The comparative study of thin and thick surgical splint during Le Fort I osteotomy in vertical maxillary excess

In the maxillary superior reposition during Le Fort I surgery, 2 types of intermediate surgical splints (thick and thin splints) are used which help to place the maxilla in its new position. The aim of the study was to compare thin and thick surgical splint during Le Fort I osteotomy in vertical maxillary excess subjects. Splints were prepared using a model surgery on casts and were used during surgery. We determined changing in vertical reference lines on the maxilla when it was positioned. We evaluated 19 subjects (6 females and 13 males) that consisted of 10 skeletal class II-vertical maxillary excess (VME), 8 skeletal class III-VME, and 1 pure VME. Results showed that the changing the splint would lead to change in reference lines in 6 subjects (32%). In 4 subjects, reference line changes were positive and in 2 subjects were negative. In the remaining 13 (68%) subjects, no changes occurred. A significant relationship was seen among the maxillary superior reposition, incisal pin changes, and reference line changes. In conclusion, following the use of the thin and thick splints, the maxilla can take different positions. The possibility of variations in using thin and thick splints is related to the changes in the incisal pin and the amount of maxillary impaction. Furthermore, the use of thick splints will cause the maxilla to take a more correct position.