Maxillofacial abnormalities encompass congenital structural deformities, malformations, or other irregularities affecting the maxilla (upper jaw bones), the face, or facial bones. These anomalies can impact the normal development of facial organs and the oral cavity, leading to significant consequences for facial function, appearance, and, in turn, psychological and emotional well-being. Individuals with these conditions often experience issues like reduced self-confidence, low self-esteem, and a diminished quality of life. The altered quality of life can make social integration challenging and shatter expectations of returning to a "normal life."
Maxillofacial prostheses, crafted from a wide range of materials, play a crucial role in addressing these conditions. They are particularly indicated in the following situations:
- Congenital Abnormalities: Such as birth defects, anotia (complete absence of the external ear at birth), cleft lip, and cleft palate.
- Traumatic Injuries: Cases involving the loss or damage of maxillofacial organs due to accidents or injuries.
- Cancers: Where maxillofacial organs may need to be removed or repaired following cancer treatment.
Types of Maxillofacial Prostheses
Maxillofacial prostheses can be classified into two main types based on their positioning:
- Intraoral Prostheses: These include artificial soft and hard palates, assistive speech devices, oral exercisers, and devices that aid in swallowing functions. Intraoral prostheses are designed to restore both function and appearance in patients with oral cavity defects, primarily using acrylic due to its flexibility and durability. The creation of intraoral prostheses involves several complex steps, including dental impressions, implant planning, and surgical and prosthetic procedures. This process is more intricate compared to extraoral prostheses, with an average production time of one month.
- Extraoral Prostheses: These are used to camouflage surgical defects and are primarily concerned with aesthetics. Natural appearance, encompassing size, shape, and color, is a key focus in enhancing the patient's confidence. Silicone is the preferred material due to its flexibility and cosmetic advantages, with individual patient satisfaction playing a significant role. The assembly process for extraoral prostheses is generally faster, taking an average of 2-4 weeks in comparison to intraoral prostheses
Treatment Steps for Maxillofacial Prosthetics
The creation of maxillofacial prosthetics involves several key steps:
- Dental impression to capture the missing part on the face or in the oral cavity.
- Formation of a positive reproduction (cast or model) by using appropriate materials in a stock or custom dental impression tray. In some cases, size measurements may be necessary.
- Assembly of the prosthesis by a specialized maxillofacial prosthodontist to achieve a natural appearance and the correct size for the individual patient.
- Prosthetic positioning and placement.
Benefits of Maxillofacial Prosthetics
Maxillofacial prosthetics offer several advantages, including:
- Restoring organ structure and functions.
- Providing cosmetic benefits.
- Enhancing self-confidence.
- Improving the patient's quality of life.
After maxillofacial prosthetic surgery, maintaining proper hygiene for the prostheses and following dentists' recommendations are essential for extending the lifespan of the prosthesis. While prosthetic dislocation may occur occasionally, regular follow-up is highly recommended.
