Method and apparatus for producing datasets for making dental prostheses

An apparatus for producing data for making dental prostheses, wherein the data can be produced on the basis of a model (2) which comprises individual segments located in different areas, each area comprising an individual segment, and wherein the individual segments are representative of a tooth, a preparation, a gingival area, a tooth gap, or a small group of teeth, preparations, or gingival areas, the apparatus comprising:

• a) a scanning device (9) for determining:
• first shape data (1) of an individual segment (3a, 3b, 3c, . . . ) by scanning this individual segment (3a, 3b, 3c, . . . ) from different directions in space, and a storing device for storing the shape data obtained thereby, and
• second shape data (12) of this individual segment (3a, 3b, 3c, . . . ), wherein only part of this individual segment (3a, 3b, 3c, . . . ) is scanned, and wherein this individual segment (3a, 3b, 3c, . . . ) is arranged in a fixed orientation relative to a reference, and
• b) a comparing device for comparing the first and second shape data (1, 12) to determine the orientation of the first shape data (1) relative to the reference, and
• c) a camera for recording a two-dimensional top view on the model (2) and determining on the basis thereof the position of the different areas, each of the areas comprising a segment, and a storing device for storing angles α, β indicative of the position of each area.