Technical medicine in orthognathic surgery: from imaging to surgery
Over the past decade, the technical physician has become an important member of the orthognathic and maxillofacial surgery team. By combining clinical competence with advanced technical expertise, technical physicians support the entire care pathway, including 3D imaging, virtual analysis, digital planning, intraoperative transfer, and postoperative evaluation. Reliable cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans and intra-oral scans, correct craniofacial orientation, and precise virtual occlusion setup are fundamental to predictable surgical outcomes. Technical physicians safeguard the technical quality of these processes, identify potential sources of error, and ensure reproducible workflows. They also enable advanced treatment strategies such as patient-specific splints, templates, and implants, and contribute to innovation through research and the application of artificial intelligence. As a result, technical physicians enhance precision, safety, and patient-specific decision-making in modern orthognathic surgery.