Method for Automatic Creation of 3D Models for Dental and Orthodontic Use

Abstract

A system and method that is a web based application for creating and managing 3D models used in orthodontic laboratory prescriptions within a dental clinic or lab. The method includes automatically detecting and removing any appliances contained within the 3D image file. After the appliances have been removed, the system then automatically infers new image data that is calculated to approximate the surface of the tooth disposed beneath the deleted appliance in order to create a clean, second 3D image. The method may further automatically refine the second 3D image of the patient's teeth or delete any artifacts which remain after creation of the second 3D image. The second 3D image may then be used as the basis on which to change the patient's orthodontic or dental prescription.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.