Analogical phase

 
 

  • Making an analogical impression

An alginate impression is made and then cast in plaster. This provides the basis for sculpting the prosthesis. This traditional impression enables us to obtain a plaster copy of the section of the face concerned and acts as a support for the various stages involved in sculpting. It is a crucial phase for prostheses that are attached via implants so that the exact placement of the retention parts is pin-pointed and replicated to position the magnets under the prosthesis.

This impression serves as a support for the sculpting phases.

An impression of the existing outer ear can also be made out of alginate and then cast in plaster.

This is used as a template for sculpting the model of the prosthesis. It is then digitally inversed, printed out in 3-D and duplicated in wax.

  • Sculpture

Each person is unique in terms of their facial features and our prostheses are sculpted on a totally customized basis. Several consultations are necessary depending on each individual case:

For an auricular prosthesis, the sub-base is made of resin. An ear will be sculpted true to the shape and features of the opposing ear and adapted to the contours of the surrounding skin.

 

An orbital prosthesis requires an ocular prosthesis to be made (a glass or resin eye) by an accredited ocularist and is carefully positioned in the cavity, duly respecting the implants and the placement of the magnets. The difficulty lies in finding the right directional axis for the ocular prosthesis, sculpting the eyelids, the area above the eyelid and restoring the patient’s natural look.

 

For a nasal prosthesis, it is necessary to ensure that the prosthesis enables the patient to breathe normally. When modeling the nose, previous photos can be used, but the sculpture will be made taking into account each person’s particular features.

 

Photos of models of noses, ears and the orbital region (eye with eyelids)

 

  • Designing and making the mould

Once the model of the sculpture is completed, a mould is made. This includes the resins and retention systems in addition to the ocular prosthesis, if relevant. The model is then destroyed, with the exception of the resin, the magnets and the ocular prosthesis, if present.