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Melbourne woman fitted with 3D printed jaw and new teeth in world first reconstruction

December 4, 2018

A 31-year-old Melbourne woman has been fitted with a 3D printed jaw and new teeth in a world first reconstruction.

Anelia Myburgh's face was left disfigured after surgeons removed a life-threatening cancer where she lost 80 per cent of her top jaw.

The disfigurement left the finance worker self-conscious and uncomfortable in social situations.

"I just want to be able to walk down the street and not have people stare, that’s my ultimate goal," Ms Myburgh told Nine News.

She was diagnosed with cancer in April last year.

"They removed the majority of the upper jaw, so I only have the two back teeth on each side left, they removed a portion of the lip and some under structure of the nose area," she said.

After she was told nothing could be done Amelia did her own research and met with George Dimitroulis, a Melbourne based maxillofacial surgeon.

A customised 3D printed jaw was developed featuring a titanium frame that could carry bone grafts, allowing teeth to be implanted.

Skin was taken from her forearm and used it to pad out her upper lip.

"The fact that we can 3D print a frame where we can actually anchor some teeth for her will give her back her quality of life,” says Mr Dimitroulis.

After countless appointments, AUS$30,000 in medical bills and a five hour surgery her jaw was fixed.

"I’m looking forward to gradually finally getting that burger."
 

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