Rehabilitation of maxillectomy defects with obturator prostheses fabricated using computer-aided design and rapid prototyping: a pilot study.

Abstract

To establish an alternative method to design and fabricate an obturator prosthesis within the maxillectomy defect using a computer-aided design (CAD) and rapid prototyping (RP) technique and to evaluate the functional results of this technique. Eleven patients with acquired maxillary defects resulting from head and neck cancers were treated using a protocol based on three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction, CAD, and RP technologies to fabricate obturator prostheses. To evaluate the quality of the obturator prostheses and the patients' satisfaction, the Obturator Functioning Scale (OFS) of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center was applied. Each patient received an individualized obturator that exactly matched the static shape and fit of the defect. Clinical modifications were required to improve border contours. The patients showed good results in all fields of functional outcomes and social acceptance. The OFS scores were comparable with those reported in other studies using traditional maxillectomy impression methods. This study combined CAD with RP technology to explore an alternative and feasible method for manufacturing individualized obturators for patients after maxillary resection. It has shown significant clinical value, especially for use in developing countries.