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Artificial intelligence for maxillofacial prosthodontics: A technological shift in craniofacial rehabilitation- a
Anupama Aradya1, Koduru Sravani2, M B Ravi3
1Dept of Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge JSS Dental College and Hospital, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysore, Karnataka, 570015, India.
Introduction:
Artificial intelligence (AI) transforms dentistry and holds considerable promise for maxillofacial prosthodontics (MFP). Applications in imaging, computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), and additive manufacturing are improving diagnosis, treatment planning, and prosthetic rehabilitation for patients with craniofacial abnormalities. Despite advances in materials and digital workflows, challenges remain in achieving optimal accuracy, efficiency, and customisation in prosthetic design. The integration of AI in maxillofacial prosthodontics is still in its early stages. Currently, there is no review detailing the scope, trends, potential, and limitations of AI in this field. A scoping review is therefore necessary to consolidate existing evidence, identify knowledge gaps, and suggest directions for future research and clinical application. This review objective is to systematically map and analyse the current literature on AI in maxillofacial prosthodontics, focusing on its role in craniofacial rehabilitation.
Methods:
This scoping review adhered to the methodological framework of Arksey and O'Malley (2005) and was guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Manual for Evidence Synthesis (2020). Reporting complied with PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines to ensure clarity and reproducibility. The review was registered with the Open Science Framework (registration number: www.osf.io/3b9jr). Electronic databases, including Medline via PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Database, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and Semantic Scholar, were searched up to 7 June 2025. Full-text English articles containing the keywords "Artificial Intelligence and Maxillofacial Prosthodontics" and related terms were included.
Results:
This scoping review included 35 articles from diverse geographic regions. The studies addressed several specific applications of AI in maxillofacial prosthodontics, including the production of implant-supported auricular prostheses, coloration of maxillofacial prostheses, evaluation of facial attractiveness in patients with clefts, capture of 3D impressions of cleft palates, identification of hypernasality, assessment of lip symmetry, and detection of teeth in cleft lip and palate cases.
Conclusion:
Artificial intelligence offers significant opportunities for maxillofacial prosthodontics, especially in imaging, digital design, and prosthesis production. Progress in this area requires interdisciplinary teamwork, large-scale clinical trials, and the development of standardized validation methods to ensure safe and effective clinical application.
