Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure create an “exchange” where dentists who invest in on-site restoration technologies can share their restoration design, restoration supplies, characterization knowledge, and idle milling time with local dentists. Suppliers can further offer quality control by double checking designs and selections. The platform of shade measurements, block selections, and characterization recommendations further serves as a resource to the dental community at large for improving shade matching in dentistry restorations.

Abstract: The dental shade matching background tool has an elongate handle having a handgrip or finger-grip end and a dental shade guide attachment end. The dental shade guide attachment end has an upper surface defining a slot adapted for attaching the handle of a conventional dental shade guide to the tool, which snaps into or forms a friction fit in the slot. An offset neck slopes downward from the dental shade guide attachment end of the handle and has a background tab extending therefrom. The background tab has a face that is coated or covered with a neutral background color, such as gray. The background tab extends parallel to and beneath the tab of a dental shade guide retained in the slot at the dental shade guide attachment end of the handle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water-soluble or water-dispersible polymers. The water -soluble or water-dispersible polymer comprise a first monomer having hydrogen bonding/complexing properties to polyphenols, a second monomer having detergent properties, and a third monomer having hydrogen bonding/complexing properties to polyphenols, wherein the first monomer and the third monomer are the same or different. The present invention also provides oral care compositions comprising the water-soluble or water-dispersible polymers. The present invention also provides methods of cleaning, Whitening arid polishing natural teeth and dental prosthesis and of preventing, reducing or removing surface deposited stains from teeth by administering the oral care compositions. The water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer has a structure: wherein x, y, z, mole %, n, R1, and R2 are defined herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental scanning device characterized in that it is essentially formed by two bodies, the first body or scanner body (1) housing a moving scan head (3) consisting of a longitudinal mobile element ending in the scanning head (4), and the second body or bite body (2) consisting of a casing for receiving the scanning head (4); in addition to the element that allows the patient to hold and position the device by means of the force or pressure exerted by the patient's bite.

Abstract: A placement jig for locating an orthodontic appliance on a tooth is provided with a cavity formed in a jig body and conforming to the contour of an occlusal portion a tooth crown, which cavity is coated with a releasable adhesive to hold the jig to the tooth as the appliance is bonded to the tooth. Connecting structure is fixed to the jig body. In certain embodiments, at least two jig-locating areas shaped to respectively conform to areas on the occlusal surfaces of two different teeth of a group are machined into the machinable material, and appliance receiving structures are also machined on each jig body, each for holding an orthodontic appliance in a fixed position and orientation relative to the jig body. The jig bodies for placing orthodontic appliances on the teeth of an individual patient are preferably formed of a single piece of machinable material. A method and an apparatus for forming the jig bodies are provided.

Abstract: An artificial teeth packaging container includes an artificial teeth accommodating portion for fixing a plurality of continuously arranged artificial teeth detachably, and holding an arrangement position relation with an adjacent artificial teeth and an arrangement position relation with an upper or lower artificial molar teeth, in which the artificial teeth accommodating portion covers the plurality of artificial teeth from an occlusal plane in a state exposed around a cervical portion.

Abstract: A process for making a dental restoration includes forming a dental restoration base, selecting a decal representing a natural oral cavity characteristic, and attaching the selected decal to the base. Thereafter, the decal and the dental restoration base are conditioned to create a finished dental restoration having desired oral cavity color and characteristics such as teeth, enamel, dentin, crazing lines, stains, veins, blood vessels, bony coloration, hyper-calcification, mucosal tissue or gum tissue. In an alternative embodiment, the process may include placing a sealant over the decal and at least a portion of the dental restoration base. Additionally, a secondary decal may be attached over the sealant, followed by glazing the secondary decal.

