A method and apparatus for arch wire receptacle (e.g., brackets, bands, headgear tubes, etc.) optimization includes processing that begins by obtaining a digital model of an orthodontic structure of an orthodontic patient. The processing then continues by retrieving a digital model of an initial arch wire receptacle that was selected from a plurality of digital models of arch wire receptacles. The processing then continues by digitally placing the digital model of the initial arch wire receptacle on a given tooth of the digital model of the orthodontic structure to provide a digital arch wire receptacle placement. The process then proceeds by retrieving a digital model of an arch wire. For the given tooth, the processing continues by digitally modeling a force system on the tooth based on the digital model of the initial arch wire receptacle, the digital arch wire receptacle placement, and the digital model of the arch wire. Having done this, when the force system is not optimal, the force system is modified to achieve an optimal forced system.