Gingiva modeling
Embodiments are provided for modeling gingiva. One method embodiment includes scanning a patient's teeth and gums, or a physical model thereof, to obtain location data, developing a digital model via a computing device, where the model represents a dentition and gingiva from the location data, defining in the model a gingival line at an intersection between at least one tooth and at least a portion of its surrounding gums, measuring a gingival pocket depth at a number of reference locations, and establishing in the model one or more gingival attachment points at the pocket depth from the gingival line.
1. A computing device-implemented method for modeling gingiva, the method comprising:
scanning a patient's teeth and gums, or a physical model thereof, to obtain location data;
developing a digital model via a computing device, where the model represents a dentition and gingiva from the location data;
defining in the model a gingival line at an intersection between at least one tooth and at least a portion of its surrounding gums;
measuring a gingival pocket depth at a number of reference locations;
establishing in the model one or more gingival attachment points at the pocket depth from the gingival line; and
deriving in the model an expected gum tissue configuration surrounding a particular tooth based on changes to the gingival line and one or more gingival attachment points; and
deriving a cut line for one or more dental position adjustment appliances, where the cut line is associated with a dynamically modeled gingival line.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the method includes deriving in the model an expected deformation of gum tissue surrounding a particular tooth based on force applied to the gum tissue through the one or more gingival attachment points.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the force applied through the one or more gingival attachment points is transmitted from a positioning force applied to the particular tooth.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the force applied to the particular tooth is a virtual positioning force from a simulated orthodontic treatment plan.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the method includes deriving in the model an expected deformation of gum tissue surrounding a particular tooth based on one or more tension forces within the gum tissue.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the expected gum tissue configuration surrounding a particular tooth is based on one or more predicted changes to gingival pocket depth.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the at least one of the predicted changes to gingival pocket depth is due to a course of treatment.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the course of treatment is selected from a group including: periodontal surgery, gingivectomy, improved oral hygiene activities, and worsened oral hygiene activities.
9. The method of claim 6 , wherein at least one of the predicted changes to gingival pocket depth is attributable to changes in dental health.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein at least one of the changes in dental health is selected from a group including: gingivitis, tooth eruption, tissue compression, and periodontitis.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the method further includes establishing at least one gingival attachment point at a cementoenamel junction of a tooth for which the gingival pocket depth cannot be directly measured.
12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the method further includes establishing at least one gingival attachment point at a dehiscence of a tooth off centered out of a jaw support for which the gingival pocket depth cannot be directly measured.
13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the method further includes re-establishing the at least one gingival attachment point at a cementoenamel junction as the tooth is positioned into the jaw support.
14. The method of claim 1 , wherein measuring includes deriving depth data from digital bone level information of a CT scan.
15. The method of claim 1 , wherein developing the model representing the gingiva includes assigning a control point to the one or more gingival attachment points per tooth.
16. The method of claim 15 , wherein developing the model representing the gingiva includes adjusting a speed of movement from a first position to one or more other positions over time of one or more control points according to a positioning scheme selected from a group including: linear, exponential, logarithmic, and parabolic.
17. The method of claim 1 , wherein the digital model is three-dimensional and includes a visual display of the teeth and gums with indications of the one or more gingival line and gingival attachment points.
18. A computing system, comprising:
a processor;
a data storage device communicatively coupled to the processor, the data storage device containing executable instructions to cause a computing device to:
receive location data obtained from a scan of a patient's teeth and gums, or a physical model thereof;
develop a digital model representing a dentition and gingiva from the location data;
define in the model a gingival line at an intersection between at least one tooth and at least a portion of its surrounding gums;
receive distance data obtained from a measurement of gingival pocket depth at a number of reference locations;
establish in the model one or more gingival attachment points at the pocket depth from the gingival line; and
deriving in the model an expected gum tissue configuration surrounding a particular tooth based on changes to the gingival line and one or more gingival attachment points; and
deriving a cut line for one or more dental position adjustment appliances, where the cut line is associated with a dynamically modeled gingival line.
19. A non-transitory computing device readable medium having executable instructions which can be executed by a processor to cause a computing device to perform a method, comprising:
receiving location data obtained from a scan of a patient's teeth and gums, or a physical model thereof;
developing a digital model representing a dentition and gingiva from the location data;
defining in the model a gingival line at an intersection between at least one tooth and at least a portion of its surrounding gums;
receiving distance data obtained from a measurement of gingival pocket depth at a number of reference locations;
establishing in the model one or more gingival attachment points at the pocket depth from the gingival line; and
deriving in the model an expected gum tissue configuration surrounding a particular tooth based on changes to the gingival line and one or more gingival attachment points; and
deriving a cut line for one or more dental position adjustment appliances, where the cut line is associated with a dynamically modeled gingival line.