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 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 comparision to shade guide components under the same lighting conditions as present in the oral cavity.

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 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 dental shade system that includes one or more triangular pillars on three faces of which many different color samples are arranged and by which the natural tooth color can be compared with the color samples with one or two actions and decided visually in terms of three coordinates in color space, in order of Value (lightness), Chroma (color saturation), and Hue (color).

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems for tooth shade analysis and matching are disclosed. A method embodiment according to the invention includes acquiring at least one image, the image including one or more teeth of a patient and normalization references, normalizing the at least one image in accordance with the normalization references, determining the color of the teeth as composed of colors from one or more selected shade standards, communicating the standardized color information to a dental laboratory, manufacturing a dental prosthesis based on the standardized color information and installing the dental prosthetic. Normalization is performed to correct patient images for variations in lighting conditions and image source. Normalization references include a black reference, a white reference and at least one color reference. The normalized image is standardized by matching the pixels of the normalized image to selected shade standards. Selected shade standards may include incisal tooth shade standards.

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: 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 shade guide (10) has a base (11) and a plurality of indicia tabs (15) carried by stems (14). Base (11) also includes a shade calculation table (20) containing at least the necessary recipe components of a foundation, body and enamel layers (22, 23 and 24) to achieve the shade of a given tab (15).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a patient's tooth shade that includes the steps of electronically imaging a patient's tooth to obtain an image which includes color information representative of tooth color; determining the patient's tooth color from the color information of the image; and displaying the determined tooth color to identify one or more tooth shades having a combined color corresponding to the determined tooth color. Preferably, the displayed data includes RGB chromaticities of the color image, and the patient's tooth color is determined by averaging the color information at selected locations of the image which correspond to different spatial locations of the patient's tooth. If desired, the color information of the patient's tooth can be electronically stored for use at a later time.

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: The invention relates to a dental device which measures the translucency of the anterior tooth that is adjacent to the tooth to be restored and gives the translucency factor that is used for the creation of a natural looking repaired tooth. The device illuminates the incisal part of the tooth with white light and detects the light from the opposite side of the tooth. Signals indicating the values of transmitted light, the calibrated light, and the ambient light are processed and displayed on the LCD as a translucency factor. The device comprises a handpiece with a U-shape distal holder. One part of the holder includes several illuminating fibers, whereas another part carries a corresponding number of detecting fibers. The device is applied to the tooth by touching the edge of the tooth with a bottom and one side of the holder which carries the detecting fibers.

Abstract: Methods for generating optical characteristics data of a dental object, including at least color characteristics, are disclosed. A probe is positioned in proximity to the dental object. The probe provides light to the object and receives light from the object, and the received light is coupled to a video 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 color calibration standard generated with the color 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 comparator scope for comparing a dental shade to a natural tooth. The scope comprises an L-shape body which includes a sight applying to the tooth and a handle for holding the scope, and a cartridge with a plurality of dental shades in it. Two identical optical channels are mounted, one inside of the sight and another inside of the handle. The channels include lenses and polychromatic light sources, preferable white LEDs. A mirror is placed in a point where optical axes of the channels are crossing. A split image of the shade and the tooth is observed through an eyepiece. The shades in the cartridge are driven by a motor when a button on the body is pressed by finger. The motor, light sources and adjuvant electronics are powered by a battery which is placed in the handle. The cartridge is snapped to the handle in a steady position.

Abstract: A digital camera connects to a tooth shade analyzer subsystem, e.g., a digital video processor, and a color display monitor for the electronic determination of the color of patient's teeth. Preliminarily, the camera captures series of digital color images of tooth shades corresponding to reference shade guides, and electronically compares the reference shades to an image of the patient's tooth. In a preferred embodiment the comparison is done over a set of pseudo-pixels, each corresponding to a group of pixels in an high-resolution camera. Once a match is found, it is communicated to a user of the system. In a specific embodiment the camera is equipped with a sleeve and illumination subsystems that help reduce the variations in the color of digital images due to external factors.

Abstract: A digital camera connects to a tooth shade analyzer subsystem, e.g., a digital video processor, and a color display monitor for the electronic determination of the color of patient's teeth. Preliminarily, the camera captures series of digital color images of tooth shades corresponding to reference shade guides, and electronically compares the reference shades to an image of the patient's tooth. In a preferred embodiment the comparison is done over a set of pseudo-pixels, each corresponding to a group of pixels in an high-resolution camera. Once a match is found, it is communicated to a user of the system. In a specific embodiment the camera is equipped with a sleeve and illumination subsystems that help reduce the variations in the color of digital images due to external factors.

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 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 image. The 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.

Abstract: A holder for dental implants namely dental veneers. The holder has a bottom tray and a top cover both opaque. The top cover has a recessed portion that is designed to receive a foam sheet. The foam sheet is designed to cover the top cover so that it blocks light from entering the closed holder. The bottom tray has recessed wells that are designed to receive dental veneers. When the cover is closed over the tray, the light is blocked out so that light-sensitive resin placed upon the dental veneers does not harden before the dental veneers are placed upon the patient's teeth.

Abstract: A color key for selecting a proper color for artificial teeth has a base with receiving sockets and insert members having a first end and a second end. The first end is receivable in the sockets. Sample elements are provided whereby each one of the insert elements has one of the sample elements connected to the second end. The sample elements consist of and are produced in the same manner as the dental replacements. The sample elements have a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface has a texture matching the texture of a natural tooth and a curvature matching the curvature of a natural tooth. The second surface is flat and smooth.

Abstract: A tooth shade analyzing system and method of use. The system includes a digital camera which connects to a shade analyzer subsystem, e.g., a digital video processor, and a color display monitor. The camera captures a digital color image of the patient's tooth and the subsystem compares that image to a stored plurality of tooth shades. Each tooth shade is represented in a block of data, including color image data, a tooth shade digital word, and a manufacturer type. The patient's tooth image includes an RGB chromaticity representation that is scanned and compared with the several tooth shades stored in memory, and a match is determined and communicated to a user of the system. The method of use includes the specification of fractional tooth shades, if needed, corresponding to a plurality of porcelain films for manufacturing a reconstructed tooth.

Abstract: Device and method for displaying lost teeth and molars, in particular tooth and molars of the human deciduous dentition. The device comprises at least one holder member having a deformable portion in which the lost teeth and/or molars can be pressed, the thus obtained attachment being a prolonged attachment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing the color of a dental restoration using a spectrophotometer and a unique color system for porcelain dental restorations which enables a dentist or technician to manipulate the various color components of the porcelain, hue, chroma, value, and translucency, independently. Color component deltas between consecutive colors in the powder sets are equidistant, with the difference in values being linear in color space. This enables simplified, exact matching of a specified color component value. The method comprises illuminating an abutting tooth with light, gathering reflected light, converting the gathered light to analog signals, correct for ambient light interference, translucency effects (if necessary) and varying illumination, using the result to obtain accurate color component values, and employing those values to chose and, where necessary, mix the appropriate powers to obtain the correct color porcelain for the desired dental restoration.

Abstract: A method for determining the appearance of an object to be replicated and an apparatus therefor are described herein. The method consists in providing a controlled illumination to illuminate a surface of the object, measuring the object with a CCD camera to collect an image map of a plurality of points on the surface and processing that information to produce an appearance mapping of the object. Calibration of the apparatus is done by measuring calibration patches illuminated with the same illumination. When the apparatus is made in view of replicating the appearance of an object, a comparison can be done by similarly producing an appearance mapping of the replicate and by comparing it to the appearance mapping of the object.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the color characteristic of a tooth, particularly in a mouth in which restorative dentistry is contemplated, employs the photographic imaging of the tooth of the patient, and the photographing of visually selected color standards, to achieve the final selection of the closest color match. The resulting photographic images, which may be on a single photograph, are subjected to calorimetric or spectrophotometric analysis to achieve the final selection of the closest match. The system avoids the need to rely upon the visual color acuity of the practitioner in order to achieve a close color match for a prosthetic device. Additionally, the method and system of the invention avoid the problems associated with color shifts associated with photography, when such is used alone as the indicator of tooth color.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shade matching device for an artificial teeth and a crown restoration in order to correctly adjust the artificial teeth to the natural teeth in shade, which comprises a set of:shade guides, anda gingival colored holder which has concaves shaped fitting a neck part of an artificial teeth or a crown restoration and retainers into which the stick of the shade guide can be inserted.

