Place of 3D printing in facial epithesis.

Authors :: Bachelet JT
Jouan R
Prade V
Francisco C
Jaby P
Gleizal A
Source :: Journal of stomatology, oral and maxillofacial surgery [J Stomatol Oral Maxillofac Surg] 2017 Sep; Vol. 118 (4), pp. 224-227. Date of Electronic Publication: 2017 Jun 19.
Publication Year :: 2017
Abstract: Facial rehabilitation from facial epithets is part of the facial surgeon's therapeutic arsenal. The primary technique requires taking imprints on the patient, which has major drawbacks such as discomfort and difficulties for precisely recording anatomical surfaces. In this paper, we present a technical improvement in the design of facial epithesis, introducing application of a 3D printing technology. By exploiting digital data in DICOM format, it is possible to produce a digital copy of an epithesis. Based on this copy a model can be printed and then used to support the final prosthesis.<br /> (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)