The use of a laser-level paralleling device for the fabrication of a unilateral auricular prosthesis.

This article describes the use of a laser-level paralleling device for the fabrication of a unilateral auricular prosthesis. Traditional methods require use of calipers to obtain orientation of contralateral auricular anatomy, which in turn can be difficult to replicate on the patient. The purpose of this clinical report is to describe a simple means to record unilateral auricular anatomy.

Novel magnet-retained prosthetic system for facial reconstruction.

Traumatic facial defects negatively impact speech, mastication, deglutition, dental hygiene, and psychosocial well-being. Reconstruction must address restoration of function and aesthetics to provide quality of life. This report describes soft-tissue reconstruction using a novel magnet-retained facial prosthesis without osseointegrated abutments, performed in a patient after traumatic loss of the entire left lower part of the face, including lips, commissure, and mentum. This reconstructive technique successfully addressed the cosmetic defect while also restoring function with respect to speech and oral nutrition. For this reason, magnet-retained facial prosthesis should be added to free tissue transfer and regional flaps as a reasonable option in the reconstructive algorithm for complex soft-tissue defects of the lower face.

One-way valved speech bulb obturator using a tracheoesophageal prosthesis.

This article describes the fabrication procedures to create a one-way valved speech bulb obturator.

Fabricating a custom earpiece for hand-held radios.

This article describes the fabrication of a custom earpiece for use with hand-held radios. The technique can be used to fabricate custom earpieces, as a public service, for law enforcement personnel, firefighters, emergency medical services (EMS) personnel, and others, improving safety and providing a valuable benefit to the community.

The effects of primers and surface bonding characteristics on the adhesion of polyurethane to two commonly used silicone elastomers.

PURPOSE: When restoring facial defects, maxillofacial prosthodontists and anaplastologists are often limited by material deficiencies. Silicone elastomers bonded to a polyurethane liner best satisfy the functional and esthetic requirements necessary for facial prostheses; however, patients using silicone prostheses with polyurethane liners often experience varying degrees of debonding at the polyurethane-silicone interfaces. This may result in failure of such prostheses. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of five primers on bonding between polyurethane and two commonly used silicone elastomers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Six bonding regimens were used to join polyurethane and silicone materials. Each treatment group consisted of 12 specimens. Bonding regimens included (1) a 40:60 mixture of MDX4-4210 and Silastic Medical Adhesive Type A, in conjunction with Dow Corning 1205 primer (Udagama's technique); (2) silicone A-2000 with Dow Corning 1205 primer; (3) silicone A-2000 with A-330-G primer; (4) silicone A-2000 with Mucopren primer; (5) silicone A-2000 with Sofreliner T primer; and (6) silicone A-2000 with Sofreliner MS primer. Following fabrication, specimens were attached to a universal testing machine and separated in tension at a crosshead speed of 25.4 mm/min. One examiner performed the assessment of T-peel strength (N/mm), peak load (N), and peel distance (mm) for all specimens. Mean data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Fisher's protected significant difference multiple comparison of the means (alpha= 0.05). RESULTS: A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in T-peel strength was found among specimen groups. Post hoc analysis indicated that Sofreliner MS primer (1.32 +/- 0.13 N/mm) and Sofreliner T primer (1.25 +/- 0.11 N/mm) increased the bond strengths significantly compared to A-330-G primer (0.91 +/- 0.10 N/mm) and Udagama's technique (0.13 +/- 0.02 N/mm). Cohesive failure between silicone A-2000 and polyurethane liner was observed when Sofreliner MS primer and Sofreliner T were used. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, the use of Sofreliner MS primer and Sofreliner T primer produced significant increases in the bond strength of silicone elastomer to polyurethane liner material. Based on T-peel strength, peel distance, and peak load data, the combination of silicone A-2000 and Sofreliner MS primer resulted in the greatest mean bond strength for silicone-to-polyurethane applications.

Customizing a nasal CPAP mask using a silicone elastomer.

Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Airway obstruction is prevented by delivering air at a constant pressure via a nasal mask worn during sleep. Small nares may cause difficulty in wearing even the smallest standard nasal mask, with wear resulting in discomfort and air leaks. This article describes a method for fabricating a custom nasal CPAP mask using maxillofacial prosthodontic laboratory techniques.

Full-body impression technique for conjoined twins: A clinical report.

This clinical report describes a unique impression technique devised for fabrication of a full-body cast of conjoined twins. The authors describe how the cast was used by the medical team to plan the surgical flap design for effective abdominal wall closure during the 27-hour operation sequence that resulted in the twins' separation. The cast, in turn, proved invaluable in planning the complicated surgical procedures necessary to separate them.