Redefining Orthognathic Surgery: Meticuly's Titanium 3D Printing Breakthrough is Changing Lives
- Narinsiree Srinithikosit
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
What if we could see the future of a patient's smile and jaw function before surgery even begins? What if surgeons had a roadmap to perfect precision? Meticuly, in close collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine at Naresuan University, is turning these futuristic ideas into real-world solutions that are changing lives, one patient at a time with a patient specific implant.
In a recent interview on the show "Bainee Mee Kumtop," Meticuly's CTO, Asst. Prof. Dr. Chedtha Puncreobutr, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Saran worasakwutiphong from Naresuan University, gave us an exclusive look behind the scenes. They revealed how Meticuly's titanium (Ti) 3D printing technology is a game-changer in the world of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, especially when it comes to complex procedures like orthognathic surgery for cleft lip and palate patients.
The Power of the Patient-Specific Orthognathic Solution
The key to this innovation lies in our ability to create a Patient-Specific Orthognathic solution. We transform a patient's complex medical data—from scans that show every detail of the bone, nerves, and tooth roots—into a high-fidelity, three-dimensional digital model. This process, known as Virtual Surgical Planning (VSP), allows surgeons to virtually perform the Orthognathic Surgery before the patient ever enters the operating room. This level of planning is critical for cleft patients who often present with intricate anatomical deficiencies and asymmetries requiring specialsed expertise in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
Our 3D printing technology addresses these challenges head-on. By leveraging high-resolution CT scans and other imaging data, we create incredibly accurate, three-dimensional digital models of a patient's skull and jaw. This virtual replica allows surgeons to plan every step of the Orthongathic surgery with unparalleled precision, from the exact location of osteotomies to the final positioning of the jaw. This pre-operative planning is a crucial step that was previously not possible, significantly reducing guesswork and minimising potential complications, such as relapse. Studies have shown that patient-specific implants and guides lead to less relapse and more stable results compared to traditional methods, especially in cases of significant maxillary advancement.
Titanium 3D Printing: Precision Tools for Life-Changing Surgery
Furthermore, this collaboration extends beyond planning. Our titanium 3D printing capabilities enable the fabrication of bespoke tools that precisely transfer the virtual plan to the operating room. We can create Patient-Specific Implants and custom surgical guides that fit a patient's anatomy with perfect accuracy. Titanium is the ideal material for these implants due to its unique properties: it is biocompatible, meaning the body accepts it without adverse reactions; it is extremely strong and durable; and it promotes osseointegration, a process where the implant fuses directly with the bone.
These tools provide surgeons with a high degree of precision and repeatability, ensuring that the surgical execution perfectly matches the pre-planned digital design. This also streamlines the surgical process by eliminating the need for time-consuming intraoperative steps like manual bone shaping and plate bending, which is particularly beneficial in complex Oral and Maxillofacial surgery cases like those involving cleft lip and palate.
This innovative partnership represents a monumental step forward, blending 3D printing technology with compassionate medical care. Together with Naresuan University, we are committed to making these life-changing Patient-specific solutions accessible and effective for those who need them most, empowering surgeons to create more predictable and aesthetically pleasing outcomes for surgery such Orthognathic surgery.
[Link to YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/cK0viJKZWpM?si=x-rt1WLqtUc50Qws]