CN115063346A - Arrangement for Intraoral Scanning - Google Patents

Abstract

The present application relates to arrangements for intraoral scanning. A system and method for intraoral scanning of a user's oral cavity, comprising repositioning the one or more teeth of the user based on determining that the one or more teeth of the user are not designed to use the first plurality of adjusters The initial treatment plan of the tooth is repositioned, and an intraoral scan of the user's mouth is performed using an intraoral scanner at the intraoral scanning station. The intraoral scan generates three-dimensional data of the user's mouth. The treatment plan calculation system generates a corrective treatment plan based on the three-dimensional data. Based on the orthodontic treatment plan, a second plurality of adjusters is produced at the manufacturing site. The second plurality of adjusters are user specific and configured to reposition the user's teeth according to the orthodontic treatment plan.

Description

Arrangement for Intraoral Scanning

This application is a divisional application of an application whose filing date is December 12, 2018, the application number is 201880094761.4, and the invention title is "arrangement for intraoral scanning".

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to US Patent Application Serial No. 16/130,762, filed September 13, 2018, which claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application No. 62/660,141, filed April 19, 2018 , each of the two applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

technical field

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of intraoral scanning, and more particularly to intraoral scanning for generating three-dimensional images of a user's teeth for use in treating misalignment of the user's teeth.

background

Dental impressions of a patient's teeth and associated physical or digital reproductions can be used by a dentist or orthodontist to diagnose or treat oral conditions, such as misalignment of a patient's teeth. For example, to take a dental impression, a tray with a sticky, thixotropic impression material is mounted on the patient's dental arch, and then over time the impression material sets to solid so that once the tray is removed from the dental arch Removal from the patient's mouth provides an imprint of the patient's dental arch. Impressions provide detailed and stable negatives of the teeth and tissues in the patient's mouth. The negative impression can then be used to produce a physical or digital reproduction of the patient's teeth and surrounding tissue.

Traditionally, dental impressions are made in a dental office and take a lot of time. Dental offices typically deliver dental impressions to external suppliers who use the impressions to form a positive model of the tooth and surrounding tissue. If there are any errors in the dental impression (such as an incomplete impression of teeth and tissue), the patient may be required to return to the dental office for a second impression. Furthermore, if dental impressions are used by the dental professional in the course of performing a continuous treatment regimen, the patient is often required to go through many exam appointments at the dental office so that the dental professional can track the patient's treatment and modify the treatment plan as needed. Each of these examples is extremely inconvenient to the patient and increases the cost of the treatment regimen for both the dental professional and the patient.

Overview

Embodiments relate to a method. The method includes scanning the site at the intraoral based on determining that the user's one or more teeth are not repositioned according to an initial treatment plan designed to reposition the user's one or more teeth using the first plurality of adjusters An intraoral scan of the user's mouth is performed using an intraoral scanner. The intraoral scan generates three-dimensional data of the user's mouth. The method also includes generating, by the treatment plan calculation system, a corrective treatment plan for the user based on the three-dimensional data of the user's oral cavity. The method also includes producing, at the manufacturing site, a second plurality of adjusters based on the orthodontic treatment regimen. The second plurality of adjusters are user specific and configured to reposition one or more teeth of the user according to the orthodontic treatment plan. The method also includes providing the second plurality of adjusters to the user.

Another embodiment of the method includes that the initial treatment plan is based on initial three-dimensional data obtained from scanning a dental impression of the user's oral cavity.

Another embodiment of the method includes that the initial treatment plan is based on initial three-dimensional data obtained from performing an initial intraoral scan of the user's oral cavity.

Another embodiment of the method includes providing the orthodontic treatment plan to a dental or orthodontic professional for review.

Another embodiment of the method includes receiving approval from a dental or orthodontic professional for an orthodontic treatment plan. This approval is received without the dental or orthodontic professional seeing the user in person.

Another embodiment of the method includes producing a second plurality of regulators in response to receiving approval.

Another embodiment of the method includes determining, based on information received from the user, that one or more teeth of the user have not been repositioned according to the initial treatment plan.

Another embodiment of the method includes information including an indication from the user that the user is dissatisfied with the initial treatment regimen.

Another embodiment of the method includes information including an indication from the user that at least one of the adjusters in the first plurality of adjusters does not fit or is uncomfortable.

Another embodiment of the method includes providing a message to the user requesting the user to provide information.

Another embodiment of the method includes receiving compliance check information from the user indicating that the user is properly following the initial treatment regimen.

Another embodiment of the method includes providing a financial incentive to the user in response to the user having properly followed the initial treatment regimen.

Another embodiment of the method includes, in response to determining that one or more teeth of the user are not repositioned according to the initial treatment plan, providing the user with scheduling information regarding scheduling an appointment at the intraoral scan site for the intraoral scan .

Another embodiment of the method includes manipulating, by the treatment plan calculation system, one or more teeth in the three-dimensional data of the user's oral cavity from a start position to an end position on the intraoral scan to generate an orthodontic treatment plan.

Another embodiment of the method includes producing a second plurality of adjusters by generating a plurality of molds of the user's dentition at at least a start position and an end position according to the orthodontic treatment plan, and thermoforming material to each die to produce a second plurality of regulators. Each of the plurality of dies corresponds to a particular step of the corrective treatment regimen.

Another embodiment relates to a system including a communication system, an intraoral scanning site, a treatment plan calculation system, and a manufacturing system. The communication system is configured to communicate with the user regarding an initial treatment plan designed to reposition one or more teeth of the user using the first plurality of adjusters. The communication with the user indicates that one or more of the user's teeth have not been repositioned according to the initial treatment plan. The intraoral scanning site includes an intraoral scanner configured to perform an intraoral scan of a user's oral cavity to generate three-dimensional data. The treatment plan calculation system is configured to generate a corrective treatment plan for the user based on the three-dimensional data. The manufacturing system includes manufacturing equipment configured to produce a second plurality of adjusters based on the corrective treatment plan data. The second plurality of adjusters are user specific and configured to reposition one or more teeth of the user according to the orthodontic treatment plan.

Another embodiment of the system includes an initial treatment plan based on initial three-dimensional data obtained from at least one of scanning a dental impression of the user's oral cavity and performing an initial intraoral scan of the user's oral cavity.

Another embodiment of the system includes a communication system configured to determine, based on the communication with the user, whether the user is properly following the initial treatment regimen, and in response to determining that the user is properly following the initial treatment regimen, provide a financial incentive to the user . The economic incentive is a reduction in the cost of the second plurality of regulators.

Another embodiment relates to a method. The method includes intraorally scanning a user's oral cavity using an intraoral scanner at an intraoral scanning site to generate three-dimensional data of the user's oral cavity. The intraoral scan is performed based on the information provided by the user. The information is at least one of: indicating that the user is dissatisfied with an initial treatment plan designed to reposition one or more of the user's teeth using the first plurality of adjusters; indicating that the first plurality of at least one of the adjusters does not fit or is uncomfortable; and indicates to the user that one or more teeth were not repositioned according to the initial treatment plan. The method also includes generating, by the treatment plan calculation system, a corrective treatment plan for the user based on the three-dimensional data of the user's oral cavity. The method also includes providing the orthodontic treatment plan to a dental or orthodontic professional for review. The method also includes receiving approval from a dental or orthodontic professional for an orthodontic treatment plan. This approval is received without the dental or orthodontic professional seeing the user in person. The method also includes producing, at the manufacturing site, a second plurality of adjusters based on the orthodontic treatment regimen. The second plurality of adjusters are user specific and configured to reposition the user's one or more teeth according to the orthodontic treatment plan. The method also includes providing the second plurality of adjusters to the user.

