Abstract: A procedure and an arrangement for determining a three dimensional shape of a dental object includes the steps of providing a laser, a matrix of photo-detectors, and a controller; scanning a first narrow laser beam from the laser across a first surface area of the dental object; reflecting the first narrow laser beam away from the object; receiving a first scanning image of the reflected first narrow laser beam on the matrix of photo-detectors; determining first elevation profile data based upon the first scanning image relating to the first surface area; changing a relative angle between the laser, matrix of photo-detectors or dental object; scanning a second narrow laser beam from the laser across a second surface area of the dental object; reflecting the second narrow laser beam away from the object; receiving a second scanning image of the reflected second narrow laser beam on the matrix of photo-detectors; determining second elevation profile data based upon the second scanning image relating to the seco