WO2016139271A1

WO2016139271A1 - Method for checking or determining the effect of an orthodontic treatment, and orthodontic devices

Info

Publication number: WO2016139271A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/054467
Authority: WO
Inventors: Friedrich Widu
Original assignee: Work for Smile GmbH
Priority date: 2015-03-02
Filing date: 2016-03-02
Publication date: 2016-09-09
Also published as: DE102015102992A1; EP3265018A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for checking or determining the effect of an orthodontic treatment and/or of an orthodontic device, comprising the steps of providing a device (5) for acquiring geometric data of the upper and/or lower dental arches of the patient and/or of the jaw position of the patient, or of a section of the above; acquiring geometric data of the upper and/or lower dental arches and/or of the jaw position of the patient, or of a section or of an impression (11) or model of the above; comparing or evaluating the acquired geometric data of the dental arch and/or of the jaw position. The invention further relates to a device for performing the method.

Description

description

METHOD FOR CHECKING OR DETERMINING THE EFFECT OF A ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT, AND ORTHODONTIC DEVICES

The present invention relates to a method according to the preamble of claim 1. It also relates to a

Device according to the preamble of claim 17 and a set according to claim 26

present invention, a digital storage medium according to

Claim 37, a computer program product according to claim 38 and a computer program according to claim 39.

From practice is a variety of orthodontic

Devices known. They include solid clips,

Brackets, Aligner and the like. They all serve

Teeth of the patient or orthodontic carrier

Device to move relative to the jawbone. To achieve the desired movement of the tooth or the

Teeth it is of paramount importance that the

Orthodontic device, such as an aligner, and the dental arch, at least to the therapeutic and

mechanically relevant sections of the dental arch, are coordinated. It is further on the example of the aligner

important to exchange the concrete Aligner against the next Aligner, as soon as the concrete Aligner has lost its effect on the dental arch. The latter is i. a. R. the case if a) the Aligner have partially lost its shape

should, or b) the dental arch the pressure by the Aligner in the desired manner by the desired tooth movement

has yielded. Ideally, therefore, at the end of the Wear time of a concrete Aligners Aligner and the

Dental arch congruent.

It is up to now for the orthodontist to determine the time at which an aligner or another

Orthodontic device should be changed or readjusted against a subsequent aligner. Also, checking whether the orthodontic appliance or the subsequent aligner - not least considering the

Meanwhile, altered geometry of the dental arch - still fit, is the job of the orthodontist. But this requires repeated visits to the orthodontist over the course of

Dental treatment, which, at least in part or even primarily, is solely for the purpose of control.

An object of the present invention may be to propose a further method with which the effectiveness of an orthodontic appliance, for example a concrete aligner or bracket, in the treatment of a patient, in particular by the patient himself, can be assessed, determined or checked. In addition, a suitable device, a suitable set, a suitable digital storage medium, a suitable computer program product and a suitable computer program should be specified.

The object of the invention is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1. It is further achieved by means of the device having the features of claim 17, the set having the features of claim 26, the digital storage medium having the features of claim 37, the

Computer program product with the features of claim 38 and the computer program with the features of

Claim 39. According to the invention, a method is thus proposed for checking or determining the effect of a

orthodontic treatment or the action of an orthodontic appliance, and / or to control the course of treatment or progress.

The method comprises providing a device for acquiring geometric data or position data of the upper and / or lower dental arch and / or the jaw position

(i.e., the position of the maxilla relative to the mandible, the occlusion or the bite, these terms may be understood herein to mean jaw position) of the patient (such as positional values of a coordinate system). Instead of acquiring geometric data or position data of the lower and / or dental arch, the device may be adapted to capture such data of an impression or model of the dental arch or portions thereof respectively. The device is preferably provided to or from the patient. The device can

configured and configured to detect the geometry or shape or the geometric data in a predetermined coordinate or reference system.

Another step of the method according to the invention is the acquisition of geometric data or position data of the upper and / or lower dental arch of the patient or the

Jaw position, or a portion thereof respectively, by means of the above-mentioned device.

Finally, the method includes matching or

Evaluate the collected geometric data. The device according to the invention is preferably programmed and / or configured (both terms are used interchangeably herein, wherever this makes sense technically) for carrying out the method according to the invention. It serves to check or determine the effect of an orthodontic treatment and has a device for detecting geometric data of the upper and / or lower dental arch and / or the jaw position of the patient or a section respectively thereof. Finally, it has a device for matching the recorded geometric data of the dental arch and / or the jaw position.

The set according to the invention has at least one

Device according to the invention.

An inventive digital, in particular ^¬ volatile storage medium, particularly in the form of a machine readable carrier, in particular in the form of a

Diskette, CD, DVD or EPROM, in particular with electronically or optically readable control signals, can cooperate with a programmable computer system such that the mechanical steps of the method according to the invention are initiated.

A computer program product according to the invention has a volatile, volatile (as a signal wave) or stored on a machine-readable carrier code for initiating the mechanical steps of the inventive method when the computer program product on a

Calculator expires. Under a computer program product according to the invention, for example, stored on a support computer program, an embedded system as comprehensive system with a computer program (eg

electronic device with a computer program)

Network of computer-implemented computer programs (for example, client / server system, cloud computing system, etc.), or a computer on which a computer program is loaded, runs, is stored, executed or developed.

The term "machine-readable carrier" as used herein, in certain embodiments of the present invention, refers to a carrier that contains data or information interpretable by software and / or hardware The carrier may be a data carrier such as a floppy disk, a CD, DVD , a USB flash drive, a flashcard, an SD card and the like.