Another embodiment of the method includes information including photographs of the user's oral cavity taken at various angles. At least one of the photographs was taken with a dental appliance located at least partially within the user's oral cavity. The dental appliance is configured to simultaneously hold the user's upper and lower lips open to allow visualization of the user's teeth.

Various other embodiments and aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent based on the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description of the disclosure.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 illustrates a reservation management system according to an exemplary embodiment.

2 illustrates a reservation screen associated with the reservation management system of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

3 illustrates a reservation screen associated with the reservation management system of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

4 illustrates a reservation reservation screen associated with the reservation management system of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

5A and 5B illustrate example confirmation windows associated with the reservation management system of FIG. 1, according to an example embodiment.

6 illustrates a check-in screen displayed on a user device for enabling a user to check in to an appointment, according to an example embodiment.

7 illustrates a health and consent information screen displayed on a user device for enabling a user to provide health and consent information, according to an example embodiment.

8 is a user portal screen displayed to a user prior to an appointment by the user, according to an exemplary embodiment.

9 is an example of a user portal screen displayed to a user after the user has booked, according to an exemplary embodiment.

10 is an example of a user portal screen displaying a progress tracker, according to an example embodiment.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for performing intraoral scanning of a user at a location. The user can request an appointment at the intraoral scan site. For example, the user may request an appointment prior to the requested appointment time (eg, online, via a mobile application, via a phone call), or the user may request an appointment at the requested appointment time (eg, "walk in"). When requesting an appointment at the intraoral scanning site, the user may provide various information to reserve the appointment, such as the reason for the appointment (eg, misaligned teeth) or the patient's dental condition (eg, crowned, impacted teeth). The user may make a request online (eg, via the Internet scheduling website associated with the intraoral scanning site). When an appointment time slot is reserved for the user, one or more scheduling reminders may be communicated to the user (eg, confirmation notices, reminder notices, appointment modification inquiries). After arriving for an appointment, users can provide health history and consent information. The user may receive the intraoral scan, and after the user confirms purchase of the adjusters, one or more sets of adjusters configured to change the alignment of the user's teeth may be sent to the user.

The systems and methods described herein may have many benefits, including, but not limited to, increasing user enthusiasm for the adjustment process, increasing the likelihood that users will be present at their appointments, and increasing the likelihood that users will purchase adjusters at intraoral scanning sites, such as discussed in more detail below.

Referring to Figure 1, a reservation management system 100 is shown. The appointment management system 100 includes a computing system 102 , a mobile device 116 of the user 104 , a personal computer 118 of the user 104 , and a plurality of intraoral scanning sites 106 .

Computing system 102 includes processor 108 and memory 110 . The processor 108 may be a general or special purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), a set of processing components, or other suitable processing components. Processor 108 may be configured to execute computer code or instructions stored in memory 110 or received from other computer-readable media (eg, CDROM, network storage, remote server, etc.) to perform one or more of the descriptions herein process. Memory 110 may include one or more data storage devices (eg, memory units, memory devices, computer-readable storage media, etc.) configured to store data, computer code, executable instructions, or other forms of computer-readable information. The memory 110 may include random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), hard drive memory, temporary memory, nonvolatile memory, flash memory, optical memory, or other memory for storing software objects and/or computer instructions. any other suitable storage. Memory 110 may include database components, object code components, scripting components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in this disclosure. Memory 110 may be communicatively coupled to processor 108 via processing circuitry 202, and may include computer code for performing (eg, by processor 108, etc.) one or more of the processes described herein.

The memory 110 is described below as including various circuits 112 . While the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures show each circuit 112 separate from each other, it should be understood that in various other embodiments, the memory 110 may include more, fewer, or completely different circuits 112 . For example, the structures and functions of one circuit 112 may be performed by another circuit 112 , or the activities of both circuits 112 may be combined such that they are performed by a single circuit 112 only. Additionally, it should be understood that any functions described as being performed by circuitry 112 as part of controller 112 may also be performed by separate hardware components having their own processors, network interfaces, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the subscription management system 100 includes one or more communication devices 114 . Communication device 114 may be or include components configured to transmit and/or receive data from one or more remote sources. For example, each of the intraoral scanning site(s) 106 may include a corresponding communication device 114, and the user 104 may have one or more communications embodied on the user's 104 mobile device 116, personal computer 118, etc. Device 114 , and/or computing system 102 may include communication device 114 . Each of the respective communication devices 114 may allow or otherwise enable the exchange of data between the user 104 , the intraoral scanning site(s) 106 and/or the computing system 102 . Communication device 114 may communicate via network 120 . The network 120 may be a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), an Internet area network (IAN), a cloud-based network, or the like. In some embodiments, communication device(s) 114 may access network 120 via cellular access, modem, broadband, Wi-Fi, satellite access, etc. to communicate with various other(s) Devices 114 exchange data.

Generate appointment

In some implementations, user 104 may access a website (or other web-based portal) associated with appointment management system 100 . User 104 may book an appointment at intraoral scanning site 106 on the website. User 104 may be directed to the website through an advertisement on user 104's social media account, for example. Additionally or alternatively, the user 104 may search (eg, on the Internet, etc.) for a website associated with the reservation management system 100 .

Additionally or alternatively, the user 104 may receive a message directing him to the website to book an appointment at the intraoral scanning site 106 . The processor 108 may control the communication device 114 to send messages to the user 104 in response to various conditions. For example, the processor 108 may determine that the user 104 previously signed up to receive a home dental impression kit and never returned a completed kit. The processor 108 may identify the time between the order date (or shipping date) of the dental impression kit and the current date. The processor 108 may compare the identified time to a threshold time indicating that the user 104 may not return the impression of the dental impression set. In the event that the identified time exceeds the threshold time, the processor 108 may automatically generate and send a message to the user 104 . As another example, the processor 108 may determine that the impression received from the user 104 is, for example, incomplete. A technician can review the impression (or a scan thereof) to determine its suitability for making a dental adjuster. When the impression is determined to be incomplete, the technician may mark the impression as incomplete. When the impression is marked, the processor 108 may automatically generate and send a message to the user 104 prompting the user to schedule an intraoral scan.

The website may include a home page, an instruction page detailing how the customer moderator process works, a results page, a location page, and/or additional or alternative pages. Each of these pages may present different information to the user 104 . For example, the home page may present information related to the overall user experience. The Instructions page can present a step-by-step overview from booking to receiving a customized adjuster. Additionally, the instruction page may present the video to the user 104 . The video may include graphics and/or text showing how the customized adjuster repositions the user's 104 teeth, as well as other information. The video may also show the user 104 what to expect when they arrive at their appointment location if they choose to book an appointment. The results page may include before and after pictures (or a scrolling video of the before and after pictures) of previous users who have repositioned their teeth using the adjuster. The locations page includes locations associated with each of the respective intraoral scanning sites 106 .

Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, a user 104 may access a location page of a website. Shown in particular in FIG. 2 is a reservation page 200, which may be part of a location page or part of a home page.

