Orofacial prosthesis design and fabrication using stereolithography

The use of stereolithography for the manufacture of implantable prostheses is relatively new. Until now, its use with regard to mandibular resection has been to produce pre-operative models that allow more sophisticated planning of the contour and better preparation of the metallic framework to be implanted. This framework rejoins the sections of the mandible, returning some function, but providing no soft tissue support. Hence, the aesthetic results are not optimal. The aim of this study was to investigate the accuracy with which a stereolithographic model could be made to completely reunite both surfaces of the resected mandible and restore full contour. The design and fabrication of a mandibular prosthesis utilizing CAD/CAM technology and stereolithography is still in the early stages, but initial results indicate that with further research and better tools this could provide a new approach to mandibular resections, providing better aesthetic results.