Maxillofacial prosthesis

Maxillofacial Prosthetics is a subspecialty of Prosthodontics that involves the rehabilitation of patients with defects or disabilities that were present when born or developed due to disease or trauma. Prostheses are often needed to replace missing areas of bone or tissue and restore oral functions such as swallowing, speech, and chewing. In other instances, a prosthesis for the face or body may be indicated for cosmetic and psychosocial reasons. Prosthetic devices may also be created to position or shield facial structures during radiation therapy. Patients that typically desire prosthetic care are those that have been in an accident, have had surgical removal of diseased tissues, or have a neuromuscular disorder from ALS or a stroke.

A patient may need a maxillofacial prosthetic if:

• They have been in a severe accident.
• They have had diseased tissues surgically removed.
• They have a neuromuscular disorder due to a stroke or Lou Gehrig’s disease, also known as ALS.
• They are a child born without fully developed ears, teeth, or palate.