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: 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.

Abstract: Color measuring systems and methods such as for determining the color or other characteristics of teeth are disclosed. Perimeter receiver fiber optics are spaced apart from a central source fiber optic and receive light reflected from the surface of the object/tooth being measured. Light from the perimeter fiber optics pass to a variety of filters. The system utilizes the perimeter receiver fiber optics to determine information regarding the height and angle of the probe with respect to the object/tooth being measured. Under processor control, the color measurement may be made at a predetermined height and angle. Various color spectral photometer arrangements are disclosed. Translucency, fluorescence and/or surface texture data also may be obtained. Audio feedback may be provided to guide operator use of the system. The probe may have a removable or shielded tip for contamination prevention. A method of producing dental prostheses based on measured data also is disclosed.

Abstract: Optical characteristic measuring systems and methods such as for determining the color or other optical characteristics of teeth are disclosed. Perimeter receiver fiber optics are spaced apart from a source fiber optic and receive light from the surface of the object/tooth being measured. Light from the perimeter fiber optics pass to a variety of filters. The system utilizes the perimeter receiver fiber optics to determine information regarding the height and angle of the probe with respect to the object/tooth being measured. Under processor control, the optical characteristics measurement may be made at a predetermined height and angle. Various color spectral photometer arrangements are disclosed. Translucency, fluorescence, gloss and/or surface texture data also may be obtained. Audio feedback may be provided to guide operator use of the system. The probe may have a removable or shielded tip for contamination prevention. A method of producing dental prostheses based on measured data also is disclosed.

Abstract: A device for verifying the shade of a patient's teeth for the fabrication of a dental restorative comprising a mold section and a section for holding a shade tab, both of which are disposed on the shaft or rod of the device. A shade tab is formed in the mold section by applying composite material in the mold and curing it. The composite material is selected by the dentist based on the shade of the patient's teeth. After the composite material is cured, the resultant shade tab is removed from the mold and placed in the holder for the shade tab. This enables a dentist to effectively match the shade of a patient's teeth in order to provide a restoration that matches the patient's teeth.

Abstract: A kit which may be used for anterior tooth selection, the kit including a facial meter for measuring the width of a nose and/or the distance between the eyes, and for correlating the measurement to a tooth size, and an anterior tooth selection guide consisting of a plurality of cards which have various sets of upper anterior teeth of differing sizes, soft and bold, depicted thereon so that a dentist or dental professional may place a card adjacent the face of the patient to make an initial evaluation of the teeth to be selected based upon the use of the anterior tooth selection guide. The kit may also includes a mold guide which includes various sets of anterior teeth and posterior teeth. This kit facilitates the tooth selection process by the dental professional.

Abstract: The invention relates to an enhanced electronic shade guide that includes addtitional hue-chroma information between the shades of existing shade guides and value information for the measured tooth. The shade guide provides a recipe for constructing a restoration or replacement for the tooth. A comparison of the patient's tooth to the stored tooth shades is preferably performed electronically by a suitable software program that contains the shade guide information of the present invention.

Abstract: Color measuring systems and methods such as for determining the color or other characteristics of teeth are disclosed. Perimeter receiver fiber optics are spaced apart from a central source fiber optic and receive light reflected from the surface of the object/tooth being measured. Light from the perimeter fiber optics pass to a variety of filters. The system utilizes the perimeter receiver fiber optics to determine information regarding the height and angle of the probe with respect to the object/tooth being measured. Under processor control, the color measurement may be made at a predetermined height and angle. Various color spectral photometer arrangements are disclosed. Translucency, fluorescence and/or surface texture data also may be obtained. Audio feedback may be provided to guide operator use of the system. The probe may have a removable or shielded tip for contamination prevention. A method of producing dental prostheses based on measured data also is disclosed.

