Abstract
Advances in computers and imaging have permitted the adoption of three-dimensional
(3D) planning protocols in orthognathic surgery, which may allow a paradigm shift
when the computer-assisted planning can be transferred properly. The purpose of this
investigation was to introduce an innovative clinical protocol using computer-aided
designed and computer-aided manufactured (CAD/CAM) surgical splints for surgical transfer
of 3D orthognathic planning compared with the classic technique using arbitrary occlusal
splints. The clinical protocols consisted of computed tomography (CT) or cone-beam
CT (CBCT) maxillofacial imaging, bone segmentation, 3D diagnosis, computer-assisted
surgical treatment planning, and CAD/CAM surgical splints (group A) and manufacture
of arbitrary occlusal splints (group B) for intraoperative surgical planning transfer.
The observed patients underwent bimaxillary osteotomies and, if necessary, an additional
genioplasty. Both techniques were evaluated by applying 13 hard tissue parameters
to compare the 3D orthognathic planning (T0) with the postoperative result (T1) using 3D cephalometry. The CAD/CAM splints showed significant better precision for
the maxilla (ΔT < 0.23 mm) and mandible (ΔT < 0.33 mm) compared with a maxillary deviation
of 1.3 mm and a mandibular deviation of 1.8 mm when using the arbitrary splints. Computer-assisted
diagnosis and preoperative surgical planning provide clinicians with valuable tools
and allow 3D imagination. CAD/CAM splints provide a reliable, innovative, and precise
approach for the transfer of 3D orthognathic planning, which is more precise compared
with the conventional arbitrary occlusal splints.
Keywords
computer-assisted orthognathic surgery - virtual planning - facial profile - rapid
prototyping - CAD/CAM technology