Force-Driven Model for Automated Clear Aligner Staging Design Based on Stepwise Tooth Displacement and Rotation in 3D Space

This study introduced a novel force-driven automated staging design method for clear aligners, aimed at enhancing treatment planning efficiency and outcomes. The method simplified the alignment process into a force-driven mechanics model that calculates forces and moments exerted on teeth while adhe...

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Main Authors: Sensen Yang, Yumin Cheng
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-01-01
Series:Bioengineering
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2306-5354/12/2/111
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author Sensen Yang
Yumin Cheng
author_facet Sensen Yang
Yumin Cheng
author_sort Sensen Yang
collection DOAJ
description This study introduced a novel force-driven automated staging design method for clear aligners, aimed at enhancing treatment planning efficiency and outcomes. The method simplified the alignment process into a force-driven mechanics model that calculates forces and moments exerted on teeth while adhering to Newton’s third law, determining their displacement and rotation at each position. An optimal path was generated by iteratively moving teeth from their initial to target positions and subsequently divided into stages based on a predefined step size. The algorithm was implemented in C++ and incorporated into the WebGL-based SmarteeCheck3.0 software for visualization. In a maxillary extraction case, the automated staging method (0.25 mm step size) generated 51 stages in merely 5 s, while manual staging (>0.25 mm step size) necessitated 30 min to achieve 55 stages. In a molar distalization case, the automated method demonstrated similar efficiency advantages, generating 30 stages for the maxilla and 34 for the mandible, compared to 41 stages each in manual staging. The automated staging approach yielded shorter and more precise tooth movement paths that adhered to aligner biomechanics and physical principles, surpassing the limitations of manual staging. For cases requiring entire arch displacement, the method incorporated sequential movements with anchorage control to maintain force equilibrium. This innovative method substantially improved design efficiency and accuracy, ultimately elevating the efficacy of clear aligner therapy, although further biomechanical analyses and experimental validations are needed to refine the model parameters.
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spelling doaj-art-7f40b04db20a4e288d34cb861713feb52025-08-20T03:12:14ZengMDPI AGBioengineering2306-53542025-01-0112211110.3390/bioengineering12020111Force-Driven Model for Automated Clear Aligner Staging Design Based on Stepwise Tooth Displacement and Rotation in 3D SpaceSensen Yang0Yumin Cheng1Shanghai Key Laboratory of Mechanics in Energy Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Applied Mathematics and Mechanics, School of Mechanics and Engineering Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200072, ChinaShanghai Key Laboratory of Mechanics in Energy Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Applied Mathematics and Mechanics, School of Mechanics and Engineering Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200072, ChinaThis study introduced a novel force-driven automated staging design method for clear aligners, aimed at enhancing treatment planning efficiency and outcomes. The method simplified the alignment process into a force-driven mechanics model that calculates forces and moments exerted on teeth while adhering to Newton’s third law, determining their displacement and rotation at each position. An optimal path was generated by iteratively moving teeth from their initial to target positions and subsequently divided into stages based on a predefined step size. The algorithm was implemented in C++ and incorporated into the WebGL-based SmarteeCheck3.0 software for visualization. In a maxillary extraction case, the automated staging method (0.25 mm step size) generated 51 stages in merely 5 s, while manual staging (>0.25 mm step size) necessitated 30 min to achieve 55 stages. In a molar distalization case, the automated method demonstrated similar efficiency advantages, generating 30 stages for the maxilla and 34 for the mandible, compared to 41 stages each in manual staging. The automated staging approach yielded shorter and more precise tooth movement paths that adhered to aligner biomechanics and physical principles, surpassing the limitations of manual staging. For cases requiring entire arch displacement, the method incorporated sequential movements with anchorage control to maintain force equilibrium. This innovative method substantially improved design efficiency and accuracy, ultimately elevating the efficacy of clear aligner therapy, although further biomechanical analyses and experimental validations are needed to refine the model parameters.https://www.mdpi.com/2306-5354/12/2/111clear alignerforce-driven modelautomated stagingtreatment planningstepwise movement controltooth displacement
spellingShingle Sensen Yang
Yumin Cheng
Force-Driven Model for Automated Clear Aligner Staging Design Based on Stepwise Tooth Displacement and Rotation in 3D Space
Bioengineering
clear aligner
force-driven model
automated staging
treatment planning
stepwise movement control
tooth displacement
title Force-Driven Model for Automated Clear Aligner Staging Design Based on Stepwise Tooth Displacement and Rotation in 3D Space
title_full Force-Driven Model for Automated Clear Aligner Staging Design Based on Stepwise Tooth Displacement and Rotation in 3D Space
title_fullStr Force-Driven Model for Automated Clear Aligner Staging Design Based on Stepwise Tooth Displacement and Rotation in 3D Space
title_full_unstemmed Force-Driven Model for Automated Clear Aligner Staging Design Based on Stepwise Tooth Displacement and Rotation in 3D Space
title_short Force-Driven Model for Automated Clear Aligner Staging Design Based on Stepwise Tooth Displacement and Rotation in 3D Space
title_sort force driven model for automated clear aligner staging design based on stepwise tooth displacement and rotation in 3d space
topic clear aligner
force-driven model
automated staging
treatment planning
stepwise movement control
tooth displacement
url https://www.mdpi.com/2306-5354/12/2/111
work_keys_str_mv AT sensenyang forcedrivenmodelforautomatedclearalignerstagingdesignbasedonstepwisetoothdisplacementandrotationin3dspace
AT yumincheng forcedrivenmodelforautomatedclearalignerstagingdesignbasedonstepwisetoothdisplacementandrotationin3dspace