Shade and texture mapping on teeth for palaeoanthropological reconstructions

Abstract. Over the past few years closer cooperation can be observed in various aspects of digital techniques in such disciplines as dentistry and anthropology. And in most cases that consists in imaging and image processing which results in obtaining 3D reconstructions. And indeed, they can significantly improve research and practice. Thus, depending on imaging technique and application, they can support CAD/CAM technology or precisely reconstruct morphology of invisible structures. However the currently presented study refers to technical aspects of shade and texture mapping, which is more aimed to obtain more realistic 3D reconstructions of palaeoanthropological material. Colour or shade matching has become an integral part of dental practice. It can be carried in a traditional manner though matching the tooth with conventional shade-guides, or, which is in line with the subjects of our study, by means of spectrophotometry. And the main procedures of shade detection have been performed by SpectroShade (MHT). Necessary attention has been paid to conditions influencing shade detection process with respect to the studied material teeth taken from the Bronze Age findings. Reconstructive techniques have traditionally been a scientific and practical part of palaeoanthropological research which is directed at appearance reconstruction. Though the leading part of this branch has been always aimed at analysis of skull morphology. In our time of rapidly developing digital techniques reconstructions have become to a large extent a matter of improvements of imaging and image processing techniques. Even though this doesnt directly refer to soft tissue reconstruction, it undoubtedly applies to dental reconstructions. And the current study presents improvements in reconstruction through combining imaging with shade and texture mapping on 3D models of teeth.