Computer-readable medium for automated tooth shade analysis and matching
US7563095B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 21, 2004 |
| Grant date | Jul 21, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 28, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01J3/463
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method of making a patient's dental prosthetic (e.g., prosthetic tooth, crown, veneer, or bridge) 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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.