Abstract: In a shade guide, a plurality of shade tabs whose colors are mutually different are arranged regularly based on the colors. The arrangement of the plurality of shade tabs is an arrangement determined based on: S values and V values that are determined according to to which areas, from among areas partitioned by a plurality of straight lines in an L*-C* plane, the coordinates of the colors of the shade tabs belong, and H values that are determined according to to which areas, from among areas partitioned by a plurality of straight lines in an a*-b* plane, the coordinates belong. S groups, each of which is a shade tab group having a common S value, are arranged in the shade guide. V rows, each of which is a shade tab group having a common V value, are arranged in each S group. In each V row, the plurality of shade tabs have mutually different H values and are aligned in an order that is in accordance with the H values.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental color analyzing device comprising a housing, a computer device having a storage unit, and a display on which a reference object together with at least one tooth and/or a gingival area is represented, wherein at least one first image section that shows the reference object as well as at least one second image section that displays the tooth, a tooth region or a gingival area, may be detected with the aid of the computer device, characterized in that the reference object is mounted on a tooth and in particular is attached thereto and comprises a smaller size than the represented tooth, wherein the reference object is a dental color key comprising color samples that are arranged next to one another and that each represent a dental color, and in that the color of the second, in particular selectable image section, is comparable to the represented color samples with the aid of the computer device such that the color sample that matches the color of the second image section best, m

Abstract: A method for determining color information of an object, wherein data is generated of the object with an image generation device having a field of view. The object and a reference implement having one or more regions of predetermined optical properties are positioned in the field of view. Data is generated of the reference implement, which includes a positional location attribute, based on which a position of the one or more regions of predetermined optical properties is determined by a processing system without operator identification of the position of the reference implement in the field of view. Color information of the object is generated by adjusting the data generated of the object based on the data generated of the reference implement. The color information may include value, chroma and hue information, RGB values, XYZ coordinates, or Lab values, and may be transmitted electronically to a remote location.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental color key comprising at least two different color patterns or samples with different tooth colors. The entire surface area of the color key (10) may be smaller than the buccal and/or labial surface area, that is to say the vestibular surface area of two teeth, and the color patterns or samples (12) are attached adjacent to one another and particularly mounted to one single tooth.

Abstract: A shade matching device for at least one artificial tooth or crown restoration is disclosed comprising eight shade guides held by three gingival colored holders. The shade guides are grouped by value and arranged within a particular value by chroma. A method for determining natural tooth shade is also disclosed. Images of the target tooth are captured with the shade guides placed adjacent to the target tooth. Preferably, additional images are captured to provide additional data, including images when the patient's lips are formed in a smile; in the M position; and retracted. A close-up image of the patient's teeth is also captured along with an image that includes the patient's full face.

Abstract: Dental shade guide systems include an elongate holder with a plurality of receptacles for holding a plurality of shade guide sticks, and a plurality of shade guide sticks. Each shade guide stick may include an elongate dentin body portion comprising a dental composite that is relatively opaque so as to be representative of dentin, and an enamel head portion at an end of the elongate dentin body portion, the enamel head portion comprising an outer layer of a dental composite that is relatively translucent so as to be representative of enamel, the outer layer overlaying the dentin body portion at the enamel head portion end of the stick.

Abstract: The present invention relates to various devices, systems, kits and methods having dental applications. For instance, a dental tray is provided for use in taking an impression of a person's teeth. A dental shade chart is also provided and includes a shade sticker for use in determining the shade of a person's tooth. Further, the dental tray and/or the shade chart can be included in a kit.

Abstract: Colorless dental compositions for restoring the enamel layer of a tooth are disclosed. The colorless enamel compositions are combined with pigmented dentin compositions to provide a true color match and natural esthetics. Methods that utilize the compositions in placement/build-up techniques in direct restorations are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method (100) for producing color elements of a shade guide. To this end, color values of known color elements (15) of shade guides (10) with similar lightness values, hues and chromata are initially ascertained. In another method step, the color values of each new color element are determined while increasing a color distance (16) between the lightness values, hues and chromata of the previously ascertained color values.

