[Simulated surgery on a 3D model. Technic and applications]

Treatment planning for the correction of dentofacial deformities includes prediction tracing and model surgery. However, these conventional methods provide only limited information concerning the planned spatial displacement of skeletal structures. In cases of severe deformities we add simulated 3D model surgery in an individually processed life size polyurethane skull to our work-up. The basic steps of the 3D model surgery are described, the advantages outlined and the method discussed.