A three-dimensional-based modeling method and system designed for dentistry and related medical (and appropriate non-medical) applications. Data capture means produces a point cloud representing the three-dimensional surface of an object (e.g., dental arch). Three-dimensional recognition objects are provided, particularly within those areas in the image field that have low image definition, and particularly in such of these areas that appear in overlapping portions of at least two images, to provide the three-dimensional image processing software with position, angulation, and orientation information sufficient to enable highly accurate combining (or "stitching") of adjoining and overlapping images. Alignment, and creation of aligned related objects or models thereof, such as maxillar and mandibular arches, is facilitated.
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/184,396 filed Jul. 18, 2005, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/154,717 filed May 24, 2002, which claims priority from Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/293,299 filed May 24, 2001.
