1 Detailing patient specific modelling to aid clinical decision-making

Subtle facial differences make an individual unique and it is this uniqueness that needs to be recognized, defined, categorised and incorporated into a computerized patient specific model. The craniofacial structures are complex and there are many clinical and non-clinical specialties that have a specific interest in the dental and oro-facial region. Although there have been significant investments in research to explain development and facial variation, the mechanisms of how normal and abnormal growth/facial development occurs still remains unclear and subject to many theories. Improving knowledge in how the facial tissues arise and function will enhance the validity of computerized models. The aim of this chapter is to highlight advancements that have led to characterization of facial tissues and how these can be utilized and refined for computerized models to aid clinical decision-making. This chapter will address the progress made so far in determining a patient specific model in terms of: • Acquisition of facial data • Genetic and non-genetic factors contributing to facial variation • Modelling facial structures based on average estimates for surgical planning and simulation • Methods to determine facial movement pre and post-surgical intervention • On-going refinement of techniques