The invention relates to a method for performing an optical three-dimensional recording by using a hand-held dental camera, wherein the camera automatically records a plurality of individual optical recordings in succession at a defined frequency during the measurement, wherein the individual three-dimensional optical recordings are combined by means of registration into an overall recording of a dental object to be measured. Before the measurement is performed, a three-dimensional standard jaw model is displayed by means of a display device, wherein a first control point on the standard jaw model is displayed by means of the display device. The hand-held dental camera is then positioned in relation to the object to be recorded in such a way that the camera points at the first control point (10) of the standard jaw model and records a corresponding recording region of the dental object.