A device for determining the surface topology and associated color of a structure, such as a teeth segment, includes a scanner for providing depth data for points along a two-dimensional array substantially orthogonal to the depth direction, and an image acquisition means for providing color data for each of the points of the array, while the spatial disposition of the device with respect to the structure is maintained substantially unchanged. A processor combines the color data and depth data for each point in the array, thereby providing a three-dimensional color virtual model of the surface of the structure. A corresponding method for determining the surface topology and associate color of a structure is also provided.

A device for determining the surface topology and associated color of a structure, such as a teeth segment, includes a scanner for providing depth data for points along a two-dimensional array substantially orthogonal to the depth direction, and an image acquisition means for providing color data for each of the points of the array, while the spatial disposition of the device with respect to the structure is maintained substantially unchanged. A processor combines the color data and depth data for each point in the array, thereby providing a three-dimensional color virtual model of the surface of the structure. A corresponding method for determining the surface topology and associate color of a structure is also provided.

The present invention relates to oral care. In order to improve the effectiveness of a flossing device, an interdental space detection component is proposed for detecting an interdental space. The interdental space detection component may be integrated in a brush head with integrated flossing function. The fluidic flossing function may selectively be switched on at the interdental space, thereby saving flossing fluid and preventing ineffective flossing outside the interdental space.

The present invention relates to oral care. In order to improve the effectiveness of a flossing device, an interdental space detection component is proposed for detecting an interdental space. The interdental space detection component may be integrated in a brush head with integrated flossing function. The fluidic flossing function may selectively be switched on at the interdental space, thereby saving flossing fluid and preventing ineffective flossing outside the interdental space.

Dental hygiene and periodontal hand instrumentation requires alignment of the cutting surface of the instrument at a specific angle and adaptation to the tooth surface. A dental hygiene and periodontal hand instrumentation tutor provides an objective, consistent and accurate way to measure and display the actual angulation and adaptation angles of a periodontal hand instrument and assess instrument use continuously. The method includes detecting the position, orientation, motion path, pressure, angulation angle, adaptation angle, and centerline angle of a periodontal hand instrument and comparing them to ideal positions, orientations, and motion paths; and provides various forms of user feedback.

Dental hygiene and periodontal hand instrumentation requires alignment of the cutting surface of the instrument at a specific angle and adaptation to the tooth surface. A dental hygiene and periodontal hand instrumentation tutor provides an objective, consistent and accurate way to measure and display the actual angulation and adaptation angles of a periodontal hand instrument and assess instrument use continuously. The method includes detecting the position, orientation, motion path, pressure, angulation angle, adaptation angle, and centerline angle of a periodontal hand instrument and comparing them to ideal positions, orientations, and motion paths; and provides various forms of user feedback.

A method for training a neural network intended to analyze a dental situation of an updated patient. A historical learning database is created that relates to a dental body and to a spatial attribute associated with the dental body. The historical learning database includes more than 1,000 historical records, with each historical record relating to a respective historical patient. Each record including a set of historical images all depicting the dental body in the historical patient, called “historical dental body” and an item of spatial information including, for the historical patient, a set of values for the spatial attribute, called “historical spatial information.” The neural network is trained, by providing it with the sets of historical images as input and with the historical spatial information as output, with the spatial attribute defining an ordered sequence of variables in a three-dimensional reference frame.

An orthodontic force measurement system that enables duplication of the patient’s dentition for the application of appliances in a simulated clinical condition. Six components of the load system on individual teeth can be measured. The device can take patient-specific information, such as shapes and locations of the teeth, and duplicate them on the device. Clinicians will be able to apply different appliances to the denture and measure the load system on specific teeth. By accurately quantifying force/moments on individual teeth, individualized, predictable patient-specific orthodontic treatments can be implemented.

An orthodontic force measurement system that enables duplication of the patient’s dentition for the application of appliances in a simulated clinical condition. Six components of the load system on individual teeth can be measured. The device can take patient-specific information, such as shapes and locations of the teeth, and duplicate them on the device. Clinicians will be able to apply different appliances to the denture and measure the load system on specific teeth. By accurately quantifying force/moments on individual teeth, individualized, predictable patient-specific orthodontic treatments can be implemented.