Manufacturing Process and Clinical Application of Personalized 3D Printed Occlusal Guides for Maxillofacial Fractures

Abstract Restoration of the occlusal relationship is critical in the treatment of maxillofacial fractures. Poor restoration of the occlusal relationship has a serious impact on the patient's oral function and physical and mental health. This study is based on computer-aided design and manufacturing and aimed to use computed tomography (CT) data to establish a maxillofacial bone model and perform virtual reduction of such fractures. The upper and lower dentition models were established and reconstructed via 3D printing. After the occlusal relationship was determined by the prosthodontist using the model, the occlusal relationship was obtained through an oral three-dimensional scanner. Based on the reconstructed occlusal relationship, an occlusal reduction guide plate was designed and manufactured to precisely reduce the occlusal relationship in patients with maxillofacial fractures. This study proposes a design process for occlusal guides for maxillofacial fractures that optimizes the traditional surgical processes and enhances surgical convenience. This study presents new ideas for the design of personalized surgical guides for maxillofacial fractures.