Computer-aided design of subject-specific dental instruments for preoperative virtual planning in orthognathic surgery

Abstract

Maxillofacial deformities and undesirable position of the mandible cause facial asymmetry and malocclusions. The techniques and equipment used for the maxillofacial surgeries have changed over the years. In this chapter, traditional preoperative preparations and surgical planning process in the orthognathic surgery have been summarized. In addition, we reviewed various software and workflows used for the preoperative planning and design of the miniplates. We also presented a systematic protocol for the subject-specific miniplate design as a case study. In this case, design steps, which are required to be taken for obtaining the virtual model of the patient head composed of the skull, mandible, and teeth were elucidated. Simulation of the Le Fort I osteotomy, which is considered as a safe and functional procedure to correct maxillary deformities, benefiting from a computer-aided design software to plan the actual surgery process was also carried out. It is expected that the presented virtual planning process would improve the accuracy of orthognathic surgery and patient satisfaction, and reduce the operation time and cost.