Real-time detail highlighting on 3D models

A dental CAD/CAM application generates a 3D model representing a patient's dental anatomy. This model may be a 3D surface. The surface may also be textured with either a monochrome or color image superimposed. The display routine that is used to display the 3D model is enhanced to adjust the contrast in the region of a displayed mouse pointer (or other input device) as a user explores the display image. When this feature is activated and the mouse pointer positioned, preferably the texturing on the 3D model is recomputed in that local area and redisplayed showing greater contrast and detail. Preferably, the contrast is increased from a center to an edge of the area of contrast. Having the texturing of the model being improved and highlighted around the margin is desirable, as it allows the user to see more easily where the margin is located.