Abstract: A fluid conditioning system is adapted to condition the fluid used in medical and dental cutting, irrigating, evacuating, cleaning, and drilling operations. The fluid may be conditioned by adding flavors, antiseptics and/or tooth whitening agents such as peroxide, medications, and pigments. In addition to the direct benefits obtained from introduction of these agents, the laser cutting properties may be varied from the selective introduction of the various agents.

Abstract: The shade system contains a set of dentin/body shades, and a set of enamel and opaque shades that correspond to the dentin/body shades. The system may also include tints and specialty incisals to provide special effects, if necessary.

Abstract: A pontic having a prefabricated notch, channel or slot to physically engage and ensure a secure mechanical lock with the dental appliance. The invention also pertains to a method of fabricating a dental appliance and a kit for facilitating the same. The invention has particular application to thermoformed, removable appliances.

Abstract: A series of ceramic ingots is provided in which each ingot in the series, referred to as base ingots, has a shade corresponding to a different shade of a shade guide. The number of differently shaded base ingots is less than the total number of shades associated with the shade guide. A base ingot is selected from the series having a shade of a value at least as high as a shade associated with a patient's tooth. If the base ingot shade matches the patient's tooth, a restoration made with the selected base ingot can be glazed as is; otherwise the dental restoration is stained with a stain having a lower value than the selected base ingot to match the tooth. Thus, the total different number of ingot shades needed in inventory is reduced but without requiring staining in every case.

Abstract: A dental color measurement tool disposed opposite an opening portion for capturing light from an artificial tooth to undergo color measurement with a color measurement device includes at least one pair of guide posts having an engaging portion corresponding to an engaging portion on the color measurement device side, and an abutment post disposed between the pair of guide posts and having a pointed convex shape to which the artificial tooth can be mounted. The abutment post has a color measurement reference surface in a color measurement light axis direction as the vicinity of a focus position of the color measurement device in a photographing state. When performing color measurement photographing, the artificial tooth is mounted to the abutment post to position the front thereof at the color measurement reference surface. Thus, the artificial tooth can be stably retained at a suitable position with respect to the color measurement device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a non-transitory computer readable medium that includes one or more programs for carrying out a method for addressing a dental need in a patient involving modification of tooth shape, alignment, or color. The method includes the steps of receiving an electronic image of a patient's tooth; storing the image electronically in memory storage; and communicating the image to a party for evaluation of the modification of tooth shape, alignment, or color in connection with the addressing of the patient's dental need.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an endodontic sealer which comprises a urethane-monoacrylate oligomer, a diluting monomer, at least one photo-initiator, at least one thermal-initiator, and a filler, wherein the urethane-monoacrylate oligomer is obtained by firstly reacting the acrylate with the diisocyanate to form an intermediate with only one isocyanate group, and then reacting the intermediate with the polyol to form the desired urethane-monoacrylate oligomer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining a tooth shade of at least a portion of a patient's tooth which is to be replaced or restored, by capturing an electronic image of the patient's tooth, the image including color information representative of the patient's tooth shade; storing color information representative of known tooth shades with each known tooth shade representing a different tooth color; calibrating the color information of the patient's tooth and the color information representative of known tooth shades; and comparing the color information of the patient's tooth with the stored color information to identify a single tooth shade or a combination of tooth shades with a color or combined color corresponding to the color of at least a portion of the patient's tooth, such that the patient's tooth may be comprised of a single tooth shade or a plurality of tooth shades.

Abstract: An image processing system is used for dentistry. Upon creating a false tooth of a patient (59), a plurality of illuminating light of LEDs with different wavelengths emit light and a photographing apparatus (1A) photographs a tooth portion of the patient (59), thereby obtaining image data. The image data is sent to a dentistry filing system (2A) serving as a processing apparatus, and color reproducing data is obtained by calculation. The color reproducing data is sent to a dentistry factory (55) via a public line. Data is searched from a database (56) for calculating a ceramic compounding ratio, compound data of the ceramic false tooth is obtained, matching the color of the tooth portion of the patient (59), and the false tooth approximate to the tooth color of the patient (59) is created.

