Drawing on 20 years of experience, the authors elucidate the clinical potential of the approach while also highlighting current pitfalls and limitations. The opening two chapters discuss the 3D imaging workflow and its integration into daily clinical routine and comprehensively describe cone-beam CT virtual diagnosis.

The stepwise 3D virtual planning of orthognathic surgery and transfer of the 3D virtual treatment plan to the patient in the operating room are then thoroughly explained, and the unprecedented potential of 3D virtual evaluation of treatment outcome, documented. Finally, after provision of all this essential background information, the closing chapter illustrates the application of the 3D virtual approach in different types of maxillofacial deformity.

About the Author:

Gwen R.J. Swennen is a consultant maxillofacial and facial plastic surgeon at the Division of Maxillofacial Surgery, General Hospital St John, Bruges and at the Cleft and Craniofacial Centre, Bruges, Belgium. He also works in private practice in cosmetic facial surgery at Clinic Tilleghem, Bruges. He obtained his medical degree at the University of Antwerp in 1995 and his dental degree at the University of Brussels in 1998. He trained in craniomaxillofacial surgery in Hannover and in plastic reconstructive and aesthetic surgery in Hannover and Brussels. He obtained his PhD degree in 2004 at the Hannover Medical School and subsequently became an associate professor before receiving the academic title “APL Professor” in 2009.

Professor Swennen’s principal interests are orthognathic surgery, cosmetic and reconstructive facial plastic surgery, and congenital malformations. He has a special interest in three-dimensional virtual imaging. He serves as a member of the editorial board of the International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and is a member of the Education Committee of the International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. He has published 47 peer-reviewed scientific articles and given 145 scientific presentations at national and international congresses. He is editor of the book Three-Dimensional Cephalometry: A Color Atlas and Manual, co-authored with Filip Schutyser and Jarg-Erich Hausamen. He is co-founder of the “Three-Dimensional Facial Imaging Research Group Bruges - Nijmegen” (3-D FIRG) and section editor of the “Imaging Section” of the International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.