A computer program according to the invention has one

Program code for initiating the mechanical steps of the method according to the invention, when the computer program runs on a computer. Under a computer program according to the invention, for example, a physical,

marketable software product that has a program.

For the digital storage medium according to the invention, the computer program product according to the invention and the

Computer program according to the invention is that all, some or some of the mechanically performed steps of the method according to the invention are caused. This applies in particular in cooperation with a device according to the invention and / or at least one of the devices provided as described herein. For all subsequent versions, the use of the

Expression "may be" or "may have", etc. synonymous with "is preferably" or "preferably has", etc., and is intended to explain an embodiment of the invention.

Whenever numerical words are mentioned herein, those skilled in the art will understand these as indicating a numerically lower limit. If this is not obvious to one skilled in the art

The expert therefore always reads "at least one" or "at least one" when stating "one" or "one", for example. This understanding is also included in the present invention such as the interpretation that a numerical word such as "a" may alternatively be meant to mean "exactly one" wherever technically possible for those skilled in the art. Both are from the

and applies to all numerical terms used herein.

Advantageous further developments of the present invention are the subject matter of subclaims and

Embodiments.

Embodiments of the invention may have one or more of the following features in any combination, provided that such a combination is not technically technically impossible for those skilled in the art.

In some example of the invention

Embodiments are the detection of geometric data or position data of the upper and / or lower dental arch of the patient, or a portion thereof respectively by creating or storing a graphical or visual representation or includes this. In certain inventive, exemplary

Embodiments, the acquisition of geometric data or position data of the upper and / or lower dental arch or jaw position by making several,

preferably more than 3 photographs, preferably in

defined positions of the two jaws,

preferably the bite. From them, the shape of the

Tooth arch or the jaw position can be calculated. The result can optionally be matched with previous data or input data, e.g. In the form of stl-files. In this case, numerical values can be determined which indicate a change, for example as a percentage of the desired improvement, as a deviation of the desired, as absolute distances (in mm, for example), as an angle, etc.

In some example of the invention, by way of example

Embodiments takes place the capture of geometric data or position data by means of creating and at least

volatile storage of raw or measured data, the

for example, stored in matrix form.

In some example of the invention

Embodiments are the matching or evaluation with or based on reference data, predetermined criteria,

Indices or the like.

Indexes may be in this context: IOTN, Richmond (Manchester), Swedish Medical Health Board (Linder Aronson, 1974), PAR Index, Andrews' Six Keys of Occlusion, and the like.

Matching can be done in certain, exemplary ways

Embodiments of the present invention include determining or measuring a contact point deviation (meaning

preferably the contact point deviation of two, or in each case two, adjacent teeth), a correlation with

Orthodontic indexes or a determination of a

percentage value or fraction of a tooth position improvement aimed at from a baseline, or includes such respectively.

In some example of the invention, by way of example

Embodiments are or are the reference data taken from an index, determined by means of an index and / or stored in a database.

In some example of the invention, by way of example

Embodiments is or includes matching or

Evaluating the acquired geometric data a comparison with so-called "STL-files" ("Surface Tesselation Language"), which can be created by the orthodontist, for example at the beginning of the treatment.The data of such STL-files can be understood as reference data.

In certain inventive, exemplary

Embodiments is or includes matching or

Evaluating the acquired geometric data a comparison with data from an initial examination or with data or images of a so-called set-up, so one from the dental laboratory

created model, which is the ideal position or a

Objective of the teeth either in digital form or as a (gypsum) model reflects, and which can also be used for comparison. An adjustment can also be carried out with a Clincheck file from Align Technology, Inc., USA. The method comprises in some of the invention,

According to exemplary embodiments, providing a device for detecting a geometry or shape of an orthodontic appliance, in particular a

orthodontically effective geometry or shape, or a portion thereof.

The inventive method comprises in certain

According to exemplary embodiments of the invention further detecting, in particular an orthodontic

effective, geometry or shape of an orthodontic appliance, at least in its sections, which those portions of the upper and / or lower dental arch

for which the geometric data was collected.

The inventive method comprises in certain

According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, generating the reference data from the detected geometry of the orthodontic appliance.

In certain inventive, exemplary

Embodiments are the means for detecting

geometric data or position data of the upper and / or lower dental arch of the patient and the means for detecting the geometry of the orthodontic device identical. In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, they are one and the same

Device, which is programmed in these examples, to capture both the geometric data of the dental arch and the geometry of the orthodontic device. In certain inventive, exemplary

Embodiments is matching a comparison.

The comparison may be a visual comparison in which, for example, difference images or difference partial images are generated. The difference images or sections,

Features, characteristics, patterns, segments and the like of the difference images, as also described below, may be evaluated, evaluated, class-assigned, thresholded or the like by simple comparison with, for example, stored images. The stored images may be from earlier examinations of, for example, a dental arch, impression or model of the same patient

come.

The comparison may be a computational comparison in which characteristic values such as. B. distances between

adjacent teeth, inclinations of teeth, and the like, for example, by making a difference or

Difference matrix done.

In some embodiments of the invention that is

Capture geometric data or position data of the upper and / or lower dental arch of the patient, or a

Each section thereof, the creation of a graphic or pictorial image (and possibly also their reproduction) or includes such. The same may apply to detecting the geometry or shape of the orthodontic appliance.

