THE ROLE OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY IN OVERSEAS MAXILLOFACIAL PROSTHETIC COLLABORATION

Abstract

Digital technologies have a great role in revolutionized prosthodontics in general, and more specifically in maxillofacial prosthetics. Digitized prosthetic rehabilitation modalities are becoming an essential approach for the maxillofacial prosthetic field. This article reviews the role of digital technology in overseas maxillofacial prosthetic collaboration and introduces a model of prospective collaboration in the field of maxillofacial prosthetics using digital technology. Various intraoral and extraoral maxillofacial prostheses were briefly reviewed. Numerous digital technologies in prosthetics were also concisely reviewed in perspective of digitization and visualization, modeling and designing, and fabrication. Internet-based audiovisual synchronous and asynchronous technologies were also reviewed. In addition, a model of future collaboration in the field of maxillofacial prosthetics using digital technology was introduced.