Patent ID: 7275930

Claim:
A method for selecting orthodontic components for use in an orthodontic treatment of an individual, the method comprising: (i) in a computer: (a) selecting a virtual set of orthodontic components representing components that may be used in an orthodontic treatment, (b) providing a first virtual three-dimensional (3D) image of a 3D model of the individual's teeth comprising teeth of at least one jaw, the model being manipulable so as to allow its viewing from a desired direction, (c) associating the virtual set of components with the teeth in said virtual image in a manner resembling that in which such components are associated with teeth in an orthodontic treatment, to obtain a second image of said 3D model with said components associated therewith, and (d) using a set of rules, including at least one rule, defining the effect of said set of components on said teeth, computing the manner of movement of the teeth as a result of said effect, so as to obtain a third image comprising the teeth model following the virtual treatment; and (ii) generating a prescription for orthodontic treatment including specifying the type of components used based on the components of the virtual treatment.