In some embodiments, computing system 102 may include scheduler 122 . The scheduler may be or include instructions that, when executed by the processor 108 , cause the processor 108 to generate and/or manipulate pages and displays for scheduling appointments at the intraoral scanning site 106 . In some implementations, although shown as embodied on memory 110 of computing device 102 , scheduler 122 may be separate from computing device 102 . For example, scheduler 122 may be located remotely from computing device 102 . In such cases, scheduler 122 may have separate processor 108 and memory 110 (eg, a dedicated processor and memory). The user 104 may schedule an intraoral scan at a particular intraoral scan site 106 via the website. The website may be controlled by processor 108 using instructions from scheduler 122 . Following the intraoral scan, in some cases, the user 104 may order an adjuster customized for the user 104 . For example, user 104 may be satisfied with the overall process of intraorally scanning site 106 and the results of other users 104 . Accordingly, the user 104 may purchase an adjuster for adjusting the user's 104 teeth. The conditioner may be constructed from a polymeric material, such as polyethylene terephthalate-ethylene glycol co-ester (PET-G), that is thermoformed at various intervals between the start and end positions To a male model (or model) of the user's 104 dentition. A positive model of the user's 104 dentition may be generated based on the treatment plan. The user 104 may use the adjuster in stages to move the user's teeth toward the end position. For example, the user 104 may be instructed to wear the first adjuster during the first month of the treatment cycle, the second adjuster during the second month, the third adjuster during the third month, and so on. These regulators may be shipped to the user 104 after the regulators are produced (eg, at the manufacturing site where the regulators are produced or otherwise produced). In some cases, the adjuster may be shipped in stages, packaged in one box at a time, etc. Each regulator may be administered by the user in a predetermined sequence and for a predetermined duration. For example, the first adjuster (which corresponds to the starting position of the user's teeth) may be applied by the user for a certain duration (eg, one month, 90 days, etc.), and the second (and additional intermediate) adjusters may be applied by the user for a duration the same duration, and the final modifier can be applied for the same duration. Each of these adjusters can move the user's teeth from a starting position to one or more intermediate positions and from one or more intermediate positions to a final position based on the treatment plan.

As shown in FIG. 2 , reservation page 200 includes location 202 , date 204 and time 206 . Included in location 202 is information corresponding to each of intraoral scanning site(s) 106 . Although shown to include each of the intraoral scanning site(s) 106, in some embodiments only a subset of the intraoral scanning site(s) 106 may be shown. For example, intraoral scan site(s) 106 may be shown located proximate to user 104 . As one example, processor 108 may receive data from communication device 114 (eg, mobile device 116 , personal computer 118 , etc.) associated with user 104 . The data may include location-based data associated with the user 104 . The processor 108 may use the data to select from each of the intraoral scan site(s) 106 , a subset of the intraoral scan site(s) 106 for inclusion in the location 202 . As another example, the user 104 may be prompted to provide a zip code. The processor 108 may use the zip code provided by the user 104 to determine the intraoral scan site(s) 106 located closest to (or within) the zip code.

In some implementations, the user 104 may search for a particular location 202 (rather than selecting the location closest to the user's 104 location). For example, the user 104 may be traveling to a different city than the city where he lives, and may want to schedule an appointment at an intraoral scan site 106 located in that different city. As a result, users 104 are not limited to scheduling appointments at intraoral scanning sites 106 in their own city, but may schedule appointments at any intraoral scanning site 106 . In embodiments such as these, the user 104 may provide a zip code that is different from their current zip code (eg, the zip code associated with the city they are traveling to).

In other embodiments, the one or more intraoral scanning sites 106 may be mobile intraoral scanning sites 106 . For example, the mobile intraoral scanning station 106 may be implemented in a vehicle (eg, a car, truck, van, bus, etc.) as part of an information kiosk (eg, located in another store or a shopping mall), or include operations that last only a limited time The pop-up location for the time period (eg, one day, one week, one month). Mobile intraoral scanning site 106 may be included in location 202 on reserved page 200 . As will be described in further detail below, the user 104 may be able to make arrangements for the mobile intraoral scanning site 106 to travel to a set location (eg, a location set by the user, such as their home or place of business), and the user 104 may position to receive intraoral scans.

After selecting the location 202 of the intraoral scan site 106 from the list of locations 202 of the intraoral scan site 106 , the user 104 may select an available date from the list of dates 204 . Each intraoral scanning site 106 may maintain a schedule 124. The schedule 124 may be maintained locally (eg, at each respective intraoral scan site 106 , etc.) and communicated to the computing system 102 . The scheduler 122 may include instructions for accessing the schedule 124 of the intraoral scan site 106 selected by the user 104 and determining the available dates/times for the user's 104 appointment based on the schedule 124 of the intraoral scan site. The scheduler 122 may include instructions to display the time and date of availability of the intraoral scanning site 106 based on the schedule 124 associated with the intraoral scanning site 106 . Additionally or alternatively, the schedule 124 may be a cloud-based schedule that can be accessed remotely by the processor 108 and the corresponding intraoral scan site 106 . In embodiments such as these, memory 110 may store intraoral scan site data 126 corresponding to each respective intraoral scan site 106 . The intraoral scan site data 126 may be stored in a database 128 within the memory 110 . The intraoral scan site data 126 may include a location 130 associated with the intraoral scan site 106 (or other information that may be used to identify a particular intraoral scan site 106 ) and a corresponding schedule 132 of the intraoral scan site 106 . The scheduler 122 may include instructions to determine a schedule for the selected location 202 of the intraoral scan site 106 by cross-referencing the data for the selected location 202 with the location 130 within the intraoral scan site data 126 . After cross-referencing the data for the selected location 202 , the scheduler 122 may include instructions for identifying the schedule corresponding to the selected location 202 .

In each of these arrangements, scheduler 122 may include instructions for identifying available appointment times for intraoral scan site 106 . These available appointment times may be presented to the user 104 for use in selecting and booking appointments.

As shown in FIG. 2, the intraoral scanning site(s) 106 may have extended hours (eg, open nights, weekends, etc.). In embodiments such as these, the user 104 is more likely to schedule an appointment when the time is extended, as the likelihood of scheduling conflicts between the user 104 and a given intraoral scan site 106 is reduced.

The processor 108 may access the schedules 124, 132 of the selected location 202 via instructions from the scheduler 122 to determine available dates. Processor 108 may display available dates in a list of dates 204 . After an available date is selected from the list of dates 204, the time available for the selected date may be displayed to the user 104. The processor 108 may determine the available time in the same manner as the available date. The user may select an available time from the list of available times 206 to book their scan.

Although described herein as the user first selecting the location, in some embodiments the user may first select a preferred date and/or time, and may then select a preferred date and/or time (and/or date and location based on the selected preferred date and/or time) ) to display available locations (and/or dates and locations). In each of these embodiments, the user 104 may reserve time at a particular intraoral scan site 106, and while reserving the time, the user 104 may arrive at the particular intraoral scan site 106 and receive their intraoral scan, such as will be discussed in further detail below.

In some implementations, the user 104 may choose to move the intraoral scanning site 106 . In embodiments such as these, the processor 108 may use instructions from the scheduler 122 to identify the schedules 124 , 132 associated with the mobile intra-port scanning site 106 . The user 104 may request a date 204 and a time 206 that are available for the mobile intraoral scanning site 106 . The user 104 may then provide a location to schedule an appointment with the mobile intraoral scanning site 106 . The mobile intraoral scanning station 106 may have a predetermined radius (eg, 10 miles, 20 miles, 25 miles, 50 miles, etc.) within which the mobile intraoral scanning station 106 operates. User 104 may provide a location within a predetermined radius. At reserved times, the mobile intra-oral scanning site 106 may be driven to the location provided by the user 104 . The user 104 may similarly arrive at the provided location at the reserved time and receive an intraoral scan, as will be discussed in further detail below.

Referring now to FIG. 3 , after user 104 selects available time 206 (eg, as shown in FIG. 2 ), scheduler 122 may include instructions for directing user 104 to reservation screen 300 . At the booking screen 300, the user 104 may be prompted to provide various personal information 302 (eg, first and last name, phone number, email address, etc.). Additionally, the user 104 may be prompted to opt in (or not opt in to) the messaging service by selecting the box 304 . The messaging service may provide the user 104 with one or more messages regarding the user's 104 subscription appointment, as will be discussed in further detail below. The personal information 302 and data corresponding to whether the user 104 has opted in to the messaging service may be stored in the database 128 in the user file 134 . User files 134 may be files associated with user 104 and may include various types of data associated with user 104 . The user file 134 may then be used to generate messages to the user 104 before and/or after the user's 104 appointment. User files 134 may also include intraoral scans, treatment plans, progress information, photographs, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 3, the subscription may be free for the user 104. In some implementations, the appointment may have a flat fee (eg, $25, $95, etc.). In other implementations, the reservation may have reservation hold funds that are not charged to the user 104 . After user 104 provides their personal information, user 104 may be prompted to subscribe to their scan by selecting button 306 .

