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Title:
A METHOD AND A SYSTEM FOR ADMINISTRATION OF PROSTHETIC TREATMENT PROCESS OF A DENTAL PATIENT
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2016/059550
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The invention relates to development and administration of a prosthetic treatment plan of a dental patient, or more specifically to a method of administration of dental patient's prosthetic treatment process and a related system. This invention is directed to providing calculations of treatment stages using a planning system for implementing the method of work organization of an odontologist and a dental technician laboratory according to a specific work protocol. Under this protocol, each stage of prosthetic treatment is performed consistently and efficiently by combining different stages of dental prosthetic treatment. This reduces the risk of a failure in any of the treatment stages.

Inventors:
GOLOCHVOŠČIŪTĖ-ANDRIJAUSKI (LT)
ANDRIJAUSKAS ROLANDAS (LT)
GUSTAITIS ROBERTAS (LT)
Application Number:
PCT/IB2015/057829
Publication Date:
April 21, 2016
Filing Date:
October 13, 2015
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
UAB DTL VILNIUS (LT)
International Classes:
G06Q10/06; G16H20/40; G16H70/20
Foreign References:
US6587828B12003-07-01
US20050182654A12005-08-18
US20070026363A12007-02-01
US7020618B12006-03-28
US76070507A2007-06-08
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
PETNIŪNAITĖ, Jurga (Vilnius, LT)
Download PDF:
Claims:
1

Claims

1. A method of development and administration of prosthodontic treatment plan of a dental patient, including collection and recording of medical and non-medical information on the patient, compilation of the work schedule for an odontologist and reconciliation thereof with the work schedule of a dental technician using computing devices connected via a data transmission network, characterized in that a system for development, administration and correction of the patient treatment plan, comprising at least two computing devices (2', 2", 2"', 2"", 2 ) connected via data transmission networks (IT) and to each of which digital data storage device (5\ 5", 5"', 5"", 5 ) containing a computer application (3\ 3", 3"', 3"", 3 ) suitable for data exchange via a routing means (8) over the said computer networks between the computing devices (2', 2", 2"', 2"", 2 ) of the said system are connected, where the computer application (3) is stored and is executed on a digital data storage device (5 ) connected to one of the system computing devices (2 ) for at least automatic reconciliation, monitoring and adjustment of work schedules between the odontologist and the dental technician in accordance with dental architecture protocol.

2. The method according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the method comprises steps: i) input of personal data of the odontologist or the dental technician via a user interface screen (2000) that is generated by the computer application (3), which is stored on a digital data storage device (5 ) connected to a computing device (2 ) and which operates in accordance with the dental architecture protocol (100) and outputs the data to an output device (7', 7"), where the said the user interface screen (2000) is accessible by other computing devices (2', 2") in the system via computer networks (IT) and a routing device (8) and includes at least an odontologist personal data input area (2001) and professional information area (2002), and other staff information area (2003), wherein data are entered using a data input device (6', 6 ") of one of multiple computing devices (2', 2") via the said user interface screen (2000) accessed by means of software (3\ 3", 3"', 3"", 3 ) suitable for data rendering and exchange between multiple computing devices (2', 2", 2"', 2"", 2 ) of the system;

ii) input of medical data of a patient via a user interface screen (3000) that is generated by the computer application (3), which is stored on the digital storage device (5 ) connected to the computing device (2 ) and which operates in accordance with the dental architecture protocol (100) and outputs the data to an output device (7', 7"), where the user interface screen (3000) is accessible by other computing devices (2', 2") in the system via computer networks (IT) and routing means (8) and includes at least areas for input of data on patient 2

age, gender, facial form, mouth and facial photos, expectations, reasons for appointment, diagnosis by the odontologist, progress of mouth condition starting with the first primary teeth, teeth decay history, prostheses placed and the area (3003), in which mouth condition can be marked, where the said data are entered using a data input device (6', 6") of one of many computers (2', 2") via the said user interface screen (3000) accessed by means of software (3', 3", 3"', 3"", 3 ) suitable for data rendering and exchange between multiple computing devices (2\ 2", 2"', 2"", 2 ) of the system;

iii) input of non-medical patient data via the user interface screen (3000) that is generated by the one computing device (2 ), to which the digital data storage device (5 ) is connected and on which the computer application (3) operating in accordance with the dental architecture protocol (100) is stored and which outputs the data to an output device (7', 7"), where the said user interface screen (3000) is accessible by other computing devices (2', 2") in the system via computer networks (IT) and routing means (8) and includes at least areas, wherein the said data are entered using a data input device (6', 6 ") of one of multiple computing devices (2', 2") via the said user interface screen (3000) that is accessed by means of software (3', 3", 3"', 3"", 3 ) suitable for data rendering and exchange between multiple computers (2\ 2", 2"', 2"", 2 ) of the system;

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that operation of the said special computer application (3) is based on the dental architecture protocol (100) and comprises the following steps: a) input (101), processing (101A), rendering (102), and storage of data (103) on dental impressions representing the whole palate, labial frenum, and dental necks;

b) input (104), rendering (105), and storage (106) of face bow record data;

b) input (107), rendering (108), and storage (109) of data on CO and central relation record; d) input (1 10), rendering (1 1 OA), and storage (1 11) of intraoral photos in a digital form, including frontal photos of maxilla and mandible with opened and closed mouth, photos of occlusion, photos of maxilla and mandible on black background;

e) input (112), rendering (1 12A), and storage (113) of facial images in a digital form when performing a bite, at rest, with open mounth, smiling, broadly smiling, profile, broadly smiling with occluded teeth;

f) input (1 14), processing (115) by means of special software (3), rendering (115A) and storage (116) of data on planning, scheduling and administration of prosthesis color coordination between the odontologist and the patient in the form of comments, intraoral camera scan files, photos; 3

g) input (117), processing (118) by means of special software (3), rendering (118A) and storage (1 19) of data on planning, scheduling and administration of corrections in the laboratory in the form of comments, intraoral camera scan files, photos. 4. The method according to Claim 3, characterized in that:

- data entry during the above steps a-g is performed using input devices (6', 6 ") of the system computing devices (2', 2") and software (3', 3") suitable for rendering and exchange of data between multiple computing devices (2', 2", 2 ) of the system,

- data rendering during the above steps a-g is performed using output devices (7', 7") of system computing devices (2', 2") and software (3', 3") suitable for rendering and exchange of data between multiple computing devices (2', 2", 2 ) of the system,

- data storage during the above steps a-g is performed using the digital data storage device

(5 ) of the computing device (2 ), on which a special computer application (3) operating according to the said dental architecture protocol (100) is stored, where data from computing devices (2', 2") can be sent to at least one other system computer (2 ) via computer networks (IT) by means of software (3', 3", 3 ) suitable for exchange and rendering of data between multiple computing devices (2', 2", 2 ) of the system. 5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the said special computer application (3) based on the dental architecture protocol (100) is used for execution of the following steps: h) calculation and/or input (120), processing (121), storage (122), and output (123) of data on planning, scheduling and administration of teeth grinding and taking of dental impressions;

i) calculation and/or input (124), verification (125), storage (126), and output (127) of dates of transfer of plaster models to articulators in the laboratory;

y) calculation and/or processing (128), storage (129), and output (131) of data on planning and management of occlusion analysis

j) calculation and/or input (132), processing (133), storage (134), and output (135) of data on planning and rendering of prosthetic treatment plan and possible pre-prosthetic intervention;

k) calculation and/or input (135A), processing (136), storage (137), and output (138) of data on planning, scheduling, and administration of diagnostic teeth waxing;

I) calculation and/or input (139), processing (140), storage (141), and output (142) of data on planning, scheduling and administration of model mouthguard production; 4

m) calculation and/or input (143), processing (144), storage (145) on the digital data storage device (5) and output (146) of data on planning, scheduling and administration of model measurement in the patients mouth in the form of comments, intraoral camera scan files, and photos;

n) calculation and/or input (147), processing (148), storage (149) and output (150) of data on planning, scheduling and administration of patient phonetics, occlusion, maxilla movements by means of a model in the form of intraoral camera scan files, photos;

o) calculation and/or input (151), processing (152), storage (153) and output (154) of data on planning, scheduling and administration of aesthetic evaluation of the appearance in the form of comments, intraoral camera scan files, and photos;

p) input (155), processing (156), storage (157), and output (158) of data on planning, scheduling and administration of patient satisfaction confirmation with representation and function of the model in the form of comments, files scanned by an intraoral camera, photos;

r) calculation and/or input (159), processing (160), storage (161), and output (162) of data on planning, scheduling and administration of surgical interventions in the form of comments, files scanned by an intraoral camera, and photos;

s) calculation and/or input (163), processing (164), storage (165) and output (166) of data on planning, scheduling and administration of temporal prosthesis production;

t) calculation and/or input (167), processing (167A), storage (168), and output (169) of data on planning, scheduling and administration of production of prosthesis with glaze without measurement and of splitting prosthesis production process into phases;

u) input (171), storage (172) and output (173) of data on planning, scheduling and administration of imaging for all stages and sending of information to the laboratory and/or the clinic;

v) development and sending of files an digital format to prosthesis manufacturing machines based on CAD/CAM or 3D printing technology (optional).

6. The method according to Claim 5, characterized in that:

- data entry during the above steps h-u is performed using input devices (6', 6") of the computing devices (2', 2") of the system and software (3', 3") suitable for data exchange and rendering between multiple computing devices (2', 2", 2 ) of the system,

- data calculation during the above steps h-u is performed by means of the special computer application (3) that is stored on the digital data storage device (5 ) of the computing device

(2 ) and that operates in accordance with the dental architecture protocol (100), 5

- data processing during the above steps h-u is performed by means of the special computer application (3) that is stored on the digital data storage device (5 ) of the computing device

(2 ) and that operates in accordance with the dental architecture protocol (100),

- data storage during the above steps h-u is performed using the digital data storage device (5 ) of the compute device (2 ) of the system, on which the special computer application

(3) based on the said dental architecture protocol (100) is stored, where data from computing devices (2', 2") can be sent to at least one other system computing device (2 ) via computer networks (IT) by means of software (3', 3", 3 ) suitable for data exchange and rendering between multiple computing devices (2', 2", 2 ) of the system,

- data rendering during the above steps h-u is performed using output devices (7', 7 ") of the computers (2', 2") and software (3', 3") suitable for data exchange and rendering between multiple computers (2', 2", 2 ) of the system.

7. The method according to claim 1 , characterized in that data are exchanged between at least two computing devices of multiple computing devices (2', 2", 2"', 2"", 2 ) of the system via a router (8) to send (301), store, process and output the data intended for coordination the patient's treatment plan, where the said data include at least data on ordered works by the odontologist with all possible phases prosthetic treatment and at least data on existing types of prostheses with all production phases of specific prostheses.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the following steps are performed by means of a computer application (3) that operates in accordance with the dental architecture protocol (100) and is stored on the digital data storage device (5 ) and is executed by a processor means (4 ):

aa) in case of each specific order, specific optimal production times are assigned (175) to the prosthesis phase and the prosthesis production phase, which depend on the number of teeth for which prostheses are required;

bb) the times are recalculated according to the number of units;

cc) optimal intervals between the phases of prosthetic treatment and the prosthesis production phases are determined and rendered on user interface screens (4000, 5000,

6000, 7000, 8000B, 9000), on which at least the optimal production time area (4001 , 5001 ,

