U.S. patent application number 14/486411 was filed with the patent office on 2015-03-12 for mandible position indicator for analyzing bite function.
The applicant listed for this patent is DentiGrafix, LLC. Invention is credited to Roger A. Evenson, Bruce W. Hultgren.
Application Number | 20150072314 14/486411 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48427277 |
Filed Date | 2015-03-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150072314 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Evenson; Roger A. ; et
al. |
March 12, 2015 |
MANDIBLE POSITION INDICATOR FOR ANALYZING BITE FUNCTION
Abstract
A system and method for capturing movement of the mandible. A
top pantograph is fixed to a patient, wherein fixing includes
attaching clutches to the top teeth of the patient. A bottom
pantograph is fixed to the patient, wherein fixing includes
attaching clutches to the bottom teeth of the patient. Movement of
the bottom pantograph relative to the top pantograph during the
patient's bite cycle is monitored and a hinge axis corresponding to
the patient's mandible is determined.
Inventors: |
Evenson; Roger A.; (Saint
Paul, MN) ; Hultgren; Bruce W.; (Victoria,
MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
DentiGrafix, LLC |
Eden Prairie |
MN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48427277 |
Appl. No.: |
14/486411 |
Filed: |
September 15, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14052497 |
Oct 11, 2013 |
8834157 |
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14486411 |
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|
13671269 |
Nov 7, 2012 |
8556626 |
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14052497 |
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12714164 |
Feb 26, 2010 |
8348667 |
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13671269 |
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61156373 |
Feb 27, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
433/214 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61C 19/052 20130101;
A61C 9/0006 20130101; A61B 5/0088 20130101; A61C 19/045
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
433/214 |
International
Class: |
A61C 19/05 20060101
A61C019/05; A61C 9/00 20060101 A61C009/00 |
Claims
1. A method of determining centric relation bite registration,
comprising: fixing a top pantograph to a patient, wherein fixing
includes attaching clutches to the top teeth of the patient; fixing
a bottom pantograph to a patient, wherein fixing includes attaching
clutches to the bottom teeth of the patient; placing a first piece
of a dental impression material on one or more anterior teeth;
recording a bite on the first piece of dental impression material;
hardening the first piece of dental impression material; placing a
second piece of dental impression material on one or more maxillary
molars; recording a bite on the second piece of dental impression
material; hardening the second piece of dental impression material;
placing the patient's condyles in a seated position by having the
patient bite the hardened first and second pieces of dental
impression material; and recording movements around the patient's
condylar axis.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/052,497, entitled "Mandible Position
Indicator for Analyzing Bite Function", filed Oct. 11, 2013, which
is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/671,269,
entitled "Mandible Position Indicator for Measuring and Replicating
Occlusion," filed Nov. 7, 2012, which is a continuation-in-part of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/714,164, entitled "Mandible
Position Indicator and Automatic Articulator for Measuring and
Replicating Occlusion," filed Feb. 26, 2012, now issued as U.S.
Pat. No. 8,348,667, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/156,373, filed Feb. 27, 2009, the disclosure of
each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/619,667, filed Apr. 3, 2012, the disclosure of
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Dental care providers may create a three dimensional ("3D")
physical model or cast of one or more areas of a patient's oral
cavity. With a 3D physical model, a care provider can interact with
the model to quickly view multiple angles of the model and to
visualize adjustments made to the model. For example, care
providers may create a model of an area of a patient's oral cavity
where one or more teeth are missing or damaged, so that suitable
replacement teeth may be made in the lab using the model as a
guide.
[0004] Proper fitting the lab-made teeth would benefit from an
understanding of how the teeth are used by the patient. In other
words, somehow linking the model to the mechanics of the patient's
bite is desirable. In the past, care providers have used a
mechanical device called an articulator in conjunction with the
models to replicate movement of the patient's mandible about a bite
axis. This is a crude replication of the bite and often fails to
capture intricacies of the bite motion, including habitual
adaptation of the bite to malformations of the teeth. Habitual
adaptation of the bite often occurs via muscle training In addition
to failing to capture the complex curvature of the bite, the known
methods are imprecise and inaccurate, as the care provider is often
mounted to soft tissue, record data via a pen, or introduce error
during different portions of a procedure. Articulators are manually
adjusted based on recorded data. This provides two windows for
errors. A third window for error is in model creation. What is
needed is a system which can accurately and precisely capture bite
motion and simulate bite motion so that a care provide can better
study bite motion. To reach a better understanding of a patient's
physiology and proposed care options, care providers have expressed
a desire to be able to study bite motion physically, rather than in
2 dimensions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example,
various embodiments discussed in the present document. The drawings
are for illustrative purposes only and may not be to scale.
[0006] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a digital bite information
collection apparatus 100, according to some embodiments.
[0007] FIGS. 2A-B illustrate clutches and a condylar axis,
according to some embodiments.
[0008] FIGS. 3A-B show a pantograph in two separate positions.