Referring now to FIG. 4 , when user 104 subscribes to their scan by selecting button 306 (of FIG. 3 ), scheduler 122 may include instructions to direct user 104 to reservation page 400 . On hold page 400, user 104 may be prompted to provide credit card information 402. Credit card information 402 may be requested to reserve an available time selected by user 104 (eg, as selected on reservation page 200). Credit card information 402 may be used to place a hold (eg, $25) on user 104's credit card. In some implementations, the hold may be a refundable hold (eg, the user 104's credit card is not billed or refunded, except that the user 104 did not attend their appointment at the selected time).

In some embodiments, retention money may be optional. For example, user 104 may be able to hold the reservation (by selecting button 404) or opt out of holding the reservation (by selecting button 406). User 104 may provide their credit card information 402 and select button 404 . In selection prompt 404, a confirmation window 500 may be displayed to user 104 (eg, indicating that user 104's reservation has been confirmed). Additionally, the user 104 may not provide their credit card information 402 but opt out by selecting the button 406 . In some implementations, selecting button 406 may direct user 104 back to reservation page 200 . In other implementations, selection of button 406 may cause confirmation window 502 to be displayed to user 104 (eg, indicating that user 104's reservation was confirmed even though user 104 did not provide credit card information 402). By providing credit card information 402, user 104 is more likely to attend their appointment even though their credit card is never charged.

In one or more embodiments, after users 104 reserve (and optionally hold) their appointments, users 104 may want to reschedule their appointments. To do so, the user 104 may call the intraoral scan site 106 to reschedule their appointment. Additionally, users 104 may enter a website associated with appointment management system 100, provide login information or other identifying information to find their appointments, and access, for example, a user portal (as will be discussed in more detail below). The user portal may include various appointment-related information, including the time, date, and location of their appointment. After the user makes an appointment, the user portal may include various treatment plan information (such as a virtual representation of the user's 104 treatment plan at different stages, or a simulated representation of the progress of the user's 104 teeth through the treatment plan), progress information provided by the user 104 etc., as will be discussed in more detail below. User 104 may select their appointment and reschedule their appointment in substantially the same manner as user 104 booked their appointment (eg, by following the progression from FIG. 2 to FIG. 4 ).

Pre-appointment messaging service

Referring back to FIG. 1, when user 104 opts in to the messaging service (by selecting block 304 of FIG. 3), one or more messages may be automatically generated and communicated to user 104 (eg, via a corresponding (one or more) a plurality of) communication devices 114). For example, computing system 102 may include message generator 136 . The message generator 136 may be or include instructions that, when executed by the processor 108 , cause the processor 108 to generate a message for delivery to the user 104 . The message generator 136 may include instructions to transmit the generated message to the user 104 via, eg, the communication device 114 of the computing system 102 , to the user's 104 mobile device 116 and/or the communication device 114 of the personal computer 118 . The message generator 136 may include instructions for identifying the communication device 114 associated with the user 104 (eg, by identifying the user profile 134 associated with the user 104). The message generator 136 may include instructions for communicating the generated message to the user 104 under one or more conditions, as will be discussed in further detail below. Accordingly, the various messages described herein may be communicated to the user's 104 mobile device 116 and/or the user's 104 personal computer 118 . Various examples of messages are discussed in turn below.

In some implementations, one or more messages generated via message generator 136 may be communicated to notification center 138 . Notification center 138 may be, for example, a call center. The message communicated to the notification center 138 may be an instruction to call a particular user 104 at a particular time to deliver a verbal message, as will be discussed in further detail below.

In some embodiments, the message generator 136 may include instructions for generating an appointment confirmation message. The message generator 136 may include instructions for determining when the user 104 has successfully reserved an appointment. The message generator 136 may include instructions for automatically transmitting (eg, via the corresponding communication device 114 ) a reservation confirmation message in response to the user 104 successfully reserving the reservation. The reservation confirmation message may be or include a message indicating that the reservation of the user 104 has been successfully reserved. In some implementations, the appointment confirmation message can include a link that the user 104 can select that causes the appointment to be automatically added to the calendar associated with the user 104 . For example, an appointment confirmation message may include multiple links associated with different types of calendar software. User 104 may select a link corresponding to any type of calendar used by user 104 . After selecting the appropriate link, the appointment can be automatically added to the user's 104 calendar. An appointment added to the user's 104 calendar may include contact information associated with the corresponding intraoral scan site 106, a location associated with the intraoral scan site 106, a time, and the expected duration of the appointment (eg, 30 minutes).

In some embodiments, the message generator 136 may include instructions for generating one or more appointment reminder messages. The message generator 136 may include instructions for determining the current time and the appointment time (eg, the time of the appointment of the user 104 at the intraoral scanning site 106). The message generator 136 may include instructions for comparing the time difference between the current time and the appointment time to a threshold time. The message generator may include instructions to automatically generate an appointment reminder message if the time difference is less than (or equal to) the threshold time.

In some implementations, the threshold time may be set based on the number of days (eg, two days, three days, one week, etc.) until the user's 104 appointment. In embodiments such as these, the appointment reminder message may be a message reminding the user 104 that they have an upcoming appointment. Appointment reminder messages may be generated when the user 104 appropriately pre-books an appointment. Thus, where the user 104 books an appointment less than a threshold number of days in advance (eg, two days, three days, a week, etc.), the appointment reminder message may not be generated. As a non-limiting example, user 104 may book an appointment on Monday. Where the user 104 is booking an appointment for the next Friday, the user 104 may be reminded of their appointment by generating an appointment reminder message on the upcoming Wednesday. However, where the user 104 books an appointment for the next day (eg, Tuesday), the user 104 may not receive the appointment reminder message. The appointment reminder message communicated to the user 104 may include various information including, for example, directions to the intraoral scan site 106, the phone number of the intraoral scan site 106, and the like. Additionally, the appointment reminder message may include various information about the user's 104 appointment. For example, the appointment reminder message may include a health and consent questionnaire for the user 104 to fill out. In some embodiments, the health and consent questionnaire may have multiple "yes/no" questions corresponding to various health-related conditions. Answers to questions may default to "no," whereby user 104 may only need to change those answers to questions that do apply to user 104 . Referring briefly to FIG. 7, several questions may be shown to the user 104 that default to "No." However, the user 104 may have impacted teeth, and the indicator for impacted teeth on the health and consent questionnaire defaults to "No." Thus, the user 104 can maintain all default answers, except for questions related to impacted teeth, which the user 104 can switch to the answer "yes." Such an arrangement may speed up the overall process of the user 104 experience at the intraoral scanning site 106 . As another example, appointment reminders may include before and after pictures of previous customers (eg, similar to those described above with reference to the results page). Such an arrangement may increase user 104's enthusiasm and desire for appointments.

In some implementations, the threshold time may be set based on the location of the user 104 relative to the location of the intraoral scanning site 106 (eg, as determined based on data provided by the user 104's mobile device 116 and/or personal computer 118). In embodiments such as these, the appointment reminder message may be a message that reminds the user 104 to leave for their appointment. The threshold may be determined based on factors other than the location of the user 104, including, for example, distance between respective locations, traffic between respective locations, weather, time of day, day of the week, and the like. The appointment reminder message communicated to the user 104 may include various information including, for example, directions to the intraoral scan site 106, the phone number of the intraoral scan site 106, and the like.

