The 3D-printed dental splint: a valuable tool in the surgical treatment of malocclusion after polytrauma
A 22-year old male was referred to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of a university clinic 2 months after he had sustained multiple traumatic injuries abroad because of an anterior malocclusion. The malocclusion was the sequel of an unrecognised, untreated, already consolidated paramedian mandibular fracture on the right and a fracture of the contralateral mandibular angle on the left. Preoperatively, a cobalt-chrome 3D-printed dental splint was prepared. Surgical correction of the malocclusion was carried out by segmental osteotomies of the mandible at the original fracture sites. This involved a vertical paramedian osteotomy on the right side and a unilateral sagittal split osteotomy on the left mandibular angle side. The mandibular segment was mobilised in the correct occlusion with the aid of the 3D-printed dental splint. The splint was fixed to the teeth with dental composite. The custom made 3D-printed dental splint is considered a promising procedural innovation in oral and maxillofacial surgery.