Application of a non-contact three-dimensional laser morphological measuring system and milling machine to the production of maxillofacial prostheses

Siymplification of impression taking and wax-up

Abstract

Impression material has been used to take facial impressions to make maxillofacial prostheses. The design of a prosthesis has depended considerably on the experience and esthetic sense of the person making it. We describe a non-contact three-dimensional measurement system that can be used instead of impression taking. Facial wax-models are then made by a milling machine. This process led to a satisfactory maxillofacial prosthesis. This system was applied to an epithesis in a patient who had a large defect of the left mid-facial area following surgery for a maxillary tumor. A laser surface scanner did not deform the patient's face or cause stress. Scanning the face digitally facilitates the preservation or transmission of date, if necessary. A mirror-image could easily be made by modifying the data, which allowed the epithesis to be designed objectively.