SMART TRACER-A SENSOR-ENHANCED PRECISION JAW RELATION RECORDING

Abstract

ABSTRACT Accurate recording of horizontal jaw relations is a critical step in prosthodontic rehabilitation and occlusal analysis. The Needle House method of graphic tracing, a traditional approach, utilizes mechanical tracers to capture jaw movements and generate intraoral tracing patterns. However, the precision and reproducibility of these tracings can be compromised due to human error in interpretation and recording. To overcome these limitations, this study proposes the development of an advanced tracer system integrating a digital sensor. This new tracer system retains the fundamental mechanics of the Needle House method but introduces a state-ofthe- art sensor capable of digitizing the tracing pattern in real-time. The Solution provided in this Smart Tracer - A Sensor-Enhanced Precision Jaw Relation Recording is an addition of digital technology to the Needle House tracer method which offers a promising advancement in dental practice, ensuring precision, reproducibility, and ease of use in jaw relation recording.

Specification

INTRODUCTION
Accurate recording of horizontal jaw relations is a cornerstone in prosthodontics and
occlusal rehabilitation, providing the foundation for creating well-fitting dental
prostheses and achieving optimal occlusion. Traditional methods, such as the Needle
House tracer, have long been utilized for capturing mandibular movements and
producing intraoral tracings that guide prosthetic design. However, these methods,
while effective, often rely on manual interpretation of tracings, which can introduce
variability and subjectivity into the process.
To address these challenges, a novel innovation is introduced with modem digital -Q)
C) technology. This invention integrates a high-precision sensor into the traditional
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('; reproducibility, and ease of interpretation compared to conventional manual
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~ The digital capabilities of this invention not only enhance diagnostic precision but
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~ also streamline the clinical workflow by allowing seamless integration with
.-:.:.1..' co CAD/CAM systems for prosthetic design. This modernized approach to jaw relatioN
recording marks a significant advancement in the field of dentistry, offering
improved outcomes for both clinicians and patients.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
History
The Needle House method has been a reliable technique for recording horizontal jaw
relations in dentistry for decades. It involves the use of mechanical tracers to capture
mandibular movements and generate intraoral tracings, which serve as a guide for
prosthetic fabrication. While this method has proven effective, it is not without
limitations. The manual interpretation of tracings introduces potential errors and
variability, making it difficult to achieve consistent results across different clinicians
and cases. -Q)
C) With the rapid advancement of digital technology in dentistry, there is growing
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Cll demand for more precise and efficient methods of recording jaw relations. Digital -C. tools have transformed many aspects of dental diagnostics and treatment pl~nning,
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~ The current invention addresses the need for advancement in recording jaw relation
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~ by combining the established Needle House method with cutting-edge digital
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~ sensors. This advancement provides a reliable, objective, and easily reproducible
.-:.:.1..' co system, bringing the benefits of digital accuracy to a traditional technique while

optimizing the overall workflow for modem dental practices.

OBJECTIVES
I. To improve the accuracy of horizontal jaw relation recording by integrating a
digital sensor with the Needle House method, ensuring precise and objective capture
of mandibular movements.
2. To enable real-time digital visualization of intraoral tracings on a computer,
allowing for immediate analysis, improved interpretation, and easier storage of
patient records.
3.'l'o create a seamless connection between jaw relation recordings and CAD/CAM
systems, optimizing workflow efficiency and enabling direct use of digital data for
prosthetic fabrication.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The Smart Tracer is an innovative device designed to enhance the traditional Needle ·
House method for recording horizontal jaw relations in dentistry. The invention
consists of a traditional mechanical tracer adapted with a high-resolution motiontracking
sensor that records mandibular movements during jaw relation recordings.
This sensor communicates wirelessly or via a wired connection to a computer, which
processes the data and graphically displays the tracing. The real-time display
provides immediate feedback to the clinician, allowing for more accurate and
reproducible recordings. This digital enhancement improves the accuracy and
reproducibility of jaw relation recordings, reducing human error in interpreting
tracings. Additionally, the system allows for seamless storage and analysis of patient
data, which can be directly integrated with CAD/CAM technologies for efficient
prosthetic design. The SmartT racer streamlines clinical workflows, offering dentists
a more reliable and modern approach to jaw relation recording while maintaining
the proven mechanics of the original method.






CLAIMS
II We Claim,
I. A jaw relation recording system comprising:
a. A mechanical tracer (8) based on the Needle House method, adapted with a
stylus for generating intraoral tracings.
b. A digital sensor (3) integrated into the mechanical tracer (8), capable of
capturing mandibular movements in real-time.
c. A data transmission system (5) to relay the recorded mandibular movements to
a computer for real-time display and analysis.
d. A software interface for visualizing the intraoral tracing, storing patient data,
and integrating with CAD/CAM systems.
2. The system of claim I, wherein the digital sensor (3) utilizes one or more of the
following technologies: infrared motion tracking, gyroscopic motion detection, or
optical sensors.
3. The system of claim I, wherein the data transmission system (4) operates
wirelessly via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi or via a wired USB connection.
4. The system of claim I, wherein the software interface allows for real-time
visualization (5), data storage, and compatibility with CAD/CAM systel'ns.
5. The system of claim I, further comprising a power supply unit that is rechargeable
and includes a control unit for sensor calibration (3) and data transmission
control(4).

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