title: A technique to produce a mirror-image wax pattern of an ear using rapid prototyping technology.
abstract: This article describes the use of computer-aided techniques to produce a wax pattern of a missing ear. A 3-dimensional (3-D) computer model of a conventional cast from a patient was obtained using an optical surface capture device (scanner). The 3-D computer model was inverted, using computer-aided design software. A physical thermoplastic (wax) pattern of the inverted 3-D cast was produced using a rapid prototyping (RP) machine.
authors.affiliation: University of Rochester Eastman Dental Center, Rochester, NY, USA. Majd_AlMardini@URMC.Rochester.edu
authors.forename: Majd
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Al Mardini
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ercoli
authors.forename: Gerald N
authors.initials: GN
authors.lastname: Graser
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D004431:Ear, External; D006801:Humans; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D014885:Waxes
chemical_list: D014885:Waxes