Treatment prediction with three-dimensional computer tomographic skull models

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Orthodontics
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Background:

• Conventional treatment planning using articulators has limitations in visualizing and planning complex dentofacial deformities.
• Bimaxillary asymmetric disharmony requires precise planning for effective orthodontic and surgical correction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the precision of conventional articulator-based planning with 3D-CT model surgery using individually milled skull models.
• To evaluate the efficacy of 3D-CT model surgery in planning orthodontic and surgical interventions for severe dentofacial disharmonies, particularly asymmetric cases.

Main Methods:

• Generating individually milled polyurethane foam skull models from patient CT scan data.
• Replacing imprecisely delineated dental arches with dental casts for simulating orthodontic and surgical procedures.
• Evaluating segment displacement, osteotomy lines, and resulting skeletal and dental symmetry.

Main Results:

• 3D-CT model surgery allows for precise evaluation of treatment outcomes before surgical intervention.
• Individually milled skulls facilitate higher precision in planning complex orthodontic and surgical corrections.
• The technique enables detailed assessment of skeletal and dental symmetry in relation to orthodontic setup.

Conclusions:

• 3D-CT model surgery represents an advanced, albeit time-consuming and costly, method for presurgical work-up.
• This technique significantly improves the accuracy of treatment planning for patients with severe and asymmetric dentofacial deformities.
• Offers superior visualization and simulation capabilities compared to traditional methods.