Textbook of MAXILLOFACIAL PROSTHODONTICS

A maxillofacial prosthesis restores normal anatomy and appearance, protects the tissues of a defect, and provides great psychological benefit to the patient. Maxillofacial prosthetics is defined as that branch of prosthodontics concerned with restoration, replacement or both of stomatognathic and associated facial structures by artificial substitutes that may or may not be removed. It encompasses prosthetic rehabilitation of patients with oral or facial defects which may be naturally acquired or resulting from disease or trauma. The constructed maxillofacial prosthetic aids and devices for these patients are considered less than optimal, with a fundamental problem of inadequate stability and retention of prosthesis. Facial prostheses can be retained by several methods. Where conditions permit, anatomic undercuts with in the defect can be engaged. Although retention is relatively reliable, few defects have a configuration that lends itself to this method.