In some embodiments of the invention, the orthodontic appliance is an aligner. Orthodontic appliances designated here as aligners are known, for example, from US Pat. No. 6,607,382 B1. But also any other thermoformed or by means of 3-D printing

manufactured correction rail is herein as Aligner

understood why these two terms are interchangeable. Aligner or correction rails are usually transparent, made of plastic - usually a heat-deformable polymer material, but in any case a non-metallic material - and serve to teeth or tooth segments and their position relative to other teeth or tooth segments in the desired manner and direction influence. They serve to transmit forces or torques to the orthodontist

fixed individual teeth or concrete tooth segments.

Aligners, which are different than, for example, so-called fixed

Braces no fixed orthodontic

Aids are solvable by the patient on the

Dental arch attached and removed again. They are used to transmit forces or torques from the

Orthodontists set individual teeth or concrete tooth segments. The forces or torques required to correct the tooth position are transmitted to the tooth or teeth by the concrete shape of the aligner or certain portions thereof. Aligners are commonly used in plural; the patient will receive a series (often 25 to 30 pieces) of alignants intended for successive use, from which he will begin to wear the next if certain orthodontic criteria are met by wearing the patient concrete aligner or certain goals have been met.

The check according to the invention can preferably take place at a time during or after the wearing time of the aligner, ie after the first time the aligner has been worn. However, the check can also take place, for example, before the beginning of the wearing time, ie before the aligner was first worn by the patient or wearer.

The method optionally includes providing an orthodontic appliance, for example a

Aligner. Providing may mean that the

Orthodontic device, which is manufactured and / or intended for the specific patient, when performing some embodiments of the method according to the invention is present.

The means for detecting a geometry or shape of the orthodontic appliance may, for example

be designed to detect and preferably deposit the detected geometry as position values of a

Coordinate system. The device can be configured to capture and store the acquired geometry as image data or image data records.

In some example of the invention

According to embodiments, the method comprises the evaluation of a result of the (for example computational or

pictorial) matching with or based on predetermined

Criteria. To such criteria values can

Lookup tables or stored values etc. count. These criteria also include, in particular, values or details which are used in treatment planning by the

Orthodontists were detained or identified. Such criteria may further include values or outcomes that result from earlier performance of the

inventive method or at an earlier

Use of the device according to the invention were obtained. Such criteria may further include values by which the orthodontic appliance or the specific aligner was adjusted at that time. These may be, for example, values or details of the geometry or position of the aligner or of sections thereof, on the basis of which the aligner should be created at the time. The

Thus, the method according to the invention can advantageously also be used to check whether the specific aligner has been manufactured properly or whether it can provide the effect expected of it at all.

Results of evaluations, surveys, determinations, investigations, calculations, reconciliations, reviews and the like, in particular where referred to herein as result or interim result, are set forth in particular

Inventive, exemplary embodiments according to the invention

output. The output can be by means of display (eg by means of monitor of the device) by means of output, by

For example, the printer, or by transferring to third parties.

The output can be done by means of or as a signal transmission to a receiver, which, for example, part of one of the devices mentioned herein, in particular the Means for detecting, or the invention

Device is.

The output can be wireless, such as by radio, infrared, Bluetooth or the like. The devices used or the device according to the invention can be designed accordingly.

The output may be or include storing results in a database. The results stored in this way can advantageously be used for a later comparison with values that have been collected later. In addition or as an alternative, it is possible to provide the results with the corresponding

Request to a third party, such as the treating orthodontist or another orthodontist to collect a

Second opinion, to send. The device according to the invention can be configured and programmed accordingly.

The output can be or include a quantitative or qualitative statement. The statement can be classified, for example in quality classes or classes, which correspond to or include action proposals.

A quantitative statement can be a suggestion for action, for example from a group, which consists of the action proposals

"The treatment result or intermediate treatment result is satisfactory / good / unsatisfactory", "The previous one

Course of treatment corresponds to the original planning. "," The course of treatment corresponds to the suspected

Timeline. "," The time from which the next aligner should be used has come. "," It is recommended that you visit the orthodontist. "," The orthodontic appliance has lost its effect or is in effect forfeited (measured, for example, in relation to the last performed performance of the method according to the invention), etc., combinations thereof or in each case the opposite statement in each case thereof.

A qualitative statement can be a numerical value or include such a number, for example from a group, which consists of the

Statements "The current dental status is measured on the basis of

selected index, with the value "x" to evaluate. "," The remaining treatment duration is estimated at "y" weeks / months. "," The targeted treatment outcome is reached at "z" percent ", etc., where x, y and z represent numerical values.

A statement can be determined using the Bolten index or Arch length discrepancy index.

The matching or evaluation of the acquired geometrical data is or comprises in some of the invention,

exemplary embodiments output outputting results from evaluations, detections, determinations, determinations, calculations, matches, checks, and the like.

In some example of the invention, by way of example

Embodiments are the acquisition of the geometric data of the upper and / or lower dental arch of the patient and / or the detection of the geometry of the orthodontic

Device a graphical or pictorial image, or includes such.

In certain inventive, exemplary

Embodiments include or are the means for detecting the geometry or shape of the orthodontics Device and / or the device for detecting the

geometric data of the dental arch or the model or impression and / or the device according to the invention a mobile handset, a computer-aided telephone, a tablet computer, a personal computer, a computer-aided

Wristwatch, computer-aided glasses, other personal, computer-like device or a digital camera, or a part thereof, in particular configured as by means of battery or battery detached from a voltage source of a fixed network (socket).

