3D analysis of tooth surfaces to aid accurate brace placement

Abstract

Orthodontics is one of the specialized fields of dentistry, which is concerned with the growth, and development of the dentition and course, the treatment of irregularities that can occur. Orthodontists are interested in evaluating geometric parameters to describe teeth and malocclusions occurring in teeth.Computer vision techniques together with 3D scanning and visualization tools enable the orthodontists to evaluate and compute geometric measurements and also to decide the best-fit tooth bracket easily and more accurately. This thesis describes work that applies 3D computer vision techniques for the surface matching of tooth bracket surfaces and tooth surfaces from 3D scanning of tooth models and tooth bracket surfaces, 3D visualization of tooth models, manual segmentation of tooth surfaces, and finally a technique of matching the tooth bracket surfaces and tooth surfaces. These works will help the orthodontists to choose a precise and even customized tooth bracket to fit a specific tooth surface.