Abstract: A dental comparator device includes a body, a polychromatic light emitter within the body, and a magnifying lens and holder for a dental standard coupled to the body. The standard holder is either a clip, a hub for receiving a plurality of radially aligned standards, or a magnetic standard holder. According to one embodiment, the body is elongate and the light source and magnifying lens are provided at one end of the elongate body. The light source is a halogen bulb powered by batteries. The magnifying lens is oriented perpendicular to the body. Coupled to the lens is a light-transmitting ring-shaped member for directing light to one side of the lens, to thereby illuminate a tooth and standard situated before the transparent tubular-shaped member. According to another embodiment, two booms are coupled to the body. One boom is provided with a standard holder at its distal end and the other boom is provided with a magnifying lens at its distal end.

Abstract: An intraoral camera connects to a shade analyzer subsystem, e.g., a digital video processor, and a color display monitor. The camera captures a digital color image of the patient's tooth and the subsystem compares that image to a stored plurality of tooth shades. Each tooth shade is represented in a block of data, including color image data, a tooth shade digital word, and a manufacturer type. The patient's tooth image includes an RGB chromaticity representation that is scanned and compared with the several tooth shades stored in memory, and a match is determined and communicated to a user of the system. The methodology includes the specification of fractional tooth shades, if needed, corresponding to a plurality of porcelain films for manufacturing a reconstructed tooth.

Abstract: A cosmetic accessory device for teeth that simulates the appearance of an assemblage of teeth and gum. The device includes a gum portion and a tooth portion shaped and dimensioned to cover the user's upper or lower front teeth. The device is made of a nontoxic, nonirritating, tasteless, odorless, resilient, easily cleaned and chemically stable material that does not stick to natural teeth, gums, or most dental work. In use, the device is held in place by custom-fitted inner projections that match the spaces between the user's own front teeth and (optionally) a shelf extending just across the front teeth. Unlike typical conventional novelty dental devices, the natural teeth and gums are not completely covered, so the device is comfortable to wear and does not interfere with natural speech or bite closure.

Abstract: A sample of artificial teeth and gums of a display unit for dental surgeons arranges plural artificial tooth samples forming the anterior teeth along the natural arch of the teeth. The artificial tooth samples are fixed and arranged on an artificial gum sample tinted with a determined color. The artificial gum sample has an inner face designed with a contact face curved to a form allowing it to be aligned close to the gum of the anterior teeth of the patient. A handle allowing the artificial gum samples to be aligned with the gum of the patient is fixed to the artificial tooth samples or to the artificial gum sample. With samples of the artificial tooth and gum, the artificial tooth samples and artificial gum samples are both aligned along the anterior teeth of the patient by holding the handles, allowing the patient to decide the color, shape and teeth arrangement of the artificial teeth and the artificial gum.

Abstract: The present invention deals with a system for the selection of form and color structure of teeth, in particular for application in the preparation and production of ceramic or plastic-composition faced tooth replacements. The system consists of several assortments comprising models and image representations as well as layering diagrams of different tooth forms and tooth color structures. A comparison of form and color between the patient's teeth and the models is then made, whereby the suitable assortment(s) are selected and can be reproduced true to nature in the dental laboratory, using the appertaining layering diagrams. The system according to the invention consists of several components which can be assembled to form a basic assortment.