In some implementations, the message generator 136 may include instructions for generating a plurality of appointment reminder messages. For example, message generator 136 may generate a first appointment reminder message to remind user 104 that they have an upcoming appointment, and a second appointment reminder message to indicate to user 104 that they should leave for their appointment (eg, now, in 15 minutes). after an hour, etc.).

In some embodiments, the message generator 136 may include instructions for identifying the voice message of a particular user 104 . For example, in the event that the user 104 does not provide credit card information 402 (and thus opts out of the reservation reservation), such information may be stored in the user file 134 . In the event that user 104 does not provide credit card information 402 , message generator 136 may include instructions for generating a prompt for delivery of the voice message to notification center 138 . The prompt may direct the personnel of the notification center to initiate a phone call to the user 104, where the user 104 will be informed about the entire process and experience of scanning the site 106 in the mouth, and the user 104 may provide one or more concerns regarding their smile. The call may be initiated by personnel at the notification center some days (eg, three days, five days, etc.) before the user's 104 appointment. The person can annotate (or record) the conversation, and a portion of the conversation can be saved to the user file 134 . In embodiments such as these, voice messages may increase the user's 104 enthusiasm for the appointment and increase the likelihood that the user 104 will be present at their scheduled appointment.

Appointment management at the intraoral scan site

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 6 , upon reaching the intraoral scan site 106 , the user device 600 may be presented to the user 104 . For example, user equipment 600 may be a tablet computer. User 104 may be requested to provide personal information 602 (eg, similar to personal information 202 ) to access user file 134 . The processor 108 may retrieve the user file 134 associated with the user 104 and check the user 104 into their appointments. In the event that the user 104 does not show up within a predetermined time frame (eg, within the start time of their appointment, within five minutes after the start time, within ten minutes after their start time, etc.), the processor 108 may automatically Indicates that user 104 did not attend the appointment they scheduled. The processor 108 may compare the time difference between the current time and the appointment start time to a predetermined time range. If the time difference exceeds a predetermined time frame, the processor 108 may automatically indicate in the user file 134 that the user 104 is not present at their scheduled appointment. Additionally or alternatively, the receptionist may indicate in the user file 134 that the user 104 was not present for their appointment. In some embodiments, the message generator 136 may include instructions for automatically generating a message to send to the user if the user is late for their appointment by more than a predetermined time frame (eg, five minutes late). The message may ask the user to answer if they still plan to have an intraoral scan, indicate that they do not need an appointment to receive the scan, prompt them to reschedule, etc.

In some cases, the intraoral scanning site 106 may include a screen (eg, that of a television or other display system) that displays before and after pictures of customers who have previously used the conditioner. The before and after pictures may be similar to those described above with reference to the results page. Before and after pictures can be scrolled. In situations such as these, customer confidence can be improved by looking at historical results.

Referring now to Figures 1 and 7, the user profile 134 may include a health and consent questionnaire. Where the user 104 previously filled out the health and consent questionnaire (eg, as received in the appointment reminder message), the health and consent questionnaire may be saved to the user file 134 . However, where user 104 has not previously filled out the health and consent questionnaire (eg, user 104 has never completed a questionnaire or has never been provided with a questionnaire to user 104 ), user 104 may fill out the health and consent questionnaire via user device 600 . Agree with the questionnaire. In some embodiments, where user 104 switches answers, an opinion box is automatically generated and displayed to user 104, prompting user 104 to provide additional details. For example, where the user indicates that they are experiencing tooth pain, an opinion box is automatically generated and displayed on the display of the user device 600 . The user may provide input via the comment box to detail the pain of their tooth. While there are two examples of when health and consent questionnaires are provided (eg, after reservation and after appointment check-in but before intraoral scan), at any time throughout the scan process after user 104 arrives at the scan location, Health and consent questionnaires are provided to them to complete, such as during procedural interruptions, after intraoral scans are completed, etc. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to any particular arrangement as to when the user 104 completes the health and consent questionnaire.

As shown in FIG. 7, user device 600 may present user 104 with a health and consent questionnaire. As discussed above, the health and consent questionnaire may have multiple yes/no questions corresponding to various health-related conditions. In some embodiments, at least some questions of the health and consent questionnaire may default to set responses. For example, a questionnaire's health-related questions may default to "No," while a questionnaire's consent-related questions may default to "Yes." In other cases, all questions can default to "No". User 104 can modify the answers to all questions as desired. For example, user 104 may have a dental brace, and a question asking whether user 104 has a dental brace defaults to "no." Thus, the user 104 can maintain default answers to all questions, except those related to the denture frame. User 104 can manually switch this answer to "yes". In each of these embodiments, the user 104 experience at the intraoral scanning site 106 can be improved by expediting the health and consent questionnaires.

扫描仪执行口内扫描。随着技术人员执行口内扫描，口内扫描仪可以产生在显示器上可视地表示的数据。该数据可以对应于用户104的口腔的三维扫描。在一些实施方案中，技术人员可以在预定位置执行口内扫描。例如，可以指导技术人员在显示器在用户104的视野内的情况下从用户104的肩膀上方执行口内扫描。因此，随着口内扫描仪生成在显示器上可视地表示的数据，用户104和技术人员可以能够观察显示器。这样的布置和说明可以通过使用户104参与扫描过程来增强用户104的体验。After signing in and providing responses to the health and consent questionnaire, the user 104 may be directed to the room where the user 104 will receive their intraoral scan. A technician at scan booth 106 may perform intraoral scans. Technicians can use e.g.

The scanner performs an intraoral scan. As the technician performs the intraoral scan, the intraoral scanner can generate data that is visually represented on the display. This data may correspond to a three-dimensional scan of the user's 104 oral cavity. In some embodiments, a technician may perform an intraoral scan at a predetermined location. For example, the technician may be instructed to perform an intraoral scan from over the user's 104 shoulder with the display within the user's 104 field of view. Thus, the user 104 and the technician may be able to view the display as the intraoral scanner generates data that is visually represented on the display. Such an arrangement and description may enhance the user's 104 experience by involving the user 104 in the scanning process.

In some embodiments, the performance of the intraoral scan may be recorded for quality assurance purposes. For example, the room where the user 104 performs the intraoral scan may have a camera. User 104 can approve or reject the recording. In some cases, the user 104 may be incentivized to approve the recording by, for example, a set of free moderators or a set of free keepers.

扫描仪存在这样的功能。In some embodiments, the user 104 may be shown a simulated movement of the user's teeth from a starting position (eg, as represented by the three-dimensional scan) to a simulated final position. Currently, by using

Scanners exist for such a function.

After performing the intraoral scan, in some embodiments, a quality control technician may review and approve the intraoral scan. A quality control technician may be located at the intraoral scanning site 106 . Additionally or alternatively, quality control technicians may be remotely located. The quality control technician may be a manager or other instructor authorized to approve (or disapprove) intraoral scans. In the event that the QC technician does not approve the intraoral scan, the QC technician can highlight specific areas on the intraoral scan that need to be rescanned. The quality control technician may also approve some or all of the information provided by the user 104 (eg, personal information 202, health and consent information provided in a health and consent questionnaire, various other information such as shipping information, etc.). In embodiments such as these, the quality control technician can ensure that subsequent visits to the intraoral scan site 106 or unnecessary telephone contact with the user 104 are avoided by collecting all necessary information during a single appointment of the user 104 .

