Anyone considering braces can now see how different styles will look on their teeth before they visit an orthodontist, thanks to a first-of-its-kind augmented reality (AR) application for the iPhone.
With Clarity Smile, users can immediately see how ceramic, metallic, and colored braces or clear aligners will look as they speak and smile, as if they were looking in a mirror. They can also use the app to share selfies with friends and family.
Built by Vancouver-based Neon in partnership with 3M, Clarity Smile solves the technical challenges of dynamic AR occlusion (the visual layering of real and virtual objects), precision object tracking, and variable lighting to give iPhone users a live, interactive, and digitally-enhanced preview on their own teeth.
Neon is a digital product studio backed by private equity firm TCap. Founded by ex-Teligence executives, TCap’s portfolio of companies has included companies like Pixel Union and Sphere.
RELATED: Tiny Capital Acquires Top Shopify Partner Pixel Union From TCap
“Now everyone can choose the right braces for their smiles, before they spend precious time and money on treatment,” says Aly Hasham, Vice President, Strategy at Neon. “Clarity Smile is quick, interactive, and fun – and it represents a major advance in AR technology.”
Using the iPhone’s front-facing TrueDepth camera, Clarity Smile ensures digital braces appear only on the teeth, and don’t superimpose on the lips when users close their mouths. The app precisely tracks the braces onto individual teeth as people move their heads, while adjusting for ambient lighting and reflections — providing a high-quality visualization before patients invest in a treatment plan.
Clarity Smile also features several just-for-fun previews, including vampire and zombie teeth, and sparkly diamond grills. App users who are ready to consult with an orthodontist can access the Doctor Locator to find a professional in their area.
Leave a Reply