In some example of the invention, by way of example

According to embodiments, the method comprises providing a first alignment device. This serves the

Positioning the device for detecting the geometry or shape of the orthodontic device relative thereto, in a predetermined and therefore reproducible manner. The first alignment device is configured to be at its

Used together with the device for detecting the geometry, the considered geometry or shape of the

orthodontic device under predetermined

To capture conditions. At the predetermined conditions, the angle or position to the orthodontic appliance under which / r is detected may count. Further, the height of the device above the orthodontic appliance, etc. counts as conditions. The alignment by means of the first alignment device may be the

Ensure or contribute to the reproducibility of the collection. Furthermore, a resource-consuming

arithmetically transforming the acquired data into data for further processing, such as computational resolution of distortions, etc., may be omitted. In some example of the invention

According to embodiments, the method comprises providing a second alignment device for positioning the device for detecting geometric data of the upper and / or lower dental arch and / or the jaw position of the patient relative to the patient's dental arch

predetermined conditions. Among the predetermined conditions include u. a. the above to the first

Orientation device mentioned.

In certain inventive, exemplary

Embodiments are the first and the second

Alignment devices identical or on and

realized the same device.

In some example of the invention

Embodiments are the first and / or the second

Orientation device configured as frames, scaffolds or other structures, which a spatial alignment between the dental arch and the orthodontic

Ensure on the one hand and the corresponding first or second detection device on the other hand. The alignment devices may have the form of a tripod, which in turn z. B. connection with the

has orthodontic device. You can as

Mouthpieces are designed which a predetermined distance and alignment between dental arch and

Ensures capture device. In some example of the invention, by way of example

Embodiments are the first and / or the second

Alignment device, however, as an alternative or in addition to their possible structural design as Software solutions, program section or the like (or have such). This embodiment may advantageously allow, alternatively or in addition to a spatial arrangement of the respective detection device to the object to be detected, after detecting a

mathematical alignment of the result of the detection make. So can the first and / or second

Detection device be programmed, for example, an angle under which the detection has taken place, mathematically to take into account by the detected accordingly

corrected or transformed. Also this does not ^¬ objective design of the means for correcting the Covered can herein, the term

Alignment device are understood.

In certain inventive, exemplary

According to embodiments, the orthodontic appliance has at least one pressure-determining device. It is arranged to be worn while wearing the orthodontic

Device with a tooth of the patient under bias to be in contact.

In some example of the invention, by way of example

Embodiments, the pressure determining device is a pressure-sensitive paste that can display or impart a pressure applied to it, or a pressure measuring film. It may be applied to the orthodontic appliance prior to wearing the orthodontic appliance, in particular by the patient himself, and after the orthodontic appliance has been worn, it may be used

Devices to read the experience during the previous treatment or wearing time pressure or maximum pressure. The paste and / or preferably also the pressure measuring film can preferably from the patient to the orthodontic

Device are applied.

In certain inventive, exemplary

Embodiments, the pressure determination device is a sensor device. It measures or determines a transmitted force, a transmitted pressure and / or a transmitted torque. The sensor device may be configured to be caused by force, pressure or torque

measuring mechanical, electromechanical, capacitive, piezoresistive, piezoelectric, magnetostrictive, magnetoelastic and / or Hall effects;

for example as a thin-film sensor, thick-film sensor,

Solid-state sensor and / or by means of strain gauges.

The pressure determination device may be a capacitive

Sensor unit is. Act on them force, pressure or

Torque, can be caused by the mechanical

Deformation can be read out electrically.

The sensor device may be a semiconductor device. It may comprise a substrate of substantially monocrystalline silicon, into which at least one sensor unit, preferably as a diffused resistor

or resistors and / or as thin-film resistors

made of polysilicon or metal thin layers, is integrated. Alternatively, the sensor unit contains semiconductor diodes, bipolar and / or field-effect transistors, which are sensitive to mechanical stresses. Sensor units of this type are preferably by means of doping,

Thin film growth or deposition, photolithography, structuring and thermal processes generated. The sensor device may be a micromechanically manufactured sensor unit, for example by means of semiconductor and thin-film etching techniques, sacrificial layer technology, as well as techniques of assembly and connection technology. Due to the integration in a semiconductor device, it is possible to have a

Provide sensor device that with the small

Dimensions of the orthodontic device is compatible and yet allows high detection or measurement accuracy.

The sensor device may have a circuit integrated in it or hereby be in signal connection.

The pressure measuring device can be configured and

be arranged that a signal generated by it can be read by the patient, such as on an outside of the orthodontic device. Preferably, the pressure measuring device or the signal generated by it can be read without this requiring a dental tool or instrument. The signal connection may be such that the pressure measuring device signals to mobile

Send devices of the patient, for example, on the smartphone, mobile phone, or the like. In some example of the invention, by way of example

Embodiments, the pressure determining device is a pressure measuring device or a pressure sensor, which

is configured to convert a pressure into an electrical size. This is for determining (e.g., measuring and

Indicative) of the mechanical pressure exerted by the orthodontic appliance during a wearing time preceding the procedure, on at least one tooth of the patient. In certain inventive, exemplary

Embodiments, the pressure-sensitive material has a pressure-dependent material transparency and / or a

pressure-dependent color on. The achievable transparency or the at least two of the colors which the material can accept as a result of printing are each assigned to a printing or printing area. In some example of the invention

Embodiments is the pressure determination device

designed to allow a quantitative determination, preferably no qualitative determination. This can significantly reduce the requirements for the pressure determining device and the cost thereof.

In some example of the invention

Embodiments, the pressure determining device is coated with piezochromatic material or has such.

In some example of the invention

Embodiments, the pressure-determining device is in a form-fitting manner to the tooth when using the orthodontic appliance.

