Abstract
BackgroundThe application of a maxillofacial prosthesis is an alternative to surgery in functional–aesthetic facial reconstruction. Computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing has opened up a new approach to the fabrication of maxillofacial prostheses. An intelligentized rapid simulative design and manufacturing system for prostheses was developed to facilitate the prosthesis fabrication procedure.MethodsThe rapid simulation design and rapid fabrication system for maxillofacial prostheses consists of three components: digital impression, intelligentized prosthesis design, and rapid manufacturing. The patients’ maxillofacial digital impressions were taken with a structured-light 3D scanner; then, the 3D model of the prostheses and their negative molds could be designed with specific software; lastly, with resin molds fabricated by the rapid prototyping machine, the prostheses could be produced directly and quickly.ResultsFifteen patients with maxillofacial defects received prosthesis rehabilitation provided by the established system. The total clinical time used for each patient was only 4 hours over 2 appointments on average. The contours of the prostheses coordinated properly with the appearance of the patients, and the uniform-thickness border sealed well to adjacent tissues. All of the patients were satisfied with their prostheses.ConclusionsThe rapid simulative rehabilitation system of maxillofacial defects is approaching completion. It could provide an advanced technological solution for the Army in cases of maxillofacial defect rehabilitation.
Highlights
The application of a maxillofacial prosthesis is an alternative to surgery in functional–aesthetic facial reconstruction
Between 2009 and 2013, maxillofacial prostheses were made with the intelligentized rapid design and manufacturing system for 15 patients, including 9 men (60%) and 6 women (40%)
Facial defects were primarily the result of tumor resection (n = 6, 40%); 33% were the result of congenital defects (n = 5), and 27% were the result of acquired trauma (n = 4)
Summary
The application of a maxillofacial prosthesis is an alternative to surgery in functional–aesthetic facial reconstruction. Computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing has opened up a new approach to the fabrication of maxillofacial prostheses. Defects in the maxillofacial region have severe and complicated impacts on the patient’s physical and mental health, leading to deficits in functions such as mastication, speech, and deglutition. Such injuries result in serious facial deformations, handicapping the patient’s daily activities. The application of a maxillofacial prosthesis is an alternative to reconstructive surgery, either because of the poor psychophysical condition of the patient or because of excessive tissue loss [2]. The traditional method of fabricating maxillofacial prostheses includes several complex steps; it is a labor-intensive and timeconsuming task, and the final results mainly depend on the experiences and skills of the clinician [3]
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