Aesthetic restoration of a nasal defect: Digital workflow from scan to try-in device

Surgical resections performed for cancer treatment can lead to extensive facial defects that require rehabilitation through maxillofacial prostheses. New digital technologies offer valuable support in managing these complex cases, making it possible to create try-in prostheses with greater efficiency, precision, and reduced invasiveness during impression taking. The use of digital workflows allows clinicians to produce accurate and aesthetically acceptable try-in models, improving patient comfort and streamlining clinical procedures. However, while 3D printing is effective for creating prototypes, the final conversion to silicone still relies on traditional laboratory protocols, as silicone-compatible printers are not yet available. Despite this limitation, continuous optimization of 3D digital methods is expected to play an increasingly significant role in maxillofacial rehabilitation. These advancements benefit both clinicians—by enhancing planning and fabrication accuracy—and patients, by reducing procedural discomfort and improving the final aesthetic and functional outcomes.