# Technical Note of a 3D Printed Stimulating Palatal Plate Prototype for Children with Trisomy 21

## TL;DR

This paper describes a digital workflow for creating a 3D printed palatal plate for children with Trisomy 21, improving safety and adaptation.

## Contribution

The paper introduces a fully digital workflow for fabricating a biocompatible palatal plate using intraoral scanning and 3D printing.

## Key findings

- The digital workflow for the palatal plate was effective and safe in a clinical case of an infant with Trisomy 21.
- The printed device showed excellent adaptation and was well accepted by the child and family members.
- The method replaces conventional techniques and allows for precise, individualized fabrication.

## Abstract

The stimulating palatal plate is an orthopedic device indicated for babies with Trisomy 21. A digital workflow should be implemented to enhance infant safety, starting by intraoral scanning and ending with device printing using a biocompatible material. Thus, the main objective of this technical note is to describe the digital workflow for fabrication of a palatal plate for therapy in T21 patients.

The fully digital linear workflow is presented below, as well as the effectiveness of use in a clinical case of an infant with T21. The maxilla was registered using the TRIOS3 intraoral scanner and the design process for the Stimulating Palatal Plate (SPP) aligns with similar parameters to craft an individual tray, using the Exocad software. After completion of the printing phase, the devices go through a crucial post-processing stage.

Upon placement, the SPP was perfectly adapted and the child with T21 presented immediate alteration of the tongue posture and lip sealing.

The digital workflow from scanning to impression of the stimulating palatal plate is efficient and safe and should replace the conventional method, especially in patients with Trisomy 21. The printed plate presents excellent adaptation and acceptance by family members.

Key words:Trisomy 21, Down Syndrome, Stimulating Palatal Plate, Digital workflow, Computer-aided impression (CAI), Castillo Morales, intraoral scanning.