R_Bibb_Medical_Modelling_The_Application_of_Adv.pdf

242 Medical modelling
assess the accuracy of an RPD by test fi tting the device to the patient cast
and subsequently, in clinic, to the patient. In this study, the RPD frameworks
created were deemed by a qualifi ed and experienced dental technician
to be a satisfactory fi t and comparable to those produced by expert
technicians, see Fig. 6.92. This suggests that the approach and technologies
used are fi t for purpose in this application although further experiments
with a range of patients with differing RPD designs will be required to
ensure that this is in fact the general case.
6.14.6 Conclusions
SLM TM has been shown to be a viable RM method for the direct manufacture
of RPD metal alloy frameworks. Parts produced using the SLM TM
process in conjunction with cobalt-chrome alloy result in RPD frameworks
that are comparable in terms of accuracy, quality of fi t and function to
the existing methods typically used in the dental technology laboratory.
The computer-aided design and manufacture approach offers potential
advantages in terms of reduced inter-operator variability, repeatability,
speed and economy over traditional handcrafting and investment casting
techniques.
6.14.7 References
1. Willer J, Rossbach A, Weber H P (1998), ‘Computer-assisted milling of dental
restorations using a new CAD/CAM data acquisition system’, Journal of
Prosthetic Dentistry, 80 (3), 346–53.
2. Van der Zel J, Vlaar S, de Ruiter W, Davidson C (2001), ‘The CICERO system
for CAD/CAM fabrication of full ceramic crowns’, Journal of Prosthetic
Dentistry, 85 (3), 261–7.
3. Duret F, Preston J, Duret B (1996), ‘Performance of CAD/CAM crown restorations’,
Journal of the California Dental Association, 9 (9), 64–71.
4. Williams R, Bibb R, Rafi k T (2004), ‘A technique for fabricating patterns for
removable partial denture frameworks using digitized casts and electronic surveying’,
Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, 91 (1), 85–8.
5. Williams R, Eggbeer D, Bibb R (2004), ‘CAD/CAM in the fabrication
of removable partial denture frameworks: A virtual method of surveying 3dimensionally
scanned dental casts’, Quintessence Journal of Dental Technology,
2 (3), 268–76.
6. Eggbeer D, Williams R J, Bibb R (2004), ‘A digital method of design and
manufacture of sacrifi cial patterns for removable partial denture metal frameworks’,
Quintessence Journal of Dental Technology, 2 (6), 490–99.
7. Eggbeer D, Bibb R, Williams R (2005), ‘The computer aided design and rapid
prototyping of removable partial denture frameworks’, Journal of Engineering
in Medicine, 219, 195–202.
8. Manners C R, ‘STL File Format’, available on request from 3D Systems Inc.,
26081 Avenue Hall, Valencia, CA 91355, USA, www.3dsystems.com, 1993.