CAD/CAM ear model and virtual construction of the mold.

This article describes a technique to make an implant-retained maxillofacial prosthesis using CAD/CAM technology and a rapid prototyping machine. The primary advantage of this technique is virtual 3-dimensional integration of the defective surface with the mirrored and digitalized normal ear. Making an impression of the defective side is not necessary, because only the position of the implants must be recorded to develop the bar for the retention of the prosthesis. This procedure allows positioning of the ear straight onto the computer screen, eliminating the diagnostic waxing, and the fabrication of the stone mold is not necessary because of the rapid prototyping process.