In some example of the invention

Embodiments is the pressure determination device

configured to be readable by wireless signal connection, such as by the patient's mobile phone.

In some example of the invention, by way of example

Embodiments include the pressure determining device Pressure-sensitive material on (or consists of), which is arranged on the orthodontic device such that it is in the use of orthodontic

Device is in direct or indirect tooth contact.

The pressure-sensitive material may be configured to be transparent at some pressure ratios, but not at others. Alternatively or additionally, the

pressure-sensitive material designed to change the color depending on the experienced pressure. In this case, the pressure-dependent change in transparency or color (preferably in the visible light range) may be the volatile result or the result of the current pressure or a pressure that accumulates over time, for example the wearing time.

Expressions made in this context also apply to the terms force or torque. These three terms can therefore be understood interchangeable, unless this is technically impossible for the skilled person.

In some example of the invention

Embodiments, the method comprises making an impression of the upper and / or lower dental arch and / or the jaw position, or in each case a portion thereof. For this impression material is used, which is known to those skilled in the dental environment. Can be used

For example, also come a wax layer with which the bite or jaw position can be determined.

The impression material may be such that the pressure acting on the material when making the impression or the penetration of the tooth into the impression material is local Discoloration of the material leads. This may allow due to the discoloration of the impression material by the

Impressing the teeth by the patient to create a 3-dimensional model of the dental arch, be it virtual or plastic. Several colors can be inherently available for this purpose. Color gradients indicative of the pressure or depth of penetration of the tooth into the material may be achievable. In some example of the invention

In some embodiments, the pressure determination device comprises or consists of a pressure-sensitive tube section or a strain gauge or hollow tube section

Embodiments, the method includes initiating to execute the present method if (or once) the pressure determination device indicates (or has been detected) that the detected or measured pressure has dropped below a predetermined value.

In some example of the invention

Embodiments, the result of the computational, pictorial or other reconciliation is output. A corresponding output device, such as a display, a

Printer or the like may be provided in

Signal connection stand and / or be programmed accordingly. In some example of the invention

According to embodiments, the device comprises a device for evaluating a result of the matching with, or based on, predetermined criteria. In some example of the invention

Embodiments, the device is a mobile handset, a computerized telephone, a tablet computer, a personal computer, a computerized wristwatch, computerized glasses, or other personal computer-like device.

In some example of the invention

Embodiments, the kit comprises an orthodontic appliance.

In some example of the invention, by way of example

Embodiments, the set comprises at least one Aligner, in others a whole series of Alignern, which is to be worn one after the other.

In some example of the invention

Embodiments, the set comprises impression material for

Finishing at least one impression of the upper and / or lower dental arch, the jaw position, or a portion thereof.

In some example of the invention

Embodiments, the set comprises at least a first

Alignment means for positioning the means for detecting the geometry of the orthodontic appliance under predetermined, reproducible conditions relative to the orthodontic appliance.

In some example of the invention

According to embodiments, the set comprises at least one second alignment device for positioning the device for acquiring geometric data of the upper and / or lower one Dental arch, model or impression, or a portion thereof, under predetermined conditions relative to the upper and / or lower dental arch of the patient. In some example of the invention, by way of example

Embodiments, the set comprises at least one shelf or shelf on which the impression of the dental arch is stored for acquiring its geometric data. For this purpose or as a supplement, the support can have one or more markings as an example of a second alignment device, by means of which the impression is aligned on the support. The storage can have a scaling aid, for

Determining the actual or relevant for further processing proportions of the recorded impression.

In certain inventive, exemplary

Embodiments, the method does not include evaluation of X-ray images. In some example of the invention, by way of example

Embodiments will be the procedure of the patient

performed, preferably outside the treatment room (s) of an orthodontist and in its absence. In other exemplary embodiments of the invention, the method is performed by the orthodontist or a third party who is skilled in the art or layman.

The devices mentioned herein may be capable of performing the functions attributed to them. They can be programmed and / or configured for this purpose. Some or all embodiments of the invention may include one or more of those mentioned above or below

Have advantages. Thus, the patient, but also the orthodontist or a third party, according to the invention, a method or a

Be given to the hand, which in a simple way a review of an ongoing treatment of

Allow malposition of teeth.

In this case, the progress of the treatment can be checked by, for example, an absolute change or correction of the tooth position is determined. Alternatively, a

Verification based on a comparison, for example, a comparison with reference data of treatments of third parties, starting data of the same patient at the beginning or earlier time of treatment, based on known indexes, etc. The patient is able to determine if an orthodontic appliance worn by him is the patient

desired effect or has yielded so far. If, for example, he is carrying Aligner, he can check whether a specific Aligner can still be effective or, in view of his current tooth status, indicate the need to switch to a follow-up owner. The patient can clearly determine the optimal time at which a change to the follow-up owner should take place. The patient may optimally benefit advantageously between the follow-on schedule, which was originally intended, between follow-on owners

change, challenge or optimize. The treatment can thus by means of inventive review

may be shortened. The patient can - and his orthodontist - by means of the present invention visits to the orthodontist, which alone serve to control the treatment progress, save. Last can help save costs.

At the same time, the patient can review the planning of the orthodontist. He may be able to detect deviations between the planning and the course and, optionally, make representations accordingly.

In any case, the present invention can give the patient assurance regarding the treatment and independence with regard to the assessment of the progress of the treatment, which hitherto has been subject solely to the orthodontist.

