Framework of computer-assisted instruction and clinical decision support system for orthodontics with case-based reasoning

Abstract

Malocclusion is a very common oral disease. People with malocclusion often appeal to orthodontics for treatment. Since the treatment of orthodontics often takes several years, simulation and animation with 3D visual effect provides a good communication vehicle between patients and dentists before the treatment. In this paper, we developed a framework of CAI (computer assisted instruction) system with case-based reasoning for orthodontics. The system collects a lot of past cases of orthodontic and makes a 3D animation for each case, which simulates the moving and morphing from the pre- to the post-treatment. When a dentist encounters a new case, a past case will be selected based on the distance between the new case and the past one. A 3D animation of this most similar case will also be displayed. The system also incorporated pathological rules used for classifying the cases with different symptoms. Based on the rules, the search space for the similar cases can be reduced. © 2010 Springer-Verlag.