Dental Color Selection Aid with Reference Features for Gradient Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the color of dental objects, such as teeth and restorations, are prone to variability due to color gradients and lighting conditions, leading to inconsistent results and susceptibility to dirt, which affects the reliability of shade matching for dental restorations.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a camera app and a color selection aid with a U-shaped or L-shaped structure, featuring reference features and multiple color areas, which compensates for brightness gradients and allows for accurate color determination by spatial alignment and image processing, enabling reliable color comparison.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If small color selection areas are used on the shade guide, then better shade comparison can be performed, but the color areas become poorly visible and more susceptible to dirt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual comparison with automated image processing and color analysis. A camera captures images of the shade guide and teeth, then software algorithms automatically determine color matches, eliminating reliance on human visual assessment and making the measurement process objective and reproducible
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies (images) of the physical shade guide and teeth. These images are then processed computationally to determine color characteristics, allowing the system to work with replicated visual information rather than direct physical observation, which preserves measurement accuracy while avoiding contamination issues
2Reliability
If saliva or dirt gets on the shade guide, then the visual impression changes significantly, but the physical shade guide remains the same
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates digital images as copies of the physical objects. These digital representations can be processed and analyzed without being affected by physical contamination. The image data serves as a stable record that can be re-evaluated multiple times without degradation or change from environmental factors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes manual visual inspection with automated computer-based image analysis. This eliminates the variability introduced by human observers and creates an objective, reproducible measurement process that is not influenced by external conditions such as lighting changes or observer fatigue
3Ease of operation
If standard color codes are used, then shade selection can be performed, but results vary significantly between different test persons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective human visual assessment with objective computer-based color analysis. The system uses standardized color spaces and automated algorithms to determine color matches, eliminating inter-observer variability and producing consistent, reproducible results across different users and sessions
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms visual color information into standardized numerical parameters within a defined color space. This allows for precise, quantifiable color comparison using mathematical operations rather than subjective visual judgment, enabling consistent and reproducible shade matching
Data Source
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AI summary
A system comprising a color selection aid and a method for determining the color of a dental object, i.e., tooth, stump, or gingival color, is provided, wherein the color selection aid (10) has a substantially U-shaped, L-shaped, or ring-shaped structure on which at least one, preferably 4, reference feature (18), preferably 4, for the recognition of the color selection aid (10) is mounted, and wherein, with respect to the reference features (18), a plurality of tooth, stump, or gingival color areas (30) are arranged on the color selection aid (10). It is provided that an image of a tooth (16) is taken with the color selection aid (10) adjacent to it on at least two sides, and the tooth color is determined based on this image.