Abstract: A method and system for selecting dental constructions using translucent materials that match an individual's preexisting tooth appearance uses a set of reference templates. The reference templates are constructed from layers of various translucent dental materials positioned on bases constructed from actual or simulated tooth structures. The layers of translucent materials have a thickness that varies in increments that correspond to the likely thicknesses of the materials when used in dental constructions. A reference table is created based upon color measurements of each of the reference templates. A color measurement of the individual's preexisting teeth is then compared to the reference table to determine which particular dental construction will most closely match the individuals preexisting teeth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental color analyzing device comprising a housing, a computer device having a storage unit, and a display on which a reference object together with at least one tooth and/or a gingival area is represented, wherein at least one first image section that shows the reference object as well as at least one second image section that displays the tooth, a tooth region or a gingival area, may be detected with the aid of the computer device, characterized in that the reference object is mounted on a tooth and in particular is attached thereto and comprises a smaller size than the represented tooth, wherein the reference object is a dental color key comprising color samples that are arranged next to one another and that each represent a dental color, and in that the color of the second, in particular selectable image section, is comparable to the represented color samples with the aid of the computer device such that the color sample that matches the color of the second image section best, m

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental color key comprising at least two different color patterns or samples with different tooth colors. The entire surface area of the color key (10) is smaller than the buccal and/or labial surface area, that is to say the vestibular surface area of two teeth, and the color patterns or samples (12) are attached adjacent to one another and particularly mounted to one single tooth.

Abstract: A dental color system having primary and mixed colors with assigned coordinates in the CIElab color space, in which the colors of natural teeth are essentially located on coordinates within an ellipsoid-shaped space, which is assigned a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Colorless dental compositions for restoring the enamel layer of a tooth are disclosed. The colorless enamel compositions are combined with pigmented dentin compositions to provide a true color match and natural esthetics. Methods that utilize the compositions in placement/build-up techniques in direct restorations are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a shade guide, a plurality of shade tabs whose colors are mutually different are arranged regularly based on the colors. The arrangement of the plurality of shade tabs is an arrangement determined based on: S values and V values that are determined according to to which areas, from among areas partitioned by a plurality of straight lines in an L*-C* plane, the coordinates of the colors of the shade tabs belong, and H values that are determined according to to which areas, from among areas partitioned by a plurality of straight lines in an a*-b* plane, the coordinates belong. S groups, each of which is a shade tab group having a common S value, are arranged in the shade guide. V rows, each of which is a shade tab group having a common V value, are arranged in each S group. In each V row, the plurality of shade tabs have mutually different H values and are aligned in an order that is in accordance with the H values.

Abstract: In a dental device for the investigation of the optical properties of tooth tissue, in particular for the recognition of caries, plaque, bacterial infection, concretions and tartar, having a generator for generating an excitation radiation, which is to be directed onto a tooth tissue region to be investigated, a radiation detector and a radiation evaluator for the detection and evaluation of a response radiation arising from the irradiated tooth tissue region as response to the irradiation, and an indicator means for the indication of a measurement result determined by the evaluation means on the basis of the detected response radiation, the excitation radiation generator, the radiation detector and at least also the indicator being integrated in a dental handpiece.

Abstract: A method for preparing a dental prosthesis based on electronically determined image and color/shade data of a patient's tooth is disclosed. The image data and the color/shade data are displayed on a display device in the dental office. The image data and color/shade data are transmitted to a computing device at a remote location over a data communication channel. A telephone communication is established between a dental professional in a location proximate to the dental office and a dental technician or ceramist in a location proximate to the remote location while the dental professional and the dental technician or ceramist are commonly viewing the image and color/shade data. The dental prosthesis is prepared at the remote location based on the electronically transmitted image and color/shade data. Color/shade data of the dental prosthesis is electronically determined and the dental prosthesis is selectively modified prior to installing the dental prosthesis in the patient.

