Dynamic orthoses for the management of microstomia

Oral wounds and burns may result in microstomia with significant management problems. An important early management decision involves the selection of an appliance capable of applying forces that will halt and reverse the condition. A selection appropriate to the patient may be based on the need for teeth suitably placed to retain and position a particular device. Limited access to the patient's mouth because of recent trauma, surgery, wiring, inability to tolerate anesthetic, etc., may further restrict choices. Thus, the process of selection involves a weighing of the specific patient's condition and program of treatment against an understanding of the unique features, including complexity of fabrication and durability, of the range of prostheses available. This article provides an overview of the structural and clinical characteristics of seven dynamic intraoral and extraoral microstomia appliances. The need for interdisciplinary management of microstomia with appliances has been noted, and opportunities for research have been pointed out.