Technological Advances in Accelerated Orthognathic Surgery and Orthodontics

In this golden era of surgical science and technology is the accelerating and deepening wave of change sweeping through medicine and dentistry. Visionaries, creative thinkers and pioneers are moving our specialties to new heights. Practitioners will obtain the scientific knowledge, skill, and strategies to manage orthognathic, reconstruction and orthodontic challenges efficiently and predictably. Technological advances continue to influence and improve outcomes for patients with craniodentofacial deformities. Two great problems, however, remain to be adequately addressed: excessive cost of hospital surgery and excessive length of orthodontic treatment. A confluence of biological and technological understandings and applications is enhancing the efficiency, affordability and convenience of these protocols. The ongoing paradigm shift will continue via internet-based interdisciplinary treatment planning, three-dimensional virtual imaging analysis, computer-assisted surgery, and surgically facilitated orthodontics. Surgical simulation coupled with outpatient surgery will bring collaborative efforts of diverse experts together to solve complex craniofacial problems. The RAP and surgery-first phenomena will continue to mature in finding its place in rapidly repositioning teeth, jaws and dento-osseous segments. The utilization and application of surgical and orthodontic procedures will begin to employ simulation methodology to shorten technical learning curves and thus shorten and improve patient care. Many facial deformities and malocclusions remain untreated, or are managed inefficiently over long periods of time contributing to excessive costs, patient discomfort, root resorption and periodontal injury. Sophisticated advancements in accelerated orthognathic and orthodontic techniques and technology offer surgeons and orthodontists the tools to achieve predictable outcomes with convenience, efficiency, predictability and affordability. The paradigm shift in orthognathic surgery and orthodontics is supported by technological achievements that enable practitioners to enhance the quality of life for their patients.