Electronic data processing is gaining more importance in every individuals life. What holds the in every day situations is of course valid for medical science including dentistry on whole and specifically in orthodontics. As with many problems, people are trying to find solutions but are unaware of other individuals also seeking the answers to the same questions. In this aspect the article is intended to give an overview of the state of the art of computer application in orthodontics. At the same time some already existing and promising projects are presented in more detail. Schlagwörter: EDP, computer, orthodontics, Japan, questionnaire