Updates on the Construction of an Eyeglass-Supported Nasal Prosthesis Using Computer-Aided Design and Rapid Prototyping Technology.
This study was undertaken to design an updated connection system for an eyeglass-supported nasal prosthesis using rapid prototyping techniques. The substructure was developed with two main endpoints in mind: the connection to the silicone and the connection to the eyeglasses. The mold design was also updated; the mold was composed of various parts, each carefully designed to allow for easy release after silicone processing and to facilitate extraction of the prosthesis without any strain. The approach used in this study enabled perfect transfer of the reciprocal position of the prosthesis with respect to the eyeglasses, from the virtual to the clinical environment. Moreover, the reduction in thickness improved the flexibility of the prosthesis and promoted adaptation to the contours of the skin, even during functional movements. The method described here is a simplified and viable alternative to standard construction techniques for nasal prostheses and offers improved esthetic and functional results when no bone is available for implant-supported prostheses.
Professor of Maxillofacial Prosthodontics, Section of Prosthodontics, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
Leonardo
L
Ciocca
Maxillofacial Surgeon, Researcher, Maxillofacial Surgery Unit, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
Achille
A
Tarsitano
Professor and Dean of Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
Claudio
C
Marchetti
Professor and Dean of Oral and Maxillofacial Prosthetic Rehabilitation, Section of Prosthodontics, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
Roberto
R
Scotti
D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D005139:Eyeglasses; D006801:Humans; D008447:Maxillofacial Prosthesis; D009666:Nose; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation
Maxillofacial prosthodontics