Patent ID: 8194067
Filing Date: 2012-06-05
Classification: A61C

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: displaying, via a user interface of a computing device, a three-dimensional (3D) digital representation of a tooth of a dental arch within a 3D environment; while displaying the digital representation of the tooth of the dental arch, displaying, via the user interface of the computing device, a two-dimensional planar guide within the 3D environment as a visual aid to a practitioner in a placement of an orthodontic appliance relative to the tooth of the dental arch within the 3D environment, the planar guide having a planar guide orientation within the 3D environment and computing the planar guide orientation of the planar guide based on the placement of the orthodontic appliance within the 3D environment relative to the dental arch, wherein the two-dimensional planar guide is displayed separately from the digital representation of the tooth, and wherein displaying the planar guide comprises, as the practitioner moves the orthodontic appliance relative to the tooth within the 3D environment, rendering the planar guide at a location that is based on at least one of a position or an orientation of the orthodontic appliance within the 3D environment.