Planning for Bimaxillary Surgery and the Implications of Rigid Internal Fixation

This chapter describes and illustrates a classic technique of planning and executing bimaxillary orthognathic corrections utilizing models mounted on plasterless articulators. The teeth are used as the reference points for repositioning the jaws. The maxillary model in corrected position is related to the mandibular model in uncorrected position with a transitional acrylic interocclusal index (splint). Facial height is set by relating the maxillary incisal edges to the inferior margin of the upper lip. Following rigid internal fixation of the upper jaw in this position, the mandible is mobilized and related in its corrected position to the maxilla with a final interocclusal index.