Using biomodels for maxillofacial surgeries: 10 years of experience in a Brazilian public service

Aim: To evaluate 10 years of experience of use of biomodels at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil, showing the difficulties and importance of using biomodels in a public oral and maxillofacial surgery service.
Methods: The records of all patients treated at the referred Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery between January 2000 and December 2010 were reviewed.
Results: Biomodels were used in 63 cases, including pathologies (47%), trauma sequelae (23%), dentofacial deformities (8%), temporomandibular joint anomalies (8%), implant surgery (8%) and maxillofacial prosthesis (6%). These cases were performed in a partnership with Renato Archer Information of Technology Center - CTI, Campinas, Brazil.
Conclusions: The partnership with CTI enables the use of prototypes for treatment planning of patients of a public health system using selective laser sintering, a cheaper prototyping method. The patients can benefit from this technology, without any costs for them.