Abstract: A supply system for tooth samples for determining brightness, chroma and/or shade of natural and/or bleached teeth, has a plurality of receiving elements (20, 22) in which a plurality of tooth samples (30) are linearly disposed. Groups of tooth samples (30) are provided next to each other in a first receiving element (20), wherein the tooth samples (30) have the same brightness and the same shade within each group. The second receiving element (22) also has groups of tooth samples (30) that are disposed next to each other, wherein tooth samples (30) are disposed having the same brightness and different shades within each group.

Abstract: The referencing or calibration phantom (1) has at least a partial surface with at least two different colors or two shades of the same color The surface is at least partially opaque.

Abstract: A new color shade guide for use in dentistry has two linearly-arranged sets of shade guides. One set includes only conventional ‘M’ hues, the other set includes only conventional ‘L’ and ‘R’ hues. Each of the two sets is arranged with the guides in a single line. Fasteners are attached to one of the sets of shade guides and enables the two sets to be connected together, back-to-back, enabling a practitioner to view all of the tooth shades in the system by simply rotating the attached guides. Blue and violet colored translucent sheets are included in a kit to enable a practitioner to efficiently isolate the ‘value’ component of the Munsell color system by comparing the perceived color of the tooth or teeth as viewed through the colored sheet with the perceived color of the shade guide as viewed through the same sheet.

Abstract: A method of making a patient's dental prosthetic (e.g., prosthetic tooth, crown, veneer, or bridge) by acquiring an image of the patient's teeth that contains black and white normalization references. These references are black and white porcelain, for example, that allow software of the invention to determine absolute black and absolute white within the color image. The acquired color image is then normalized in accordance with the normalization references, which corrects the image for variations in lighting conditions and image source. The normalized image is then standardized by matching the pixels of the normalized image to selected shade standards. The dental prosthesis can then be manufactured by a lab technician by referring to the standardized image. The tooth shade analysis and matching system is also applicable to direct restorations of natural teeth, such as repair of chipped or broken teeth. Methods of whitening teeth are also disclosed.

Abstract: A miniaturized spectrometer/spectrophotometer system and methods are disclosed. A probe tip including one or more light sources and a plurality of light receivers is provided. A first spectrometer system receives light from a first set of the plurality of light receivers. A second spectrometer system receives light from a second set of the plurality of light receivers. A processor, wherein the processor receives data generated by the first spectrometer system and the second spectrometer system, wherein an optical measurement of a sample under test is produced based on the data generated by the first and second spectrometer systems. Improved shade matching/prediction results are obtained through the use of volumes/regions, preferably polygons, around shades in a shade system.

Abstract: In a method, computer program, and system a dental target, such as a tooth, is located within a digital dental image. A reference object that was placed in the patient's mouth is segmented within a digital dental image to provide a segmented reference. The reference object has a predetermined size dimension. A window is segmented in the dental image at the position of the dental target. The segmented reference defines the relative size and location of the window, prior to the segmenting of the window.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining a tooth shade of at least a portion of a patient's tooth which is to be replaced or restored, by capturing an electronic image of the patient's tooth, the image including color information representative of the patient's tooth shade; storing color information representative of known tooth shades with each known tooth shade representing a different tooth color; calibrating the color information of the patient's tooth and the color information representative of known tooth shades; and comparing the color information of the patient's tooth with the stored color information to identify a single tooth shade or a combination of tooth shades with a color or combined color corresponding to the color of at least a portion of the patient's tooth, such that the patient's tooth may be comprised of a single tooth shade or a plurality of tooth shades.

Abstract: The shade system contains a set of dentin/body shades, and a set of enamel and opaque shades that correspond to the dentin/body shades. The system may also include tints and specialty incisals to provide special effects, if necessary.

Abstract: A dental prosthesis or template (10) simulates the front surfaces of a patient's teeth and is positioned to overlay over a patient's natural teeth (40) to provide an indication of what a dental porcelain overlay may look like once applied to the patient's teeth. A matching temporary veneer overlay (110) with simulated matching teeth sized and shaped to the template is constructed to be installed over the patient's prepared teeth.

