title: Three-dimensional treatment planning of orthognathic surgery in the era of virtual imaging.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this report was to present an integrated 3-dimensional (3D) virtual approach toward cone-beam computed tomography-based treatment planning of orthognathic surgery in the clinical routine.
  
  
  METHODS
  We have described the different stages of the workflow process for routine 3D virtual treatment planning of orthognathic surgery: 1) image acquisition for 3D virtual orthognathic surgery; 2) processing of acquired image data toward a 3D virtual augmented model of the patient's head; 3) 3D virtual diagnosis of the patient; 4) 3D virtual treatment planning of orthognathic surgery; 5) 3D virtual treatment planning communication; 6) 3D splint manufacturing; 7) 3D virtual treatment planning transfer to the operating room; and 8) 3D virtual treatment outcome evaluation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The potential benefits and actual limits of an integrated 3D virtual approach for the treatment of the patient with a maxillofacial deformity are discussed comprehensively from our experience using 3D virtual treatment planning clinically.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, General Hospital St-Jan Bruges, Bruges, Belgium. gwen.swennen@azbrugge.be
authors.forename: Gwen R J
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Swennen
authors.forename: Wouter
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Mollemans
authors.forename: Filip
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Schutyser
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D002508:Cephalometry / Q000379:methods; D003142:Communication; D003196:Computer Graphics; D003198:Computer Simulation; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D020407:Internet; D019767:Maxillofacial Abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D009971:Orthodontics, Corrective; D056948:Orthognathic Surgical Procedures; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D013165:Splints; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014584:User-Computer Interface