Jaw surgery is a common procedure performed to correct various conditions, such as malocclusion, facial deformities, and trauma to the jaw. During recovery from the traditional method, the patient's jaw may be wired shut to ensure proper healing, but this can be uncomfortable and inconvenient for the patient. However at Alfi Oral Surgery they implement the use of Custom 3D printed titanium plates. These can be used as an alternative to wiring, offering a more comfortable and efficient method of stabilizing the jaw. Let's review the benefits of using custom 3D printed titanium plates!
Traditional plates, which are bended to the patient's anatomy in the OR during surgery tend to lack stability and increase the chance of relapse after surgery. Therefore a traditional surgeon may elect to immobilize the jaw for several weeks to ensure proper healing. While wiring is effective in stabilizing the jaws, it can be very uncomfortable and inconvenient for the patient. For instance, patients cannot open their mouths during the recovery phase and would have to consume their non-chew foods through a straw. Luckily, custom 3D printed titanium plates offer an alternative to wiring, providing normalcy and an easier jaw surgery recovery.
Custom 3D printed titanium plates have several advantages over traditional wiring. Firstly and as mentioned, they are more comfortable for the patient, as they do not require the mouth to be wired shut. Patients are able to speak and eat normally, which enhances freedom and their overall quality of life during the recovery period. Secondly, custom 3D printed titanium plates offer a more precise fit, as they are designed based on the patient's individual anatomy. This ensures that the plates provide optimal stabilization of the jaw, better architecture and scaffolding, which is essential for proper healing and preventing relapse. Finally, custom 3D printed titanium plates are more durable than wiring and can remain in place indefinitely, reducing the need for additional surgeries.
Creating these stronger custom 3D printed titanium plates involves several steps. First, the surgeon takes a CT scan of the patient's jaw to create a 3D model. Next, the model is sent to a 3D printer in Belgium. The plates are then shipped to the OR where they are sterilized and fitted to the patient's jaw during surgery.
After the recovery period, the plates may be removed if the patient desires, however most patients elect to keep them in place. Custom 3D printed titanium plates offer a more sturdy and efficient method of stabilizing the jaw after surgery. And it's amazing that AOS patients who receive custom 3D printed titanium plates are able to speak and eat normally during the recovery period, enhancing their life and experiences immediately after surgery. What was once more invasive is now an easier surgery to undergo. The benefits of this new technology make this an invaluable option for patients undergoing jaw surgery.