Finally, the verifiability of the treatment that the invention can offer provides greater compliance of the invention

Patients result because the pure role of the passive patient can be abandoned and due to his

inventive review options for assistant to the orthodontist is.

The inventive method, like the devices according to the invention and their use by the patient

Orthodontists themselves advised or available

be put. The orthodontist can hereby make an excellent contribution to increasing motivation on the part of the patient. Furthermore, it can receive feedback and early information from the patient who could gain it by means of the present invention, and who can help the orthodontist to save time and time Timely or early to plan the further action and / or to tackle.

The present invention will be explained in the following with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which identical reference numerals designate the same or similar components, by way of example. Reference is made to an aligner as an example of an orthodontic appliance. This is not a limitation of the present invention. The following discussion, in which an aligner is in the foreground, is exemplary. In the partially simplified figures:

Fig. 1 shows very simplified schematically the flow of a method according to the invention in a first, exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows, in a very simplified manner, the course of a method according to the invention in a second, exemplary embodiment

Fig. 3 shows an aligner in plan view, as in the

Implementation of the method according to the invention can be used;

Fig. 4 shows an impression of the upper dental arch

(Upper jaw) in an impression tray for use in the method according to the invention; and FIG. 5 shows a deposition surface on which the impression of FIG. 4 is deposited in an exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention; Fig. 6a-c show three different fillings of

Impression tray of Figure 4, each shown in a cross section of the impression tray. and

Fig. 7 shows a second herein designated

Aligning device, as it can be used in carrying out the method according to the invention.

Fig. 1 shows schematically very simplified the flow of a method according to the invention in a first, pure

exemplary embodiment. The mentioned for Fig. 1

Reference numerals are found in part for the first time in the following figures.

With a device 5 for detecting geometric data of the upper and / or lower dental arch of the patient not shown in the figures, the user, preferably the patient in step Sl takes an image of one of his dental arches.

Alternatively, he takes in step Sl an image of a

Impression 11 of the considered dental arch or a relevant section thereof.

The impression 11 can advance, d. H. before the beginning of

inventive method have been created. It may alternatively and in particular be created by the patient as part of the method according to the invention.

The data detected by the device 5 are compared in a step S2, for example by using

Reference data are compared. The adjustment allows a statement about the tooth position of the patient, for example in the light of an initial tooth position at the beginning of a orthodontic measure, wearing a

orthodontic device, reference values off

Third-party treatments, etc. Fig. 2 shows very schematically the procedure of a method according to the invention in a second, purely simplified manner

exemplary embodiment. The reference numerals mentioned for FIG. 2 are also found for the first time in the following figures.

In a first step S1, an aligner 1 as an example of an orthodontic appliance is preferably located outside the oral cavity for detecting its geometry or shape

provided .

Its geometry is determined in step S2 by means of a

Detected device 3 for detecting the geometry, which is a suitably programmed or otherwise prepared smartphone or other handheld device,

for example, one of the above-mentioned handsets, can act. The detection takes place for example in the form of a

Photography, a scan or any other graphic or visual recording. With a device 5 for detecting geometric data of the upper and / or lower dental arch of the patient, not shown in the figures, for example, the patient takes in

Step S3 is an image of one of its dental arches. Alternatively, in step S3, it takes an image of an impression 11 of the considered dental arch or a relevant section thereof. The device 5 may optionally be like the

Device 3 configured or identical to this. The impression 11 may have been prepared in advance, ie before the beginning of the method according to the invention. It may alternatively and in particular have been created by the patient as part of the method according to the invention, for example in a step 2 ^Λ .

The data acquired by the means 3 and 5 are adjusted in a step S4, for example by comparing them with each other. The comparison allows a statement about the possibly remaining effect of the aligner 1.

If this procedure is repeated, the

Course of treatment will be evaluated. For example, by means of appropriately programmed facilities, it would be possible to extrapolate, for example, how long the treatment taken might take or to show at an early stage which deficits, measured by the desired treatment success, could remain.

The order of steps discussed above may vary according to the invention from that shown in FIG. 2 in any manner, unless this is incompatible with the idea of the present invention for the person skilled in the art.

Fig. 3 shows an aligner 1 in plan view, as it can be used in carrying out the method according to the invention.

The aligner 1 is prepared to be detected by means of the detection device 3, preferably from its underside. The capturing may be photographing, surveying, imaging or the like. To get a meaningful comparison with the result of

To make the acquisition of the dental arch, the

Pad on which the Aligner 1 rests in Fig. 3, a first alignment means 9. This is only

by way of example in the form of a type of barcodes, that is to say as graphics. The distortion of the barcode, which can be easily determined by appropriate programming of the device 3 or the device according to the invention, can be taken into account mathematically in the evaluation of the detected geometry of the aligner 1.

The first alignment device 9 can optionally be designed as a ruler. The software can in this regard close to the real dimensions, angles, distances and distances.

Fig. 4 shows an impression 11 of the upper dental arch

(Upper jaw) in an impression tray 13.

The impression tray 13, as well as the mass required to create the impression 11, can be part of the set according to the invention.

5 shows a deposition surface 15 on which the impression 11 of FIG. 4 is deposited in an exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention. The

Shelf 15 is a piece of paper or cardboard in the example of FIG. 5.

The storage surface 15, which serves as a storage, is only an example of an area as shown in Fig. 5. It can also have a different shape than a surface. As can be seen in FIG. 5, the storage surface 15 has a second alignment device 17. This serves for

Orientation of the impression of the upper incisors within the impression 11 on the shelf 15. The second

Alignment device 17 is shown here purely by way of example as a graphical element. However, it could also be provided as a survey.

