Zahnprofile

Zahnprofile is a German term that denotes the geometric contour of a tooth, and is used in both dentistry and gear technology. In dentistry, der Zahnprofile describes the shape of natural teeth or dental restorations as they appear in a frontal and lateral view, influencing aesthetics, function, and occlusion. In gear technology, it refers to the cross-sectional shape of gear teeth, which governs how gears mesh and transmit motion.

In dental practice, an optimal Zahnprofile provides proper contact between teeth, supports chewing efficiency, and distributes occlusal forces to minimize wear. Restorations such as crowns and veneers are designed to match or adjust the tooth profile to restore harmony with adjacent teeth and the opposing dentition. Assessment methods include visual inspection, impressions, and digital intraoral scans; modeling software can simulate bite and contact points.

In gears, the predominant tooth profile is the involute profile, which maintains a constant velocity ratio and smooth transmission of power. Other profiles, such as cycloidal, exist for specific applications. The profile is defined together with parameters like the base circle, pressure angle, and addendum. Standards from ISO and DIN specify permissible tolerances and manufacturing methods such as hobbing or shaping.

Measurement and quality control use profilometers, coordinate measuring machines, and tooth contact analysis to verify the profile against design specifications. Zahnprofile thus encompasses both the anatomical contours critical to clinical dental work and the engineering profiles essential for reliable gear operation.