Abstract: A system and method for determining the correct natural head position location of reference planes, i.e., the coronal, transverse, and sagittal planes, relative to a three-dimensional computerized image of a patient's head. This method will allow medical practitioners to accurately measure various soft tissue features of the patient's face and underlying hard tissue structures, e.g., such as dentoskeletal structures, and combining such analysis with profile analysis and treatment planning for full 3D facial analysis.

Abstract: Methods for correcting defects at bone repair sites are provided, which use a moldable, post-implantable bone conforming material. The method includes the steps of preparing a bone conforming material, shaping the moldable paste, curing the paste to form a hardened implant, disposing the implant at a repair site, allowing tissue to overlay the repair site during healing and if necessary, further molding the implant to the desired contours of the bony structure being repaired for up to eight weeks after the surgery by applying pressure to the tissue overlaying the implant.

Abstract: A method of soft tissue cephalometric analysis for diagnosis and a method for cephalometric planning treatment for aesthetic correction of facial imbalance in a patient. Normal size, distance, and angle ranges and harmony values of various facial landmarks of aesthetically pleasing faces from a population group are established. The patient will place his or her head in a natural head position. Markers will be placed on soft tissue landmarks and an image will be taken of the patient's head. A true vertical line will be established, and soft and hard tissue landmarks will be measured to the true vertical line. Dentoskeletal measurements will be taken of the face. Finally, in the method of cephalometric planning treatment necessary orthodontic and orthognathic action will be taken to bring measurements into normal range to improve facial balance and aesthetics.

Abstract: A method of soft tissue cephalometric analysis for diagnosis and a method for cephalometric planning treatment for aesthetic correction of facial imbalance in a patient. Normal size, distance, and angle ranges and harmony values of various facial landmarks of aesthetically pleasing faces from a population group are established. The patient will place his or her head in a natural head position. Markers will be placed on soft tissue landmarks and an image will be taken of the patient's head. A true vertical line will be established, and soft and hard tissue landmarks will be measured to the true vertical line. Dentoskeletal measurements will be taken of the face. Finally, in the method of cephalometric planning treatment necessary orthodontic and orthognathic action will be taken to bring measurements into normal range to improve facial balance and aesthetics.

Abstract: The facial implant is made of silicone and has a grid of horizontal and vertical grooves on a concave bone-facing rear surface. The grid pattern of grooves imparts flexibility to the implant to facilitate implantation. In addition, the grooves provide for ingrowth of tissue as well as providing reference marks to facilitate implantation of a pair of mirror-image facial implants in a symmetrical manner. The groove depth may be in a range of from 0.5 to 1 millimeter and may also be of variable depth relative to the cross-sectional thickness of the body.

Abstract: Radiopaque marker and method for use in nuclear medicine imaging, (particularly with X-ray radiology) of soft tissue landmarks of a patient's body. The radiopaque marker includes a spherical ball of radiopaque material attached to an adhesive sheet which is positioned on a sheet of release film. Radiopaque markers are removed from the release film and applied to soft tissue landmarks on the patient. The patient's body, with the radiopaque markers, is then imaged, e.g. with X-ray radiology. The radiopaque markers leave circular shadows on the X-ray film, regardless of the contours of the portion of the body to which the radiopaque markers are applied, and can be used to accurately mark soft tissue landmarks.

Abstract: A bone plate for use in repairing bone fractures or osteotomies wherein the bone plate is provided with a positioning member which allows for ease of handling of the bone plate during the fixation process and wherein the bone plate has a upper surface having smooth or rounded surfaces which allows the upper surface of the bone plate to be juxtapositioned to soft tissue without fear of damaging the soft tissue, as by sharp edges.