Abstract: A scanning system includes a hand-held scanning device that generates two-dimensional images of a pattern reflected off an object. The system also includes a memory and processing unit. The memory stores a calibration table for the scanner and received scanned bitmap images. The processing unit generates three-dimensional information as to a scanned object. The scanning can be performed without knowledge or even precise control of the position of the object relative to the scanner. Random movement of the object during scanning is also possible. For example, the scanner is simply swept over the surface of the object by hand. Three-dimensional information of the object is obtained from the captured images using a calibration table for the scanner. A method of calibration of the scanner in X, Y and Z directions is also described. The scanner can be used for a variety of purposes, including medical and industrial purposes.

Abstract: A method for determining visual calorimetric values for an object having particular spectral reflectance characteristics comprises the steps of: (a) photographing an object with an electronic image capture device to form device image values; (b) selecting a transform from a plurality of transforms for converting device image values to visual colorimetric values, wherein the selection of the transform is based on the particular spectral reflectance characteristics of the object; and (c) applying the selected transform to the device image values to determine the visual colorimetric values for the object.

Abstract: Color measuring systems and methods such as for determining the color or other characteristics of teeth are disclosed. Perimeter receiver fiber optics are spaced apart from a central source fiber optic and receive light reflected from the surface of the object/tooth being measured. Light from the perimeter fiber optics pass to a variety of filters. The system utilizes the perimeter receiver fiber optics to determine information regarding the height and angle of the probe with respect to the object/tooth being measured. Under processor control, the color measurement may be made at a predetermined height and angle. Various color spectral photometer arrangements are disclosed. Translucency, fluorescence and/or surface texture data also may be obtained. Audio feedback may be provided to guide operator use of the system. The probe may have a removable or shielded tip for contamination prevention. A method of producing dental prostheses based on measured data also is disclosed.

Abstract: An kiln for dental restoration components is provided, and comprises an indicator having an image screen for displaying information. The image screen is provided with at least two, and in particular at least three, surface areas with which optically distinguishable features, including colors, types and structures, can be represented. The surface areas together essentially form a front and/or side view of at least one tooth.

Abstract: Model tooth for purposes of orientation in dental technical procedures, in which the natural, ordinary layering of neck material, dentin, and enamel is realized using three highly contrasting, translucent materials of different colors that can be distinguished from one another, in a ratio of 1:1.

Abstract: A dental restorative formula selector including a formula matrix is disclosed. The formula matrix includes tooth shade markings and two or more dental restorative formulas correlated to each tooth shade marking. Each dental restorative formula includes at least one dental restorative composition code, and at least one dental restorative formula of the two or more dental restorative formulas provided includes at least two dental restorative composition codes. The dental restorative formula selector may provide a practitioner with multiple dental restorative formula options for restoring teeth using dental restorative compositions.

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: A method and apparatus for communicating specific idiosyncrasies in tooth appearance to be replicated in the fabrication of tooth restorations, as well as a method for creating reference images of a tooth are disclosed. The apparatus contains images of a tooth, wherein categories of specific features are displayed in the images, and codes are assigned to the images according to variations within the categories. The method of communication utilizes the apparatus by allowing a first user to compare an actual tooth to the images, record the codes for images with features that most closely resemble the actual tooth, and transmit the codes to a second user who may reference the same selected images using the recorded codes. The reference images of a particular type of tooth are created by separating and enhancing specific features in photographs of an actual tooth.

Abstract: The shade guide (1) consists of a colored polymerized composite material for evaluating the optical appearance of a dental restoration. The shade guide has a wedge-like shape and the composite material of which it is built up has a homogeneous structure. It has the advantage that it allows evaluation of the coloration of a dental restoration to be made with a curable composite material, particularly with a light curable composite material, before the restoration is performed.

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: The invention relates to an enhanced electronic shade guide that includes addtitional hue-chroma information between the shades of existing shade guides and value information for the measured tooth. The shade guide provides a recipe for constructing a restoration or replacement for the tooth. A comparison of the patient's tooth to the stored tooth shades is preferably performed electronically by a suitable software program that contains the shade guide information of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for scanning a plurality of teeth and gums in a patient's mouth. The system includes a mouthpiece, a camera that fits in the mouthpiece, and an electronic storage medium. The camera can move in an arc within the mouthpiece to preferably scan the entire mouth of the patient and is preferably connected to or includes a CD, DVD, a computer hard drive, or electronic diskette to save the image for later use. The image can then be compared to a patient's prior image or compared to a dental standard to determine the patient's dental health and cosmetic characteristics.

