Multimaterial 3D printing of a definitive silicone auricular prosthesis: An improved technique

Abstract

Direct silicone printing has been reported for the manufacture of interim facial prostheses. The recent advancements in printing hardware have allowed for multimaterial simultaneous silicone printing with 4 nozzles. With this technology, an auricular prosthesis was printed with various grades of Shore hardness. A few analog steps, including polishing, sealing, coloring, and relining, resulted in an individualized prosthesis with a thin frontal margin and smooth transition into the adjacent tissue. It was considered a definitive treatment option.