6001 , 6002, 7001 , 8001 B, 9001) is displayed;

dd) the said intervals are optionally adjusted depending on user-entered data;

ee) user interface screens (8000, 8000a) are generated that include areas with information on clinical phases, their times and intervals;

ff) data related to the patient's treatment plan are processed; 6

gg) work phases with their dates and the reconciliation chart between the schedules of the odontologist and of the dental technician are output on user interface screens (8000, 8000A, 8000B, 9000) of an output device (7\ 7") of at least one computer (2\ 2"), where the output data are displayed in areas (8001 , 8001A, 8001 B, 9001) that are suitable for display of at least compatible dates, incompatible dates, and suggestions for schedule reconciliation, which are verified and compared with scheduling data stored in databases on a computer medium;

hh) the data on the work phases and their completion times are synchronized between at least two system computers (2', 2", 2"') and are rendered in a work calendar displayed on the user interface;

ii) data adjustment of phases and their completion dates are optionally performed by means of input devices (6', 6") of the computing device (2', 2"), where the interval between work phases should be at least 7 working days and at most 15 working days, taking into consideration time units of prosthesis placement and prosthesis manufacturing pre-entered into the operational algorithm of the computer application based on the number of required prostheses,

yy) data are stored in the memory (5 ) for at least one computing device (2 ) for output to the work calendar displayed on the user interface,

jj) additional data, such as patient photos after each visit to the prosthodontist, video files with phonetic exercises by the patient, comments of the odontologist or the dental technician, are displayed on the timeline of the graphical user interface on an output device (7', 7") of the computing device (2', 2"); extra-oral and intra-oral photos of face and mouth and 3D face scanner data are optionally processed additionally by changing the form and the color of teeth taking into account external facial features, where thus obtained additional data can be used by CAD/CAM and 3D printing systems for the production of models, temporary prosthesis, models, surgical guides and permanent prostheses from various materials.

9. The method according to Claim 7 or 8, is characterized in that data rendered on the window of the system graphical user interface are accessible via routing means (8), so that the said data could be evaluated, used, monitored, and adjusted by a system user, such an odontologist, a dental technician or a patient, using at least one computing device of multiple computing devices (2' ,2", 2"', 2"") of the system, which utilizes at least software (3', 3", 3"', 3"") suitable for exchange and rendering of data between multiple computing devices (2\ 2", 2"', 2"", 2 ) of the system. 7

10. The method according to Claim 9, characterized in that user actions in the system are authenticated by electronic signatures by means of electronic signature input devices (6', 6", 6"', 6"") connected to the system. 11. The computer application (3) operating in accordance which the dental architecture protocol (100) for performing steps according to any one of the claims 1-10.

12. A system, for performing steps of the method according to any one claim 1-10 by means of a computer application (3) according to claim 11 and which comprises multiple computing devices (2\ 2", 2"', 2"", 2 ), each of which comprises of at least software (3\ 3", 3"', 3"", 3 ) suitable for exchange and rendering of data between multiple computing devices (2', 2", 2"', 2"", 2 ) in the system, processors (4\ 4", 4"', 4"", 4 ), a digital data storage device (5', 5", 5"', 5"", 5 ), a data input device (6', 6", 6"' 6"", 6 ) and a data output device (7\ 7", 7"', 7"", 7 ), where the digital data storage device (5 ) is connected to least one computing device (2 ) of the system, on which at least one database (1) and the special computer application (3) operating in accordance to the dental architecture protocol (100) are stored and executed by the corresponding processor means (4 ) and where the said computer application (3) is able to communicate with other computing devices (2' , 2", 2"', 2"") in the system by means of communication software (3', 3", 3"', 3""), where communication between multiple computing devices (2', 2", 2"', 2"", 2 ) proceeds via communication networks (IT) and a router (8) and where an interface is created by means of plugins (10) between the router (8), the special computer application (3) operating according to the dental architecture protocol (100) and other devices in the system.

Description:
A METHOD AND A SYSTEM FOR ADMINISTRATION OF PROSTHETIC TREATMENT

PROCESS OF A DENTAL PATIENT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to development and administration of a prosthetic treatment plan for a dental patient, and more specifically, to a method and a system for administration of prosthetic treatment process.

TECHNICAL LEVEL

Dental prosthetic treatment reconstructs damaged teeth and/or dental arches restoring their proper chewing function, form, and color.

Usually, odontologists neglect do discuss or coordinate patient prosthetic treatment plans, technology, progress phases or dates with dental technicians. In the first phase of treatment, odontologists provide dental technicians with dental impressions, intended for production of temporary prosthesis. However, additional information related to the patient facial shape, age, gender, oral/facial photos, and centric relation usually is withhold. Temporary prostheses are manufactured by preparing the teeth on a model and then placing them on the patient after teeth grinding procedure. The teeth grinding procedure destroys most of specific information on occlusion and mastication, the initial teeth form and the oral condition. A prosthesis is produced in the position of central occlusion (at maximum intercuspation) or in an articulator by mechanically (vertically) lifting the occlusion. Dental technicians also do not have information about patients' wishes, expectations, and comments about the proposed prosthesis.

Yet even more commonly, a dental technician receives an order to produce a permanent prosthesis, because the temporary prosthesis has been made in another laboratory or is already placed in the patient's mouth. The odontologist specifies the material and the design of the prosthesis at his/her sole discretion, and the implants may already be placed. Also, too much tooth tissue can be removed or some teeth unnecessarily ground at the time of prosthesis structure formation. These reasons lead to extension of the production process. Often, different prostheses are manufactured in a linear fashion: the next prosthesis is made only after the previous one is finished. The protracted process of production negatively affects quality of the prostheses, since a mouth is not treated as a single whole, but rather segment by segment. In some cases, errors in production of a previous prosthesis become apparent during production of the last prosthesis, e.g., in occlusion, which are almost impossible to correct without remake or correction of the previous prosthesis.

