Alternative retention for an implant-retained auricular prosthesis.
The introduction of intraoral endosseous implants was inevitably followed by their external use in maxillofacial prosthodontics. Bar and clip attachments provide satisfactory retention for auricular prostheses, although the bar may inhibit patient hygiene by limiting access to the defect area. A simple clinical and laboratory technique to enhance the retention of an implant-retained auricular prosthesis is described, with custom-made stud attachments used for retention. Improved access for hygiene is provided. A clinical case is presented.
Mekayarajjananonth
Trakol
T
Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Henri-Dunant Road, Bangkok, Thailand 10330. tmekaya88@hotmail.com
LoCascio
Steven J
SJ
Winkler
Sheldon
S
Salinas
Thomas J
TJ
Guerra
Luis R
LR
D000328:Adult; D004431:Ear, External; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008416:Mastoid; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation