Maxillofacial Prosthodontist

Today the class period was dedicated to research on Maxollofacial Prosthethics below are my findings. 

Maxillofacial Prosthetics is a subspecialty of Prosthodontics that involves 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.Prosthetic devices may also be created to position or shield facial structures during radiation therapy.

The Typed of Prostheses are as follows:

Extraoral Prostheses:

Ocular Prosthesis
Replaces Eye


Orbital Prosthesis
Replaces Eye and surrounding tissues


Auricular Prosthesis
Replace Ear


Nasal Prosthesis
Replaces Nose


Midfacial Prosthesis
Replaces part of the face which may involve more thanone structure


Somatic Prosthesis
Replaces a body part like fingers, hands, etc


Radiation Shield
Worn during radiation therapy for protection of normal tissues

Intraoral Prostheses:


Surgical Obturator Prosthesis
Covers palate after partial or total loss of the maxilla (upper jaw). This is used after surgery to provide closure


Interim and Definitive Obturator
Covers palate after partial or total loss of maxilla or due to cleft palate. It restores teeth and gums and has an extension which closes the defect or hole for swallowing, eating, chewing, and speaking. 


Palatal Lift Prosthesis
Helps soft palate assume correct position for speech


Palatal Augmentation (Drop) Prosthesis
Alters palate prosthetically for speech


Mandibular Resection Prosthesis
Replaces portion of the jaw that has been lost and restores gums and teeth

Fluoride Carrier
Tray filled with Fluoride gel for patients with dry mouth from medications, radiation therapy, or certain medical conditions. Helps to strengthen, protect and preserve compromised teeth