Optical characteristics of teeth

Optical characteristics of teeth

Keywords Colour, Fibre optics

Applicant: L J Lab L L C (US)Patent number: US5880826Publication date: 9 March 1999Title: Apparatus and method for measuring optical characteristics of teeth

Optical characteristic measuring systems and methods such as for determining the colour or other optical characteristics of teeth are disclosed. Perimeter receiver fibre optics are spaced apart from a source fibre optic and receive light from the surface of the object/tooth being measured. Light from the perimeter fibre optics passes to a variety of filters. The system utilizes the perimeter receiver fibre 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 colour 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. Measured data also may be stored and/or organized as part of a patient database.