Our Summary

This study aimed to see whether printed cutting and repositioning templates or occlusal splints (devices placed in the mouth to prevent grinding of the teeth) were more accurate in preparing for maxilla (upper jaw) surgery. The researchers were particularly interested in seeing if these methods performed differently depending on the complexity of the case.

The study involved 70 patients, some of whom had simple cases (cases not involving severe movement, tilting or discrepancies in the jaw’s midline) and others who had more complicated cases. The patients were randomly split into two groups: one group used the printed splints and the other used the templates.

The main measure of success was how accurately the surgery followed the plan, specifically looking at the position of certain teeth after the operation.

The results showed that in more complex cases, the printed templates were significantly more accurate than the splints. However, there was no significant difference between the methods for simpler cases.

In short, if a patient’s case is complex, using a printed template seems to be more reliable for preparing for upper jaw surgery.

FAQs

  1. What was the aim of the study on jaw surgery preparation methods?
  2. According to the study, which method - printed templates or occlusal splints - is more accurate for complex upper jaw surgery cases?
  3. Was there a significant difference between the use of printed templates and occlusal splints in simpler cases of jaw surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

Additionally, it is important for patients to follow their doctor’s pre-operative and post-operative instructions closely to ensure a successful recovery and optimal results. This may include following a specific diet, practicing good oral hygiene, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled. It is also important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your doctor promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended jaw surgery are those with:

  1. Severe jaw misalignment or discrepancy
  2. Difficulty chewing or speaking due to jaw issues
  3. Chronic jaw pain or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder
  4. Facial asymmetry
  5. Sleep apnea or other breathing difficulties due to jaw structure
  6. Congenital conditions affecting jaw development
  7. Traumatic injuries to the jaw
  8. Severe malocclusion (misalignment of teeth)
  9. Overbite or underbite that cannot be corrected with orthodontics alone.

Timeline

Before jaw surgery:

  • Patient consults with a maxillofacial surgeon to discuss the need for jaw surgery
  • Patient undergoes imaging and dental molds to create a treatment plan
  • Treatment plan includes the use of printed cutting and repositioning templates or occlusal splints to prepare for surgery
  • Surgery date is scheduled and patient undergoes pre-operative testing and preparation

After jaw surgery:

  • Surgery is performed using either printed templates or occlusal splints to guide the repositioning of the jaw
  • Patient goes through the recovery process, which may include swelling, pain, and limited jaw movement
  • Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing and progress
  • Patient may undergo orthodontic treatment to align the teeth properly post-surgery
  • Long-term follow-up to assess the success of the surgery and the patient’s overall oral health.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about jaw surgery, particularly if their case is complex, include:

  1. What method will be used to prepare for the surgery - printed cutting and repositioning templates or occlusal splints?
  2. How does the accuracy of the surgery plan differ between the two methods, especially in complex cases?
  3. What are the potential risks and benefits associated with using printed templates versus occlusal splints?
  4. How will the chosen method impact the overall success and outcome of the jaw surgery?
  5. Are there any other alternative methods or techniques that could be considered for preparing for the surgery in complex cases?
  6. What is the expected recovery process and timeline for jaw surgery using printed templates versus occlusal splints?
  7. How will post-operative care and follow-up appointments differ based on the chosen method for preparing for the surgery?
  8. Can you provide any additional information or resources for understanding the differences between using printed templates and occlusal splints in jaw surgery preparation?

Reference

Authors: Chen H, Jiang N, Bi R, Liu Y, Li Y, Zhao W, Zhu S. Journal: J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2022 Aug;80(8):1331-1339. doi: 10.1016/j.joms.2022.04.016. Epub 2022 May 2. PMID: 35636471