Abstract: The invention relates to compositions based on ZrO2, and single- and multi-colored blanks made from oxide ceramics, and a process for their preparation, in which oxide ceramic powder is coated with a coloring substance, the coated powders are preferably graded and at least one colored powder is filled into a compression mould, the colored powder or powders are compressed to produce a shaped body, and the compressed shaped body is sintered to produce a blank, and to the use of these blanks for the preparation of dental restorations.

Abstract: An intra-oral camera for producing an axially aligned picture of an intra-oral item of interest permits a rapid taking of pictures, whereby burdensome usage requirements are avoided without, however, suffering any diminishment in the quality of the picture that is taken. A computer-controlled picture taking positioning of the intra-oral camera properly positions the camera for taking pictures of objects of interest. The proper picture taking position of the camera ensures that the picture of an intra-oral object or an area of interest such as, for example, a tooth of a patient, is taken in the desired size, at the desired angle, and at the desired location.

Abstract: A light analyzer with a first light source configured and disposed for irradiating with a first light an object disposed at an object location. A second light source is configured and disposed for irradiating the object with a second light that is preferably polarized along a first axis. A light receiving element is configured and disposed for receiving the first and second light reflected from the object and comprising a sensing device that is configured for sensing and producing an image corresponding to the reflected light. The light receiving element preferably comprises a polarizing filter configured for polarizing the reflected second light along a second axis at an angle to the first axis for reducing glare and reflection.

Abstract: A dental camera and a mouthpiece attachment thereon. The camera has a light source and a light receiving element configured for receiving reflected light and producing an image based on the received light. The mouthpiece is mountable to the housing of the camera and is configured for contacting a patient's mouth for positioning the camera with respect to at least a portion of the mouth. The mouthpiece has a light channel associated with the light source for permitting the emitted light to reflect off a tooth in a patient's mouth and permitting the reflected light to travel into the receiving element. A wing extends radially from the light channel and is configured and dimensioned for placement between a lip and teeth of a patient for substantially blocking light from entering the light channel from outside the wing. A display on the housing is associated with the receiving element for displaying the image.

Abstract: An intra-oral camera for producing an axially aligned picture of an intra-oral item of interest permits a rapid taking of pictures, whereby burdensome usage requirements are avoided without, however, suffering any diminishment in the quality of the picture that is taken. A computer-controlled picture taking positioning of the intra-oral camera properly positions the camera for taking pictures of objects of interest. The proper picture taking position of the camera ensures that the picture of an intra-oral object or an area of interest such as, for example, a tooth of a patient, is taken in the desired size, at the desired angle, and at the desired location.

Abstract: In a shade determination apparatus for teeth and dental restorations, a set of reference templates for comparing to a patient's tooth is provided. Based on the coloration of the reference template, the shade of a tooth or of a restoration to be employed can be determined. The reference templates are produced in a layer arrangement, taking into consideration layer thickness, material selection, or both, that corresponds to the tooth or the dental restoration to be employed. A storage apparatus stores the coloration of the reference templates, and the layering of the tooth or of the dental restoration can be matched and determined based on partial images from an image of the patient's tooth.

Abstract: A dental camera and a mouthpiece attachment therefor. The camera has a light source and a light receiving element configured for receiving reflected light and producing an image based on the received light. The mouthpiece is mountable to the housing of the camera and is configured for contacting a patient's mouth for positioning the camera with respect to at least a portion of the mouth. The mouthpiece has a light channel associated with the light source for permitting the emitted light to reflect off a tooth in a patient's mouth and permitting the reflected light travel into the receiving element. A wing extends radially from the light channel and configured and dimensioned for placement between a lip and teeth of a patient for substantially blocking light from entering the light channel from outside the wing. A display on the housing is associated with the receiving element for displaying the image.

Abstract: In a shade determination apparatus for teeth and dental restorations, a set of reference templates for comparing to a patient's tooth is provided, whereby based on the coloration of the reference template the shade of a tooth or of a restoration to be employed can be determined. The reference templates are produced in a layer arrangement, taking into consideration layer thickness and/or material selection, that corresponds to the tooth or the dental restoration to be employed. A storage apparatus stores the coloration of the reference templates, and the layering of the tooth or of the dental restoration can be matched and determined based on partial images from an image of the patient's tooth.

Abstract: A light analyzer with a first light source configured and disposed for irradiating with a first light an object disposed at an object location. A second light source is configured and disposed for irradiating the object with a second light that is preferably polarized along a first axis. A light receiving element is configured and disposed for receiving the first and second light reflected from the object and comprising a sensing device that is configured for sensing and producing an image corresponding to the reflected light. The light receiving element preferably comprises a polarizing filter configured for polarizing the reflected second light along a second axis at an angle to the first axis for reducing glare and reflection.

Abstract: In a shade determination apparatus for teeth and dental restorations, a set of reference templates for comparing to a patient's tooth is provided. Based on the coloration of the reference template, the shade of a tooth or of a restoration to be employed can be determined. The reference templates are produced in a layer arrangement, taking into consideration layer thickness, material selection, or both, that corresponds to the tooth or the dental restoration to be employed. A storage apparatus stores the coloration of the reference templates, and the layering of the tooth or of the dental restoration can be matched and determined based on partial images from an image of the patient's tooth.

Abstract: In a shade determination apparatus for teeth and dental restorations, a set of reference templates for comparing to a patient's tooth is provided, whereby based on the coloration of the reference template the shade of a tooth or of a restoration to be employed can be determined. The reference templates are produced in a layer arrangement, taking into consideration layer thickness and/or material selection, that corresponds to the tooth or the dental restoration to be employed. A storage apparatus stores the coloration of the reference templates, and the layering of the tooth or of the dental restoration can be matched and determined based on partial images from an image of the patient's tooth.