It is a research hotspot in the intersection of stomatology and computer science that three-dimensional (3D) virtual tooth orthodontics, and plays an important role in the fields of orthodontic treatment and teaching. The 3D reconstruction of tooth is the basis of the virtual tooth orthodontic system, through which the geometric information of the tooth could be obtained freely. Firstly, the typical methods of acquiring tooth data were analyzed. Secondly, the present 3D reconstruction methods of tooth were compared of the ideas, advantages and disadvantages, and they were classified into six kinds based on point cloud, CT image, twodimensional contour slicing and so on. Lastly, the development of virtual orthodontic system is briefly analyzed. This paper's work is of theoretical significance and guidance for the research of 3D reconstruction of tooth.