Digital fabrication of an adult speech aid prosthesis by using a 3-dimensionally printed polyetheretherketone framework

This article presents a digital fabrication method for a speech aid prosthesis by using a 3D-printed polyetheretherketone (PEEK) framework. The computer-aided design (CAD) of the speech aid prosthesis framework was based on oral scan data. The framework was printed with PEEK filament material supplemented with nanoTiO2 powder by fused deposition modeling (FDM). A resin preliminary cast was 3D printed, and an altered cast technique was adopted to fabricate the definitive cast. The PEEK framework exhibited precise fit, toothlike color, excellent mechanical properties, and reduced weight as compared with a typical metal framework. This technique describes the successful clinical application of 3D-printed PEEK material for the fabrication of an adult speech aid prosthesis.