Static orthoses for the management of microstomia

Area of Science:

• Oral surgery
• Reconstructive surgery
• Burn treatment

Background:

• Microstomia, or limited mouth opening, is a common complication following facial burns, trauma, scleroderma, or oral reconstructive surgery.
• Various specialists, including dentists and therapists, offer orthotic devices to manage microstomia.
• Effective management requires understanding the diverse range of available appliances.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of the structural and clinical characteristics of 12 common microstomia orthoses.
• To assist clinicians in selecting appropriate orthotic devices for patients with microstomia.
• To emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in managing microstomia.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of existing literature on microstomia orthoses.
• Analysis of structural and clinical features of 12 commonly used appliances.
• Categorization of appliances into tissue-borne and tooth-borne types.

Main Results:

• Detailed description of the design, materials, and application of 12 distinct microstomia orthoses.
• Comparison of the clinical efficacy and indications for each type of appliance.
• Identification of key factors influencing orthosis selection based on patient-specific needs.

Conclusions:

• A wide array of microstomia orthoses are available, each with unique features and applications.
• Informed selection of orthoses is crucial for successful microstomia management.
• Interdisciplinary communication and coordinated care are essential for optimal patient outcomes in microstomia treatment.