[0009] FIG. 3C illustrates movement in the horizontal sensor
field.
[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates a portion of a pantograph that includes a
laser 402 that is split into a first beam 404 parallel the
left-right axis, and a second beam 406 parallel the dorsal-ventral
axis, according to some embodiments.
[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates an MMS 200, according to some
embodiments. A cast of the top teeth is coupled to the top bad 202,
according to some embodiments.
[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates an example system and method for transfer
of bit information to MMS without a jig, according to some
embodiments.
[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates a MMS, according to some embodiments.
[0014] FIG. 8 shows a further portion of an MMS, according to
various embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 9 illustrates a further MMS, according to some
embodiments.
[0016] FIG. 10 illustrates a table on which the device of FIG. 9
can be mounted, to gain motion along axis A10, 1, according to some
embodiments.
[0017] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the underside of a
bottom articulator plate, according to some embodiments.
[0018] FIG. 12 illustrates a further MMS, according to some
embodiments.
[0019] FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of the capture plate
1208, according to some embodiments.
[0020] FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a
machine upon which one or more embodiments may be implemented.
[0021] FIG. 15 is a method of modeling a bite, according to an
example.
[0022] FIG. 16 is a method of creating a bite model, according to
an example.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] In the following description, reference is made to the
accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is
shown by way of illustration specific embodiments which may be
practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to
enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it
is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that
structural, logical and electrical changes may be made without
departing from the scope of the present invention. The following
description of example embodiments is, therefore, not to be taken
in a limited sense, and the scope of the present invention is
defined by the appended claims.
[0024] The present subject matter provides an improved system and
method for capturing dental articulation. It allows care providers
to understand articulation, create models of that articulation,
find improved articulation if possible, and provide treatments
based on the models that will either allow the existing
articulation or encourage the improved articulation.
[0025] The following benefits are recognized. First, the present
subject matter better captures bite motion by fixing measuring
tools to both the top and bottom teeth. This is preferred over
systems that fix to only one row of teeth, as it reduces error.
Systems that fix to only one row of teeth inevitably fix the other
portion of a bite monitoring system to soft tissue, which can
result in error via tissue movement or some other error. This
problem is discussed herein. Improvements over this approach by the
present subject matter include actually replicating the function of
the condylar axis, as well as eliminating the reliance on soft
tissue or some other error prone data in establishing the geometric
relationship of both rows of teeth to one another throughout a
range of mandibular articulations.
[0026] Second, the present subject matter better simulates motion
by using digital data to replicate a bite motion on an improved
automated articulator, which can include a Stewart platform. By
recording bite motion in a digital format, and then simulating the
bite motion using the digital motion, at least one opportunity for
error is eliminated. One opportunity for error is eliminated
because data from the monitor is transcribed to the articulator
digitally, rather than being replicated by hand adjustments to the
articulator.
[0027] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a digital bite information
collection apparatus 100, according to some embodiments. The system
includes a top face bow 102 coupled to a top clutch 106. The top
clutch can be coupled to a top teeth and optionally gingivia of a
patient, such as by using a quick setting, compliant compound that
can both capture the shape of the teeth and which can be released
from the teeth. The system 100 further includes a bottom face bow
104 coupled to a bottom teeth 108, which can have a compound
disposed in it just as the top face bow 102 does.
[0028] When mounted, the care provided can adjust the face bows
102, 104 so that a first sensor 110 registers with both an
anterior-posterior sensor field 112 and a horizontal sensor field
114. This adjustment can optionally be performed using adjustable
sliders 150A-D. This allows the tool to fit to persons in different
stages of development.
[0029] The first sensor 110 is a laser in some embodiments, but the
present subject matter is not so limited. Other optical sensors can
be used. The sensor fields can include position sensitive diodes
("PSDs"), but the present subject matter is not so limited. To save
cost, the illustrated embodiment uses a laser splitter to direct
laser light from one laser to both sensor fields 112, 114, but the
present subject matter is not so limited.
[0030] FIGS. 2A-B illustrate clutches and a condylar axis,
according to some embodiments. The present subject matter
accurately and precisely captures D1 and D2 by running the laser,
broadcasting laser light against a sensor plane, and digitizing and
storing the information captured digitally in a measurement
computer for analysis and display.
[0031] FIGS. 3A-B show a pantograph in two separate positions. As
the patient moves their mandibles from the position illustrated in
FIG. 3A to the position illustrated in FIG. 3B, the lasers trace a
path 118 of laser light against a plurality of sensor planes, and
this path is captured digitally. The precision is to at least
0.0001 of an inch. This path can be in the
anterior-posterior/dorsal-ventral plane, and/or it can be in the
anterior-posterior/left-right plane, as illustrated by the path 130
traced in FIG. 3C. This is an improvement over systems that use
styluses and pens which have to be changed after each recording.
