What Is Surgical Planning for Orthognathic Surgery?
Modern jaw surgery relies on detailed planning. Here is how your surgeon prepares for your procedure.
Surgical planning for orthognathic surgery has been revolutionized by 3D technology. Here is the typical planning process:
- Step 1: Data collection
- 3D CBCT scan of your facial bones
- Digital scans of your teeth
- Facial photographs in multiple views
- Cephalometric analysis (measurements of your skull and jaw angles)
- Step 2: Virtual surgical planning (VSP)
- All data is loaded into specialized software
- The surgeon performs the surgery virtually on the computer
- The upper and lower jaws are moved to their ideal positions
- Bite relationships are tested in the virtual model
- Step 3: Surgical guides
- 3D-printed surgical cutting guides are created
- These fit over your teeth and guide the surgeon during the actual surgery
- They ensure the cuts are made precisely as planned
- Step 4: Surgical splint
- A custom splint is 3D-printed
- This fits between your teeth during surgery to hold the jaws in the correct position
- Different splints may be used for intermediate and final positioning
- Step 5: Team communication
- The plan is shared with your orthodontist
- Everyone agrees on the final jaw positions
- Clear aligners can even be prepared in advance for post-surgery orthodontics
Why 3D Planning Matters
- Increases precision to sub-millimeter accuracy
- Reduces surgery time
- Improves predictability of results
- Allows the surgeon to anticipate challenges
- Often eliminates the need for wire measurements during surgery
Clinical Guidance
Modern orthognathic surgery is planned virtually using 3D CT scans and specialized software. The surgeon performs the procedure on a computer first, then 3D-printed guides carry that precision into the operating room. This results in more accurate, predictable outcomes.