초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for imaging teeth includes illuminating a surface of a tooth and electronically imaging the tooth from a non-illuminated surface of the tooth with an electronic camera. Automatic control of the intensity of illumination is preferably provided to avoid saturation of the camera.

A method and apparatus for imaging teeth includes illuminating a surface of a tooth and electronically imaging the tooth from a non-illuminated surface of the tooth with an electronic camera. Automatic control of the intensity of illumination is preferably provided to avoid saturation of the camera. The camera may include a charge-coupled-device and the resulting digital images are preferably enhanced by wavelet analysis. If a video camera is used, the images may be digitized and then enhanced. Current images of the tooth may be compared to prior images of the same tooth to monitor changes in the tooth over time. The images can be used to detect dental caries and other dental conditions. A handpiece for illuminating the tooth and receiving the light passing through the tooth for reception by the camera in a reproducible manner, is also described.

대표청구항 ▼

[What is claimed is:] [1.]an illumination source;an electronic camera; anda mouthpiece for being coupled to the illumination source and the electronic camera, the mouthpiece having an output portion to transfer light from the illumination source to the tooth and an input portion to receive light pas

[What is claimed is:] [1.]an illumination source;an electronic camera; anda mouthpiece for being coupled to the illumination source and the electronic camera, the mouthpiece having an output portion to transfer light from the illumination source to the tooth and an input portion to receive light passing through the tooth, the mouthpiece being anchorable in the mouth with respect to a tooth to provide a position reference and an angle reference for light radiation relative to at least one surface of the tooth and an angle reference for the line of sight during imaging relative to at least one surface of the tooth, the mouthpiece being anchorable in a repeatable manner to provide the same position and angle reference.