Maxillofacial prosthetics is a specialty within prosthodontics concerning the restoration of head and neck tissues or bones, damaged by birth defects, accidents, or trauma. These treatments help return vital oral functions such as swallowing, chewing, and speaking. Beyond their functional purpose, our appliances offer valuable psychological and cosmetic benefits by enhancing a patient’s appearance, providing a natural look to the affected area. By taking an integrated approach, we work with other specialists to help treat the overall condition and improve a patient’s quality of life.
Who Benefits From Maxillofacial Prosthetics?
In addition to providing care for those with congenital defects, we create prostheses for patients rehabilitating from cancer or living with neuromuscular conditions. Our appliances can mimic tissue lost to disease or traumatic injuries. We also design devices that can protect the head and neck while undergoing radiation therapy.
Intraoral Prostheses
These appliances help return speech, swallowing, and chewing by augmenting the oral cavity to address defects within. For this purpose, we create intraoral prostheses from materials both flexible and durable enough to withstand daily use. From initial planning to placement, the creation of these prostheses can take longer than their extraoral counterparts due to additional complexity. These steps may include, but are not limited to, taking dental impressions, planning implant placement, and performing surgery.
Extraoral Prostheses
These devices primarily treat the esthetics of a patient’s external appearance to help improve confidence and enjoy a return to social activities. To achieve this end, we consult closely throughout the design process to create a natural look with regard to shape, color, and size. Because these appliances tend to be less sophisticated than intraoral prostheses, the turnaround time to delivery can be reduced. We are committed to improving a patient’s quality of life above all else, and for this reason, aim to deliver the best prostheses possible.
Talk To Your Shrewsbury Area Prosthetic Dental Office About Treatment With Maxillofacial Prosthetics
Our prostheses offer valuable restoration of tissue and oral bone lost to disease, trauma, and congenital defects. We can construct an appliance to restore intraoral function as well as devices that enhance your appearance. To find out more information about our maxillofacial prosthetics, call our Shrewsbury, MA area office today at 508-842-8838.