Some aesthetic defects can manifest after a prototype is placed into a patient's mouth that require gum correction and treatment of the "gummy smile". Although they are not caused by the prosthesis directly, yet prosthesis revision will be necessary after correction of the gums. Also, impaired biomechanics, articulation, and phonetics of a patient's jaw can lead to functional problems. All of this results in waste of material and time resources by dental technicians and odontologists and in disruptions of production of other orders. Scheduling of works becomes rather difficult.

Normally, one dental technician works on few dozens of prosthesis production orders at the same time: some prostheses or their parts are being manufactured and delivered to dental clinics while new and continued orders are received at the laboratory. This order flow must be coordinated, i.e., details of every order must be carefully examined and the order split into phases in accordance with the principles of production technology. Several types of prostheses based on different technologies can be ordered for a single patient's mouth. All the information that is necessary for eventual production of a permanent prosthesis should be taken into account during the phase of production of a prosthesis prototype. During the prosthesis prototype production phase, an odontologist must plan necessary surgical interventions, gum corrections, implantations, orthodontics, and determine which teeth should be treated, which teeth will have to be removed, and which teeth can be reconstructed with prostheses without or with minimally invasive procedures, thus preserving natural tooth tissue as much as possible.

Patient-related information is often stored in several documents, order forms, and emails, some of which are stored in clinics, and some at dental technician laboratories. Also, there is no single information system linking clinics and dental laboratories, thus impairing efficiency of prostheses production process and leading to wastage.

The patent US 7.020.618 B1 discloses a method and a system able to generate a patient's treatment plan, divide it into steps and phases, and monitor implementation of the plan. However, the system and the method are designed to compile and share general information about a patient, his/her treatment plan and implementation of the plan. Odontologists can freely select implementation of plan phases. The system is focused solely towards the general practice of treatment plan creation and does not include coordination of the treatment plant with production of treatment applications.

The US patent application US 1 1/760.705 discloses a method and a system for monitoring and readjustment of the treatment process. Principles for creation of a treatment plan, which can be freely adjusted by the odontologist, apply only for production and application of orthodontic solutions.

Some well-known products, such as LabStar, MagicTouch, LabMagic, intended to facilitate communication between dental laboratories and odontologists, providing ability to order products and track the order statuses. However, these products are primarily intended for general administration of dental laboratories, tracking of business statistics and billing.

The proposed invention is intended to eliminate all the said problems and deficiencies by providing calculations of treatment phases and employing a planning system, which implements a mode of operation of an odontologist and a dental technician laboratory according to a specific work protocol. According to this protocol, each step of prosthetic treatment is performed consistently and efficiently by combining different phases of dental prosthetics. As a result, the risk of treatment phase failure is reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention discloses a detailed method and a system for scheduling, administration, and adjustment of a treatment plan of a dental patient.

One aspect of the invention is a system, which is designed to create, manage and update a patient's treatment plan linking it to data on the patient and his/her treatment progress present in a database. The system consists of numerous computing devices, each of which has at least of software capable of data rendering and exchange between numerous computing devices in the system, a processor, a digital storage, a data entry device, a data output device, wherein all said components are controlled by the said processors. At least one computer in the system is connected to a storage device, on which a special computer application is installed able to communicate with other computing devices in the system by means of communication software and executed by the computer processor. The system also includes a data routing tool that communicates with numerous computing devices; an engine for creation, administration and correction of a treatment plan that communicates with numerous computing devices of the system by means of the said router, and the communication software. The system is interconnected via communication networks and includes plugins for creation of interface between the special computer application of GPSAK engine and other system devices via the router. The computer application stored in a storage device connected to at least single computer is able to process the incoming data about the patient, the treatment plan and the applications being manufactured for patient's treatment. It is able to send processed data to numerous computing devices and receive data from numerous computing devices by means of a routing device, where all said data are stored in databases on digital media.

Another aspect of the invention is a new and improved method for development, administration and adjustment of a patient treatment plan by combining input from an odontologist, a dental technician and a patient, which is implemented by means of the said system for development, administration and correction of the treatment plan. This method combines administration of numerous tasks according to the dental architecture protocol. Personal data of the odontologist or the dental technician are entered via a user interface screen by means of a data entry device and inter-computer communication software to at least a single computing device of the system and are sent via a router to at least one computing device of the system, on which the special application is installed and executed by the processor, where the data are stored on the same storage device for further use. The patient data are also entered over the user interface, which is created by the GPSAK engine and which is displayed on a user monitor as a user interface screen, by means a data entry device of at least one computer out of multitude and saved for further use in a storage device of at least one computer, the same on which the data processing application is also stored.

The computer application, which operates on the basis of a dental architecture protocol algorithm, patient medical data, and work completion deadlines of the odontologist and the dental technician, compiles prosthesis phases and prostheses production phases, splits and/or combines them, saves and outputs and/or displays data to the machine memory of at least one system computer, on which the special data processing application is stored and executed, for output in the work calendar displayed on the user interface screen. The data displayed on the system user graphic interface fields are accessible via the Internet networks, so that they can be assessed, executed, monitored and adjusted with mutual consent by at least one system user, such as the odontologist, the dental technician or the patient by means of any computing device of the system. Additional data, such as patient photos taken after each visit to the prosthodontist, video files with phonetic exercises by patient, comments by the odontologist or the dental technician, are displayed on the timeline of the graphic interface and allow the prosthodontist and the dental technician to coordinate the process and to control the quality.

