|
Purpose: This article presents a novel manufacturing approach that integrates laser
surface digitizing/scanning and computer-aided design (CAD) and manufacturing (CAM)
to achieve automated fabrication of spatially and anatomically accurate extraoral facial
prostheses. Materials and Methods: Topologic data of the patient’s face, including the site
of deformity and the anatomy of a healthy “donor” organ, were acquired using laser
surface digitizing. Two different CAD data manipulation techniques were developed to
alleviate problems encountered in laser-digitized data sets. To reduce patient
involvement, fitting of the prosthesis was conducted using a computer model of the
patient’s face. Once finalized, rapid prototyping techniques were employed to fabricate a
master pattern to cast the final prosthesis. Results: Three case studies involving different
facial prostheses were conducted to evaluate the integrated manufacturing system. The
results demonstrated the many advantages of the system for facial prosthesis production.
Conclusion: With the new manufacturing approach, reduced patient discomfort, minimal
dependence on the artistic skills of the prosthetist, and short turnaround times for
prosthesis production can be expected. Int J Prosthodont 2003;16:435–441.
|