R_Bibb_Medical_Modelling_The_Application_of_Adv.pdf
R_Bibb_Medical_Modelling_The_Application_of_Adv.pdf
R_Bibb_Medical_Modelling_The_Application_of_Adv.pdf
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216 <strong>Medical</strong> modelling<br />
part’s down-facing surfaces. This was easily corrected using a heated<br />
scalpel, enabling a secure location and close fi t.<br />
• Detail – the fragile nature <strong>of</strong> the <strong>The</strong>rmoJet ® wax prevented the pattern’s<br />
edges from being made any thinner. Thin edges allow the prosthesis<br />
margin to blend naturally into the skin when made in silicone.<br />
<strong>The</strong>se thin edges were added by the prosthetist using sculpting wax.<br />
Heated sculpting metal tools were also used to blend the join between<br />
the different waxes and add further anatomical details that helped to<br />
achieve a more realistic appearance.<br />
6.12.8 Discussion<br />
This study has highlighted the potential <strong>of</strong> digital technologies to assist<br />
facial prosthesis design, but also demonstrated that there are many limitations<br />
that must be addressed to improve their effectiveness. <strong>The</strong> limitations<br />
encountered are discussed in three categories: data capture, design and<br />
manufacture.<br />
Data capture<br />
Scanning small detailed abutments proved particularly diffi cult. <strong>The</strong> distributed<br />
nature <strong>of</strong> point cloud data captured by optical scanning technologies<br />
and the effects <strong>of</strong> noise meant that, even with a high point density, small<br />
features were subject to loss <strong>of</strong> edge defi nition. Inadvertent patient movement<br />
during data capture exacerbates this problem. With current technologies,<br />
a compromise must be made between detail and speed <strong>of</strong> capture.<br />
However, as digital camera technology and computer processor power<br />
increases, it can be foreseen that the desired capability to capture rich, high<br />
quality data suffi ciently quickly to enable the scanning <strong>of</strong> patients may be<br />
achieved in the near future.<br />
Design<br />
This study has shown that digital techniques can be used to design all <strong>of</strong><br />
the components <strong>of</strong> a prosthesis. However, as the major aim <strong>of</strong> embracing<br />
digital technologies is the gain in effi ciency it is clear that more work is<br />
needed to address s<strong>of</strong>tware capability. This study has shown that, although<br />
digital design is possible, it requires the use <strong>of</strong> multiple s<strong>of</strong>tware packages<br />
to achieve specifi c tasks. This reduces effi ciency, increases costs and also<br />
introduces more opportunities for error as data is translated or transferred<br />
from one source to another.<br />
Future studies will explore alternative s<strong>of</strong>tware solutions and identify<br />
practical methods <strong>of</strong> overcoming the issues identifi ed in this research. <strong>The</strong>
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