Retention in maxillofacial prostheses

Abstract

Facial disfigurement affects the functional, social and psychological well-being of an individual.
 It reduces an individual’s self esteem and acceptance in the society. It can be congenital or acquired. Prosthetic rehabilitation and surgical reconstruction techniques are the ways to lessen or diminish the problems associated with facial disfigurement. Prosthetic rehabilitation is favored as it is less invasive and affordable. The success of a prosthetic rehabilitation of any part relies on the availability of a method of attaching the artificial substitute securely to its place. Various means of retention have been developed over the years from metal bands to implants. With the advancing technology, in cases where anatomic undercuts are futile, craniofacial implants prove to be a boon for rehabilitation. In this literature review, the various modes of retention available for maxillofacial prostheses were assessed and appraised.

Maxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation using different retention systems: A review

“…Extending the prosthesis anteriorly onto the nasal aperture and/or along the nasal surface of the soft palate can improve retention. 2…”

“…They came to the conclusion that retention of the silicone elastomeric strips is enhanced when second coat of adhesive is applied after 4-8 hours of interval. 2…”

“…Samarium iron nitride is a more recent material that has shown impressive outcomes with higher degree of magnetization, and its ability to resist corrosion and temperature, in comparison to Nd-Fe-B type magnets. 2…”

“…Dieffenbach, a German surgeon, once said that "at the sight of whom all men turn in disgust and abhorrence and at whose presence children cry and dogs bark" perfectly encapsulates this. 1,2 Restoration of speech, deglutition, and masticatory functions as well as achieving a normal orofacial appearance are the main objectives of rehabilitation of maxillofacial defects.The outcome and the type of prosthesis primarily depend on the size, site, and the extent of the defect, age and the expectations of the patient as well as the cost of the prosthesis. The quality of patient's life is improved with the rehabilitation of the lost or missing structure with a suitable prosthesis, thus creating an illusion.The current Glossary of Prosthodontic Terms defines maxillofacial prosthetics as "the branch of Prosthodontics concerned with the restoration and/or replacement of the stomatognathic (jaws) and craniofacial (facial) structures with prostheses that may or may not be removed on a regular or elective basis".…”

“…After all, it is up to them to design an acceptable and long-lasting prosthetic rehabilitation. 2 Over the past few years, there have been notable improvements in both the techniques and materials utilised to retain maxillofacial prostheses. Osseo integrated implants have been employed to enhance the grip and retention of facial prosthesis, in the last 20 years.…”