Abstract: A dental color matching system. A series of translucent films are printed with a variety of colors that closely approximate the colors found in human teeth. The films, or sections of the films, may be reversibly self-adhesive for ease in placing on and removing from a template, or on top of one another, in a sequence until the desired or matching color is obtained. The color is communicated among dental professionals and patient, for example, by indicia that encode the different colors found in a shade system used by dental professionals or in the tooth itself. By using the invention, a dental professional can thus economically and efficiently prepare a dental prosthesis with a color that closely matches that of a patient's natural tooth.

Abstract: A tooth characterization guide includes several sets of tooth samples, each set representing a tooth different characteristic. The guide allows a dentist to compare guide samples in value and translucency with a patient's teeth to obtain an accurate characterization of a tooth prosthesis for the patient. From these tooth samples the dentist is able to first choose a suitable translucency, which is the most important and influential factor for true tooth replication from a first set of samples. The dentist then is able to choose a suitable brightness from a second set of samples. The dentist then is able to choose a suitable color and saturation from a third set of samples. The dental laboratory utilizing the guide selections can then objectively reproduce the observed tooth appearance.

Abstract: A method of making a patient's dental prosthesis (e.g., a prosthesis tooth, crown, veneer, or bridge) by acquiring an image of the patient's teeth that contain 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 dental set plate for supporting therein a set of replacement teeth includes a support body having a channel and a deformable mass disposed in the channel of the support body for releasably adhesively retaining a row of replacement teeth pressed thereinto. The dental set plate also includes a non-opaque hood covering the support body and the replacement teeth supported on the support body and product information indicia affixed to the hood. The dental set plate is dimensioned for stocking of the dental set plate in an index structure which retains dental set plates and the walls of the hood have an extent such that the walls terminate within the index structure in which the dental set plate is stocked.

Abstract: A dental color matching system. A series of translucent films are printed with a variety of colors that closely approximate the colors found in human teeth. The films, or sections of the films, may be reversibly self-adhesive for ease in placing on and removing from a template, or on top of one another, in a sequence until the desired or matching color is obtained. The color is communicated among dental professionals and patient, for example, by indicia that encode the different colors found in a shade system used by dental professionals or in the tooth itself. By using the invention, a dental professional can thus economically and efficiently prepare a dental prosthesis with a color that closely matches that of a patient's natural 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. 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: Method for generating optical characteristics data of a dental object including at least color characteristics, are disclosed. Light is provided to the object and light is received from the object, and the received light is coupled to a camera, with the object positioned in the field of view of the camera. The optical characteristics data are generated based on camera data corresponding to the object and based on camera data corresponding to a calibration standard generated with the calibration standard in the field of view of the camera. The optical characteristics data may be stored in a record of a software database or used to prepare a second dental object.

Abstract: A dental restorative formula selector including a formula matrix is disclosed. The formula matrix includes tooth shade markings and two or more dental restorative formulas correlated to each tooth shade marking. Each dental restorative formula includes at least one dental restorative composition code, and at least one dental restorative formula of the two or more dental restorative formulas provided includes at least two dental restorative composition codes. The dental restorative formula selector may provide a practitioner with multiple dental restorative formula options for restoring teeth using dental restorative compositions.