Abstract: A support plate assembly (10) for teeth which includes a plate-like body (12) with external dimensions that may be strung together, and a substantially flat, quadrilateral wax receiving portion (22) for the acceptance of an adhesive wax or the equivalent into which a plurality of teeth may be pressed, one next to the other. The wax receiving portion (22) is delimited by convex, forward-thrusting arched upper and lower ridges (14, 16), and lateral ridges. A flat strip of wax is held in the wax receiving portion such that the wax receiving portion has a greater depth at the center area intended for premolar than at the lateral areas intended for molars.

Abstract: An intraoral camera connects to a shade analyzer subsystem, e.g., a digital video processor, and a color display monitor. The camera captures a digital color image of the patient's tooth and the subsystem compares that image to a stored plurality of tooth shades. Each tooth shade is represented in a block of data, including color image data, a tooth shade digital word, and a manufacturer type. The patient's tooth image includes an RGB chromaticity representation that is scanned and compared with the several tooth shades stored in memory, and a match is determined and communicated to a user of the system. The methodology includes the specification of fractional tooth shades, if needed, corresponding to a plurality of porcelain films for manufacturing a reconstructed tooth.

Abstract: A color rendering system for obtaining accurate tooth color. The device has a base sheet, with various tooth outlines printed thereon. Above the base sheet are a number of clear sheets made of mylar, or similar type material. These sheets are then collected and formed into a pad. Three sheets can be used, thereby giving four layers of color, which is sufficient for most cases. Additional clear sheets can be added, however. The dentist can then mark each with the placement of color for a particular layer. When finished, the sheets overlap, providing a detailed picture of tooth color using the four factors discussed above, and the positions of those colors within the tooth.

Abstract: A tooth shade guide having the general configuration of the artificial tooth to be placed in a patient's mouth, and of the same materials and thickness as the artificial tooth. The tooth shade guide can be temporarily held in place in the exact location the artificial tooth will occupy in order to observe the tooth shade match vis-avis the adjacent teeth.

Abstract: A tooth shade whitening guide formed from a flat, thin body member and having a patient portion and a separable dentist portion. The patient portion and the dentist portion each having a front face with a plurality of distinct tooth color samples positioned thereon. Indicia is positioned adjacent to each of the distinct tooth color samples identifying the corresponding tooth color shade. The indicia includes a first set of indicia and a second set of indicia. The first set of indicia is positioned in a forward configuration so as to be readable in a standard fashion. The second set of indicia is printed in a backward configuration so as to be readable in a conventional forward orientation when viewed in a mirror. The patient portion further has a plurality of display tabs projecting therefrom. The distinct tooth color samples are disposed over top of the display tabs for comparison with the patient's teeth.

Abstract: A tooth shade whitening guide formed from a flat, thin body member and having a patient portion and a separable dentist portion. The patient portion and the dentist portion each having a front face with a plurality of distinct tooth color samples positioned thereon. Indicia is positioned adjacent to each of the distinct tooth color samples identifying the corresponding tooth color shade. The indicia includes a first set of indicia and a second set of indicia. The first set of indicia is positioned in a forward configuration so as to be readable in a standard fashion. The second set of indicia is printed in a backward configuration so as to be readable in a conventional forward orientation when viewed in a mirror. The patient portion further has a plurality of display tabs projecting therefrom. The distinct tooth color samples are disposed over top of the display tabs for comparison with the patient's teeth.

Abstract: A color key (10) useful as an aid for the selection of the color of artificial teeth. The color key receives a plurality of color sticks (14), each stick having a colored area at one end which corresponds in color to an artificial tooth. The color key includes a plurality of individual insertion pockets (12), each of which pockets has a stick receiving unit (22) which may receive an individual color stick, and which insertion pockets (12) may be attached to one another individually substantially laterally to the extent of the stick receiving unit (22). By using this construction the color key can be quite individually adapted to the needs of the practice of the dentist or dental technician.

