New research has resulted in the development of a method of manufacturing dental crowns with the help of artificial intelligence. Dental crowns are a widely used treatment to restore teeth that are very decayed or weak. Therefore, having specially designed crowns should improve their effectiveness and ensure stronger oral health for those that require dental crowns.
A research team from the University of Hong Kong (HKU) have developed a method of manufacturing dental crowns through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) [1].
This exciting research is the latest example of how leveraging AI can produce excellent results in dentistry. The findings could result in a long-term improvement of the success of dental crowns.
What are dental crowns?
Dental crowns are often seen as “caps” that are placed over a decayed, damaged or weak tooth to restore its shape and size. Moreover, it can also improve its appearance.
Dental crowns therefore protect the tooth from further damage or decay. If looked after properly they will often last for several years.
An X-ray is required in order for the dentist to take measurements. The dentist will place the crown before bonding it in place.
However, many people find that crowns are not right for them. Many people find that their crowns are either too large or too thin. They also typically do not last as long as desired for some people [2].
Therefore, the situation with dental crowns is one that has needed to be addressed. This is why more research into the subject is welcomed and encouraged.
The Research
The research was carried out by members of the Faculty of Dentistry at HKU. Subsequently, their findings were published in the Dental Materials journal [1].
The researchers were aiming to use AI to create an automatic algorithm that could design a dental crown. To do this, the researches used a three-dimensional deep learning approach [1].
The AI software used is called Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing. This software uses a “tooth library” that had over 600 healthy teeth templates loaded onto it [1]. The operator of the machine could then mould a crown based on the templates.
This approach produced personalized crowns with high accuracy. The researchers found that they could mimic the materials required for the biomechanics of natural teeth.
The researchers tested the crown using something called “biomechanical finite analysis” [1]. This tested the AI-designed crowns in terms of their durability. This is important, as when a patient receives a crown, they will expect it to be highly durable and last for many years.
The researchers were delighted with the outcome. They found that the AI-designed crown was capable of achieving a similar expected lifespan compared to natural teeth [1].
The design would use machine learning to produce the optimum design based on a patient’s tooth and exact dimensions of the surface area. It is capable of getting the required specific dimensions at a microscopic level. This ensures effectiveness.
The impact this could have
Looking at the impact of these findings is important. For example, by having this technology, the design and fitting process of dental crowns could be improved significantly. Therefore, improved treatment outcomes would be likely.
The research was led by Dr. James Tsoi, an Associate Professor at HKU. He and his fellow authors were very pleased with the results. Tsoi commented that the technology “could be utilized to design personalized dental crowns with high accuracy” [3].
Tsoi also praised the fact that this technology would reduce human involvement in the design process, stating that the technology allows the process to “operate without any additional human fine-tuning”, which would reduce the workload of dentists.
The use of AI will improve accuracy in dentistry. Currently, there is an element of guesswork for the dentist that moulds crowns. While they do their utmost to maximize patient comfort, it can be difficult to make the crown fit perfectly.
However, this technology is capable of improving outcomes and comfort for patients. This is summarized by one of the authors Dr. Hao Ding – who said that “the algorithm improves the quality of the design” [3].
Clinical trials based on using AI for dental crowns are already underway [3]. The hope is that these crowns will eventually replace human-crafted crowns. This will greatly improve the quality of treatment and result in better oral health for patients.
Thinking points…
1) The aim should always be prevention for dental problems. For example, the aim is for us to never need to have dental crowns. Aside from a healthy diet, it is also crucial to attend regular dental check-ups! These check-ups allow a dentist to have a thorough look at your oral health and suggest treatments if needed. We recommend booking an appointment now!
2) Dental crowns are very effective at protecting damaged teeth. They also improve appearance and can restore confidence. Here at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental, we offer dental crown treatments at competitive prices. If you are interested in hearing more about this treatment please see our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca. We would love to see you soon!
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a wide range of dental treatment options and advice aimed at improving their oral health.
It is crucial to brush your teeth at least twice a day and to floss regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink is important.
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a regular dental check-up. When problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals.
Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Many people find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
In addition, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.
We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.
References
[1] Ding, H., Cui, Z., Maghami, E., Chen, Y., Matinlinna, J. P., Ho Nang Pow, E., Fok, A. S. L., Burrow, M. F., Wang, W., & Tsoi, J. K. H. (2023). Morphology and mechanical performance of dental crown designed by 3D-DCGAN. Dental Materials. 39 (3): p320-332. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dental.2023.02.001.
[2] Pjetursson, B. E., & Heimisdottir, K. (2018). Dental implants – are they better than natural teeth?. European Journal of Oral Sciences. 126 (51): p81-87. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/eos.12543.
[3] The University of Hong Kong. (2023). Researchers develop technology to use generative AI in smart manufacturing of dental crowns. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-04-technology-generative-ai-smart-dental.html. Last accessed: 5th May 2023.
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