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Three-dimensional printed final occlusal splint for orthognathic surgery: design and validation
1OMFS IMPATH Research Group, Department of Imaging and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
|November 6, 2016
Summary
This study introduces a protocol for designing and 3D printing occlusal splints for orthognathic surgery. The developed digital splints demonstrate high accuracy, falling within clinically accepted error margins for skeletal malocclusion treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
- Digital Dentistry
Background:
- Orthognathic surgery corrects significant skeletal malocclusion, traditionally using 2D cephalometrics and manual splints.
- Advancements in 3D imaging and computer-aided design/manufacturing (CAD/CAM) are transforming surgical planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a protocol for designing and 3D printing final digital occlusal splints.
- To validate the accuracy of these 3D-printed splints in orthognathic surgery.
Main Methods:
- 3D virtual surgical planning using PROPLAN software.
- Digital splint design in 3-matic software.
- 3D printing of splints using biocompatible materials on an Objet Connex 350 printer.
Main Results:
- Accuracy validation in 20 orthognathic surgery patients.
- Clinical and quantitative assessment comparing printed splints to conventional setups.
- Mean absolute distance error of 0.4mm (SD 0.17mm), within accepted clinical tolerances.
Conclusions:
- The developed protocol enables accurate 3D printing of digital occlusal splints for orthognathic surgery.
- 3D-printed splints offer a precise and reliable alternative to conventional methods.
- This technology enhances the planning and execution of orthognathic procedures.