In each specific case and on the basis of the data received from the odontologist, the dental technician and the patient, the computer application of the GPSAK engine assigns specific optimum production times for the prosthesis phase and for the prosthetics production phase depending on the number of teeth that require prostheses, recalculates times according to the number of units, determines the optimal intervals between prosthesis phases and prosthetics production phases and outputs/displays them on the user interface screens that contain at least the optimal production time frames. The said intervals can be adjusted taking into account date entered by the user. Information on clinical phases, including their times and intervals, is stored on the same computer-connected storage device as the special data processing application, i.e. patient's visits to the odontologist and their duration, which is used by the special application of GPSAK engine for generation of user interface screens containing areas that display information on clinical phases with their times and intervals, i.e. the patient visits to the odontologist and their duration. The said computer application operating in accordance with the dental architecture protocol processes data related to the patient treatment plan. Based on the entered data, work phases and dates are displayed on user interface screens by means of an output device of at least one computer, including the harmonization data between the schedules of the odontologist and of the dental technician, where the output data are represented on user interface screens, which may include at least compatible dates, incompatible dates, and suggestions for coordination of dates that are verified and compared with the schedule data stored in a database on the computer storage device. The data on the work phases and their completion dates presented on an output device are synchronized between at least two computing devices in the system. In this way, the information is simultaneously accessible on several computing devices in the system. The data on phases and their completion dates can be adjusted by means of a computer input device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings show the essence of the invention described according to the design: Fig. 1 : The basic scheme of the system suitable for development, management and adjustment of a patient treatment plan

Fig. 2: The principal scheme of the dental architecture algorithm

Fig. 3: The screen for editing user contact information

Fig. 4: The screen for editing work time settings of the user (an odontologist)

Fig. 5: The screen for editing work time settings of the user (a dental technician)

Fig. 6: The order screen

Fig. 7: The starting screen where orders are split into phases with assigned times

Fig. 8: The screen for coordination of dates, the dental technician's version

Fig. 9: The timeline/the screen for coordination of dates, the odontologist's version

Fig. 10: A segment from the odontologist's screen for coordination of dates

Fig. 11 : The odontologist's weekly calendar screen

Fig. 12: The home screen

Fig. 13: The dental technician's week calendar screen

Fig. 14: The monthly calendar screen

Fig. 15: The timeline/the screen for entry of patient data to the patient card

Fig. 16 The 2D image processing scheme

Fig. 17 The 3D image processing scheme DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention discloses a detailed method and a system for development, administration, and correction of a dental patient's treatment plan. One aspect of the invention is a system (S) for development, administration, and adjustment of a patient treatment plan linking it with the data on the patient and the treatment process stored in a database (1) as shown in Fig. 1. The system includes numerous computing devices (2', 2", 2"', 2"", 2 ), each of which has at least software (3\ 3", 3"', 3"", 3 ) for data exchange between multiple computing devices (2', 2", 2", 2"", 2 ) of the system (S), processors (4\ 4", 4"', 4"", 4 ), a storage device of digital data (5\ 5", 5"', 5"", 5 ), and a data entry device (6' , 6", 6"', 6"", 6 ), such as a keyboard, a graphic tablet, a scanner, or a digital camera, and a data output device (7', 7", 7"', 7"", 7 ), such as a monitor display or a printing device, where all said devices are controlled by the said processors (4', 4", 4"', 4"", 4 ). At least one computing device (2 ) in the system (S) is connected to a storage device (5 ), on which the special computer application (3) operating in accordance with the dental architecture protocol (100) is stored, and is executed by a processor (4 ) and is able to communicate with other computing devices (2', 2", 2"', 2"", 2 ) in the system by means of communication software (3', 3", 3"', 3"", 3 ). The system also includes a data routing means (8), such as a router, that communicates with numerous computing devices (2', 2", 2", 2"", 2 ), an engine (the GPSAK engine) (9) for development, administration and correction of a treatment plan that communicates with numerous computing devices (2', 2", 2", 2"") in the system over communication networks by means of the said router (8) and the communication software (3', 3", 3"', 3""). The computer application (3), which is stored on a storage device (5 ) connected to at least one of numerous computing devices (2 ), is able to process the incoming data on the patient, the treatment plan, and treatment applications being produced, to send the processed data to numerous other computing devices (2', 2", 2", 2""), to receive the transfered data from numerous other computing devices (2', 2", 2'", 2"') in the system (S) by means of a routing device (8), where all said data are stored in databases (1) on a digital data storage device (5 ) that is connected to at least one computer (2 ).

The above-mentioned GPSAK engine (9) includes plugins (10), which are used to create an interface between the special computer application of the GPSAK engine (9) and other system components via a router (8).

Another aspect of the invention is a new and improved method for development, administration and coordination of a patient treatment plan between the odontologist-orthopedist, the dental technician and the patient, which is implemented by means of the said system (S) for development, administration and correction of the treatment plan. This method combines administration of numerous tasks according to the dental architecture protocol (100). The personal data of the odontologist or the dental technician are entered on at least one computer (2', 2") by means of software (3', 3") for communication between computing devices and a data entry device (6', 6") via a user interface screen (2000), which includes at least the area (2001) for entry of personal data of the dental technician and/or the odontologist, the professional information area (2002) and the information area for other staff (2003) and which is generated by the GPSAK engine (9) and rendered on a monitor (7', 7", 7 ). The said data are sent through the router to at least one computing device (2 ) in the system, to which the storage device (5 ) is connected, on which the special application (3) is stored and is executed by the processor (4 ), for storage on the said storage device (5 ) for further use. The user interface screen (2000) for entry of personal data of the odontologist or of the dental technician by means of input devices (6', 6") of a computer (2', 2") consists of at least name, address, workplace data and assistants' data input fields. Another form (2000b, 2000c) of the said user interface screen (2000) may also include segments (2001 b, 2001c) containing scheduled working days, holidays, vacations, working hours, and lunch breaks. In addition, the patient's data are entered and saved for further use on a storage device (5) of at least one computer, on which by the data-processing computer application (3) is stored. The said user interface screen (3000) can be used to enter data by means of an input device (6', 6") into the medical data area (3001) of the user interface screen (3000) including, at least, fields for age, gender, shape of the face, mouth and facial images, expectations, reasons for appointment, diagnosis by the odontologist, oral condition, treatment time, the progress of the dental condition starting with the first primary teeth, date and location of detected decay, placed prostheses. The area (3003) of the user interface screen (3000) may include dental condition markings in different digital formats for planned prosthesis according to the dental architecture protocol (100). In the same way, non-medical patient data, such as the number of visits to the odontologist or patient's payment information, are compiled and/or entered in a relevant area of the user interface screen.

