Patent ID: 7086863

Claim:
A method for producing an artificial tooth, comprising a base layer substantially determining strength and at least one cover layer substantially determining appearance of a finished artificial tooth, said method comprising: establishing the available outer shape and dimensions for the finished artificial tooth; acquiring an image of: (i) a natural tooth to be replaced by the artificial tooth; or (ii) a corresponding natural tooth, the image acquired over at least the in-use visible outer surface thereof, including variations in appearance in said outer surface; determining variations in the appearance determining properties of the cover layer to correspond with the variations in the appearance of the natural tooth to be replaced or the corresponding natural tooth, and determining a thickness of the cover layer locally required for said correspondence; constructing the base layer to a shape and dimensions, which are based on the shape and dimensions available for the artificial tooth and, prior to construction, deducting therefrom the locally required thickness of the cover layer; and applying the cover layer over the base layer to attain the available outer shape and dimensions for the finished artificial tooth.