maxillofacial prosthesis

Define as: The branch of the prosthodontics concerned with the restoration and / or replacement of the stomatognathic and craniofacial structures with a prosthesis that may or may not be removed. OR The art and science of anatomic, functional, or cosmetic reconstruction by means of nonliving substitutes of those regions in the maxilla, mandible, and face that are missing or defective because of surgical intervention, trauma, pathology, or developmental or congenital malformations
Maxillofacial Prosthodontics


MFP are often needed to restore oral function such as deglutition, speech and mastication. In other instance, prosthesis may be needed for cosmetic and psychological reasons or to protect facial structures during radiotherapy of head and neck cancer patient. The over all goal of maxillofacial prosthesis treatment is to improve the quality of life by reducing the morbidity associated with treatment which benefits a particular head and neck condition . Also protect the adjacent tissue, teeth & other structures from direct injury. Improve the healing process (as stent), may or may nor carry a medication.
Objectives of Maxillofacial Prosthesis:

1. Acquired Defects: include those defects that are the result of trauma, or disease and its treatment. These may include a soft and/or hard palate.
Classification of Maxillofacial Defects

2. Congenital defects are typically craniofacial defects that are present from birth. The most common of these include cleft defects of the palate that may include the premaxillary alveolus.
Classification of Maxillofacial Defects

3. Developmental defects are those defects that occur because of some genetic predisposition that is expressed during growth and development .
Classification of Maxillofacial Defects

Classification of Maxillofacial Prosthesis

Maxillofacial prosthesis classified to be: Extraoral (cranial or facial replacement), Intraoral (involving the oral cavity), Combination of intra &extraoral types, or: Radiotherapy prosthesis. OR Prostheses may be interim (for short periods of time, often preoperative) or definitive (more permanent); and prostheses used as a component of management, such as a (splint or stent).



B. Mandibular Prosthesis: 1. Mandibulectomy prosthesis. 2.Marginal mandibulectomy prosthesis. 3. Mandibular guide flange prosthesis. 4.Interarch fixation prosthesis 5. Stent prosthesis.
A. Maxillary Prosthesis: 1. Obturator prosthesis. 2. Feeding aid prosthesis. 3. Speech aid Prosthesis. 4. Palatal treatment prosthesis. 5. Saliva stimulating prosthesis. 6. Palatal lift prosthesis. 7. Composite palatal treatment prosthesis. 8. Palatagmentation prosthesis.
Intraoral Prosthesis (stomatognathic):
Classification of Maxillofacial Prosthesis
C. Tongue Prosthesis.

2. Extraoral Prosthesis (craniofacial):

a. Upper facial Prosthesis. b. Middle facial prosthesis. c. Hemi facial Prosthesis. d. Nasal prosthesis. e. Orbital (eye) prosthesis. f. Auricular (ear) prosthesis.
Radiation (stent & Carrier)
4. Radiotherapy Prosthesis:
3. Combination Prosthesis:
A combination of both intra & extraoral prostheses.

Intraoral ProsthesisMaxillary Prosthesis

Cleft Palate Prosthesis

Intraoral ProsthesisMaxillary Prosthesis

Feeding Aid Prosthesis

Intraoral ProsthesisMaxillary Prosthesis

.Speech aid Prosthesis

Maxillary Saliva Stimulating Prosthesis

Can be made with a reservoir to hold artificial saliva.
Intraoral ProsthesisMaxillary Prosthesis

Skin graft preserves alveolar ridge for denture support

Intraoral Prosthesis Mandible Prosthesis

Mandibulectomy prosthesis

Intraoral Prosthesis Mandible Prosthesis

Mandibular guide flange

Intraoral Prosthesis Mandible Prosthesis

Intraoral Prosthesis Tonque Prosthesis

Lower augmentation T.P.
Upper augmentation T.P.

Extraoral Prostheses

General Principles: Goal is cosmetic. Retained with : 1. Adhesives. 2. Implants. 3. Skin grafting as abase & Smooth edges. 4. Glasses or exrtra equipments can help also.

Extraoral Prostheses -- Ear

Tragus hides attachment.

Extraoral Prostheses -- Orbit

Skin graft provides base for prosthesis.

Extraoral Prostheses -- Orbit

Sun glasses help to hide the defect margin.

Extraoral Prostheses -- Nose

Skin graft provides base for prosthesis.
Glasses helps for retention

Extraoral Prostheses –Orbit & Nose

Extraoral Prostheses – Orbit & Nose

Indications of maxillofacial prosthesis (MFP)

1. For realignment and fixation of mandibular fragment in adequate dental occlusal relationship with the opposing jaw. 2. As obturator for the occlusion of defects of the palate and maxillary bone. 3. For maintenance of facial form and contour and prevention of contraction during healing period. 4. For restoration of facial features such as the nose, eye and auricle.

Contraindication of the MFP:

Advanced age of the patient. Poor health of the patient (contraindicated for surgical intervention). Very large deformity, that need to replaced with the help of grafts or living structures. Poor blood supply in the deformity site. Susceptibility to recurrence of malignant lesions. Operation expenses, if high.

Limitations of the MFP:

1.Economic condition of the patient. 2. Rapid color instability. 3. Movable tissue bed. 4. Difficulty in retaining the prosthesis. 5. Inadequate material available. 6. Patient acceptance. 7. Need for restoration of sinus cavities. 8. It need more accurate replication of complexities of the bone, their soft tissue coverings and attached dentition. 9. The facial prosthesis tend to deteriorate with time, changed in color, therefore it must be replaced regularly. 10. Possibility of detachment of the prosthesis especially auricular prosthesis.

Post surgical management.

After a surgery and even before , The team work of patient ‘s rehabilitation , should include:Maxillofacial surgeon.Prosthodontics. Orthodontist.Phyciastrist.Speech rehabilitation specialist.Oncologist.Plastic surgeon specialist


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