This approach allows for iterative captures, which can
statistically improve certainty that the path of interest is
desired. This information is used to study the patient and to
provide therapy to the patient. In some embodiments, a measurement
computer monitors data and issues an alert to a care provider when
a specific degree of statistical certainty so to the arc of the jaw
is determined.
[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates a portion of a pantograph that includes a
laser 402 that is split into a first beam 404 parallel the
left-right axis, and a second beam 406 parallel the dorsal-ventral
axis. Adjustments can be made using one or more thumb screws (or
some analog) to move the laser in relation to a second pantograph
along one or both of the 4X axis and the 4Y axis.
Axis of Rotation, Excursions, "Natural Path"
[0033] One procedure contemplated herein studies mandibular
function. This procedure is useful to understand the bite bath as
mandated by the condyle, and not the teeth. This "natural path" is
the path that would be experienced but for teeth interfering with
the bite.
[0034] During approximately 20 to 25 mm of opening or closing of
the mouth from and to contact of the teeth, the mandible rotates
around an axis of rotation A1, which is located in the condyle.
This is often referred to as a "hinge movement," and therefore,
this axis is called the "hinge axis." When the condyles are in
their anterior-superior, "seated" position in the mandibular
fossae, this axis is called the "terminal hinge axis." This is
understood to be the physiologic position from which "mandibular
movements" or "excursions" start. A "mandibular movement" might be
opening the mouth, moving the mandible in an anterior direction or
moving the mandible in a right or left excursive movement.
[0035] The teeth of some patients are arranged such that when they
bite in their normal, day to day occlusion (intercuspal position or
habitual occlusion), the condyles are in the normal,
anterior-superior location in the mandibular fossa and therefore,
the axis of rotation is also in the normal location. However, one
problem is that the teeth of some patients are arranged such that
when they bite in their normal day-to-day occlusion, the condyles
are not in the anterior-superior location in the mandibular fossae,
and therefore the axis of rotation is at some variance from that
which is considered physiologic.
[0036] The problem noted above becomes more obvious when the person
experiences a related "problem" in the form of "muscle splinting"
or cramping. When the occlusion is not in harmony with the
physiologic position of the condyles, the muscles must move the
mandible to the position where their teeth will bite in their
normal day today bite (habitual occlusion). If the muscle activity
is beyond their capacity to tolerate this function, they start to
hurt.
[0037] A second problem occurs if the person's axis of rotation is
located at some variance from the desired location. When the
mandible is moved in a lateral excursion, the patient moves in a
habitual pathway that works. The muscles navigate the mandible in
the pathway in which "interferences" or obstacles do not occur.
However, during sleep or at various times such as resting with the
teeth slightly apart, the condyles tend to seat in their
physiologic position, and then when the mandible moves in an
excursion, or the "natural path," a problem occurs in that the
teeth experience "interferences," or problematic tooth contacts.
This results in abnormal tooth wear, called "facets." If severe,
these interferences result in bone loss, a need for a "root canal
treatment," muscle splinting, temporomandibular joint disorders and
other problems. Patients attempt to counter these afflictions
through habitual adaptation, i.e. muscle training
[0038] A problem also can occur during the treatment process of
fabricating and placing a prosthetic dental item, such as a crown
or a bridge. If the occlusal (biting surface of a tooth) surface of
a gold or porcelain crown is not designed and formed in a manner
that provides for both the habitual and physiologic (natural)
function, the patient may experience difficulty in the form of
tooth pain, muscle pain, tm joint paint and headaches. Therefore,
in addition to simple day-to-day function problems, there is the
potential for treatment problems if a dental provider does not
address the matters of axis of rotation and excursive mandibular
movement.
[0039] If a dental provider is treating the entire occlusion, then
it is mandatory that the axis of rotation, or hinge axis is
located, recorded and transferred to an appropriate instrument on
which the prosthetic item is to be fabricated. The present subject
matter performs this function.
[0040] Some instruments do not locate the axis of rotation
accurately and are difficult and time consuming to use. In
addition, quite often an instrument is used to determine an
"arbitrary" or "estimated" axis of rotation. In this method, some
device is used to locate a point 13 mm anterior to the tragus of
the ear on a line from the tragus to the outer canthus of the eye.
This has been determined to approximate the location of the axis of
rotation. The problem is that this is only a poor estimation of the
actual axis of rotation, and it could vary from one-half a
millimeter to two or three millimeters. There will always be some
degree of error when an "estimated axis" is used. Therefore, it is
critical to accurately locate the physiologic axis of rotation when
treating the entire occlusion with a full-mouth reconstruction,
orthodontic treatment or any treatment that involves the entire
occlusion. Known solutions are inaccurate, difficult to use and
consume an inordinate amount of time in use. The present subject
matter addresses these problems.
[0041] One way the present subject matter addresses these problems
is by allowing the care provider to understand the natural path and
the habitual path in operation of an articulator. The present
subject matter, through tooth scans, can digitize bite motion and
store and display that on a measurement computer, in conjunction
with an actual bite. This could be done by replacing the adjusters
150 with linear distance monitors. Then a measurement computer
would have scanned teeth and would understand the bite via data
received from the system 100.