Abstract: A method for determining the size, shape and position of a pair of upper central incisors for the production of dentures comprises the steps of covering the patient's upper gums with a paste, providing a series of representations of different pairs of upper central incisors and positioning different ones of these representations on the paste until a representation of desired size and shape is selected and secured to the paste by way of an adhesive at a chosen location thereon. The paste carrying the selected representation is then removed from the patient's mouth, whereby dentures can be produced on the basis of the positioning of the upper central incisors on the paste roll and on the selected model of upper central incisors, as the latter determine the models of the remaining teeth of the dentures. The method can also be used for the determination of an artificial tooth used for a dental implant, a bridge or a crown.

Abstract: A system for color matching a dental prosthesis is provided. The system includes a shade guide or color range finder comprising a plurality of color elements, each of which identifies a different color than the remaining elements. This system also includes a plurality of plastic shells that are configured for placement on or along side a patient's anterior or posterior tooth that has previously been prepared for receiving a dental prosthesis. The shells correspond in color to the colors of the color range finder elements. The system further includes some type of coloring for selectively modifying the aesthetic appearance of a shell so that the dental practitioner can prepare an accurate representation of what is to be produced as a dental prosthesis in the laboratory.

Abstract: An anterior tooth characterization guide includes several sets of anterior tooth samples which each have differing characteristics. The characterization guide is useful in connection with a method for selecting characterizations for an anterior tooth prosthesis, which permits a dentist to relay to a laboratory an accurate representation of the tooth prosthesis to be manufactured. In this regard, the characterization guide is utilized to select a dentin color for the tooth prosthesis from several tooth samples in which the incisal color is constant. The body to incisal relation for the tooth prosthesis may also be selected from tooth samples in which the dentin is constant, and the amount of white stain for the tooth prosthesis may be selected from the tooth samples in which the dentin and enamel are constant.

Abstract: A dental color mixture indicator device is described.In an embodiment, the dental color mixture indicator device (420) comprises four component indicator devices (400-403) each retained by a common base (410). Each component indicator device (400-403) has an array of color samples (Y1-2,C1-3,R1-2) mounted to individual blades (430,440-442,450-452,460-462), with each group of blades able to be plucked from the base (410) for the purposes of a comparison with a tooth. Each color sample (Y1-2,C1-3,R1-2) corresponds with an artificial tooth material, and, on the basis of the comparison, a mixture of the respective tooth materials allows correct color matching of a restorative tooth.The arrayed color samples (Y1-2,C1-3,R1-2), coincide with a corresponding location on a color co-ordinate system. The central colors (201) of each component indicator device (400-403) are offset from other ones of central colors with respect to the color co-ordinate system.

Abstract: A posterior tooth shade guide includes a plurality of posterior tooth samples each positionable upon a posterior tooth holder and bearing differing tooth characteristics. Several of the tooth samples have differing white stain characteristics, others have differing brown stain characteristics, and still others have differing incisal layer colors. Another set have differing percentages of the incisal that covers the body of the tooth prosthesis. A selector ring is provided to permit the selection of a specific brown stain color. Utilizing the posterior tooth shade guide, a dentist and the laboratory may utilize a method for selecting characterizations of a tooth prosthesis wherein the posterior tooth samples are utilized to select: brown stain characteristics, white stain characteristics, incisal layer color, and the percentage of the incisal that covers the body of the tooth prosthesis.

Abstract: A syringe system for matching tooth composite colors to natural tooth colors. The system includes a plurality of delivery syringes each having therein a different colored tooth composite. In one embodiment, a visible portion of each delivery syringe is colored with the same color as the tooth composite within that delivery syringe. In another embodiment, an actual cured sample of the tooth composite contained within the syringe is placed on a visible portion of each delivery syringe. Therefore, matching tooth composite color to natural tooth color can be performed by simple viewing of the delivery syringes. An organizer displays the delivery syringes in such a way that the colored portion, or composite sample portion, of each delivery syringe is clearly visible. The organizer means also displays the delivery syringes in such way that the delivery syringes together provide a visible palette of colors from which to choose a matching tooth composite.

