The Efficacy of 3D Virtual Surgery, CAD/CAM, and 3D Printing Technology for Maxillomandibular Advancement in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients

Abstract

Objective: Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) is the most effective surgical method for treating obstructive sleep apnea, and it moves the maxillomandibular complex forward to increase the entire upper airway volume. By using 3-dimensional (D) virtual surgery, computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing, and 3D printing technologies, it is possible to overcome all the limitations of conventional methods. Materials and Methods: In this study, (modified) MMA was performed by applying 3D technologies to obstructive sleep apnea patients. Virtual surgery was done as surgical plan, cutting guides, and customized plates were made by computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing and 3D printing technologies for surgical procedures. Results: After surgery, all patients improved their appearance, quality of sleep, and sleep apnea level were dramatically improved. Through these results, it was found that there are many advantages in using 3D technologies for preparing and implementing MMA. Conclusions: It was confirmed that the accuracy and efficiency of surgery were increased by applying 3D technologies. This suggests that 3D technologies are very useful tools in surgical area.