Fabrication of maxillofacial prosthesis using a computer-aided design and manufacturing system (CAD-CAM)

Commentary: Neoplasm and trauma of the maxillofacial region are quite common. There are also certain syndromes and congenital conditions which lead to disturb formation of facial structures. Patients suffer from such deformities because of serious esthetics .function and psychological faults. Rehabilitation procedures of such defects include reconstructive surgery and maxillofacial prosthesis. A well-made prosthesis (orbital .ocular .auricular .nasal .lip or a combination of these) helps to face society. Computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) system have opened up a new approach to the fabrication of maxillofacial prosthesis. They simplify and drastically shorten the fabrication procedure. This system will provide a more consistent and accurate reproduction of craniofacial morphology. Materials and methods:CAD-CAM system consist of three components: digital impression . intellectual prosthesis design and rapid manufacturing. Facial contours measures taken using a non-contact three-dimensional laser morphological system. The patient maxillofacial digital impression was taken with structured-light 3D scanner. This type of impression method minimizes patient discomfort and avoid soft tissue distortion often seen when using impression material. Then 3D model of the prosthesis and their negative molds could be designed with specific software. Lastly with resin molds fabricated by rapid prototyping machine .the prosthesis could be produced directly and quickly. moreover the digital data is easy to store and transmit and mirror-images can be readily generated by computer processing. Result: Fifteen patients with maxillofacial defect received prosthesis provided by established CAD-CAM system. the total clinical time used for each patient was only 4 hours over 2 appointments. All of them were satisfied with their rehabilitating maxillofacial prosthesis.