Abstract: A syringe system for matching tooth composite colors to natural tooth colors. The system includes a plurality of delivery syringes each having therein a different colored tooth composite. A visible portion of each delivery syringe is colored with the same color as the tooth composite within that delivery syringe. Therefore, matching tooth composite color to natural tooth color can be performed by simple viewing of the delivery syringes. An organizer displays the delivery syringes in such a way that the colored portion of each delivery syringe is clearly visible. The organizer also displays the delivery syringes in such way that the delivery syringes together provide a visible palette of colors from which to choose a matching tooth composite.

Abstract: A system for providing artificial teeth with lifelike shade and hue, or for matching the shade and hue of an artificial tooth with the shade and hue of one's natural teeth, employs a single-sided master shade/hue guide and a plurality of paired sample teeth, with each pair attached to a holder and having the same shade and hue corresponding to a tooth on the master shade/hue guide. The artificial sample teeth on the single-sided master shade/hue guide are arranged either by shade from light to dark or by hue, with the teeth grouped by color and sequenced from light to dark within. The master shade/hue guide as well as each pair of shade/hue matched sample teeth includes a respective background panel disposed aft of and extending above the aligned sample teeth for providing a uniform background color field for optimum viewing of the sample teeth.

Abstract: A system for providing artificial teeth with life-like shade and hue, or for matching the shade and hue of an artificial tooth with the shade and hue of one's natural teeth, employs a double-sided master shade guide and a plurality of paired sample teeth, with each pair having a given shade and hue corresponding to a tooth on the master shade guide and attached to a holder. One side of the master shade guide includes a first set of reference teeth arranged by shade, while a second set of reference teeth arranged by hue and visually isolated from the first set are disposed on a second, opposed side of the shade guide. A support base, or carrier, is adapted to receive and support the master shade guide and the paired sample teeth holders. The carrier includes a plurality of spaced compartments, each receiving and supporting a plurality of paired sample teeth holders. All pairs of sample teeth in a given compartment are of the same shade and hue.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for simulated color reproduction as applied to dental prosthesis, viz.: crown bridge restoration, including the charting of hue, chroma, value and translucency wherein there is implemented a three part shade guide consisting of forty-two pieces representing respectively opacity, body and enamel laminates, selectively interacted to present chromatic combinations.

Abstract: An assembly for holding dental shade guides has a first holder and a second holder, both of which include coupler parts for coupling the holders to each other and to other holders as desired in modular fashion. Each holder may be connected to the adjacent holder in one of two possible orientations in order to bring different shade guides into closer view. Additionally, the shade guides are releasably connected to the holders and may be inserted in receptacles of the holders in a variety of orientations.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the selection of a tooth color for a dental prostheses in which an exact adaptation of the colors or color distribution of a dental prosthesis to a particular structural condition in a patient can be achieved. The apparatus, a platelet color specimen, has at least one lateral edge concavely curved towards a center region of the platelet. The platelet color specimen is on the order of magnitude of only a width of a tooth, and can be placed contiguous with the surface and edge of all exposed portions of a tooth. The platelet color specimen also exhibits only a single color corresponding to enamel, dentin or dental neck which allows for an exact adaptation to a particular patient.

Abstract: A dental shade guide has a tooth-shaped first portion and an elongated second portion which is integrally connected to the first portion. The second portion varies in thickness in stepped fashion along its length. Both portions are made of a material having substantially the same color, thereby enabling the user to compare the color of the shade guide in differing degrees of opacity with the color of tooth structure adjacent the intended restoration, in order to increase the likelihood that the finished restoration will appear as aesthetic as possible.

Abstract: A system for selecting a tooth color for a patient for whom artificial teeth are to be made which is provided with a holder having a plurality of slots and identical dual shade guides. The shade guides are removably supported in the slots and include areas on the surface for recording a patient's identifying data and the tooth data. When in use, one of the guides is removed from the holder and sent to the technician for use in making the teeth for the patient, while the other of the guides is retained by the dentist.