Role of Three-Dimensional Printing in Treatment Planning for Orthognathic Surgery: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) printing refers to a wide range of additive manufacturing processes that enable the construction of structures and models. It has been rapidly adopted for a variety of surgical applications, including the printing of patient-specific anatomical models, implants and prostheses, external fixators and splints, as well as surgical instrumentation and cutting guides. In comparison to traditional methods, 3D-printed models and surgical guides offer a deeper understanding of intricate maxillofacial structures and spatial relationships. This review article examines the utilization of 3D printing in orthognathic surgery, particularly in the context of treatment planning. It discusses how 3D printing has revolutionized this sector by providing enhanced visualization, precise surgical planning, reduction in operating time, and improved patient communication. Various databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Medline, were searched with relevant keywords. A total of 410 articles were retrieved, of which 71 were included in this study. This article concludes that the utilization of 3D printing in the treatment planning of orthognathic surgery offers a wide range of advantages, such as increased patient satisfaction and improved functional and aesthetic outcomes.