[0042] The present subject matter additionally allows modeling of
natural path and habitual path via an 3D bench top articulator.
This articulator, as disclosed herein in relation to various
embodiments, uses servo motors to move the mandibles in relation to
one another to simulate a bite via the methods set out above.
Centric Relation Bite Registration
[0043] If the patient has soreness or pain in the muscles of
mastication or if the patient has a temporomandibular ("TM") joint
disorder, one should resolve those problems prior to attempting to
accomplish a centric relation bite registration. One can to the
bite registration, but it most likely will not be accurate.
[0044] The process for resolving muscle soreness or pain or
symptoms of a TM joint disorder may involve the use of an occlusal
splint (a plastic device that fits over the teeth to provide proper
occlusion function in order to allow healing) for several months.
Other measures such as physical therapy may be involved as
well.
[0045] If the patient does not have soreness or pain of the muscles
of mastication and does not have a TM joint disorder or if the
patient has had these problems resolved, then one proceeds with the
bite registration, which is described below.
[0046] In using the anterior stop technique, one can prepare a four
thickness piece of occlusion wax that provides for the width of the
maxillary anterior teeth and that provides for contact with the
mandibular incisors. Generally, this piece of wax will be 11/2
inches long, 1/2 to 3/4 inches wide and 1/2 inches deep. Heat the
wax in a water bath at 140 degrees.
[0047] Prepare a two thickness piece of occlusion wax (the
posterior piece) that provides for the width of the maxillary first
molars at their buccal surface. Generally, this piece of wax will
be 3 to 4 inches long, 1 inch wide and 3/8 inches deep. Heat the
wax in a water bath at 140 degrees.
[0048] Attached the system 100 to the patient. After instruction
the patient regarding the procedure, place the dead soft anterior
piece of wax on the maxillary anterior teeth. With the thumb on the
patient's chin, the index finger under the left gonial angle of the
mandible and the middle finger under the right gonial angle of the
mandible, manipulate the patient's mandible to cause an arcing
motion of four to eight millimeters while applying only an upward
pressure at the gonial angles. As this is being accomplished, one
should feel the mandible seating in "rest position," or that
position of the mandible one would find it to be when the muscles
of mastication are not active. The purpose of the upward pressure
is only to sense if the patient moves the mandible out of rest
position. The manipulation must start at rest position and the
condyles must not be allowed to move out of their seated position.
As this is being accomplished, one will note a smooth and freely
arcing motion to the mandible. The patient is instructed to let the
lower incisors strike the wax. Then the patient is instructed to
"squeeze" and "bite slowly." The care provider instructs the
patient to stop biting when the maxillary and mandibular posterior
teeth are about 11/2 to 2 millimeters from contact. The posterior
teeth cannot contact at any point or the patient will move the
mandible to their habitual occlusion and the bite registration is
invalid. If the procedure is satisfactory, the anterior wax piece
is cooled with air from an air syringe, the piece is held in place
while the patient is instructed to open, and the wax piece is place
in ice water.
[0049] After the anterior wax piece has hardened in the ice water,
the dead soft posterior wax piece is placed on the maxillary first
molars, extending across the palate. The wax is pressed onto the
occlusal surface and held in place. Then the cold, hard anterior
wax piece is replaced on the maxillary anterior teeth.
[0050] Optionally, the wax is coupled to the clutches 104, 106 so
that the system 100 can record the relation of the teeth to the
axis when the system is engaged to record. One input to record
could be a foot pedal, but the present subject matter is not so
limited.
[0051] During a recording period, the care provider places the
fingers on the chin and the gonial angles as before and manipulates
the mandible in the same manner, watching carefully to be certain
the mandibular incisors fit into the registration imprints in the
wax.
[0052] If the incisors fit, during another recording period, the
patient is told to "squeeze" and then "bite hard evenly on both
sides." During this biting, the muscles of mastication (primarily
the masseter and internal ptyergoid muscles) seat the condyles in a
physiologic, seated position, which is understood to be in a
superoanterior location in the mandibular fossae. This position can
be recorded.
[0053] The posterior wax piece is cooled with air from the air
syringe, the posterior piece is held against the maxillary molars
and the patient is instructed to "open." The anterior and posterior
wax pieces are floated in water to prevent distortion. The centric
relation wax bite registration (2 pieces) together with a proper
transfer of the condylar axis via the system 100 are used to mount
the dental models in one or more dental articulators.
[0054] Centric relation is defined as the relative location of the
mandible when the condyles and their properly attached articular
discs are actively positioned by the closing musculature against
the superoanterior areas of the posterior slopes of the articular
eminences of the mandibular fossae and are also physiologically
positioned transversely.
[0055] The models are "mounted in centric relation." This is an
improved mount. When combined with the improved determination of
the condylar axis as set out herein, including but not limited to
excursion and path data from the system 100, superior and highly
accurate and precise representation on an articulator can take
place.
