TWO DIMENSIONAL VS THREE DIMENSIONAL VSP (VIRTUAL SURGICAL PLANNING) IN ORTHOGNATHIC SURGERY - A REVIEW

Abstract

Orthodontic treatment provides a solution for the improvement of teeth alignment, facial aesthetics, functional and periodontal problems. Deformities that cannot be corrected with orthodontic treatment alone are called dentofacial deformities. This is where growth modification or orthognathic surgery comes into play. It is carried out in adults having severe dentofacial deformities. In order to have a successful outcome in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery, a meticulous treatment planning is required. 2 dimensional analysis has been conventionally used for orthognathic surgery treatment planning and outcome prediction. 2D planning consists of clinical examination, impressions, occlusal records, cephalometric analysis, face bow transfer, model surgery on plaster cast and fabrication of occlusal splints.  But the attempt to recreate 3 dimensional structures through 2D tools is not extremely accurate, and has quite a few limitations, such as an ill fitting surgical splint. Hence over the years, 3 dimensional planning has been developed, in an attempt to make treatment prediction and outcomes for orthognathic surgery much more precise. Computer aided virtual surgical planning (VSP) offers an extremely accurate diagnosis, enhanced analysis of maxillofacial structures, and improved prectibability of post operative changes of hard and soft tissues