Automatic repositioning of jaw segments for three-dimensional virtual treatment planning of orthognathic surgery.

PURPOSE: To develop a computer-based method for automating the repositioning of jaw segments in the skull during three-dimensional virtual treatment planning of orthognathic surgery. The method speeds up the planning phase of the orthognathic procedure, releasing surgeons from laborious and time-consuming tasks.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The method finds the optimal positions for the maxilla, mandibular body, and bony chin in the skull. Minimization of cephalometric differences between measured and standard values is considered. Cone-beam computed tomographic images acquired from four preoperative patients with skeletal malocclusion were used for evaluating the method.

RESULTS

Dentofacial problems of the four patients were rectified, including skeletal malocclusion, facial asymmetry, and jaw discrepancies.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that the method is potentially able to be used in routine clinical practice as support for treatment-planning decisions in orthognathic surgery.