Prototype of Augmented Reality Technology for Orthodontic Bracket Positioning: An In Vivo Study

Yu-Cheng Lo,Yin-Chun Liu,Jian-Hong Yu,Guan-An Chen,Yuan-Hou Chen,Jui-Ting Hsu

doi:10.3390/app11052315

Abstract

To improve the accuracy of bracket placement in vivo, a protocol and device were introduced, which consisted of operative procedures for accurate control, a computer-aided design, and an augmented reality–assisted bracket navigation system. The present study evaluated the accuracy of this protocol. Methods: Thirty-one incisor teeth were tested from four participators. The teeth were bonded by novice and expert orthodontists. Compared with the control group by Boone gauge and the experiment group by augmented reality-assisted bracket navigation system, our study used for brackets measurement. To evaluate the accuracy, deviations of positions for bracket placement were measured. Results: The augmented reality-assisted bracket navigation system and control group were used in the same 31 cases. The priority of bonding brackets between control group or experiment group was decided by tossing coins, and then the teeth were debonded and the other technique was used. The medium vertical (incisogingival) position deviation in the control and AR groups by the novice orthodontist was 0.90 ± 0.06 mm and 0.51 ± 0.24 mm, respectively (p < 0.05), and by the expert orthodontist was 0.40 ± 0.29 mm and 0.29 ± 0.08 mm, respectively (p < 0.05). No significant changes in the horizontal position deviation were noted regardless of the orthodontist experience or use of the augmented reality–assisted bracket navigation system. Conclusion: The augmented reality–assisted bracket navigation system increased the accuracy rate by the expert orthodontist in the incisogingival direction and helped the novice orthodontist guide the bracket position within an acceptable clinical error of approximately 0.5 mm.

Highlights

Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that can accurately and reproducibly superimpose to the real-world environment
To facilitate the accurate localization of bracket positioning, we developed an ARassisted bracket navigation system
The novice orthodontist using the AR system achieved the near accuracy as the expert orthodontist using the Boone gauge

Summary

Introduction

Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that can accurately and reproducibly superimpose to the real-world environment. An AR system fulfills 3 features: A combination of real and virtual objects, real-time interaction, and accurate 3 dimensions of space registration of virtual and real objects. The first AR device was developed by Ivan Sutherland in 1968. He set up a head-mounted 3-dimensional display, and the observer could see a cube in the view [1]. Before AR technology, Boeing’s workers were required to continuously discuss a laptop screen to ensure that the numerous wires were correctly connected. The process was exhausting and time consuming. Boeing’s engineers developed AR headsets, which helped the workers see the information projected

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Discussion

Conclusion