In some embodiments, after performing the intraoral scan, the technician may take one or more pictures of the user's 104 mouth. The technician may take pictures of the upper and lower jaws of the user 104 (in some cases with a smile diffuser). The technician may take a frontal photo of the user's 104 smile. A technician can take one or more pictures with a digital camera. Additionally or alternatively, a technician may use the camera of user device 600 to take one or more pictures. In each of these embodiments, the photos may be the initial set of photos used for compliance checking. Photos can be saved to user files 134 .

Once the quality control technician has approved the intraoral scan (and photographed), the user 104 can leave the room where the user 104 received their intraoral scan. The user can go to, for example, the waiting area or the reception area. In the foreground area, various products may be shown or given to the user 104 . For example, the user 104 may be shown what the adjuster typically looks like (eg, substantially transparent, translucent, etc.). User 104 may also be shown the packaging in which the adjuster is delivered and a corresponding instruction manual. Various tooth-related items may be provided to the user 104 . For example, the user 104 may be provided with a lip balm, a teeth whitening kit, a tote bag, and the like. Each of these examples may further increase the likelihood that the user 104 will purchase an adjuster customized to the user's 104 teeth. In some embodiments, rather than receiving products at the front desk area, various products may be shown or given to users 104 in the room where they receive the intraoral scan. In some embodiments, the adjuster/package may be shown to the user 104 prior to receiving the intraoral scan (eg, at check-in), during breaks, or the like.

In some embodiments, the user 104 may be presented with a fast track option for generating a set of modifiers from an intraoral scan. The fast track option may be a form filled out by the user 104, a verbal agreement from the user, or the like. The fast track option may authorize the adjuster's provider to automatically generate the adjuster after a physician (eg, dentist, orthodontist, etc.) approves the user's 104 treatment plan (or final tooth position).

The user 104 may be prompted to pay for the intraoral scan (or set up a payment plan for the intraoral scan). Once the user 104 pays (or sets up a payment plan), the user 104 can authorize the generation of the fast track adjuster. In embodiments such as these, the user 104 may not be required to authorize the treatment regimen. Rather, the treatment regimen may be displayed in the user portal, as will be discussed in more detail below. In addition, once the physician approves the treatment plan, the treatment plan can be automatically used to generate the adjuster and automatically uploaded to the user portal.

In some embodiments, the physician (eg, dentist, orthodontist, etc.) may approve a treatment plan after the physician sees the user via a video conference or the user's video. For example, a doctor can remotely "see" a user before approving a treatment plan. In other embodiments, the physician can approve the treatment plan without video conferencing or video of the user. In each of these embodiments, the physician can approve the user's treatment regimen without having to see the user in person. Therefore, the inconvenience of a trip to a doctor's clinic may not be brought to the user, which may also save the user time.

In the event that the user 104 does not authorize the generation of the fast track adjuster, the user 104 may authorize the treatment plan when the treatment plan is sent to the user 104 via the user portal. After authorization of the treatment plan, an adjuster can be generated and sent to the user 104 . Additionally, upon authorization of the treatment plan, the user 104 may then be prompted to pay for the adjuster (or sign up to a payment plan).

In some embodiments, the treatment plan may be generated by a dental professional using a computing system at the treatment plan site. The treatment plan site may be separate from the intraoral scan site, manufacturing site, etc. In other embodiments, the treatment regimen site can be the same as the intraoral scanning site and/or the manufacturing site. Therefore, two or more of these sites can be combined into one site.

The treatment plan may be generated by manipulating individual teeth in the three-dimensional representation of the user's mouth. For example, a dental professional may manipulate one or more teeth of a user's mouth (as represented in the three-dimensional data) from a start position (during intraoral scanning) to an end position (after treatment). After the teeth are moved to the end position, a treatment plan can be automatically generated (eg, by a computer or computing system) according to a set of rules. The set of rules may include rules that tighten the amount of movement (eg, 3.00mm) of a single tooth between two consecutive adjusters. After the treatment plan is generated, various models (eg, male models of the user's dentition) can be generated that correspond to the positions of the teeth at various intervals between the start and end positions. The adjusters can then be generated by thermoforming the polymer material into each of the various models (where the first adjuster corresponds to the starting position of the user's teeth in the user's dentition and the second [and subsequent] adjusters correspond to the starting position of the user's teeth in the user's dentition. [one or more] intermediate positions, and the final adjuster corresponds to the final position of the user's teeth in the user's dentition).

After the adjusters are generated, all adjusters associated with the treatment regimen can be sent to the user 104 . In some embodiments, the adjuster may be generated and sent to the user 104 in a packaging similar to that described in: "DENTAL IMPRESSION KITS ANDMETHODS THEREFOR)" U.S. Patent Application No. 62/522,847, U.S. Patent Application No. 15/725,430, filed Oct. 5, 2017, of the same title, and filed March 26, 2018, of the same title US Patent Application No. 62/648,229, the entirety of the citations of each of the three applications is incorporated herein by reference.

after appointment

After user 104 has performed their intraoral scan at scan booth 106 , user 104 may receive one or more messages generated via message generator 136 . Accordingly, in some embodiments, the message generator 136 may include instructions for generating and delivering one or more messages to the user 104 following the user's 104 appointment.

等的顾客评论网站上征求用户104的评论。另外，在用户104在预约时接收到增白套件的情况下，经由消息生成器136生成的消息可以包括针对用户104的增白小窍门。在这些实施方式的每一个中，经由消息生成器136生成的消息都可以用作后续用户预约的反馈，并增强用户104的体验。In some implementations, the message generator 136 may include instructions for generating messages including various surveys and/or questionnaires. These surveys may be used to assess the user's 104 experience of scanning the site 106 intraorally. In some embodiments, the survey can be

User 104 reviews are solicited on customer review sites such as . Additionally, the message generated via message generator 136 may include whitening tips for user 104 in the event that user 104 receives a whitening kit at the time of appointment. In each of these embodiments, messages generated via message generator 136 can be used as feedback for subsequent user appointments and enhance the user 104 experience.

In some implementations, the message generator 136 may include instructions for generating various messages, particularly when the user 104 is not attending their appointment. For example, when the user profile 134 indicates that the user 104 did not attend their appointment, the message generator 136 may include instructions for automatically generating a message that includes a survey for assessing the reason why the user 104 did not attend their appointment. The survey generated in these embodiments may solicit users 104 for suggestions on changes that the intraoral scanning site 106 (or website) may make. The surveys generated in these embodiments may also solicit information from users 104 about how users 104 would like to be contacted in the future (eg, via phone calls, text messages, email, etc.). In some cases, the message generated via the message generator 136 may include an indication to the user 104 that the user 104 does not need to schedule an intraoral scan and that the user may be present at the intraoral scan site 106 at any time during business hours (eg, without Reservations are also welcome). In each of these embodiments, the message is provided to the user 104 when the message may increase the likelihood that the user 104 will schedule or otherwise visit the in-port scan site 106 and may help improve the overall experience of other users.

Additionally, in the event that the user 104 misses their appointment, in some cases a free at-home impression kit may be provided to the user 104 (similar to those in US Patent Application No. 62/522,847 and US Patent Application No. 15/725,430 those mentioned). The home impression kit may be sent to the user 104 via the first type of post. For example, when the user file 134 indicates that the user 104 is not present at the appointment, the message generator 136 may include instructions for automatically generating a message to the user 104 indicating that the home impression kit will be sent to the user 104 free of charge. Additionally, the message generator 136 may include instructions for generating a prompt that is transmitted to, for example, a processing warehouse or a shipping warehouse. The prompt may include an address or shipping label and instructions to send the home impression kit to the user 104 at the address.

