Therapeutic effects of maxillofacial prostheses.
Thirty-nine patients with maxillofacial defects were restored by prostheses. A questionnaire was completed both before and after the prosthetic rehabilitation, measuring such psychological aspects as changes in self-image, optimism, and feelings of health. Thirty-three patients were found to respond favorably. Improvement was most pronounced where the facial defect had been caused by trauma (accidents). It was less conspicuous in patients with congenital malformations, whereas oncologic patients' average experimental change was minimal. It is concluded that cancer patients require more than a well-fitting prosthesis for successful rehabilitation.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001290:Attitude; D002648:Child; D005145:Face / Q000002:abnormalities; D005153:Facial Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006262:Health; D006801:Humans; D007569:Jaw Abnormalities / Q000523:psychology; D007573:Jaw Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D008446:Maxillofacial Injuries / Q000523:psychology; D008447:Maxillofacial Prosthesis / Q000523:psychology*; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D012649:Self Concept