Patent ID: 6139318
Filing Date: 2000-10-31
Classification: A61C

Abstract:
A color key for selecting a proper color of a dental replacement, said color key comprising:a base having receiving sockets;insert members having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end is receivable in said sockets; andsample elements having differing colors received in said second end of said insert elements, wherein each of said sample elements consist of and are produced in the same manner as dental replacements with identical color additives as the dental replacements, each of said sample elements having a first surface and a second surface, both surfaces being exposed for visual inspection when received in the second end of the insert elements, wherein said first surface has a texture matching the texture of a natural tooth and a curvature matching a curvature of a natural tooth, and wherein said second surface is flat and smooth which is especially important for determining the color of the prepared tooth stump.