Innovative Modification for Orthognathic Splint

Author(s): Piyush Bolya, Smarika Kothari, Archana Nagora, Vaibhav Jain, Priyashree Joshi, Snehal Dupare

Le Fort I osteotomy is a frequently performed surgical procedure in patients with cleft lip and palate, often complicated by maxillary hypoplasia and scarring from previous corrective surgeries. These factors can make maxillary mobilization challenging and negatively impact long-term stability. Acrylic occlusal wafers, commonly used in both cleft and non-cleft osteotomies, help establish proper jaw alignment, but cleft patients require significantly more force for mobilization. To address this, a modified acrylic occlusal splint was developed, incorporating metal loops for improved intermaxillary fixation. The construction process involves standard techniques, with additional steps to ensure optimal engagement and comfort. The modified splint offers several advantages, including increased surgical stability, cost-effectiveness, and protection of oral tissues, making it a valuable tool for cleft lip and palate osteotomies.