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.