The patient-related data entered on at least one computer in the system (2', 2", 2"', 2"") are displayed on the interface screen (3000), which is generated by the application (3) of the said GPSAK engine (9) and is accessible using any of numerous computing devices of the system (S) (2\ 2", 2"', 2"") via a router (8) and communication software (3', 3", 3"', 3""). The data and sent via the router (8) to at least one computing device of the system (S) (2 ), to which the storage device containing the said special computer application (3) is connected. The said data displayed on the interface screen (3000) are accessible by means of at least one computing device of the system (2\ 2", 2"', 2") using communication software (3\ 3", 3"', 3"") and are rendered on an output device (7', 7", 7"', 7"") of the said computer (2\ 2", 2"', 2"").

Operation of the said special application (3) is based on the dental architecture protocol (100) covering: data input (101) of dental impressions that represent the whole palette including labial frenum and dental necks, data processing (101A) by means of special software (3); data rendering (102 ) on the screen (7\ 7", 7"', 7"", 7 ) of a computer (2\ 2", 2"', 2"", 2 ), and data storage (103) on a computer storage device (5 ); input (104) of face-bow record data, storage (106) on a computer storage device (5 ) and rendering (105) on the screen (7', 7", 7"', 7"", 7 ) of a computer (2\ 2", 2"', 2"", 2 ); input (107) of CO and central relation record data in the form of digital images, saving (109) on a computer storage device (5 ) and rendering (108) on the screen (7\ 7", 7"', 7"", 7 ) of a computer (2\ 2", 2"', 2"", 2 ); input (110) of intraoral digital images, including images of maxilla, mandible from the front, with open and closed mouth, occlusion images, black-background images of maxilla and mandible, rendering (11 OA) on the screen (7\ 7", 7"', 7"", 7 ) of a computer (2\ 2", 2"', 2"", 2 ), and storage (11 1) on a computer storage device (5 ); input (112) of facial frontal photos, with occluded teeth in the states of rest, with open mount smile, and broad smile, facial profile photos in broad smile state with occluded teeth, rendering (1 12A) on the screen (7\ 7", 7"', 7"", 7 ) of a computer (2\ 2", 2"', 2"", 2 ), and storage (1 13) on a computer storage device (5 ); input (114) of prosthesis color coordination and administration between the odontologist and the patient in the form of comments, intraoral camera scan files, and images, processing (1 15) by means of a special software, rendering (1 15A) on the screen (7, 7", 7", 7"", 7 ) of a computer (2\ 2", 2"', 2"", 2 ), and storage (1 16) on a storage device (5 ); input (117), processing (118) by means of special software (3), rendering (118A) on a screen (7, 7", 7"', 7"", 7 ) of a computer (2\ 2", 2"', 2"", 2 ) and storage (119) of data on planning, scheduling and administration of corrections in the laboratory in the form of comments, files scanned by an intraoral camera, photos on a computer storage device (5 ).

After the said data are entered (101 , 104, 107.110, 1 12, 114, 117) using an input device (6\ 6", 6"', 6"", 6 ) of at least one computing device of the system (2\ 2", 2", 2"", 2""), rendered (102, 105, 108, 1 10A, 1 12A, 115A, 118A) on a screen (7\ 7", 7"', 7"", 7 ) of a computer (2' , 2", 2"', 2"", 2 ), and saved (103, 106, 109, 11 1 , 113, 116, 1 19) in a computer storage device (5 ), they are transmitted through a router (8) to one of the computing devices (2 ) connected to the storage device, on which the special computer application (3) is stored and executed in accordance to the dental architecture protocol (100); the said special computer application (3) stored on at least one computer in the system (2 ) is used to perform the following operations: calculation and/or input (120) of data on planning, scheduling and administration of dental grinding and taking of dental impressions, processing (121), saving (122) on a storage device (5 ) and rendering (123) on a screen (7, 7", 7"', 7"", 7 ); calculation and/or input (124) of schedule of transfer of laboratory plaster models to an articulator, verification, processing (125), storage (126) on a storage device (5"") and rendering (127) on a screen (7', 7", 7"', 7"", 7 ); calculation and/or processing (128) of data on occlusal analysis planning and management, storage (129) on a storage device (5"") and rendering (131) on a screen (7, 7", 7", 7"", 7 ); calculation and/or input (132) of data on prosthesis scheduling and possible pre-prosthetic intervention planning and mapping, processing (133), storage (134) on a storage device (5 ) and rendering (135) on a screen (7\ 7", 7"', 7"", 7 ); calculation and/or input (135A) of data on planing, scheduling and administration of diagnostic teeth waxing, processing (136), storage (137) on a storage device (5 ) and rendering (135) on a screen (7', 7", 7"', 7"", 7 ); calculation and/or input (139) of data on planing, scheduling and administration of model mouthguard production, processing (140), storage (141) on a storage device (5 ) and rendering (142) on a screen (7', 7", 7"', 7"", 7 ); calculation and/or input (143) of data on planing, scheduling and administration of model measurement in the patient mouth, processing (144), saving (145) on a storage device (5 ) and rendering (146) on a screen (7', 7", 7"', 7"", 7 ) in the form of comments, files scanned by an intraoral camera and images; input (147) of data on planing, scheduling and administration of patient phonetics, occlusion, maxilla and mandible movements with the model, processing (148), storage (149) on a storage device (5 ) and rendering (150) on a screen (7, 7", 7", 7"", 7 ) in the form of intraoral camera scan files and images; input (151) of data on planing, scheduling and administration of aesthetic evaluation of appearance, processing (152), storage (153) on a storage device (5 ) and rendering (154) on a screen (7\ 7", 7"', 7"", 7 ) in the form of comments, intraoral camera scan files and images; input (155) of data on patient satisfaction confirmation with sight and function of the model and of data on planning, scheduling and administration of the prosthesis phase, processing (156), storage (157) on a storage device (5 ) and rendering (158) on a screen (7, 7", 7", 7"", 7 ) in the form of comments, intraoral camera scan files and images; calculation and/or input (159) of data on planing, scheduling and administration of surgical interventions, processing (160), storage (161) on a storage device (5 ) and rendering (162) on a screen (7, 7", 7", 7"", 7 ) in the form of comments, intraoral camera scan files and images; calculation and/or input (163) of data on planing, scheduling and administration on production of temporal prosthesis, processing (164), storage (165) on a storage device (5 ) and rendering (166) on a screen (7, 7", 7"', 7"", 7 ); calculation and/or input (167) of data on planing, scheduling and administration on production of glazed prosthesis without measurement and on splitting of prosthesis production process into phases including at least coordination with phases of other types prostheses and scheduling, processing (167A), storage (168) on a storage device (5 ) and rendering (169) on a screen (7', 7", 7"', 7"", 7 ); input (171) of data on planing, scheduling and administration of transmission of imaging and information of all phases to the laboratory/ the clinic, storage (172) on a storage device (5 ) and rendering (173) on a screen (7\ 7", 7"', 7"", 7 ). All the said steps (101 , 104, 107, 1 10, 1 12, 114, 1 17, 120, 124, 127, 132, 135A, 139, 143, 147, 151 , 155, 159, 163, 167, 171) are performed by means of an input device (6\ 6", 6"', 6"") of at least one computing device of the system (2', 2", 2"', 2""), and software (3') for data exchange between computing devices (2\ 2", 2"', 2"", 2 ), where the data saving step (103, 106, 109, 1 11 , 113, 116, 1 19, 122, 126, 129, 134, 137, 141 , 145, 149, 153, 157, 161 , 165, 168, 172) is performed by sending the said data to at least one computer (2 ) of the system via a router (8) and saving on a connected storage device (5 ), on which the computer application (3) based on the dental architecture algorithm is installed. The said application (3) is used for execution of all processing steps (101A, 1 15, 118, 121 , 125, 128, 133, 136, 140, 144, 148, 152, 156, 160, 164, 167A) and output and/or rendering steps (102, 105, 108, 1 10A, 1 12A, 1 15A, 1 18A, 123, 127, 131 , 135, 138, 142, 146, 150, 154, 158, 162, 166, 169, 173).

