Fuchs F, Koenig A, Poppitz D, Hahnel S. Application of macro photography in dental materials science.
J Dent 2020;
102:103495. [PMID:
33038439 DOI:
10.1016/j.jdent.2020.103495]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
The goal of this study was to show the potential of the inexpensive macro photography technique for application in various fields of contemporary dental materials science. The method was used for studying surface characteristics for fractographic evaluation, topography analysis, and for the measurement of optical properties such as translucency and opalescence.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The variable test setup consisted of a digital camera with macro or microscopic objectives (combined with a lens tube and an objective adapter). The distance between object surface and objectives was controlled by an automatic stacking unit with a software-controlled mobile object slide. The exposure was carried out by LED light sources and a standard illuminant (D55).
RESULTS
Highly resolved pictures with fine details, high focal depth, flexible imaging by adjusting the illuminates in different angles, and the possibility of 3D topography imaging are the main reasons why macro photography proved to be a suitable imaging method for fractographic analyses. The automatic focal stacking technique was a powerful tool for imaging distinct topographies in high-resolution with nearly unlimited focal depth and 3D surface visualisation. Translucency as well as opalescence, measured with the macro photography produced differed from the measurements performed with a conventional spectrophotometer.
CONCLUSIONS
The modular structure of the cost-effective macro photography setup enables diverse applications such as identification of material groups, fractography analysis, and 3D surface visualisation. Quantification of colour, translucency, as well as opalescence under condition of the microscopic scale requires further research.
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