Abstract: Objective: To guide the repositioning of maxilla in Le Fort I osteotomy, and illustrate its feasibility and validity. Methods: Eight patients (4 males and 4 females) with dental maxillofacial deformities were included. The mean age at the time of surgery was 24.6 years (range 18～32 years). Spinal CT scan was used for each patient to create a 3D skull model. The data were imported to Mimics 16.0 to calculate the maxilla and mandible 3D model. The dental cast was scanned with 3shape scanner, which was registered with CT data. The mark plate and position plate were designed with 3-matic software and manufactured via 3D printing technique. All patients were scanned again using spinal CT 7 days postoperatively. The maxilla position of virtual simulation and postoperative actual position were compared with Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results: All patients were operated with the novel method without uncontrolled bleeding, plate break and difficult position. The preliminary results showed that clinically acceptable precision for the position of the maxilla was achieved. All patients were satisfied with the aesthetic results. Conclusions: The preliminary results showed that clinically acceptable precision for the position of the maxilla could be achieved using this 3D printed template.

Key words: Orthognathic surgery, 3D simulation, 3D printing