Condylar repositioning according to digital bite registration method for virtual orthognathic surgery planning: A series of 49 consecutive patients

Abstract

Introduction: The accurate mandibular condylar positioning for orthognathic surgical planning is fundamental in obtaining a planned occlusal result. The differences between the position of condyles seen on computed tomography or cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans and during surgery reduce the accuracy of the result. This study aimed to assess the differences between the condylar position recorded on CBCT and a numerical 3-dimensional (3D) model created after mandibular repositioning for orthognathic surgery planning.

Methods: This study retrospectively evaluated 49 patients who underwent virtual orthognathic surgery planning. The procedure involved recording a computed tomography or CBCT of the skull and dental surface using an intraoral digital scanner. The mandible was repositioned on the numerical 3D model according to the superimposed virtual bite registration in centric relation. Linear and angular measurements of the right and left condyles were recorded before and after mandibular repositioning.

Results: The positions of 98 condyles were compared. Linear measurements of the posterior and superior joint spaces revealed a significant difference. Subgroup analyses displayed statistically significant differences for patients with skeletal Class II malocclusion.

Conclusion: According to the digital bite registration method, the difference between the mandibular position recorded on CBCT and on the numerical 3D model after repositioning may have clinical significance. Further studies are needed to validate this theory and test the accuracy of the clinical results.