Systems and Methods for Recording Mandibular Movement
[0056] A care provider can select clutches, upper, and lower. The
care provider can fill upper and lower clutches with medium such as
a wax. The care provider can fit the clutches to respective teeth.
In optional embodiments, the care provider can align right and left
sensor ear canal indicators to ear canals. In some embodiments, the
care provider can fit lower clutch in alignment to upper clutch. In
some embodiments, the care provider can fasten upper face bow to
upper clutch, aligning in a horizontal plane. In some embodiments,
the care provider can fasten lower face bow to lower clutch,
aligning in a horizontal plane. In optional embodiments, the care
provider can align right and left lasers to indicators.
[0057] In various embodiments, the care provider can power on a
measurement computer, upper face bow and lower face bow and check
all lasers and PSD sensors function and wireless communication with
the measurement computer. In some embodiments, the care provider
can position a patient in chair in upright sitting position. In
some embodiments, the care provider can instruct patient to make
random movement to test system function. In some embodiments, the
care provider can have patient open and close their jaw several
times while recording using the laser. In some embodiments, the
care provider can check to see if hinge recordings, right and left
sensors overlap. If not, in some embodiments, the care provider can
optionally erase recordings and repeat hinging until the recordings
overlap. The care provider may be able to erase recordings and
repeat hinge only once. The system can optionally calibrate so that
the hinge arcs substantially overlap (e.g., less than 5% different
in amplitude along arc).
[0058] In various embodiments, the care provider can check arcs
described by laser-on-sensors on, for example, a monitor. The arcs
could optionally be stored in a memory for use by another device,
such as a processor in a Mandibular Movement Simulator ("MMS")
computer, as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the care
provider can query the measurement computer to show origin of arc
radii with, for example, a blinking dot or target. In some
embodiments, the care provider can repeat operation with different
color dot to confirm duplicate result. The measurement computer
could also duplicate the result or calculate statistical certainty
via a number of iterations.
[0059] In some embodiments, the care provider can reposition
horizontal laser beams, right, and left, to arc radii origins, as
indicated and verified by the measurement computer. In some
embodiments, the care provider can reposition vertical sensors on
right and left sides of pantograph to align axial centers on
sensors, to be coaxial with laser beams as indicated and verified
on the measurement computer display and/or via a reoccurring sound
that increases in frequency as the tool is moved into adjustment.
In some embodiments, the care provider can choose to magnify result
on monitor, and query the measurement computer if any errors, or
anomalies are indicated. If there are anomalies, the care provider
could store them with a flag. If they do not, the care provider may
have the patient make several protrusive movements while recording,
and save those recordings.
[0060] In various embodiments, the care provider may have patient
make several passes of right excursive movement, while recording.
Optionally, they can check if recordings overlap. If they do not,
the care provider can troubleshoot by checking equipment and
adjusting or calibrating either the sensors in relation to one
another or the pantograph in relation to the patent. The care
provider can optionally make a note and save that note in relation
to the record. Also, they can have patient make several passes of
left excursive movement, while recording. The care provider may
check if recordings overlap. If they do not, the care provider may
troubleshoot. If they do, the care provider may note this and save
the data relating to success and to the actual motion in a database
in relation to the note.
[0061] The care provider may remove upper face bow, with clutch
intact and set it aside. The care provider may remove lower face
bow, with clutch intact and set it aside. They can take impressions
of upper and lower arches. They can pour upper and lower
impressions with hard stone and trim.
Jig System and Method
[0062] They can mount upper an pantograph bow to a Mandibular
Movement Simulator ("MMS") mounting jig. They can mount lower
pantograph bow to MMS the mounting jig. The lasers are aligned to
targets (e.g., sensors) on the jig. The upper and lower pantograph
bows can optionally be locked together. The care provider replaces
the upper and lower clutches into respective positions in the
pantographs. Use pantograph to mount upper and lower trimmed stone
casts to the Mandibular Movement Simulator mounting jig. At this
point, the casts are mounted in a jig, and condylar axis data is
also stored on the jig. This jig could be fit to a hand articulator
and used to align the casts to that articulator.
[0063] Optionally, the care provider can transfer mounted casts or
molds to an MMS. This is a device that is controllable in 6 axes to
simulate mandibular movement. In other words, the machine can
adjust the lower mandible via servo motors. The adjustment can be
along the anterior-posterior axis, around that axis, along the
dorsal axis and around that axis, and along the left-right axis and
around. The hinge axis is substantially parallel to the left-right
axis.
[0064] The upper and lower pantographs can be attached to the jig
during the transfer, or they can be used to store data relating the
location of the hinge axis to the jig. Once this dimension is
known, the jig can then be coupled to the MMS and the MMS can be
calibrated to replicate movement according to the axis transported
with the jig. This way, the care provider does not have to buy two
sets of pantographs and can leave one at the measurement location
and still replicate the motion at the MMS. If the care giver has
one or more hand articulators, she can mount the jigs of different
patients to different articulators and reconstructive work can be
done for multiple patients simultaneously.
