Applying Method of Arch Bar in Maxillofacial Surgery without Orthodontic Treatment

ABSTRACT

Temporomandibular joint(TMJ) and dental occlusion are important in functional aspect as well as in cosmetic aspect for craniofacial surgery such as orthognathic and traumatic surgery. During these operations, appropriate maxillomandibular fixation(MMF) is especially necessary to conserve or reconstruct, dynamic TMJ and functional occlusion. Arch bar is one of the most popular method to gain proper MMF. Seventeen patients including 5 patients with mandibular fracture, 12 patients with orthognathic surgery(6 patients had relatively normal occlusion, however 6 patients had facial anomalies such as hemifacial microsomia with irregular occlusal plane.) were joined in this study. Arch bar was contoured on the dental cast, which was prepared for model surgery, prior to apply it on the facial anomaly patient. On using pre-contoured arch bar, patients felt better during the procedure and surgeons saved time. Moreover, well-contoured arch bar promises precise transmission of force on the bone, which implies surgeons do not need to worry about the occlusion while fixing bony structures. Authors suggest how to apply arch bar to satisfy basic theories about dental row and occlusion based on the experience. In addition, it is proposed to contour arch bar on the dental impression prior to apply it on the patient who has irregular and complex occlusal plane.