Accuracy of the CAD/CAM technique compared with the conventional technique used for stand-alone genioplasty

The benefit of the computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technique for stand-alone genioplasty remains uncertain and was evaluated in this study. Patients who underwent a conventional genioplasty (n = 20) or genioplasty with the CAD/CAM technique (n = 20), and for whom cephalometry and photogrammetry were performed before and 6 months after surgery, were included. Deviations from predictions of the soft tissue pogonion (Pg'), lip inferior point to aesthetic line (Li-Esth), facial convexity angle (FCA), mentolabial angle (MLA), and ratios of soft to hard tissue movements were calculated. No significant deviation was observed for Pg' in either the conventional group (3.85 ± 4.36 mm; 1.91 ± 1.11 mm) or CAD/CAM group (1.28 ± 1.16 mm; 2.81 ± 3.08 mm), for horizontal and vertical movements, respectively. However, for forward movement, deviation from the prediction of Pg´ in the CAD/CAM group was significantly lower than that in the conventional group (P = 0.015). Deviations of Li-Esth, MLA, and FCA did not differ significantly between the groups. No definite preference for the CAD/CAM technique could be established, because deviations from predictions were not significant in either of the technique groups and lay within the clinically acceptable range.