Align Technology, Inc.

Ka Man Cheang

Ian Kitching

Elena I Pavlovskaia

Huafeng Wen

Muhammad Chishti

Venkata Surya Sarva

Positioning 3D virtual brackets on teeth for the precise positioning of conventional brackets and wire. Various reference features may be calculated for the teeth and used to calculate a position for the virtual bracket. Reference features that may be calculated include curve of Spee, Andrew's plane, and a facial axis of the clinical crown for the teeth.

Positioning three-dimensional brackets on teeth

Methods for obtaining an adjusted 3D model of patient's teeth based on a 2D image of the patient's teeth. In some examples, the method includes: obtaining a 3D digital model based on a scan of the patient's teeth; obtaining a 2D image based on a camera picture; iteratively comparing a distance between corresponding points on one or more teeth of the 3D digital model and of the 2D image, and generating an adjusted 3D model in which the one or more teeth of the 3D digital model are moved to reduce said distance, wherein iteratively comparing and generating comprises iterating until one or more deviations between the teeth of the 3D digital model and the 2D image are below a threshold.

Generating 3D models of a patient's teeth based on 2D teeth images

System and methods for positioning 3D virtual brackets on teeth for the precise positioning of conventional brackets and wire. Various reference features may be calculated for the teeth and used to calculate a position for the virtual bracket. Reference features that are calculated include curve of Spee, Andrew's plane, and a facial axis of the clinical crown for the teeth.

System and method for positioning three-dimensional brackets on teeth

Method and system for detecting and correcting deviation during an orthodontic treatment plan is provided. The method includes the steps of receiving an un-segmented current teeth image representing a patient's teeth after an orthodontic treatment plan has begun and before the plan ends for the patient; matching a previously segmented teeth model with the current teeth image; and generating at least one corrective stage to define an intermediate tooth arrangement, wherein the at least one corrective stage repositions a digital teeth image so that a prescribed tooth arrangement of the previously segmented teeth model can be used.

System and method for detecting deviations during the course of an orthodontic treatment to gradually reposition teeth

A computer obtains a digital model of a patient's dentition, including a dental model representing the patient's teeth at a set of initial positions and a gingival model representing gum tissue surrounding the teeth. The computer then derives from the digital model an expected deformation of the gum tissue as the teeth move from the initial positions to another set of positions.

Digitally modeling the deformation of gingival tissue during orthodontic treatment

Digitally modeling the deformation of gingival

A computer-implemented method separates gingiva from a model of a tooth by defining a cutting surface along the gingiva; and applying the cutting surface to the tooth to separate the gingiva from the tooth.

Growing community of inventors

Sunnyvale, CA, United States of America

Ka Man Cheang