Digital Dentistry - Virtual Treatment Planning

Project Overview

The "Digital Dentistry" project focuses on revolutionizing dental treatment planning by leveraging advanced imaging processing techniques and computer-aided design (CAD) technologies. The primary goal is to create a seamless workflow that converts Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images into precise 3D CAD models, enabling dentists and orthodontists to plan treatments virtually with high accuracy and efficiency.

This project integrates medical imaging, computational algorithms, and user-friendly graphical interfaces to bridge the gap between diagnostic imaging and practical treatment planning in dentistry.

 

Key Responsibilities and Contributions

 

1. Image Processing of CBCT Data

♦ Developed algorithms to process and analyze CBCT images, extracting critical anatomical structures such as teeth, jawbone, and soft tissues.

♦ Implemented segmentation techniques to isolate regions of interest (e.g., tooth roots, bone density variations) for accurate modeling.

♦ Optimized image processing pipelines to handle large datasets efficiently, ensuring minimal latency and high precision.

 

2. Conversion of CBCT Images to CAD Models

♦ Designed and implemented a robust conversion pipeline to transform processed CBCT images into detailed 3D CAD models.

♦ Utilized libraries such as ITK/VTK for medical image processing and OpenCASCADE/FreeCAD for CAD model generation.

♦ Ensured the CAD models preserved the anatomical accuracy of the original CBCT data while being lightweight and compatible with downstream applications.

 

3. Development of a GUI for Treatment Planning

♦ Created an intuitive Graphical User Interface (GUI) to enable dental professionals to interact with the 3D CAD models seamlessly.

♦ Integrated tools for virtual treatment planning, including:

► Tooth alignment and repositioning.

► Simulation of surgical procedures (e.g., implant placement).

► Customization of orthodontic appliances.

♦ Built the GUI using Python (Tkinter/PyQt) and C++ (Qt Framework), ensuring cross-platform compatibility and smooth user experience.

 

4. Implementation of Planning Procedures

♦ Developed modules for simulating various dental procedures, such as crown design, implant positioning, and orthodontic adjustments.

♦ Enabled real-time visualization of treatment outcomes, allowing users to refine their plans iteratively.

♦ Incorporated feedback mechanisms to validate the feasibility of proposed treatments based on biomechanical constraints.

 

5. Collaboration and Documentation

♦ Worked closely with dental professionals to understand clinical requirements and incorporate domain-specific features into the software.

♦ Documented the entire workflow, including image processing algorithms, CAD model generation steps, and GUI functionalities, to ensure reproducibility and ease of adoption.

 

Technical Stack

► Programming Languages : Python, C++,

► Libraries and Frameworks : ITK, VTK, FreeCAD, PyQt,

► Tools and Software :  ParaView (for 3D rendering), Qt Creator

► Platforms : Windows, Linux (cross-platform support)

 

Relevant Skills Highlighted

► Medical Image Processing

► 3D Modeling and CAD Design

► GUI Development

► Algorithm Design and Optimization

► Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration