J Adv Prosthodont.  2016 Jun;8(3):219-223. 10.4047/jap.2016.8.3.219.

Creating a digitized database of maxillofacial prostheses (obturators): A pilot study

• Elbashti M
• Hattori M
• Sumita Y
• Aswehlee A
• Yoshi S
• Taniguchi

• KMID: 2376847
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4047/jap.2016.8.3.219

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study aimed to create a digitized database of fabricated obturators to be kept for patients' potential emergency needs.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A chairside intraoral scanner was used to scan the surfaces of an acrylic resin obturator. The scanned data was recorded and saved as a single standard tessellation language file using a three-dimensional modeling software. A simulated obturator model was manufactured using fused deposition modeling technique in a three-dimensional printer.
RESULTS
The entire obturator was successfully scanned regardless of its structural complexity, modeled as three-dimensional data, and stored in the digital system of our clinic at a relatively small size (19.6 MB). A simulated obturator model was then accurately manufactured from these data.
CONCLUSION
This study provides a proof-of-concept for the use of digital technology to create a digitized database of obturators for edentulous maxillectomy patients.

Keyword

Digitized database; Obturators; Intraoral scanner; Modeling; 3D printing; Emergency

MeSH Terms

Emergencies
Humans
Maxillofacial Prosthesis*
Pilot Projects*

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Flowchart outlining the process of creating the digitized database.

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  Fig. 2 Acrylic resin obturator sprayed with titanium oxide powder. (A) Polished surfaces, (B) Fitting surfaces.

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  Fig. 3 Checking scanning quality using the scanner's monitor.

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  Fig. 4 The manufactured obturator. (A) Polished surfaces, (B) Fitting surfaces.

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  Fig. 5 A comparison of geometries of the original CT scanned obturator and the original Lava scanned obturator: (A) Polished surfaces; (B) Fitting surfaces.

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  Fig. 6 A comparison of geometries of the original CT scanned obturator and the manufactured CT scanned obturator: (A) Polished surfaces; (B) Fitting surfaces.

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