A dental arch model and method for making the same is shown and described. The dental arch model includes a connector having opposite ends that connect to a respective one of the arch legs. The connector has a three-dimensional shape but does not include a surface that is both planar and parallel to the base of the arch connector along more than two thirds of the arch connector's length. In certain examples, the connector is in the shape of a prism or a trapezoid. In other examples, the connector has an upper surface that is sloped relative to the base of the arch connector. The arch connector may also include a plurality of fluid passageways for allowing fluid flow from an interior area between the inner walls of the arch connector to a location outside of the connector.