The GPSAK engine (9) can communicate with at least one other computer (2', 2", 2"', 2"") of the system via a router (8) for input and/or calculation (101 , 104, 107, 110, 1 12, 114, 1 17, 120, 124, 128, 132, 135A, 139, 143, 147, 151 , 155, 159, 163, 167, 171) of coordinated data of a patient treatment plan, saving (103, 106, 109, 11 1 , 113, 1 16, 119, 122, 126, 129, 134, 137, 141 , 145, 149, 153, 157, 161 , 165, 168, 172), processing (101A, 1 15, 1 18, 121 , 125, 128, 133, 136, 140, 144, 148, 152, 156, 160, 164, 167A), output and/or rendering (102, 105, 108, 1 10A, 1 12A, 115A, 1 18A, 123, 127, 131 , 135, 138, 142, 146, 150, 154, 158, 162, 166, 169, 173); at least data on orders by the odontologist are entered (174) into the GPSAK engine (9) in accordance with the dental architecture protocol (100) by means of an input device (6', 6", 6"', 6"") of a computer (2', 2", 2"', 2"") of the system (S). Data on all possible prosthesis phases, all possible types of prostheses (with ability to add new types of prostheses, which currently do not exist), and all phases of production of specific prostheses are stored in a data storage device (5 ) connected to at least one computer (2 ) of the system, the same storage device on which the special data processing computer application (3) is stored and executed. In the case of each particular order and on the basis of the said data, the computer application (3) of the GPSAK engine (9) assigns (175) specific optimal production times for the prosthetic placement phase and the production phase, depending on number of teeth that require prostheses, recalculates the times according to the number of units, determines optimal intervals between prostheses placement phases and prostheses production phases, and/or renders them (102, 105, 108, 1 10A , 1 12A, 115A, 1 18A, 123, 127, 131 , 135, 138, 142, 146, 150, 154, 158, 162, 166, 169, 173) on user interface screens (4000, 5000, 6000, 7000, 8000B, 9000), which include at least the the optimal production time area (4001 , 5001 , 6001 , 6002, 7001 , 8001 B, 9001). The said intervals can be adjusted taking into account data entered by the user. Also, information on clinical phases with their times and intervals is stored on the same storage device (5 ) connected to a computer (2 ), on which the special data- processing computer application (3) is stored and executed; the information consists of patient visits to the odontologist and their duration and is used by the special application (3) of the GPSAK engine (9) for generation of user interface screens (8000, 8000A) that include areas (8001) with information on clinical phases with their respective times and intervals, i.e., with patient visits to the odontologist and their duration. The said computer application (3) operating in accordance with the dental architecture protocol (100) processes (1 15, 1 18.121 , 125, 128, 133, 136, 140, 144, 148, 152, 156, 160, 164, 167A) data related to the patient treatment plan. Taking into account the entered data, work phases and their dates and the reconciliation chart between the schedules of the odontologist and of the dental technician are rendered (177) on user interface screens (8000, 8000A, 8000B, 9000) by means of an output device (7\ 7", 7"', 7"") of at least one computer (2\ 2", 2", 2""), where the rendered (177) data are displayed in areas (8001 , 8001 A, 8001 B, 9001) that are suitable for display of at least the compatible dates, the incompatible dates, and the suggestions for schedule reconciliation, which are verified (178) and compared (179) with scheduling data in databases stored on the computer storage device. The data on work phases and their completion dates entered my means of an input device (7', 7", 7"', 7"") are synchronized (180) at least between two computing devices (2', 2", 2"", 2"", 2 ) of the system. In this way, the information is simultaneously available on several computing devices (2\ 2", 2"', 2"", 2 ) in the system (S). Data on phases and their delivery dates can be adjusted (181) by means of an input device (6\ 6", 6"', 6"", 6 ) of a computer (2', 2", 2"', 2"", 2 ), where the interval between work phases should be 7 working days at least and 15 working days at most, taking into consideration time units of prosthesis placement and prosthesis manufacturing pre-entered into the operational algorithm of the computer application based on the number of required teeth prostheses.

