Introduction to 3D Planning in Orthognatic Surgery. 3D Simulation of Orthognatic Surgery Using Dolphin Imaging 3D® Software

Abstract

AIM: Recently there has been a great progress in three-dimensional (3D) technologies in field of medicine. Dentistry and maxillofacial surgery haven't been exceptions. Methods such as model surgery or cephalometric methods of prediction (2D prediction) including video imaging are considered as "gold standards" in orthognathic surgery. However, these techniques, despite being routine part of the diagnosis and treatment planning process, have their limitations. 3D environment adds the third dimension to planning, which moves planning closer to reality and gives us more information for diagnosing a wider range of dentofacial anomalies. Furthermore, 3D planning increases accuracy of overall orthognatic planning by using modern 3D imaging methods, such as Cone Beam CT, stereophotogrammetry or digital models of dental arches. By merging these 3D images is created virtual model of patient head, described by some authors as triad. It depicts facial skeleton (Cone Beam CT), facial soft tissues (stereophotogrammetry scan) and dental arches (digital models) in the most suitable way. The next step is to perform 3D simulation on this virtual model by using a planning software, e.g. Dolphin imaging 3D®. The aim of this article is to present relatively new method of orthognatic surgery planning and brings some information about 3D imaging technologies, which are essential as part of that process. Simultaneously fundamental steps (procedures) in orthognatic surgery 3D simulation using program Dolphin Imaging 3D® process are described.

Keywords

• orthognatic surgery
• orthodontics
• cone-beam computed tomography
• facial scan
• digital dental models/casts