Time benefits of 3D planning in orthognathic surgery: a systematic review

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the possible time benefits when using 3-dimensional (3D) planning prior to orthognathic surgery compared with a conventional method alone. The databases utilised were PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Studies were selected based on eligibility criteria and reviewed independently by two authors. A total of eight studies were included. The review concludes that there are a limited number of studies with the appropriate experimental protocols in place. Therefore, although there is low-grade evidence to suggest that 3D planning in orthognathic surgery is more time-efficient, the field would benefit from the publication of more rigorous studies.