CAD/CAM-Assisted Auricular Prosthesis Fabrication for a Quick, Precise, and More Retentive Outcome: A Clinical Report

Auricular defects comprise a large proportion of maxillofacial deformities. Most patients with acquired deformities have psychosocial ineptness and seek cosmetic rehabilitation. Although minor defects can be corrected surgically, extensive deformities are difficult to reconstruct with plastic surgery. Contrary to that, prosthetic restoration can provide excellent esthetic results. The conventional methods of maxillofacial prosthesis fabrication are time consuming and the outcome depends on the technician's skill. The advent of CAD/CAM technology in the field of dentistry has brought enormous improvement in the quality of health care provided. In the past decade, several methods have been described employing CAD/CAM techniques for the cosmetic rehabilitation of auricular defects. This clinical report details the integration of multiple digital technologies of CT scanning, computer aided design, and rapid prototyping to construct an ear prosthesis with limited number of appointments.