The storage surface 15 is provided in the example of FIG. 5 with a scale 19, similar to the first

Alignment device 9 of FIG. 3. The scaling serves as a reference for the correct size ratios. Furthermore, distortions can be detected based on the detected representation of the scale 19 and corrected by calculation.

The storage surface 15 may be part of the set according to the invention.

FIG. 6 shows, as FIGS. 6a, 6b and 6c, three different fillings of the impression tray 13, each illustrated in a cross section of the impression tray 13.

As shown in FIGS. 6a, 6b and 6c, an impression material 21 with a non-planar surface thereof can be filled into the impression tray 13. The latter makes it possible to clearly determine the penetration depth of the teeth into the impression mass 21. A 3-dimensional determination of the geometric data of the

Dental arch is thus advantageously possible. In some example of the invention, by way of example

Embodiments, the impression material 21 is such that an impression made herein, for example a tooth, depending on the depth, with which it into the impression material 21st has penetrated, leaving a colored imprint. Thus, an impression of shallow depth can lead to a different color image in the impression mass than an impression of great depth. A juxtaposition of different colors in an impression can also occur; For example, the color can change with the depth of penetration. The

Impression material 21 may be constructed of different colored layers for this purpose. In this way, the impression 13th

Advantageously, a 3-dimensional structure of the depressed dental arch are already taken in plan view.

Such an impression material is referred to herein as color-protective. Fig. 7 shows a second alignment device 17, as they are used in carrying out the method according to the invention and may be part of the kit according to the invention.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the

Alignment ^device 17 a frame consisting of four side struts 17 ^Λ , 17 ^{, Λ} , 17 ^{,, Λ} and 17 ^{,,, Λ} on. The frame can stand on feet, as shown in Fig. 7 also recognizable.

The frame may be designed to be adjustable in at least one spatial direction, such as by telescopic or

otherwise adjustable or extendable side struts.

The adjustability, which is indicated in Fig. 6 by means of double arrows, allows the frame, for example, on the

Dimensions of the popular smartphones, mobile phones or the like to adapt, which with appropriate programming the

Function of the device according to the invention or one of its

Facilities 3, 5 can take over. The second alignment device 17, which thus the recording of the device according to the invention (or one of the

3 or 5) can serve, for example, prepared for this purpose marks the shelf or

Tray 15 are placed. Such markings may allow for optimal capture of the impression.

The second alignment device 17 also makes it possible to detect the geometric data of the impression 13 with the device 5, without the device 3 or the

To hold the device according to the invention in the hand. In this way, it is advantageously ensured not only that the desired alignment is present, but also a shaking of the device 5 during the detection

locked out.

To avoid blurring, can also be a

Self-triggering function of the detection device 5 may be provided, which is based for example on a timer. A corresponding function can be programmed. It can alternatively be loaded and saved as an app or the like.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 aligner

3 Device for detecting the

Geometry of the aligner

Device for acquiring geometric data of the upper and / or lower dental arch of the patient

9 first alignment device 11 impression of the dental arch

13, 13a, 13b, 13c impression tray

15 shelf or shelf

17 second alignment device 17 \ 17 ^Λ \ 17 \ 17 ^{Λ Λ Λ Λ} Side braces

19 Scaling

21 impression mass

Claims

Method for checking or determining the effect of an orthodontic treatment and / or

Orthodontic appliance, characterized by the steps:

Providing a device (5) for acquiring geometric data of the upper and / or lower dental arch of the patient and / or the patient

Jaw position, or a portion thereof respectively;

Acquiring geometric data of the upper and / or lower dental arch and / or the jaw position of the patient, a section or an impression or model respectively thereof; and

Matching or rating the recorded

geometric data of the dental arch and / or the jaw position.

The method of claim 1, wherein matching or rating with or based on reference data,

predetermined criteria, indices or the like.

The method of claim 2, wherein the reference data are taken from an index, determined by means of an index and / or stored in a database

present. Method according to one of the preceding claims, with the step:

Deploy an orthodontic

Apparatus for carrying by the patient;

Providing means (3) for detecting a geometry of the orthodontic

Contraption;

Detecting a geometry of the orthodontic appliance;

Generate the reference data from the captured

Geometry of the orthodontic device.

The method of claim 4, wherein the orthodontic appliance is an aligner (1) or a correction bar.

Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the acquisition of geometric data of the upper and / or lower dental arch and / or the jaw position of the patient, or a portion respectively thereof, and / or detecting the geometry of the

orthodontic device is or includes a graphic or pictorial image.

Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (3) for detecting the geometry of the orthodontic appliance and / or the

Device (5) for detecting the geometric data of the dental arch and / or the jaw position a mobile

Handheld device, a computerized phone, a tablet Computer, a personal computer, a computer-aided wristwatch, a computer-aided glasses, any other personal, computer-like device or a digital camera are or include.

Method according to one of claims 4 to 7, comprising the step:

Provide a first

Aligning means (9) for positioning the means (3) for detecting the geometry of the orthodontic appliance relative to the orthodontic appliance

predetermined conditions.

Method according to one of the preceding claims, with the step:

Provide a second

Alignment device (17) for positioning the device (5) for detecting geometric data of the upper and / or lower dental arch and / or the jaw position or a model or a

Imprinting (11) thereof the patient, or a portion thereof respectively, relative to the upper and / or lower dental arch of the patient under predetermined conditions.

Method according to one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the orthodontic appliance at least one

Pressure determining device which is arranged to carry the orthodontic device with a patient's tooth under preload in

To be in contact.

