[Surgery on virtual model and 3-dimensional printing of a surgical wafer for the correction of a severe mandibular asymmetry].

Correction of a severe facial asymmetry presents a challenge due to the geometric complexity of the dentition, the bony structures and the soft tissues. In most asymmetric cases two-jaw surgery is recommended. Manual model surgery is an essential part of treatment planning but it can be complicated, time-consuming and may contain potential errors. We present a case of a 26-year-old male with a severe right-sided hemimandibular elongation when computerized simulation surgery was performed instead of manual model surgery. High-resolution computer tomography scan was done following presurgical orthodontics and the stack images were reformatted into a three-dimensional structure. The symmetry of the maxilla was corrected via a virtual Le Fort I osteotomy with the help of a three-dimensional planning software. A virtual intermediate surgical wafer was designed and fabricated with a three-dimensional printer. Virtual bilateral sagittal split osteotomy was performed and the mandible was rotated into the correct position to visualize the movements of the osteotomized segments. Real surgery was accomplished according to the virtual plan. The splint fitted well. There is a significant improvement in the facial symmetry; the occlusion is good and stable. This case supports the usage of computer-aided surgical planning and three-dimensional rapid prototyping for the correction of facial asymmetries.