Digitalization in maxillofacial prosthodontics- A review

Abstract

Maxillofacial deformities that result from trauma, developmental abnormalities, destructive cancer surgeries, surgically operated mucormycosis can be difficult for a person to deal with as it affects the esthetics and functions and further degrades their quality of life. Hence, maxillofacial prosthesis not only corrects the deformity but also boost the self-confidence so that the patient can live his/ her life to the fullest. The creation of prostheses is currently undergoing a revolution, crediting the new, cutting-edge technologies including 3D modelling, printing, and imaging. These innovative methods are replacing the manual, labour-intensive, and expensive traditional methods of producing prosthetics with faster, less expensive methods that enable the creation of patient-specific prostheses. Our research aim to provide an update on the digital workflow of fabricating a maxillofacial prosthesis, highlighting the data collecting techniques at hand for extraoral, intraoral, and complex maxillofacial abnormalities, as well as evaluating the software’s used for data processing and designing. Also as the demand for a digital approach to craniofacial rehabilitation increases, it may be seen that the work of software designers will be at demand to help create accessible and user-friendly modules similar to those used in dental laboratories. As the demand for a digital approach to craniofacial rehabilitation is increasing, it has been noticed that assistance from the software designer will be required in future to produce user-friendly and accessible modules comparable to those used in dentistry laboratories