User Portal

Referring now to Figures 1 and 8, a user portal is generated for user 104. Specifically shown in FIG. 8 is an example user portal 800 associated with user 104 . The example user portal 800 shown in FIG. 8 is generated prior to the user's 104 booking. Reservation management system 100 may include portal manager 140 . Portal manager 140 may be or include instructions that, when executed by processor 108, cause processor 108 to generate/modify/change/manage one or more aspects of user portal 800. As shown, user portal 800 may include a brief summary of what is expected at the time of user 104's appointment. User portal 800 may include button 802 to reschedule user 104's appointment. Button 802 may direct user 104 to a page similar to reservation page 200 . Additionally, the user portal 800 may include a button 804 to view a frequently asked questions (FAQ) page that provides answers to questions that the user 104 may have.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 9 , portal manager 140 may include instructions for modifying user portal 800 after user 104's subscription. For example, as shown in FIG. 9 , the user portal 800 is generated after the reservation of the user 104 . The user portal 800 shown in FIG. 9 may include a visual representation (shown as a video) of the user 104's treatment regimen. The visual representation may show changes in the user's 104 smile as the user 104 progresses through the various stages of the treatment regimen. The visual representation can be a series of photos, videos, etc. User 104 may be able to view the visual representation by selecting button 900 (eg, the play button).

Additionally, the user 104 may be asked (or requested) to provide progress information. As will be discussed in more detail below, the progress information provided by the user 104 can be used to assess compliance and issue mid-segment corrections.

User 104 may select button 902 for providing progress information. The user 104 may be required to provide progress information at various stages of the treatment regimen. For example, the user 104 may be required to provide progress information at the start of the treatment regimen, when each regulator is used, after 90 days since the start of the treatment regimen, and/or at other stages in the treatment regimen. In some implementations, appointment management system 100 may issue reminders to user 104 to provide progress information. For example, message generator 136 and/or portal manager 140 may include instructions for automatically generating one or more messages for delivery to user 104 at various points throughout the treatment regimen. As one example, the delivery notification may be indicated in the user file 134 when the user 104 receives the adjuster (eg, as detected by the delivery notification). When user file 134 indicates delivery of a notification, message generator 136 and/or portal manager 140 may include instructions for automatically generating one or more messages for user 104 that direct user 104 to provide Initial progress data. When uploading, portal manager 140 may include instructions to store initial progress data in user file 134 as a baseline. The message generator 136 and/or the portal manager 140 may include instructions for generating a follow-up message that reminds the user 104 to upload progress data at various stages of the treatment regimen, as described above. The message generator 136 and/or the portal manager 140 may include instructions for identifying the date of delivery at which the message corresponding to the initial progress data was delivered to the user 104 . Additionally, message generator 136 and/or portal manager 140 may include instructions for identifying the current date. Based on the difference between the sent date and the current date, processor 108 may generate subsequent messages based on instructions from message generator 136 (and/or portal manager 140). Similarly, message generator 136 and/or portal manager 140 may include instructions for generating a message instructing user 104 to change the adjuster they are using (eg, instructing user 104 to stop using the first set of adjusters and Use the second set of adjusters instead, instruct the user 104 to stop using the third set of adjusters and use the second set of adjusters instead, stop using the adjusters entirely and wait for a new adjuster to be sent to the user 104, etc.). Such messages may be generated similar to generating messages for providing progress data.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 10 , upon selection of button 902 , portal manager 140 may include instructions for directing user 104 to progress tracker page 1000 within user portal 800 . Within the progress tracker page 1000, the user 104 is prompted to indicate which adjuster the user 104 is currently using (eg, by selecting the corresponding button 1002). In addition, the user 104 is prompted to upload a photo of the user's 104 smile. The user 104 may be instructed (eg, on the user portal 800, the progress tracker 1000, or a separate instruction manual) on how to capture the photo. For example, user 104 may be instructed to capture a photo while using a smile diffuser (eg, a device positioned in user 104's mouth designed to push user 104's lips back and reveal a larger area of user 104's teeth). The user 104 may be instructed to position the smile diffuser in the user's 104 mouth and capture images at various angles. The user 104 may be instructed to capture an image of the user's 104 teeth head-on while clenching their teeth. The user 104 may be instructed to capture an image of the lower jaw of the user 104 while opening the user's 104 mouth. The user 104 may be instructed to capture an image of the upper jaw of the user 104 while opening the user's 104 mouth. User 104 may be instructed to capture additional/alternative images of user 104 teeth. User 104 can use button 1004 to upload each of these images. Upon selection of button 1004, user 104 may be prompted to search and find an image to upload. Once the user 104 finds the file, the image can be previewed (eg, in display box 1006). User 104 may then select upload button 1008 to upload the image to user portal 800 . Portal manager 140 may include instructions for automatically adding these images to user file 134 when images are uploaded.

User 104 may provide comments in comment box 1010 regarding the progress or fitness of the adjuster. For example, user 104 may indicate that user 104 is not satisfied with the progress of readjusting user 104's teeth or how user 104's smile looks. As another example, the user 104 may indicate that the adjuster does not fit or is uncomfortable. Each of these indications may indicate that the user 104 may need mid-segment correction. As used herein, mid-segment correction is defined as a new treatment regimen developed for user 104 after user 104 is indicated that the current treatment regimen is no longer needed. Thus, the user 104 receives a new intraoral scan, a new set of modifiers, and the like. In this regard, there is no cross-reference between the first treatment regimen and the second treatment regimen. However, in some embodiments, mid-segment correction includes receiving at least a new set of adjusters, which can be created for user 104 after a new intraoral scan of user's 104 teeth or a new impression is to be prepared. In some implementations, mid-segment corrections may be free to the user 104 . For example, as discussed below, mid-segment corrections may be free after a compliance check instructing the user 104 to properly follow the treatment regimen.

The compliance check may be a review of progress data provided by the user (eg, via the progress tracker 1000). In some implementations, after the user 104 uploads any comments via the comments box 1010 , the portal manager 140 may include instructions for automatically tagging the user file 134 and transferring the file to the professional terminal 142 . Professional terminal 142 may be a computer associated with one or more professionals (eg, doctor, dentist, orthodontist, etc.). Professional terminal 142 may display user file 134 that includes images uploaded by user 104 and the current adjuster that user 104 is using. The user file 134 may be evaluated by a professional to determine whether the user 104 is progressing according to the treatment plan, whether the user 104 is following the treatment plan as directed, and the like. In the event that the user 104 does not follow the treatment regimen as directed, the user file 134 may be marked as non-compliant. Portal manager 140 may flag user file 134 for mid-segment corrections in the event that user 104 follows a treatment regimen but does not progress according to the treatment regimen. In the event that the user file 134 is marked as non-compliant, the user 104 may be required to pay for mid-course corrections. However, mid-segment corrections may be provided to the user 104 free of charge if the user 104 follows the treatment regimen.

In some implementations, message generator 136 and/or portal manager 140 may include instructions for automatically generating messages (and corresponding in user file 134 ) as user 104 is guided to follow and progress through the treatment regimen mark), the message indicates that the user 104 is eligible for a free dental check-up and cleaning at the dental clinic or associated dental practice.

The construction and arrangement of the systems and methods as shown in the various exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (eg, size, dimension, configuration, shape, and proportions of various elements; values of parameters, mounting arrangements; use of materials; orientation, etc. The change). For example, the positions of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number or positions of discrete elements may be altered or varied. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems, and program products on memory or other machine-readable media for performing various operations. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented using existing computer processors, or by special purpose computer processors for use in suitable systems incorporated for this purpose or another, or by hardwiring system to implement. Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure include program products or memories comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Such machine-readable media may include, for example, RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage devices, magnetic disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry The desired program code is loaded or stored in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data that cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machine to perform a certain function or set of functions.

Although the figures may show a particular order of method steps, the order of the steps may differ from that depicted. Additionally, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Such variations will depend on the software and hardware systems chosen and the choice of the designer. All such variations are within the scope of this disclosure. Likewise, software implementations can be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.

