Optimized 3D virtually planned intermediate splints for bimaxillary orthognathic surgery: A clinical validation study...

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Digital Dentistry
• 3D Planning Technologies

Background:

• Orthognathic surgery corrects severe malocclusions and facial deformities.
• Virtual surgical planning is advancing orthognathic procedures.
• Dental overlap during splint fabrication poses a planning challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce an optimized digital protocol for intermediate splint fabrication in bimaxillary orthognathic surgery.
• To address and overcome dental overlap issues during virtual surgical planning.
• To enhance the accuracy and clinical applicability of digital splints.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 20 patients undergoing bimaxillary orthognathic surgery.
• Utilized a scanned thick wax bite with intraoral scanning and CBCT.
• Fabricated intermediate splints via conventional model surgery and 3D printing.
• Clinically assessed digital splints against conventional setups.

Main Results:

• The optimized protocol demonstrated high clinical acceptance, with 19 out of 20 digital splints accepted.
• Reproducibility and comparison tests showed minimal deviation (RMS 0.15 mm and 0.19 mm).
• The scanned thick wax bite effectively resolved dental overlap issues in planning.

Conclusions:

• The proposed digital protocol optimizes current 3D planning for bimaxillary orthognathic surgery.
• This method provides a reliable solution for dental overlap during intermediate splint fabrication.
• The digital workflow enhances precision and clinical outcomes in orthognathic procedures.