Virtual planning technology in the assessment of anatomical balance in patients with dento-maxillary anomalies: 323.01 Stomatology: Summary of the Doctoral Thesis in Medical Sciences

Abstract

Relevance and importance of the topic: Dento-maxillary anomalies are characterized by growth and developmental disturbances, whether primary or acquired, of the dental system or maxillary bone bases, resulting in significant imbalances within the dental-alveolar and occlusal arches [1]. Most studies underscore the importance of orthodontic treatment in conjunction with orthognathic surgery, as this combined approach is currently the worldwide standard for effectively correcting these anomalies through surgical interventions on dental arches and/or maxillary bones, substantially improving the quality of life [2]. Traditional treatment planning for these anomalies traditionally relies on clinical examinations, patient photographs, two-dimensional radiological images (2D), and study models made of plaster mounted in articulators and transferred using a facebow. Hsu et al. have identified several issues associated with traditional planning for gnato-surgical interventions, mainly due to the inability to visualize the facial skeleton as a whole [3]. The success of orthognathic surgical interventions greatly depends on the surgical technique and precise execution of the preoperative surgical plan. Virtual surgical planning allows the simulation of various surgical techniques. Processing three-dimensional images using planning software enables us to virtually simulate osteotomies, reposition bone fragments into the desired position, control intercuspation, manage interference between osteotomized fragments, and visualize postoperative results in real-time. Innovations in orthognathic surgery have significantly reduced the risks associated with surgical procedures, both during surgery and in the postoperative period, including the risk of relapse. However, authors like Brodie et al. have suggested that tongue volume (TV), in addition to posture and function, plays a notable role in the development of dento-facial anomalies [4]. Hence, to gain a better understanding of the tongue's influence on occlusal stability after orthognathic surgery, it is important to calculate the volume of the oral cavity (OC) and tongue (TV) to determine the volumetric balance between TV and OC, as well as changes in the position of the hyoid bone. Goal: The aim of this study is to ascertain anatomical balance in patients with dento-maxillary anomalies and assess postoperative changes to optimize surgical treatment through the application of virtual planning technology.[...]