Digital Maxillofacial Splint Fabrication for Alignment Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current maxillofacial surgery methods lack efficient tools for accurately repositioning and maintaining the relative alignment of the maxilla and mandible during surgical procedures, particularly for correcting Class II or Class III issues, and for treating non-surgical conditions like TMD or sleep apnea.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the creation of a three-dimensional digital model of a patient's dentition, adjustment of relative positions using a computing device, and fabrication of a surgical splint using rapid fabrication techniques to guide the repositioning and maintain the desired alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional methods are used for maxillofacial surgery, then the surgical procedure can be performed, but the accuracy of repositioning and maintaining maxilla-mandible alignment is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The splint is fabricated before the surgical procedure using rapid fabrication techniques. The electronic model of the splint is generated based on the patient's dentition and the desired maxilla-mandible alignment, allowing the precise alignment to be pre-planned and incorporated into the splint structure before surgery begins
Solution Approach 2:
An electronic model (digital copy) of the patient's dentition and desired alignment is created, which is then used to generate the physical splint through rapid fabrication. This digital copying process allows for precise replication of the intended alignment without requiring complex physical trial-and-error adjustments
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom splints are fabricated for each patient, then the treatment can be customized and optimized, but the fabrication time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical fabrication methods (manual molding, carving, and fitting) are replaced with rapid fabrication techniques driven by electronic modeling and computer-controlled manufacturing. This substitution maintains full customization capability while dramatically reducing fabrication time through automated processes
Solution Approach 2:
The fabrication process transitions from manual parameter adjustments to digital parameter specification. The electronic model allows all customization parameters (alignment angles, positions, splint geometry) to be precisely defined and automatically translated into the physical splint, reducing both time and human error
Data Source
AI summary
A technique for fabricating a surgical splint for use in correcting a dental condition of a patient. The technique involves obtaining a three-dimensional digital model of lower and upper arch dentitions of the patient having the dental condition. Relative positions of the lower and upper arch dentitions are adjusted with respect to each other in the three-dimensional digital model using a computing device. An electronic model of a splint is generated based on the adjusted relative positions of the lower and upper arch dentitions. A splint is then generated in a physical form from the electronic model of the splint.