System and Method for Transfer to MMS Without Jig
[0065] In an additional embodiment, one that can eliminate the
error associated with transfer of the hinge axis location
information from the measurement site, to a jig, and to the MMS,
one can simply mount casts to the MMS, fit the pantographs to the
MMS and the casts, and then have the MMS cycle through motions
until it can replicate the arc data that's been stored in the
measurement computer from the pantographs. It would do this using
feedback. For example, if the laser does not record a path that
overlaps with the stored bite path, the simulated path is adjusted,
until the simulated path replicates the stored path within a
specified degree of tolerance.
MMS Algorithms
[0066] The MMS is a multi-mode system. Modes are selectable by a
user to perform different functions. In various embodiments, the
MMS can be controlled to execute a program stored on the MMS
computer to simulate natural paths. In a further mode, it can be
controlled to simulate habitual paths. In a further mode, it can be
controlled to find a simulated habitual path by starting with a
natural path and forcing teeth to collide with one another.
[0067] In measuring bite, to find a natural path, habitual paths
should be suppressed. If a patient has habitual paths, one or more
of the following methods can be used to erase it from the patient's
muscle memory: the patient can be numbed, or can have their jaw
locked together, or their bit modified with a splint. Once the bite
is restore it to a natural path, it can be recorded.
[0068] In embodiments where natural path is simulated, using the
hinge axis as a reference, the MMS is operated to explore a normal
range of mandibular motion. The care giver can study the look of
the mold as the system ranges through this motion. Restorations can
be made, and one can ensure that the natural path is preserved.
[0069] In additional embodiments, the care provider can execute a
program stored on the MMS computer to find and record habitual
paths. In this algorithm, the MMS attempts to move a casting
through natural motions as determined during measurement.
Interferences will be bumped into and recorded. The machine will
attempt new paths, and can report progress to the care provider.
This attempt to find new paths will simulate the patient's effort
to find habitual paths.
[0070] The MMS can move the castings through a natural path set of
predetermined motions to determine what the habitual path is. This
can optionally be correlated with a predetermined habitual path
that is measured with a wax bite or with the system 100, above.
[0071] As the habitual paths are found, the care provider can
modify the teeth of the cast to eliminate the need for the habitual
path. This can aid in the creation of improved restorations. The 3D
nature of the process assists the care provider in modifying the
casts by hand, which can save time and money. Habitual paths that
are determined can be stored in the MMS computer or elsewhere for
later review.
[0072] FIG. 5 illustrates an MMS 200, according to some
embodiments. A cast of the top teeth is coupled to the top bad 202.
A cast of the bottom teeth is coupled to the bottom pad 204. The
servo box 206 contains servos to move these pads in relation to one
another along up to six degrees of freedom.
[0073] FIG. 6 illustrates an example system and method for transfer
of bit information to MMS without a jig. In them embodiments, the
system 100 is fitted to casts 208 and 210 that are coupled to the
MMS. The pantographs are moved in relation to each other, and the
laser 110 broadcasts a beam to sensor fields 112 and 114. The MMS
can thus learn how to replicate the measured bite motion by trying
to model (e.g., curve fit) data monitored from motion of the MMS to
stored data, and adjusting the motion of the MMS accordingly.
[0074] FIG. 7 illustrates a MMS 700, according to one embodiment.
The motors 304, 306 and 308 move the bottom plate, to which a cast
is mounted, along A71, A72 and A73, among others. The guide 302
supports rotation. In some embodiments, the guide 302 includes a
bushing.
[0075] FIG. 8 shows a further portion of an MMS, according to
various embodiments. The system can move at least along axis A81,
A82 and A83. Bearings 802, 804 and 806 support such rotation. A
fixture 810 is coupled to the MMS to provide further rotation
ability.
[0076] FIG. 9 illustrates a further MMS 900, according to some
embodiments. The MMS includes linear motors 904, 906, 908 and 910.
The system moves the bottom articulator plate 902, to which a cast
is coupled, free to move along the six degrees of freedom discussed
above. A spherical joint 914 and hinge joints 916 are coupled to
the articulator plate 902 and assist in motion.
[0077] FIG. 10 illustrates a table on which the device of FIG. 9
can be mounted, to gain motion along axis A10, 1. Motion, in some
examples, occurs via actuation of motor 904 to move along the axis.
Linear motors 904 and 906 as well as hinge joints 916 are
illustrated coupled to bottom plate 902.
[0078] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the underside of a
bottom articulator plate, according to some embodiments. The
general concavity of the bottom plate 902, on a side not shown, is
further illustrated.