Claims (26)

1. A method comprising: User compliance check information submitted by a user regarding an initial treatment regimen designed to use a first plurality of adjusters to reposition one of the user's or more teeth, the user compliance check information includes progress data submitted by the user, the progress data submitted by the user including at least one image of the user's teeth; Based on determining that the one or more teeth of the user have not been repositioned according to the initial treatment plan, an intraoral scan of the user's oral cavity is performed using an intraoral scanner at an intraoral scanning site, the intraoral scan generating three-dimensional data of the oral cavity of the user, wherein determining that the one or more teeth of the user are not repositioned according to the initial treatment plan is based on the user compliance check information; By the treatment plan calculation system, based on the three-dimensional data of the oral cavity of the user, and based on a determination that the one or more teeth of the user have not been repositioned according to the initial treatment plan, for the user generates a corrective treatment plan; At a manufacturing site, a second plurality of adjusters is produced based on the corrective treatment plan, the second plurality of adjusters being specific to the user and configured to reposition all of the user's according to the corrective treatment plan the one or more teeth, wherein producing the second plurality of adjusters includes generating a plurality of molds of the user's dentition based on at least a start position and an end position according to the orthodontic treatment plan, and heating the material forming into each of the molds to produce the second plurality of regulators; and providing the second plurality of modifiers to the user; wherein the at least one image of the user's teeth includes one or more photographs of the user's mouth taken with a camera located outside the user's mouth, at least one of the photographs was taken with at least one Photographed with a dental appliance partially within the user's mouth, the dental appliance configured to simultaneously hold the user's upper and lower lips open to expose the user's teeth and allow the user's Visualization of teeth. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the initial treatment plan is based on initial three-dimensional data obtained from scanning a dental impression of the user's oral cavity. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the initial treatment plan is based on initial three-dimensional data obtained from performing an initial intraoral scan of the user's oral cavity. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing the orthodontic treatment plan to a dentist or orthodontist for review and approval. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the second plurality of adjusters are produced in response to receiving approval for the orthodontic treatment plan from a dentist or orthodontist, and wherein the second plurality of adjusters are produced Providing the plurality of adjusters to the user includes sending the second plurality of adjusters directly to the user from the manufacturing site without first providing the second plurality of adjusters to the dentist or regular. orthodontist. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising, in response to determining that the one or more teeth of the user have not been repositioned according to the initial treatment plan, providing the user with information about the location in the mouth Scheduling information for scheduling an appointment at the scanning site to perform the intraoral scan. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the at least one image of the user's teeth is captured by the user. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more teeth of the user are determined not to be treated according to the initial treatment based on the user compliance check information submitted by the user during treatment The program is repositioned. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the user compliance check information includes an indication submitted by the user during therapy that the user is dissatisfied with the initial therapy regimen. 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the user compliance check information includes an indication submitted by the user during therapy that at least one regulator of the first plurality of regulators is not suitable or uncomfortable. 11. The method of claim 8, further comprising providing a message to the user requesting the user to submit the user compliance check information. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the user compliance check information indicates the user's compliance with the initial treatment regimen by having correctly followed the initial treatment regimen. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the compliance check information includes at least one initial image of the user's teeth. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the at least one initial image of the user's teeth is captured by someone other than the user. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the at least one initial image of the user's teeth is saved to a user file, and wherein the one or more teeth of the user are determined not to be The initial treatment plan is repositioned based on a comparison of the at least one image of the user's teeth with the at least one initial image of the user's teeth saved as the user file. 16. The method of claim 1, further comprising, by the treatment plan calculation system, marking the user based on a determination that the one or more teeth of the user are not repositioned according to the initial treatment plan User files are used for mid-section correction. 17. A system comprising: a communication system configured to communicate with a user device associated with a user with respect to an initial treatment plan designed to reposition one or more of the user using the first plurality of adjusters more teeth, the communication with the user device includes progress data submitted by the user, the progress data submitted by the user including at least one image of the user's teeth; an intraoral scanning station including an intraoral scanner configured to scan the user's teeth based on a determination that the one or more teeth of the user have not been repositioned according to the initial treatment plan Intraoral scan of the user's mouth to generate 3D data; a treatment plan calculation system configured to generate a corrective treatment plan for the user based on the three-dimensional data; and A manufacturing system including manufacturing equipment configured to thermoform a material by generating a plurality of molds of the user's dentition based on at least a start position and an end position according to the orthodontic treatment plan To each of the molds, a second plurality of adjusters are produced based on the corrective treatment plan, the second plurality of adjusters being specific to the user and configured to be re-configured according to the corrective treatment plan. positioning the one or more teeth of the user; wherein the at least one image of the user's teeth comprises a photograph of the user's mouth taken with a camera located outside the user's mouth, at least one of the photographs was taken with a camera located at least partially within the user's mouth The intraoral dental appliance is photographed, the dental appliance being configured to simultaneously hold the user's upper and lower lips open to expose the user's teeth and allow visualization of the user's teeth. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the initial treatment plan is based on initial three-dimensional data obtained from at least one of scanning a dental impression of the user's oral cavity or the user's An initial intraoral scan of the mouth is performed. 19. The system of claim 17, wherein the communication system is configured to: determining whether the user is properly following the initial treatment regimen based on the progress data submitted by the user; and In response to determining that the user is properly following the initial treatment regimen, a financial incentive is provided to the user, wherein the financial incentive is a reduction in the cost of the second plurality of regulators. 20. The system of claim 17, wherein determining that the one or more teeth of the user are not repositioned according to the initial treatment plan is based on the at least one image of the user's teeth being correlated with A comparison of at least one initial image of the user's teeth saved as the user file. 21. The system of claim 17, wherein the communication system is configured to tag the user based on determining that the one or more teeth of the user are not repositioned according to the initial treatment plan file for mid-segment correction. 22. The system of claim 17, wherein at least one of the at least one image of the user's teeth is captured by the user. 23. A method comprising: performing an intraoral scan of a user's oral cavity at an intraoral scanning site using an intraoral scanner to generate three-dimensional data of the user's oral cavity, the intraoral scan being performed based on progress data submitted by the user, the progress data includes at least one image of the user's teeth; generating, by a treatment plan calculation system, a progression determination based on a comparison of an initial treatment plan and the at least one image of the user's teeth; generating, by the treatment plan calculation system, a corrective treatment plan for the user based on the three-dimensional data of the oral cavity of the user; providing, by a computing system associated with the dentist or orthodontist, the orthodontic treatment plan to the dentist or the orthodontist for review; receiving approval from said dentist or said orthodontist of said orthodontic treatment plan; At a manufacturing site, a second plurality of adjusters are produced based on the corrective treatment plan, the second plurality of adjusters being specific to the user and configured to reposition all of the user's according to the corrective treatment plan the one or more teeth, wherein producing the second plurality of adjusters includes generating a plurality of models of the user's dentition based on at least a start position and an end position in accordance with the orthodontic treatment plan, and material thermoforming into each of the molds to produce the second plurality of regulators; and providing the second plurality of modifiers to the user; wherein the at least one image of the user's teeth includes one or more photographs of the user's oral cavity taken with a dental appliance located at least partially within the user's oral cavity, the The dental appliance is configured to simultaneously hold the user's upper and lower lips open to allow visualization of the user's teeth. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein at least one of the at least one image of the user's teeth is captured by the user. 25. The method of claim 23, wherein the progress determination is based on at least one or all of an initial image of the user's teeth saved to a user file and the at least one image of the user's teeth comparison of the initial treatment regimens described above. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the at least one initial image of the user's teeth is captured by someone other than the user.

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