Rehabilitation for a scleroderma patient with severe microstomia using digital and conventional methods

BackgroundMicrostomia is a principal clinical symptom in patients with scleroderma. It is characterized by an abnormally small mouth opening, which makes traditional prosthetic rehabilitation difficult.MethodsFirst, the primary impression and jaw relation record were acquired using an intraoral scanning technique and the primary diagnostic dentures were fabricated using 3-dimensional printing (3DP). The definitive impression and jaw relation were obtained and digitally scanned. The second diagnostic denture was also made to confirm the esthetic and occlusal effects. Next, the adjusted dentition parts were scanned and milled from a cross-linked polymethyl methacrylate disk. In addition, the titanium alloy frameworks were also fabricated using 3DP. With flasking, the milled dentition parts were inserted and the definitive dentures were finally fabricated and delivered to the patient.ResultsThe authors constructed the definitive removable partial dentures successfully using the digital methods of intraoral scanning, computer-aided design, and 3DP.Conclusions and Practical ImplicationsThese digital methods provide an alternative option for prosthetic rehabilitation in scleroderma patients with severe microstomia.