PCT No. PCT / IL96 / 00036 Sec. 371 Date Jan. 20, 1998 Sec. 102(e) Date Jan. 20, 1998 PCT Filed Jul. 4, 1996 PCT Pub. No. WO97 / 03622 PCT Pub. Date Feb. 6, 1997A method of obtaining a dental image, such as a three-dimensional image of teeth, providing a three-dimensional physical teeth model. The three-dimensional physical teeth model can be either: a negative teeth model that includes a matrix with a plurality of cavities or recesses, each corresponding to a tooth; or a positive teeth model, that includes a matrix with a plurality of projections or bulges, each corresponding to a tooth. The method also includes removing a portion of the model in a controlled, step-wise manner, and in each step acquiring an optical image of the model or of its removed portion, digitizing each of the optical images in order to obtain a plurality of digital images, and compiling the plurality of digital images to obtain a three-dimensional digital dental image.