Retention Strategies for Segmental Lefort I Osteotomies Using Clear Aligners

J Craniofac Surg. 2023 May 1;34(3):1061-1063. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000008941. Epub 2022 Aug 29.

Abstract

Clear aligner therapy is becoming a mainstay of contemporary orthodontic treatment. As such wide-spread adoption and case-selection for surgical-orthodontic treatment in patients with Clear aligner therapy is increasing. Passive aligners generally lack adequate rigidity for retention of segmental movements in the immediate postoperative period. In this report we discuss our techniques for maintaining retention in the weeks after segmental maxillary osteotomies by use of a modified clear aligner orthognathic splint, and a custom palatal horseshoe splint, including the relative indications of each method.

MeSH terms

  • Craniotomy
  • Humans
  • Orthodontic Appliances, Removable*
  • Orthognathic Surgical Procedures*
  • Osteotomy, Le Fort
  • Splints
  • Tooth Movement Techniques