Abstract: Determining surface topology of a portion (26) of a three-dimensional structure is provided. An array of incident light beams (36) passing through a focusing optics (42) and a probing face is shone on said portion. The focusing optics defines one or more focal planes forward the probing face in a position which can be changed (72) by the focusing optics. The beams generate illuminated spots (52) on the structure and the intensity of returning light rays propagating in an optical path opposite to that of the incident light rays is measured (60) at various positions of the focal plane(s). By determining spot-specific positions yielding a maximum intensity of the returned light beams, data is generated which is representative of said topology. Measurement of teeth. Light beams by grating of matrix of pinholes, micro lens array. Simultaneous imaging from three angles. Quicker with three different light components.

Abstract: A dental instrument and method for imaging the three-dimensional topography of one or more teeth in the oral cavity of an individual is provided. The instrument includes a probe insertable into the oral cavity to receive the image of these surfaces which can then be processed. Combined with the probe is an auxiliary which projects an air stream toward the surface to be imaged by the probe and acts to evaporate and remove from these surfaces a liquid film coating formed by saliva and other fluids present in the oral cavity, to render these surfaces dry and enhance their reflectivity and in doing so, provide clearer images.

Abstract: In a computer system that includes a Central Processing Unit and an associated input device, storage device and display device, a method for displaying on the display device a virtual three-dimensional (3D) dental model at desired preset views, for orthodontic use. The virtual 3D dental model is stored on the storage device and is indicative of a 3D structure of an individual's dental arches. The method includes the steps of providing a graphic user interface (GUI) that includes a graphic representation of the dental model and a plurality of graphic symbols each representative of a desired pre-set view of the dental model from a desired direction. Selecting through the input device graphic symbol from among the plurality of graphic symbols. Moving the dental model to a pre-set view which corresponds to the graphic symbol, whilst retaining the model in zoom.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for obtaining a three-dimensional representation of a patient's teeth arrangement. A three-dimensional physical teeth model is provided, having a surface relief corresponding to the patient's teeth arrangement. Computerized tomography (CT) is applied to the three-dimensional physical teeth model, to thereby acquire data of multiple slices of at least a portion of the teeth model. The data is analyzed to produce a virtual three-dimensional representation of the teeth model or a portion thereof.

Abstract: A method and system for providing information for correct placement of one or more brackets on one or more corresponding teeth according to a predetermined treatment scheme. A virtual representation of a three-dimensional teeth arrangement of one or both jaws of the individual with brackets placed on said teeth is obtained, wherein the position and orientation of the brackets on said teeth being designed so as to achieve a desired treatment outcome. The virtual representation is processed to generate an output data, the output data driving a display, such as a computer monitor or a printed “hard-copy”, to display an image of at least one tooth with a bracket thereon, the displayed image having three-dimensional qualities indicative of said at least one tooth as viewed from a defined viewpoint. The invention can be applied to the placement of brackets onto the buccal side of the teeth as well as onto the lingual side of the teeth.

Abstract: A method for for comparing between an orthodontic element's actual position on the surface of a tooth and a proper position comprise monitoring the element, the tooth or both once the element and the tooth are proximal to one another by an image acquisition unit which transmits an image to a screen that displays the image and displaying information on the screen regarding proper position of the element in a manner allowing to compare between the actual and the proper position is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a computer game, which, when operating on a computer enables a user, via a user's interface, to perform one or more tasks within a virtual environment, the virtual environment comprising a virtual three dimensional dental image of at least one tooth and the tasks performed by the user leading to the improvement of a certain virtual condition associated with said at least one tooth. The three dimensional dental image employed in the computer game is preferably based on or derived from a real life dental environment. The invention further relates to a storage medium for storing data representation of the above computer game and to a method of playing the computer game of the present invention using a computer.

Abstract: A method for for comparing between an orthodontic element's actual position on the surface of a tooth and a proper position comprise monitoring the element, the tooth or both once the element and the tooth are proximal to one another by an image acquisition unit which transmits an image to a screen that displays the image and displaying information on the screen regarding proper position of the element in a manner allowing to compare between the actual and the proper position is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a dental occlusion map of a three-dimensional virtual computer model of teeth of upper and lower jaws of a mouth. The occlusion map indicates the distances between opposite regions on facing surfaces of opposite teeth of the upper and lower jaws of the mouth. The method includes the steps of determining the distances between opposite regions on opposite teeth of the upper and lower jaws of the mouth, and setting up a correspondence between the determined distances and regions on a mapping surface.

Abstract: A method, system and device for positioning and fixing an orthodontic element on a surface of a tooth are provided. The positioning of the element on a tooth is accomplished by: bringing the element into proximity of the tooth while continuously capturing an image of at least the tooth or of the element, and an image of both, once the tooth and the element are proximal to one another; transmitting the image or its representation to a display for displaying a real-life image of the captured image or representation together with indicators providing guidance information on intended position of the orthodontic element on the tooth's surface; positioning the element on a tooth's surface according to said indicators such that the element's position coincides with the intended position; and fixing the element onto the tooth.

Abstract: A method of obtaining a dental image, such as a three-dimensional image of teeth, providing a three-dimensional physical teeth model. The three-dimensional physical teeth model can be either: a negative teeth model that includes a matrix with a plurality of cavities or recesses, each corresponding to a tooth; or a positive teeth model, that includes a matrix with a plurality of projections or bulges, each corresponding to a tooth. The method also includes removing a portion of the model in a controlled, step-wise manner, and in each step acquiring an optical image of the model or of its removed portion, digitizing each of the optical images in order to obtain a plurality of digital images, and compiling the plurality of digital images to obtain a three-dimensional digital dental image.