Iowa Teen Undergoes Groundbreaking Jaw Reconstruction Surgery

Artificial intelligence and 3D printing help surgeon rebuild teen's shattered jaw in record time

Jan. 30, 2026 at 7:55pm

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Mya Buie, a 17-year-old from West Des Moines, Iowa, underwent multiple surgeries to reconstruct her jaw after being shot in the face by her mother's ex-boyfriend. Her surgeon, Dr. Simon Wright, used cutting-edge technology including artificial intelligence and 3D printing to create a customized titanium jawbone plate that was delivered and implanted in record time, cutting the typical surgery time in half.

Why it matters

This case highlights the rapid advancements in medical technology, particularly in the field of facial reconstruction. The use of AI and 3D printing allowed Dr. Wright to provide a more accurate and efficient solution for Mya, improving her recovery prospects and reducing the trauma of the lengthy traditional surgical process. It also underscores the importance of supporting medical research and innovation, as these breakthroughs often stem from cross-pollination between different fields.

The details

Mya Buie's jaw was severely fractured and shattered when she was shot in the face with a .40-caliber bullet just days before her birthday. Rather than manually bending and molding titanium plates to reconstruct her jaw, as is typical, Dr. Wright used AI to analyze a CT scan of Buie's jaw and 3D printing technology to create a customized titanium jawbone plate. This plate was produced in a lab in Florida, flown to Des Moines, and implanted in Buie during surgery - all within a matter of days, a record turnaround time for this type of procedure.

  • Three months ago, Mya Buie underwent multiple surgeries to reconstruct her jaw.
  • Buie was shot in the face with a .40-caliber bullet just days before her birthday.
  • Next month, Buie will receive dental implants for her missing teeth.

The players

Mya Buie

A 17-year-old high school junior from West Des Moines, Iowa, who was the victim of a shooting that severely fractured and shattered her jaw.

Dr. Simon Wright

A facial reconstruction trauma surgeon who used artificial intelligence and 3D printing technology to create a customized titanium jawbone plate for Buie, cutting the typical surgery time in half.

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What they’re saying

“It was kind of scary. It was traumatic.”

— Mya Buie (KCCI)

“There is always a level of dissatisfaction, and it doesn't feel good to do something just good enough.”

— Dr. Simon Wright, Facial Reconstruction Trauma Surgeon (KCCI)

“It's so much easier than trying to bend a plate to get it perfect. It's no question a game-changer.”

— Dr. Simon Wright, Facial Reconstruction Trauma Surgeon (KCCI)

“The ability to make a custom plate has been around for 10 years or more, but the ability to do it very quickly has not been.”

— Dr. Simon Wright, Facial Reconstruction Trauma Surgeon (KCCI)

“I just thank God every day for giving me a second chance at life. I'm very grateful. I can tell my story and spread the word of God with this story, like a testament.”

— Mya Buie (KCCI)

What’s next

Buie will likely undergo additional surgeries next month to receive dental implants for her missing teeth.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates the transformative potential of emerging medical technologies like artificial intelligence and 3D printing, which are revolutionizing the field of facial reconstruction and improving outcomes for trauma patients. It also highlights the importance of continued investment in medical research and innovation.