Patent ID: 7940258
Filing Date: 2011-05-10
Classification: A61C,G16H

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method comprising: rendering at least a portion of a digital representation of a tooth within a three-dimensional (3D) virtual environment; receiving input from a user quantifying a desired mesio-distal position for a digital representation of an orthodontic appliance associated with the digital representation of the tooth; determining a distal-most point and a mesial-most point of the digital representation of the tooth within the 3D virtual environment based on an orientation of the digital representation of the orthodontic appliance relative to the digital representation of the tooth within the 3D virtual environment; and with a computer, executing software to automatically adjust a mesio-distal position of the digital representation of the orthodontic appliance within the 3D virtual environment based on the desired mesio-distal position by at least adjusting the mesio-distal position of the digital representation of the orthodontic appliance based on the determined distal-most point and the determined mesial-most point.