OVERVIEW
Maxillofacial Prostheses are often needed to replace missing areas of bone or tissue and restore oral functions such as swallowing, speech, and chewing.
In other instances, a prosthesis for the face or body may be indicated for cosmetic and psychosocial reasons. Prosthetic devices may also be created to position or shield facial structures during radiation therapy.
Children can also be born without full development of ears, teeth, or palate and need specialized care.
Prosthodontists are accustomed to working cooperatively with ENTs, oral surgeons, general and specialty dentists, plastic surgeons, neurologists, radiation oncologists, speech pathologists, anaplastologists (medical artists that create facial prostheses), and various other ancillary personnel.