Abstract: PURPOSE : To explore the application of digital model surgery in the treatment of dento-maxillofacial deformities. METHODS : Fifteen patients of dento-maxillofacial deformities were enrolled in this study. Digital craniomaxillofacial-dentition model was established by combined 3D CT and laser-scanned dentition model. Based on this model, surgical planning, simulation and postoperative prediction were performed. Under the guidance of 3D printed splint and guide, orthognathic surgery and asymmetry correction were carried out. Clinical examination was performed 3 months after surgery. Surgical accuracy was evaluated by comparing the postoperative CT 3D model with preoperative surgical planning. RESULTS : All patients underwent virtual surgical planning, splint and guide 3D printing and orthognathic surgery successfully. Facial symmetry was greatly improved after surgery. The mean deviation between the preoperative design and actual surgical results was less than 2 mm. CONCLUSIONS : With the ability of preoperative planning, surgical simulation and postoperative prediction, digital model surgery shows its great value in improving the accuracy of orthognathic surgery and restoring facial symmetry. It is regarded as a valuable technique in this potentially complicated procedure.

Key words: Digital model surgery, Dento-maxillofacial deformities, Virtual surgical planning, Orthognathic surgery, 3D printing