Method and apparatus for registering an object of known predetermined
geometry to scanned three dimensional data such that the object's
location may be verified. Such a known object may comprise a less than
ideal three-dimensional (3-D) digital object such as a tooth, a dental
appliance (e.g., as a tooth bracket model) or other like object,
including portions thereof. Knowledge of such an object's location is
generally helpful in planning orthodontic treatment, particularly where
the location of the object needs to be determined or confirmed or where
incomplete or poor scan data is obtained. Aspects of the present
invention provide methods of effectively verifying dental appliance
location and displaying appliance locations using a computer and
three-dimensional models of teeth.