A method for obtaining an orthodontic treatment plan is provided. The method comprises obtaining a treatment plan for treatment of a tooth of a patient, the treatment plan including two or more stage force values, wherein each of the two or more stage force values is based on a target orthodontic force value that is based on one or more determinate points of periodontal ligament (PDL) behavior data. For each of the two or more stage force values, the method includes determining configuration parameters for configuring an orthodontic appliance to apply the stage force value to a tooth of the patient; and, using the configuration parameters to manufacture an orthodontic appliance configured to apply the stage force value.