How to produce pre-shaped rigid arch bars using low-cost 3D printing technology - A technical note

Numerous oral and maxillofacial procedures in dentate patients begin with the fixation of occlusions. While several techniques exist to perform mandibulo-maxillary fixation, many surgeons use arch bars in common practice. In cases of severe craniofacial traumas or jaw malformations, such as temporomandibular joint ankylosis, it may be impossible to use rigid arch bars. This technical note reports on the development of a technique to produce pre-shaped rigid arch bars using 3D printing technology. We take the case of a patient who presents Le Fort 1, Le Fort 2 and Le Fort 3 fractures as well as a central palatine disjunction, an angular mandibular fracture and bilateral zygomatic fractures. We specify the indications and limitations of this technique.