoration materials that have varying strength properties based on thickness.

Further, in some embodiments, the geometry of the prepared restoration site, the design of the dental restoration124, pressure data from the dental property map120, and the properties of a potential restoration material are analyzed using finite element analysis to determine whether the dental restoration is likely to withstand the pressures it will be subjected to after being seated in the dentition of the patient P.

Next, at operation720the dental restoration124is fabricated. In some embodiments, the dental restoration124is fabricated using a CAD program, along with a rapid fabrication machine. In other embodiments, the dental restoration124is fabricated using the lost-wax technique, porcelain build-up technique, ceramic press technique, or any other dental restoration fabrication technique.

FIG. 15is an example process750of operating the system100to evaluate the occlusion of a patient.

At operation752, the dental impression106of the patient is captured. At operation754, the dental appliance112is fabricated. At operation756, data is captured using the dental appliance112. At operation758, the dental property map120is generated.

At operation760, the occlusion of the patient is evaluated using the dental property map120. In some embodiments, operation760is performed by the dentist D at the dental office102using a computing device. For example, in some embodiments, the dentist D uses a computing device associated with the dental impression station104to evaluate the occlusion of the patient.

In some embodiments, the dentist D evaluates the occlusion of the patient P by reviewing the dental property map120to identify regions of the dentition of the patient that are subject to larger forces. Using this information, the dentist D may determine whether additional treatment is necessary for the patient P. Additionally, the dentist D may determine to monitor a particular region of the dentition at future visits. In some of these embodiments, the system100is used as a diagnostic tool regardless of whether the patient is having restorative work performed.

FIG. 16is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example of a system800for evaluating the dentition of a patient P using a dental appliance112for measuring teeth movement and interference. In this example, the system800includes a dental appliance112, motion capture device802, computing device116including a data capture and analysis engine118, and dental property map120.

The system800is similar to the system100, except that it includes the motion capture device802. The system800can be used in the same ways and for the same purposes as the system100. However, in some embodiments, the system800can additionally be used to evaluate the dentition opposite the dental appliance112. For example, in some embodiments, the dental appliance112is worn on the maxillary arch and the dental property map is generated for the mandibular arch. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the dental appliance112is worn on the mandibular arch and the dental property map is generated for the maxillary arch.

The motion capture device802captures data associated with the movement of the dental arches relative to each other. In some embodiments, the motion capture device802operates using optical information to determine the relative movement of the dental arches. Additionally, in some embodiments, the motion capture device802also captures the positions relative to each other.

In some embodiments, the motion capture device802captures the data relating to the relative movement of the dental arches during some or all of the time the dental appliance112captures pressure data.

In some embodiments, the data capture and analysis engine118receives data from both the dental appliance112and the motion capture device802. In some embodiments, the data capture and analysis engine118combines the data from the dental appliance112with the data from the motion capture device802to determine the pressure experienced on the arch opposite the dental appliance112. For example, in some embodiments, uses the data from the motion capture device802to determine the position is on the opposing dentition that is in contact with a sensor in the dental appliance112at a particular time. Using this information, the data capture and analysis engine118is then able to determine the pressure on that surface at that particular time.

In some embodiments, the data capture and analysis engine118temporally offsets the data received from the motion capture device802by a negative or positive amount to ensure that it is properly aligned with the data captured by the dental appliance112. In some embodiments, the correct temporal offset is determined using a calibration procedure.

The system800may be particularly beneficial for evaluating the occlusion of the arch opposite the dental appliance112repeatedly as treatment is being performed on that arch. In some embodiments, it is not necessary to refabricate the dental appliance112when the opposing arch is modified during treatment. For example, in some embodiments, the dental appliance112is fabricated before any treatment has been performed and is configured to be worn on the maxillary arch. The system800is then used as a diagnostic tool to evaluate the occlusion of the mandibular arch. The information captured by the system800may also be used to fabricate a restoration. Later, after the dentition of the mandibular arch has been modified (e.g., by installing a dental restoration), the dental appliance112can still be worn on the maxillary arch because the maxillary arch has not been modified. The system800can then be used to evaluate the occlusion of the mandibular arch after the restoration has been installed.

Additionally, in some embodiments of the system800, the data capture and analysis engine118generates a dental property map120that illustrates how the occlusion of the patient has changed by installing the restoration.

FIG. 17is an example process840of operating the system800to evaluate the restored dentition of a patient.

Initially, at operation842, a dental impression106is captured. At operation844, the dental appliance112is fabricated. At operation846, data is captured using the dental appliance112and the motion capture device802. At operation848, the dental property map120is generated.

At operation850, the pre-restoration occlusion is evaluated. In some embodiments, the pre-restoration occlusion is evaluated using the dental property map120.

At operation852, the dentist D determines whether the dentition of the patient P needs to be restored. In some embodiments, the dentist D determines that the patient P needs restorative work based, in part, on the dental property map120. In other embodiments, the dentist D determines that the patient P needs restorative work based on other factors. If the dentist D determines that the patient P needs one or more restorations, the process840continues to operation854. If not, the process840ends.

At operation854, one or more dental restoration124is fabricated and installed. At operation856, data is recaptured using the dental appliance112and the motion capture device802. In some embodiments, the same dental appliance112is used to capture data both pre- and post-restoration. This is possible because the system800uses motion data to create a dental property map120for the arch opposite of the dental appliance112. Accordingly, in some embodiments, when the opposite arch is restored, the dental appliance112will still fit and record data.

At operation858, a dental property map based on the post-restoration data is generated. At operation the860, the post-restoration occlusion is evaluated. In some embodiments, the dentist D will evaluate the post-restoration occlusion to predict patient comfort and future dental wear patterns.

At operation862, the pre- and post-restoration occlusions are compared. In some embodiments, the data capture and analysis engine118generates a color map based on the changes to the occlusion of the patient. For example, if the pressure recorded at a particular point decreased post-restoration, that particular point would be shaded a first color. Additionally, if the pressure recorded at another particular point increased post-restoration, that particular point would be shaded a second color. In this manner, the dentist D is able to evaluate how the restoration changed the occlusion of the patient P.