A prototype articulator for planning orthognathic and craniofacial surgery

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering
• Surgical Planning Technology

Background:

• Current dental articulators are limited in providing comprehensive data and flexibility for planning orthognathic and craniofacial surgeries.
• Existing articulators often require plaster casts or restrict the movement of dental models in three-dimensional space.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a prototype articulator designed for enhanced spatial movement in surgical planning.
• To address the limitations of conventional articulators in orthognathic and craniofacial surgery.

Main Methods:

• Development and utilization of a prototype articulator allowing unrestricted movement of both dental casts in all directions.
• Application of the prototype articulator as an adjunct tool in the planning phase of orthognathic and craniofacial surgical procedures.

Main Results:

• The prototype articulator successfully accommodates the movement of both casts in all spatial directions.
• The device is effectively used as an adjunct in planning complex craniofacial and orthognathic surgeries.

Conclusions:

• A novel prototype articulator offers superior versatility and information for surgical planning compared to current methods.
• Further development of advanced and precise armamentarium is crucial for improving the planning and design of surgical procedures.