Abstract: A processor implemented prosthodontia system employs digital imaging of a restoration site and surrounding areas of an oral cavity and digital sampling of calorimetric values of tooth surfaces. The processor selects digital image data representative of a tooth surface configuration corresponding to the tooth number of the tooth to be restored and generates a three dimensional image of the restoration, with colorimetric values. Data comprising the shape and calorimetric values of the restoration is transmitted to a fabrication station for processor controlled fabrication through implementation of, for example, a three dimensional jet printing system employing particulate porcelain, polymeric dental composite, etc., and a binder, solvent or reactant and which builds a preform in successive layers of incremental cross sectional heighths. The shaped and colored preform is then hardened to produce a restoration having the specified size, shape and calorimetric values.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to selection of individual patient archwires by examining the patients inner arch rather than the patients teeth. In particular, a method of archwire selection comprises (a) obtaining a representation of a patient's inner arch curve (a “PIAC”); (b) selecting an archwire shape based at least partially on the PIAC representation; (c) making an initial selection of an archwire size based at least partially on the PIAC representation; (d) selecting a final archwire size after considering something other than the PIAC representation; and (e) selecting an archwire to be used based on the selected archwire shape and selected final archwire size. Using the PIAC rather than the occlusal or labial and buccal surfaces of the teeth for archwire shape selection promotes shaping the teeth to the shape of the jaw bone and gives consistent facial esthetics plus better retention of the treatment correction.

Abstract: A tooth characterization guide includes several sets of tooth samples, each set representing a tooth different characteristic. The guide allows a dentist to compare guide samples in value and translucency with a patient's teeth to obtain an accurate characterization of a tooth prosthesis for the patient. From these tooth samples the dentist is able to first choose a suitable translucency, which is the most important and influential factor for true tooth replication from a first set of samples. The dentist then is able to choose a suitable brightness from a second set of samples. The dentist then is able to choose a suitable color and saturation from a third set of samples. The dental laboratory utilizing the guide selections can then objectively reproduce the observed tooth appearance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating specific idiosyncrasies in tooth appearance to be replicated in the fabrication of tooth restorations, as well as a method for creating reference images of a tooth are disclosed. The apparatus contains images of a tooth, wherein categories of specific features are displayed in the images, and codes are assigned to the images according to variations within the categories. The method of communication utilizes the apparatus by allowing a first user to compare an actual tooth to the images, record the codes for images with features that most closely resemble the actual tooth, and transmit the codes to a second user who may reference the same selected images using the recorded codes. The reference images of a particular type of tooth are created by separating and enhancing specific features in photographs of an actual tooth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for restoration of a patient's tooth. An electronic image of a patient's tooth or tooth preparation is generated in a dentist's office by the dentist. The image includes color information of the tooth preparation or of the patient's tooth shade. The electronic image is forwarded to a dental laboratory by direct computer link or e-mail. A technician at the laboratory evaluates the image and suggests restorative options to the dentist, including whether further tooth preparation is required. The technician also selects the appropriate restoration tooth shade(s) so that the dental prosthesis matches the color of the patient's tooth. The laboratory then manufactures the prosthesis utilizing a plurality of porcelain coatings. If desired, an image of the prosthesis can be generated in the laboratory and forwarded to the dentist for verification of color and/or fit prior to finalizing manufacture of the prosthesis.

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 mouth simulator apparatus that simulates the atmosphere of the oral environment so that a dental restorative material can be viewed after manufacture and prior to insertion in the patient's mouth. One is able to view the dental restorative material in comparison to shade guide components under the same lighting conditions as present in the oral cavity.

Abstract: A dental color matching system. A series of translucent films are printed with a variety of colors that closely approximate the colors found in human teeth. The films, or sections of the films, may be reversibly self-adhesive for ease in placing on and removing from a template, or on top of one another, in a sequence until the desired or matching color is obtained. The color is communicated among dental professionals and patient, for example, by indicia that encode the different colors found in a shade system used by dental professionals or in the tooth itself. By using the invention, a dental professional can thus economically and efficiently prepare a dental prosthesis with a color that closely matches that of a patient's natural tooth.

Abstract: A method for determining a patient's tooth shade, by generating an electronic 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. the image of the patient's tooth and the stored tooth shade color information are electronically displayed in color to enable a viewer to comparatively determine the color of the patient's tooth shade.

