title: Alternative retention for an implant-retained auricular prosthesis.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Henri-Dunant Road, Bangkok, Thailand 10330. tmekaya88@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Trakol
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mekayarajjananonth
authors.forename: Steven J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: LoCascio
authors.forename: Sheldon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Winkler
authors.forename: Thomas J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Salinas
authors.forename: Luis R
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Guerra
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004431:Ear, External; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008416:Mastoid; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation