Virtual Planning and 3D Printing in Contemporary Orthognathic Surgery

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Medical Technology
• Computer-Aided Surgery

Background:

• Orthognathic surgery corrects facial skeletal discrepancies to improve aesthetics and function.
• Traditional planning methods have limitations in complex case visualization and execution.
• Advancements in digital technology offer potential improvements in surgical planning and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the advantages of virtual surgical planning (VSP) compared to traditional methods in orthognathic surgery.
• To explore the utility and applications of computer-aided design (CAD) and technology in modern orthognathic procedures.
• To discuss the limitations associated with virtual planning and CAD in orthognathic surgery.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature and clinical practices comparing virtual and traditional orthognathic surgery planning.
• Discussion of the role of three-dimensional (3D) printing in creating surgical guides and models.
• Analysis of computer-aided design (CAD) software capabilities in virtual surgical planning (VSP).

Main Results:

• Virtual planning enhances visualization of complex anatomy and facilitates consideration of multiple surgical iterations.
• 3D printing enables the creation of accurate splints, plates, and cutting guides, improving surgical precision.
• Computer-aided design (CAD) and virtual planning (VP) offer significant advantages in executing complex facial movements and improving outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Virtual surgical planning (VSP) and 3D printing represent a significant advancement in orthognathic surgery.
• These technologies improve accuracy, predictability, and patient outcomes in correcting facial deformities.
• While offering substantial benefits, the applications and limitations of CAD/VSP in orthognathic surgery require continued exploration.