[0079] FIG. 12 illustrates a further MMS, according to some
embodiments. The device is show in cross section. In some
embodiments, the device is symmetrical about the cross section. A
tilt shaft 1202 can move in relation to support ring 1204 to adjust
the mount plate 1206 in relation to the support ring 1204. In
various embodiments, a capture plate 1208 is to pinch the support
ring by drawing the mount plate 1206 to the capture plate 1208,
with the support ring in the middle. In various embodiments, the
support ring has a concavity to contain the mount plate, to which a
cast is coupled. Accordingly, the support ring 1204 is shaped like
a sphere portion, and the mount plate 1206 and capture plate 1208
are conformed to the support ring 1204 to slide along the support
ring 1204 while maintaining contact with the support ring.
[0080] FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of the capture plate
1208, according to some embodiments. The support ring's concavity
1302 is shown.
[0081] The tilt shaft 1202 can optionally be threaded, with the
capture plate 1208 threaded onto the tilt shaft 1202. FIGS. 12-16
illustrate further views of the components of FIG. 12.
[0082] FIG. 14 illustrates a block diagram of an example circuit
1400 which can be used in conjunction with any of the examples
discussed herein. The circuit 1400 can operate as a standalone
device or can be connected (e.g., networked) to other circuits. The
circuit 1400 can form all or a part of a personal computer (PC), a
tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA),
a mobile telephone, a web appliance, a network router, switch or
bridge, or any machine capable of executing instructions
(sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that
machine. The term "circuit" can include any collection of circuits
that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of
instructions to perform any one or more of the systemologies
discussed herein, such as cloud computing, software as a service
(SaaS), other computer cluster configurations. Insofar as circuit
embodiments include software, such software can reside on a machine
readable medium. Software, when executed by hardware, can cause the
hardware to perform a function.
[0083] Circuit (e.g., computer system) 1400 can include a hardware
processor 1402 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics
processing unit (GPU), a hardware processor core, or any
combination thereof), a main memory 1404 and a static memory 1406,
some or all of which can communicate with each other vian an
interlink (e.g., bus) 1408. The circuit 1400 can further include a
display unit 1410, an alphanumeric input device 1412 (e.g., a
keyboard), and a user interface (UI) navigation device 1414 (e.g.,
a mouse). The display unit 1410, input device 1412 and UI
navigation device 1414 can be a touch screen display. The circuit
1400 can additionally include a storage device (e.g., drive unit)
1416, a signal generation device 1418 (e.g., a speaker), a network
interface device 1420, and one or more sensors 1421, such as a
global positioning system (GPS) sensor, compass, accelerometer, or
other sensor. The circuit 1400 can include an output controller
1428, such as a serial (e.g., universal serial bus (USB), parallel,
or other wired or wireless (e.g., infrared(IR), near field
communication (NFC), etc.) connection to communicate or control one
or more peripheral devices (e.g., a printer, card reader,
etc.).
[0084] The storage device 1416 can include a machine readable
medium 1422 on which is stored one or more sets of data structures
or instructions 1424 (e.g., software) embodying or utilized by any
one or more of the techniques or functions described herein. The
instructions 1424 can also reside, completely or at least
partially, within the main memory 1404, within static memory 1406,
or within the hardware processor 1402 during execution thereof by
the circuit 1400. In an embodiment, one or any combination of the
hardware processor 1402, the main memory 1404, the static memory
1406, or the storage device 1416 can constitute machine readable
media.
[0085] While the machine readable medium 1422 is illustrated as a
single medium, the term "machine readable medium" can include a
single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed
database, and/or associated caches and servers) that configured to
store the one or more instructions 1424.
[0086] The term "machine readable medium" can include any medium
that is capable of storing, encoding, or carrying instructions for
execution by the circuit 1400 and that cause the circuit 1400 to
perform any one or more of the techniques of the present
disclosure, or that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying
data structures used by or associated with such instructions.
Non-limiting machine readable medium embodiments can include
solid-state memories, and optical and magnetic media. In an
embodiment, a massed machine readable medium comprises a machine
readable medium with a plurality of particles having resting mass.
Specific embodiments of massed machine readable media can include:
non-volatile memory, such as semiconductor memory devices (e.g.,
Electrically Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), Electrically
Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM)) and flash memory
devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks and removable
disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks.
[0087] The instructions 1424 can further be transmitted or received
over a communications network 1426 using a transmission medium via
the network interface device 1420 utilizing any one of a number of
transfer protocols (e.g., frame relay, internet protocol (IP),
transmission control protocol (TCP), user datagram protocol (UDP),
hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), etc.). Embodiment communication
networks can include a local area network (LAN), a wide area
network (WAN), a packet data network (e.g., the Internet), mobile
telephone networks (e.g., cellular networks), Plain Old Telephone
(POTS) networks, and wireless data networks (e.g., Institute of
Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 family of
standards known as Wi-Fi.RTM., IEEE 802.16 family of standards
known as WiMax.RTM.), peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, among others.
