2023, Vol. 27 ›› Issue (3): 413-419

Application of 3D printing technology in the precise and personalized treatment of cleft lip and palate

Jiang Haifang1, 2, Liu Rong3, Hu Peng1, 2, Chen Wei1, 2, Wei Zairong1, 2, Yang Chenglan1, 2, Nie Kaiyu1, 2   

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The clinical application of 3D printing technology provides an effective auxiliary means for precise and personalized treatment of cleft lip and palate.
OBJECTIVE: To summarize the application status of 3D printing in the diagnosis and treatment of cleft lip and palate, and look forward to the application prospect of 3D printing technology in the precise and personalized treatment of cleft lip and palate.
METHODS: CNKI, Wanfang and PubMed databases were searched by computer, with “cleft lip, cleft palate, cleft lip and palate, 3D Printing” as Chinese retrieval terms, and “cleft lip, cleft palate, printing, three-dimensional” as English retrieval terms. A total of 77 relevant articles were retrieved, and 68 articles were finally included for summary and induction according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, including the classification, treatment and application status of 3D printing technology of cleft lip and palate.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) In the preoperative (postoperative) orthodontic and shaping, 3D printing offers personalized treatments. With the increase of bioactivator, a variety of correctional implement new strategy of manufacturing appeared, including the use of new materials and coatings, so that 3D printing and correcting device has bacteriostatic action, which enhances the treatment effect. However, the strength, hardness and long-term effectiveness of orthodontic materials need to be further explored. (2) In the process of surgical planning and simulation, 3D printed guide and computer-aided virtual surgery system were introduced to plan surgical guidelines, which helped the surgeon to perform surgical operations more accurately and reduced the difficulty of surgery. However, the auxiliary treatment mainly targeted at bone tissue and played a weak role in the soft tissue of cleft lip and palate. (3) In the art of the implants, biological materials with personalized tissue engineering structure are hot research materials for implantation and repair of bony fissures in patients with cleft lip and palate due to good bone guide, bone regeneration, and the three-dimensional space structure that fits the bone tissue. However, its biocompatibility and safety in the treatment process are not in-depth study. (4) In terms of surgical training and education, 3D printed anatomical models can help medical workers better learn the theoretical knowledge and surgical skills related to cleft lip and palate, and they can also serve as a good tool for doctor-patient communication. (5) Therefore, 3D printing technology, computer-aided virtual surgery system, and personalized biological materials with tissue engineering structure for treatment of cleft lip and palate can promote the transformation from experience treatment to personalized and precise treatment of cleft lip and palate, and achieve the treatment effect of cleft lip and palate.
Key words: cleft lip, cleft palate, cleft lip and palate, 3D printing, biomaterials, bone tissue, orthodontics, shaping, precise therapy