The method of claim 10, wherein the

Pressure determining device is a pressure measuring device or a pressure sensor or a pressure measuring film, designed to determine the means of

orthodontic appliance applied to at least one tooth of the patient pressure, wherein the

Pressure determining device for reading by the

Patient or through a software or a

Signal receiver is prepared.

Method according to one of claims 10 to 11, wherein the pressure-determining device comprises or consists of a pressure-sensitive material with at least partially direct or indirect tooth contact in use of the orthodontic appliance.

The method of claim 12, wherein the pressure-sensitive material has a pressure-dependent material transparency and / or a pressure-dependent color, wherein the achievable transparency or the at least two of the acceptable colors of the material a pressure or

Pressure range are assigned.

A method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the pressure determining device applied or applied by the patient to the orthodontic appliance is a paste.

Method according to one of the preceding claims, with the step: Making an impression (1) of the upper and / or lower dental arch and / or the jaw position or a portion thereof using an impression material (21).

Method according to one of the preceding claims, with the step:

Initiate to detect the geometry of the orthodontic device and / or the geometric data of the dental arch and / or jaw position and to match the geometry with the geometric data, if the pressure determining device indicates that the means

Pressure determining device measured or

determined pressure a predetermined value

falls below.

Apparatus for checking or determining the effect of an orthodontic treatment, characterized by: means (5) for acquiring geometric data of the upper and / or lower dental arch and / or the jaw position of the patient, or a portion thereof respectively; and means for matching or evaluating the acquired geometric data of the dental arch and / or the jaw position.

The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the means for matching or evaluating is configured for Matching or rating with or based on reference data, predetermined criteria, indices or the like.

Device according to one of claims 17 to 18,

comprising: means configured to evaluate a result of matching with, or based on, predetermined criteria.

Device according to one of claims 17 to 19 comprising or connected to a device for determining reference data based on an index and / or based on a database with stored reference data.

Device according to one of claims 17 to 20,

comprising: means (3) for detecting a geometry of an orthodontic appliance for patient support; means for generating the reference data from the detected geometry.

Apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the

Orthodontic device is an aligner (1) or a correction rail.

23. Device according to one of claims 17 to 22, wherein the means (5) for acquiring geometric data of the upper and / or lower dental arch and / or the

Jaw position of the patient, or a portion respectively thereof, and / or the device (3) for

Capture the geometry of the orthodontic

Device a graphic or pictorial

Recording device is or includes.

24. Device according to one of claims 17 to 23, wherein the means (3) for detecting the geometry of the orthodontic device and / or the

Device (5) for collecting the geometric data of the dental arch, a mobile handset, a computerized telephone, a tablet computer, a personal computer, a computer-assisted wristwatch, a

computer-aided glasses, another

personal, computer-like device or digital camera is or includes.

25. Device according to one of claims 17 to 24,

designed as a computerized phone, a tablet computer, a personal computer, a

computer-assisted wristwatch, computer-aided glasses or other personal,

computer-like device.

26. Set, characterized by at least one device according to one of claims 17 to 25.

27. Set according to claim 26, with at least one

orthodontic device.

28. The kit according to claim 27, wherein the orthodontic

Device at least one pressure determining device which is arranged so as to be in contact with a tooth of the patient when carrying the orthodontic appliance.

The kit of claim 28, wherein the

Pressure determining device is a pressure measuring device or a pressure sensor, which is designed for determining the means of orthodontic

Device on at least one tooth of the patient pressure exerted, wherein the pressure measuring device is prepared for reading by the patient or by a software or a signal receiver.

Set according to one of claims 28 to 29, wherein the

Pressure determining device comprises a pressure-sensitive material with at least partially direct or indirect tooth contact in use or consists thereof.

Set according to claim 30, wherein the pressure-sensitive material has a pressure-dependent material transparency and / or a pressure-dependent color, wherein the achievable transparency or the at least two of the. By the

Material acceptable colors a print or

Pressure range are assigned.

Set according to one of claims 30 to 31, wherein the pressure-sensitive material is a paste or a

Pressure measuring film is.

Set according to one of claims 28 to 32, with

Impression material (21) for producing an impression (11) of the upper and / or lower dental arch and / or the jaw position or a portion thereof. Set according to one of claims 28 to 33, having a first alignment device (9) for positioning the

Device (3) for detecting the geometry relative to the orthodontic appliance under predetermined conditions.

Set according to one of claims 28 to 34, having a second alignment device (17) for positioning the device (5) for detecting geometric data of the upper and / or lower dental arch and / or

Jaw position of the patient, or a portion thereof respectively, relative to the upper and / or lower dental arch of the patient under predetermined

Conditions.

A kit according to any one of claims 27 to 35, wherein the orthodontic appliance is an aligner (1).

Digital storage medium, in particular in the form of a floppy disk, CD or DVD or EPROM, with electronically readable control signals, configured to cooperate with a programmable computer system or with the device according to the invention such that the mechanical steps of an inventive

Method according to one of claims 1 to 16 can be executed by means of the computer system or the device.

Computer program product, as a signal wave or with a stored on a machine-readable carrier

Program code for initiating the mechanical steps of the method according to the invention according to one of

Claims 1 to 16 or the programming for this, when the computer program product runs on a computer, or on the device according to the invention. Computer program with a program code for initiating the mechanical steps of an inventive

Method according to one of claims 1 to 16, when the computer program runs on a computer, in particular on the device according to the invention, or

Computer program with a program code for such programming of the computer or the device according to the invention.