The network interface device 1420 can include one or more physical
jacks (e.g., Ethernet, coaxial, or phone jacks) or one or more
antennas to connect to the communications network 1426. The network
interface device 1420 can include a plurality of antennas to
wirelessly communicate using at least one of single-input
multiple-output (SIMO), multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), or
multiple-input single-output (MISO) techniques. The term
"transmission medium" shall be taken to include any intangible
medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying
instructions for execution by the circuit 1400, and includes
digital or analog communications signals or other intangible medium
to facilitate communication of such software.
[0088] The example circuit 1400 can include a digital bite
replicator. The example circuit 1400 can include a computer such as
to store a measured distance. Sensors 1421 can include sensors 110
in FIG. 1. Examples herein provide a digital dental diagnostic
system.
[0089] FIG. 15 is a method 1500 of modeling a bite, according to an
embodiment. At 1502, the method can include fixing a top pantograph
to a patient via clutches to the top teeth of the patient. At 1504,
the method can include fixing a bottom pantograph to a patient via
clutches to the bottom teeth of the patient. At 1506, the method
can include optically monitoring the actual bite of the patient by
monitoring the relation of the top pantograph to the bottom
pantograph during a bite cycle. At 1508, the method can include
storing bite data relating to the actual bite. At 1510, the method
can include storing patient data including a three-dimensional
model including a top teeth model and a bottom teeth model. At
1512, the method can include storing a digital top pantograph model
associated with the top pantograph. At 1514, the method can include
storing a digital bottom pantograph model associated with the
bottom pantograph. At 1516, the method can include digitally
pairing the bite data, the top pantograph model and the bottom
pantograph model to the patient data. At 1518, the method can
include digitally modeling the bite by digitally moving the top
teeth model with respect to the bottom teeth model in association
with the stored bite data.
[0090] FIG. 16 is a method 1600 of creating a bite model, according
to an embodiment. At 1602, the method can include fixing a top
pantograph to a patient via clutches to the top teeth of the
patient. At 1604, the method can include fixing a bottom pantograph
to a patient via clutches to the bottom teeth of the patient. At
1606, the method can include optically monitoring the actual bite
of the patient by monitoring the relation of the top pantograph to
the bottom pantograph during a bite cycle and storing a hinge axis.
At 1608, the method can include storing data relating to the actual
bite. At 1610, the method can include scanning the top teeth to
create a top teeth model. At 1612, the method can include scanning
the bottom teeth to create a bottom teeth model. At 1614, the
method can include digitally fitting a digital representation of
the top pantograph to the top teeth and a digital representation of
the bottom pantograph bottom pantograph to the bottom teeth. At
1616, the method can include recording the relationship of the top
teeth model and the bottom teeth model to the hinge axis. At 1618,
the method can include digitally creating a bite model by recording
the position of the top teeth model in relation to the bottom teeth
model while digitally moving the top teeth model with respect to
the bottom teeth model around the hinge axis.
[0091] Optional methods can include replicating the actual bite
digitally using feedback by comparing the bite data relating to the
actual bite to the modeled bite. Optional methods can include
storing the bite data includes communicating the bite data
wirelessly to a measurement computer and storing the data therein.
Optional methods can include storing a scan of the top teeth and
the bottom teeth in the measurement computer. Optional methods can
include storing a scan of the top pantograph and the bottom
pantograph. Optional methods can include displaying the bite on a
display of the measurement computer. A display can include output
readable by a computer. A display can include a visible display
such as a video screen. Optional methods can include detecting a
bite anomaly with the measurement computer. Optional methods can
include flagging the bite anomaly and displaying the flag. Optional
methods can include controlling an automatic articulator with the
measurement computer.
[0092] The above detailed description includes references to the
accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed
description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific
embodiments in that may be practiced. These embodiments are also
referred to herein as "examples." Such examples can include
elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the
present inventors also contemplate examples in which only those
elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present
inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or
permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more
aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular example (or
one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or
one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein.
[0093] All publications, patents, and patent documents referred to
in this document are incorporated by reference herein in their
entirety, as though individually incorporated by reference. In the
event of inconsistent usages between this document and those
documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in the
incorporated reference(s) should be considered supplementary to
that of this document; for irreconcilable inconsistencies, the
usage in this document controls.
[0094] In this document, the terms "a" or "an" are used, as is
common in patent documents, to include one or more than one,
independent of any other instances or usages of "at least one" or
"one or more." In this document, the term "or" is used to refer to
a nonexclusive or, such that "A or B" includes "A but not B," "B
but not A," and "An and B," unless otherwise indicated. In the
appended claims, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as
the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising"
and "wherein." Also, in the following claims, the terms "including"
and "comprising" are open-ended, that is, a system, device,
article, or process that includes elements in addition to those
listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within
the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the
terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as
labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on
their objects. The above description is intended to be
illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described
examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in
combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as
by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above
description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R.
.sctn.1.72(b) to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature
and gist of the technical disclosure. The Abstract is submitted
with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or
limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above
Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to
streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as
intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any
claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all
features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following
claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with
each claim standing on its own as a separate.
* * * * *