Recent advances in the modelling of extraoral defects

Abstract

Maxillofacial prostheses are usually fabricated on the basis of conventional impressions and techniques. The extent to which the prosthesis reproduces normal facial morphology depends on the clinical judgment and skill of the individual fabricating the prosthesis. Recently, as a result of advances in technology, various computer-aided design and manufacturing techniques have been successfully introduced for the automated fabrication of maxillofacial prostheses. These systems are able to provide more consistently accurate reproduction of facial morphology. This article reviews literature concerning such methods. Peer-reviewed literature published in the English language between 1988 and 2005 obtained using Medline and hand searches is reviewed and the various techniques involved in the automated fabrication of extraoral prostheses are described. The advantages as well as the limitations in the currently available techniques and the current body of knowledge are identified and directions for future research have been discussed.