In order to attain adequate dental occlusion when treating skeletal cases, Inter Maxillary Fixation (IMF) is an important and essential step during orthognathic surgery. In cases treated with conventional fixed appliances (orthodontic brackets and wires), this is usually accomplished by means of soldering or crimping hooks to rectangular archwires to allow intra-operative jaw repositioning and fixation with surgical plates. How to perform this step in cases treated with aligners has been a clinical challenge. This presentation will show the audience all existing available options to conduct IMF in surgical cases treated with clear aligners, including one that has been effectively used by the presenter for the last 18 years. Limitations, advantages, disadvantages, associated risks, and the maxillofacial surgeon's point of view regarding the use of all options will also be addressed.
Learning Objectives:
After this session, attendees will be able to:
Outline the different treatment options available to perform intermaxillary fixation during orthognathic surgery for the correction of skeletal malocclusions in cases treated with clear aligners.
Learn the indications, contraindications, and limitations of these treatment options.
Evaluate and choose a reliable, safe, and cost-effective means to perform IMFbetween these options.
