A device for determining the surface topology and associated color of a structure, such as a teeth segment, includes a scanner for providing depth data for points along a two-dimensional array substantially orthogonal to the depth direction, and an image acquisition means for providing color data for each of the points of the array, while the spatial disposition of the device with respect to the structure is maintained substantially unchanged. A processor combines the color data and depth data for each point in the array, thereby providing a three-dimensional color virtual model of the surface of the structure. A corresponding method for determining the surface topology and associate color of a structure is also provided.

A device for determining the surface topology and associated color of a structure, such as a teeth segment, includes a scanner for providing depth data for points along a two-dimensional array substantially orthogonal to the depth direction, and an image acquisition means for providing color data for each of the points of the array, while the spatial disposition of the device with respect to the structure is maintained substantially unchanged. A processor combines the color data and depth data for each point in the array, thereby providing a three-dimensional color virtual model of the surface of the structure. A corresponding method for determining the surface topology and associate color of a structure is also provided.

A non-transitory medium includes instructions for generating a three-dimensional virtual model of an intraoral object by receiving surface scan data of the intraoral object while changing a position of at least one lens of focusing optics of an intraoral scanner, wherein the surface scan data comprises data for a plurality of points of the intraoral object, and adjusting the data for one or more of the plurality of points to compensate for one or more inaccuracies associated with at least one of a) different temperatures or b) different positions of the at least one lens. A three-dimensional virtual model of the intraoral object is generated using the adjusted data.

A non-transitory medium includes instructions for generating a three-dimensional virtual model of an intraoral object by receiving surface scan data of the intraoral object while changing a position of at least one lens of focusing optics of an intraoral scanner, wherein the surface scan data comprises data for a plurality of points of the intraoral object, and adjusting the data for one or more of the plurality of points to compensate for one or more inaccuracies associated with changes of a shape of a focusing surface. A three-dimensional virtual model of the intraoral object is generated using the adjusted data.

A scanner includes a lens assembly comprising a lens having a lens axis and a positioning system to adjust a focal plane of the lens assembly. The positioning system includes an outer element, an inner element coupled to the lens assembly, and a linear-motion bearing that couples the inner element to the outer element. The linear-motion bearing includes provides a single degree of translational movement of the inner element along the lens axis.

Systems for generating in-focus color images are provided. Related methods and devices are also provided.

A non-transitory medium includes instructions for generating a three-dimensional virtual model of an intraoral object by receiving surface scan data of the intraoral object while changing a position of at least one lens of focusing optics of an intraoral scanner, wherein the surface scan data comprises data for a plurality of points of the intraoral object, and adjusting the data for one or more of the plurality of points to compensate for one or more inaccuracies associated with changes of a shape of a focusing surface. A three-dimensional virtual model of the intraoral object is generated using the adjusted data.

Described herein are apparatuses for dental scanning and components of apparatuses for dental scanning. A component of a dental scanning apparatus may include a beam splitter, a transparency and an image sensor. The component may have a first surface and a second surface. The transparency may be affixed to the first surface of the beam splitter, and may comprise a spatial pattern disposed thereon and be configured to be illuminated by a light source of the dental scanning apparatus. The image sensor may be affixed to the second surface of the beam splitter, wherein as a result of the transparency being affixed to the first surface of the beam splitter and the image sensor being affixed to the second surface of the beam splitter, the image sensor maintains a stable relative position to the spatial pattern of the transparency.

A method for generating a digital 3D representation of at least a part of an intraoral cavity, the method including recording a plurality of views containing surface data representing at least the geometry of surface points of the part of the intraoral cavity using an intraoral scanner; determining a weight for each surface point at least partly based on scores that are measures of belief of that surface point representing a particular type of surface; executing a stitching algorithm that performs weighted stitching of the surface points in said plurality of views to generate the digital 3D representation based on the determined weights; wherein the scores for the surface points are found by at least one score-finding algorithm that takes as input at least the geometry part of the surface data for that surface point and surface data for points in a neighbourhood of that surface point.

Apparatuses (e.g., systems, devices, etc.) and method for scanning both a subject's face as well as the subject's intra oral cavity to provide two-dimensional (2D) and/or three dimensional (3D) data that may be subsequently used in prosthodontic and orthodontic procedures, including smile planning (e.g., designing or modifying a subject's overall smile or facial aesthetics).