On the basis of the patient medical data and the dates of work completion by the odontologist and the dental technician, the computer application, operating on the basis of the dental architecture protocol algorithm (100), compiles (175, 177) prosthesis placement phases and prosthesis production phases, splits and/or combines them (178, 179, 180, 181), saves the data (103, 106, 109, 1 11 , 1 13, 1 16, 1 19, 122, 126, 129, 134, 137, 141 , 145, 149, 153, 157, 161 , 165, 168, 172), and outputs and/or renders them (102, 105, 108, 1 10A, 1 12A, 1 15A, 1 18A, 123, 127, 131 , 135, 138, 142, 146, 150, 154, 158, 162, 166, 169, 173) to the memory (5 ) of at least one computer (2 ) of the system, on which the special data-processing computer application (3) is installed and executed, for output on the work calendar displayed on the user interface screen (8001 , 8001 , 8001 B, 9001). The data displayed on the graphic user interface screens of the system are accessible via the Internet, so that they can be assessed, executed, monitored and adjusted with mutual consent by at least one system user, such as the odontologist, the dental technician or the patient by means of any computer in the system. Additional data, such as patient photos after each visit to the prosthodontist, video files with phonetic exercises by patient, comments by the odontologist or the dental technician, are displayed on the timeline (10001) of the graphic interface and allow the prosthodontist and the dental technician to coordinate the process and to control the quality.

The patient related data and the treatment plan data stored on the same computer storage device (5 ), on which the special data-processing computer application (3) is installed and executed, are entered and/or calculated (101 , 104, 107, 110, 112, 1 14, 1 17, 120, 124, 128, 132, 135A, 139, 143, 147, 151 , 155, 159, 163, 167, 171) and saved (103, 106, 109, 1 11 , 1 13, 1 16, 1 19, 122, 126, 129, 134, 137, 141 , 145, 149, 153, 157, 161 , 165, 168, 172) on an electronic patient card generated by the GPSAK engine and displayed on a computer output device (7', 7", 7"', 7"", 7 ) in the form of a user interface screen (3000); the data from the card are sent via a router ( 8) for processing (101 A, 115, 1 18, 121 , 125, 128, 133, 136, 140, 144, 148, 152, 156, 160, 164, 167A) to at least one other computer (2', 2", 2"', 2"", 2 ) of the system, where the said electronic card is outputted and/or rendered (102, 105, 108, 1 10A, 1 12A, 1 15A, 118A, 123, 127, 131 , 135, 138, 142, 146, 150, 154, 158, 162, 166, 169, 173), on an output device (7', 7", 7"', 7"", 7 ) connected to a computer (2', 2", 2"', 2"", 2 ), such as a monitor. After a patient is registered in the system (S) using one of many computing devices (2"', 2 ), the application (3) of the GPSAK engine (9) of the system (S) creates a patient database (1) from the data entered via the the user graphic interface screen (3000) and outputs the data from the database into the personal dental card and the timeline (10001). Patient personal data related to the patient's name, date of birth, gender, phone number, address, e-mail are displayed on the screen of the electronic patient card; the other displayed data include the reason for odontologist appointment; primary teeth, primary/permanent teeth, permanent teeth, virtual jaw, timeline (10000) with received treatments, virtual jaw with medical records on issues present; expectations, treatment plan, other personal information entered (e.g. photographs), results, calendar with reminders on appointments with explanations; preventive reminders, system messages, messages from previously attended odontologists, and a query form.

Interim communication between odontologists or between odontologists and dental technicians remain on the timeline (1001) that is displayed on the user interface screen (1000). Access to the data of this card is protected with a PIN code that a user of a system (S) computer (2', 2", 2"', 2"", 2 ) must enter by means of an input device (6', 6", 6"', 6"", 6 ) of the computer (2', 2", 2"', 2"", 2 ). User actions in the system (S) are authenticated by electronic signatures by means of electronic signature input devices (6', 6", 6"', 6"", 6 ) connected to the system (S).

The input element 3001 of the graphical interface screen (3000) allows uploading digital files of STL and other formats for interlinking and further processing (10202) in a laboratory and/or a clinic to create (10203) a new digital file in STL or any other format intended for prostheses producing machines (10204) based on CAD/CAM or 3D printing technologies.

Extraoral and intraoral photos of the face and the mouth and 3D facial scanner data, which are entered via the input element (3001) of the graphical interface screen (3000) of a computing device of the system (S) operating according to dental architecture protocol (100), are further processed (10102) changing the shape and the color of the teeth in accordance with the external face parameters. The information obtained (10103) after visualization is used for waxing procedure and the model production. At this phase, the patient can see how his/her new smile may look after placement of the prostheses, and the odontologist and the dental technician can take into account the patient initial comments. Additional data obtained with an intraoral camera and/or a 3D facial scanner can be used for CAD/CAM and 3D printing systems (10202) and production (10204) of templates, temporary prostheses, models, surgical guides, or permanent prosthesis from a variety of materials.

The presented example of embodiment of the invention should not be considered as the only possible scenario of implementation, as it should be self-evident to an expert in the field that various modifications and adaptations the system are possible according to the description.