A method for the three-dimensional determination and digitization of a plaster- or positive-model, in particular for the production of replacement teeth, with improved handling and costs. According to the method, a plaster- or positive-model is clamped in a mounting with a defined orientation and irradiated by means of a radiation source; the radiation reflected by the plaster- or positive-model is recorded and evaluated by a scanning unit. Separation information is generated, and defined movement of the plaster- or positive-model relative to the radiation source takes place along an axis (y), approximately perpendicular to the direction of radiation and linking the displacement with the separation information. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method.