Retention and processing methods of nasal prosthesis

Area of Science:

• Reconstructive surgery
• Biomaterials science
• Prosthodontics

Background:

• Maxillofacial defects, resulting from congenital issues, trauma, or pathology, significantly impact patients' aesthetics and emotional state.
• Facial prostheses offer a viable solution for restoring both form and function in these cases.
• Understanding the diverse methods for fabricating and retaining these prostheses is crucial for optimal patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a comprehensive literature review on the retention and processing techniques for maxillofacial prostheses.
• To analyze and discuss the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of various fabrication and retention methods.
• To provide an overview of the current landscape of facial prosthesis technology.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was performed on the Medline (PubMed) database.
• Keywords included "maxillofacial prosthesis, silicone, resin, pigment, cosmetic, prosthetic nose".
• Articles published between 1956 and 2010 were reviewed.

Main Results:

• A wide array of retention methods were identified, ranging from simple adhesives to advanced osseointegrated implants.
• Various processing technologies, including laser, CAD/CAM, and rapid prototyping, have been reported for prosthesis fabrication.
• Each retention and processing method presents unique advantages and disadvantages.

Conclusions:

• The selection of retention and processing methods for facial prostheses depends on individual patient needs and clinical considerations.
• No single method is universally superior; a tailored approach is necessary.
• Continued research into novel materials and techniques can further enhance the efficacy of maxillofacial prostheses.