Recommendations for post-rehabilitation care of maxillofacial prostheses

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to review the scientific literature to describe the main care and hygiene protocols for different types of maxillofacial prostheses (MFP). Methods: A bibliographic search on the PubMed / Medline database using the following keywords: [“maxillofacial prosthesis” OR “ocular prostheses” OR “palatal obturators”] AND [“Cleaning” OR “disinfection”] AND [“care”] AND [“color stability”] OR [“denture cleansers” OR “cleansing agents”]. Articles addressing materials, cleaning and disinfection protocols, and care related to MFP were included. The following exclusion criteria were applied: no adequate methodology, incompatibility with the area of interest, and unavailability for reading in full. Results: The papers were grouped into the following topics: facial prostheses, ocular prostheses, maxillofacial intraoral prostheses, and retention systems. Conclusion: Despite the MFP changes over time, its degradation decreases upon following the recommendations and post-adaptation care. The guidelines for cleaning and disinfection must be individualized to guarantee the longevity of the prosthesis and the patient health.

Custom-made ocular prosthesis: enhancing the iris position of post-evisceration patient

“…Making an ocular prosthesis that is made by duplicating according to the exact size, color, and natural contour of the ocular socket will result in the shape and color of the prosthesis that looks more natural and symmetrical to the patient [6,4,8]. An aesthetically pleasing artificial eye should replicate the alignment of the existing natural appearance, presenting difficulties in achieving a lifelike look, especially in placing the iris accurately, which is seen as the most challenging aspect [6,2].…”

“…The proper fit of ocular prosthesis is crucial for patient comfort and psychological wellbeing. Custom-made acrylic resin ocular prosthesis, tailored to the shape and size of the patient's ocular socket, provide a close adaptation between the prosthesis and the ocular base tissue, leading to a more even distribution of pressure compared to factory-stock eye prosthesis [8]. The use of custom-made ocular prosthesis not only enhances aesthetics and tissue health but also eliminates potential stagnation spaces on the tissue surface of the prosthesis base, which can lead to fluid accumulation, prosthesis instability, tissue irritation, and bacterial growth.…”

“…Additionally, the meticulous polishing and regular inspections of ocular prosthesis are essential to ensure a smooth surface, the absence of texture irregularities or scratches, and the prevention of discomfort, deterioration, and bacterial build-up [4]. Regular inspections of the prosthesis are essential during each visit to ensure its smooth surface and the absence of texture irregularities or scratches [8]. Additionally, evaluating the fit and comfort of the ocular prosthesis within the socket is important, involving an assessment of stability, discomfort, pressure points, and movement of the prosthesis [6].…”