Abstract: The present invention suggests an apparatus for simulating the ambient color and translucence conditions present in the oral cavity of a patient for the purpose of checking the color stimulus specification of dentures prior to their implanting into the oral cavity of a patient. The apparatus comprises an artificial jaw portion including a dimensionally stable, elastic artificial gum body portion simulating at least the vestibulary gum of a patient in which the teeth are inserted. The artificial gum body portion is made of a translucent material. The teeth can be individually replaced by dentures. The color stimulus specification of a denture inserted into the apparatus is checked by means of a color stimulus specification measuring apparatus and compared to the values obtained from a measurement taken in the oral cavity of a patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for scanning a plurality of teeth and gums in a patient's mouth. The system includes a mouthpiece, a camera that fits in the mouthpiece, and an electronic storage medium. The camera can move in an arc within the mouthpiece to preferably scan the entire mouth of the patient and is preferably connected to or includes a CD, DVD, a computer hard drive, or electronic diskette to save the image for later use. The image can then be compared to a patient's prior image or compared to a dental standard to determine the patient's dental health and cosmetic characteristics.

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 dental set plate for supporting therein a set of replacement teeth includes a support body having a channel and a deformable mass disposed in the channel of the support body for releasably adhesively retaining a row of replacement teeth pressed thereinto. The dental set plate also includes a non-opaque hood covering the support body and the replacement teeth supported on the support body and product information indicia affixed to the hood. The dental set plate is dimensioned for stocking of the dental set plate in an index structure which retains dental set plates and the walls of the hood have an extent such that the walls terminate within the index structure in which the dental set plate is stocked.

Abstract: A blister pack (10) for artificial teeth of prosthetic use comprises: a first layer (11) containing the artificial teeth (3), having a plural of raised regions (13) in correspondence with the artificial teeth; a second layer (12) placed below the first layer and welded therewith, having a plurality of punching regions (16) apt to be punched upon pressure onto the raised regions; and a plurality of removable elements (14) identifying the blister pack, placed along removal regions (15) of the second layer.

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 method for determining a patient's tooth shade, by generating an electronic 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. the image of the patient's tooth and the stored tooth shade color information are electronically displayed in color to enable a viewer to comparatively determine the color of the patient's tooth shade. Preferably, the patient's tooth shade is determined by selecting portions of the electronically displayed image of the tooth; determining the color of the selected portions; and comparing that color information with the stored tooth shade color information to determine the color of that portion of the patient's tooth.

Abstract: A colour key system for the colour selection for dental restoration masses or artifical teeth comprises reference elements whose reference region may be modularly constructed by the user. A particularly simple handling for the user results when the reference region of the reference elements are constructed in two parts of a core part and a casing part. Such a two-part system following the natural tooth construction gives a large reproduction certainty and excellent aesthetic results.

Abstract: A patient's dental prosthesis (e.g. a prosthesis tooth, crown, veneer, or bridge) is made by acquiring an image of the patient's teeth that contain 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 guide (1) for assessing the general health of the oral cavity comprises at least one indicator (8), characterised in that the indicator (8) is capable of being compared with gums to provide an indication of the general state of the health of the gums.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a patient's tooth shade, by generating an electronic image of a patient's tooth wherein the image includes color information representative of the patient's tooth shade; electronically 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.

Abstract: A tooth shade guide device and package combination comprises a device frangibly attached to the package.

Abstract: The present invention suggests an apparatus for simulating the ambient color and translucence conditions present in the oral cavity of a patient for the purpose of checking the color stimulus specification of dentures prior to their implanting into the oral cavity of a patient. The apparatus comprises an artificial jaw portion including a dimensionally stable, elastic artificial gum body portion simulating at least the vestibulary gum of a patient in which the teeth are inserted. The artificial gum body portion is made of a translucent material. The teeth can be individually replaced by dentures. The color stimulus specification of a denture inserted into the apparatus is checked by means of a color stimulus specification measuring apparatus and compared to the values obtained from a measurement taken in the oral cavity of a patient.