Abstract: An arrangement comprises bottle-shaped containers (3) containing various substances for construction and coloring of dental components. The containers are arranged in sector-shaped units which comprise containers with substances belonging to an allocated group of shades. The containers/substances in each respective group are further divided into user categories. Containers/substance related to a first use are placed outermost in the sector-shaped unit, a second user category is placed to the inside of the first user category, and so on. The novel arrangement enhances the efficiency of use of commercially available substances for construction of said products. Several users can use the arrangement simultaneously. The novel arrangement permits natural reproduction of the products in question.

Abstract: The invention relates to a computer readable medium comprising one or more programs for carrying out a method for determining a patient's tooth shade. The method generally includes the steps of generating an image of a patient's tooth wherein the image includes color information representative of the patient's tooth shade; storing color information representative of a plurality of tooth shades; and comparing the color information of the image with the stored tooth shade color information to identify one or more tooth shades having a combined color that corresponds to the patient's tooth shade, and the color information that is obtained may be displayed to identify one or more tooth shades having a combined color corresponding to the determined tooth color.

Abstract: A shine guide is disclosed for use in evaluating dental surfaces. The shine guide includes a substrate having an upper surface; and a plurality of gloss sections arranged on the upper surface of the substrate, wherein each of the plurality of gloss sections has a unique reflectivity measured in gloss units. Also described is a method for evaluating shine of a dental surface and packaging for dentifrices incorporating a shine guide.

Abstract: A surface mapping and generating device which has devices for the process and/or cost optimization, in particular raw material recovery devices, an automatic control of the intensity of a used laser light, devices for carrying out a calibrating procedure by evaluating overlap errors at matching points, devices for archiving especially three-dimensional data of the jaw and/or for modeling the bite position of the upper and the lower jaws, devices for the optimized preparation of at least one dental stump for the production and placement of a dental prosthesis thereon and/or devices for taking into consideration the bite position of the upper and lower jaws.

Abstract: Packages for dispensing dental appliances of the type used in corrective orthodontic treatments, methods of using such packages, and methods of manufacturing such packages. The package generally includes a holder and drawers containing the dental appliances that are removable from the package. The characteristics of the dental appliances positioned in each individual drawer are appropriate for application to different quadrants of the patient's teeth. The drawers of the package may be color coded with regions on a setup card so that the dental appliances, while remaining positioned in the drawers, may be organized among the regions according to the intended quadrants for bracket application. Other color coding schemes are possible involving the drawers, the brackets held by the drawers, the setup card, and the brackets themselves.

Abstract: To photograph teeth and dental shade guides including marks indicating color tones of a color samples together in large size and particularly, without making the photographing distance far from the teeth, irrespective of the color samples to plate-shaped handle parts, in the dental shade guide, has a color sample modeling a form of an artificial tooth of an anterior tooth and a tag having a mark indication part are attached at one end of a plate-shaped handle part rotatably around an axis, the tag is attached at a lingual surface side of the color sample, and the mark indication part protrudes 1 to 15 mm at the maximum only from a tooth root directional end or side of the color sample.

Abstract: A dental color system having primary and mixed colors with assigned coordinates in the CIElab color space, in which the colors of natural teeth are essentially located on coordinates within an ellipsoid-shaped space, which is assigned a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: In a shade determination apparatus for porcelain crowns a set of plastic over-tabs in different shades, sizes and specific areas of the tooth, are provided. Based on the specific base shade selected, the set of over-tabs can be tried on to any standard shade guide to achieve a more life-like appearance of the porcelain crown to match the natural teeth surrounding the crowned tooth. Different areas of the tooth such as the cervical and the incisal can be custom stained to match the natural teeth. Along with the different areas of the tooth a practitioner can determine the size of the particular area, i.e. the cervical one-third or the incisal one-half. The over-tabs can be tried on simultaneously, i.e. a cervical one-half shade can be tried on with a incisal one-half shade at the same time, thus determining a better shade match. There are also six “white striation” tabs that can fit over the other tabs at the end to determine a better match of the natural tooth.