Knowledge of colour is extremely important for dental technicians. I have already reported on the problems associated with the visual determination of tooth colour. In this article we shall be considering the theoretical aspects of colour and colour perception. Colour arises from the interplay of light, surface and recipient. The light colour and the object colour make up the colour stimulus. Humans and their spectral sensitivity determine how the colour is received and described. We...

The desirability of having one’s own scanner even in a small laboratory and in the practice laboratory is an issue that is being raised increasingly often. As an aid to making this decision, two aspects will be considered here. Firstly the economic efficiency aspect and secondly the need to go with the times and to avoid missing important innovations. Zirconium oxide...

Besides fit and function, the right tooth colour is the most important quality criterion when producing new restorations. Usually, we dental technicians get the tooth colour supplied with the order. The dentist and/or assistant determine the colour in the practice. Why does this so often cause problems? Which parameters influence the exact determination?

The most exact colour determination by the human eye is done at a luminous intensity of 1500-2000 lux. Under such light conditions, the pupil...

This article gives some recommendations for the right technical equipment, in other words the suitable hardware for dental photography. Whether digital compact cameras are adequate or not is something everyone ultimately has to decide for themselves. The key factor is usually achieving the right cost/benefit ratio....