Current state of craniofacial prosthetic rehabilitation.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to review the current state of the techniques and materials used to rehabilitate maxillofacial defects.


METHODS
The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for articles pertinent to maxillofacial prostheses published from January 1990 to July 2011. The main clinical stages were the subject of analysis.


RESULTS
A multidisciplinary approach is preferred when rehabilitating maxillofacial defects. Surgical reconstruction can be used for smaller defects, but larger defects require a prosthesis to achieve an esthetic rehabilitation. Implant retained prostheses are preferred over adhesive prostheses. Silicone elastomer is currently the best material available for maxillofacial prostheses; however, longevity and discoloration, which are greatly influenced by ultraviolet radiation, microorganisms, and environmental factors, remain significant problems. In the near future, the widespread availability and cost effectiveness of digital systems may improve the workflow and outcomes of facial prostheses. Patients report high satisfaction with their prostheses despite some areas that still need improvement.


CONCLUSIONS
Maxillofacial prostheses are a reliable treatment option to restore maxillofacial defects and improve quality of life. Significant progress has been made in the application of implants for retention and digital technology for designing surgical guides, suprastructures, and craniofacial prostheses. Further improvements are necessary to enhance longevity of prostheses.
Department of Biomedical Engineering, University Medical Center, Groningen, the Netherlands.
Nina
N
Ariani
Anita
A
Visser
Robert P
RP
van Oort
Lindawati
L
Kusdhany
Tri Budi W
TB
Rahardjo
Bastiaan P
BP
Krom
Henry C
HC
van der Mei
Arjan
A
Vissink
D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D004954:Esthetics; D005145:Face; D006801:Humans; D008447:Maxillofacial Prosthesis; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation; D060489:Prosthesis Retention
D001672:Biocompatible Materials