The use of customized 3D-printed mandibular prostheses with pressure-reducing device: A clinical trial.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Segmental bone defects of the mandible result in the complete loss of the affected region. We had incorporated the pressure-reducing device (PRD) designs into the customized mandible prostheses (CMP) and conducted a clinical trial to evaluate this approach. METHODS: Seven patients were enrolled in this study. We examined the association among the history of radiotherapy, the number of CMP regions, the number of chin regions involved, and CMP exposure. RESULTS: We included five men and two women with an average age of 55 years. We excised tumors with an average weight of 147.8 g and the average weight of the CMP was 68.5 g. No significant difference between the two weights was noted (p = 0.3882). Three patients received temporary dentures and the CMP remained stable in all patients. CONCLUSION: The use of PRD in CMP may address the previous challenges associated with CMP, but further research is necessary.