BackgroundFacial prostheses are intended to provide a non-operative rehabilitation for patients with acquired facial defects. By improving aesthetics and quality of life (QOL), this treatment involves reintegration of the patient into family and social life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the perception of QOL in adult patients with facial prostheses and to compare this perception with that of a control group.MethodsThe study participants consisted of 72 patients, who were divided into three equal-sized groups according to the type of prosthesis (OP- orbital prosthesis, AP- auricular prosthesis, NP - nasal prosthesis) and 24 healthy control participants without any congenital or acquired deformity of face or body. Clinical and socio-demographic data were gathered from each person’s medical chart. Participants completed the Turkish version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument, Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF). Descriptive statistics, independent sample t-tests, Pearson's chi-square test, ANOVA, ANCOVA, and Pearson correlation were used to analyse the data.ResultsCompared with the control participants, patients with NP scored lower on the all domains of QOL and all three patient groups had lower scores on overall QOL and its domains of physical and environmental health. Patients with OP reported significantly lower physical health scores than those with AP, while patients with NP reported significantly lower overall QOL and psychological health scores than those with AP. Female patients had lower environmental domain scores than did male patients. The patient’s age and income correlated with social relationships QOL, while the patient’s income and the age of facial prosthesis were correlated with environmental QOL.ConclusionPatients with facial prostheses had lower scores in overall QOL, physical and environmental health domains than the control participants. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics such as age, gender, income, localization of the defect, and age of facial prosthesis were associated with patients’ QOL. These findings may provide valuable information about the specific health needs of these patients that may affect their well-being. Further studies are needed to confirm these results. Use of the WHOQOL-BREF may provide valuable information for determining patients’ needs and priorities as well as for planning and developing comprehensive prosthetic rehabilitation programs.

Extraoral implants for the retention of facial prosthesis have been used for better support, stability, and retention. Other than the clinical experiences, treatment outcomes of these prostheses should be evaluated for predicting the long-term success. The aim of this study was to evaluate the survival rates and soft tissue responses of extraoral implants. In total, 52 patients were examined, including 16 with auricular defects, 16 with orbital defects, 13 with nasal defects, and 7 with midfacial defects. Data on implant length and location, radiation-treatment history, systemic diseases, and alcohol and cigarette use were collected and assessed, and data on the health of periimplant soft tissue were recorded for all of the defects. Statistical analyses were performed with t and chi2 tests and correlation and regression analyses for the determination of the survival rate. According to results, the defect area has a significant effect on success rate. The overall success rate was found highest in the auricular area and least in the midfacial area. The presence of diabetes, alcohol use, and age were found as significant factors for implant loss, whereas smoking and radiotherapy were found as insignificant.

The purpose of this research was to investigate if physical properties could be improved by incorporating a tulle reinforcement material into a maxillofacial silicone elastomer. A-2186 silicone elastomer was used in this study. The study group consisted of 20 elastomer specimens incorporated with tulle and fabricated in dumbbell-shaped silicone patterns using ASTM D412 and D624 standards. The control group consisted of 20 elastomer specimens fabricated without tulle. Tensile strength, ultimate elongation, and tear strength of all specimens were measured and analyzed. Statistical analyses were performed using Mann-Whitney U test with a statistical significance at 95% confidence level. It was found that the tensile and tear strengths of tulle-incorporated maxillofacial silicone elastomer were higher than those without tulle incorporation (p<0.05). Therefore, findings of this study suggested that tulle successfully reinforced a maxillofacial silicone elastomer by providing it with better mechanical properties and augmented strength -especially for the delicate edges of maxillofacial prostheses.

This clinical report describes the use of tulle for increasing the tear resistance of a facial prosthesis. By incorporating tulle, a prosthesis' margins may be more stable, more resistant to tearing, and less likely to deform while adhesive, cosmetics, and cleaning agents are applied and removed. (J Prosthet Dent 2003;90:526-9.)

This article describes the use of computed tomography and rapid prototyping method to produce a wax pattern of a missing ear. Computed tomographic scans were obtained from the patient, and a three-dimensional digital image was produced using a computer-aided design software. Then, the image of the present ear was extracted, and its mirror image was obtained with the software. The pattern of the inverted three-dimensional cast was produced using a rapid prototyping machine. The cast was duplicated in wax of identical dimensions and shape of the opposing ear, and the auricular prosthesis was fabricated with traditional methods.

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Objectives : Cleft palate is a common congenital maxillofacial defect. We wish to present the fabrication of a modified feeding plate that will adapt to the changing palatal and velopharyngeal morphology during function. Case Report : A neonate with unilateral cleft lip and palate was referred to our clinic for the fabrication of a feeding plate. Intraoral examination revealed a cleft involving the uvula and the soft palate, with an alveolar defect on the left side. An impression was taken and a dental cast was obtained. A 1-mm Bioplast clear soft plate was pressed on the model. After trimming the edges of the plate, several retentive holes were made for its attachment to the hard plate. With the Bioplast soft plate replaced on the cast, plaster was used to cover parts of the soft plate that were not to come in contact with the hard plate. Biocryl resin was put on the retentive holes and 2-mm Biocryl C Rosa-transparent plate was pressed. The edges of the plate were cut, trimmed, and polished. Conclusion : This modified feeding plate effectively obstructed the soft palate defect. The adaptation of the flexible bulb of the appliance with the soft palate was excellent. Evaluation with nasoendoscopy revealed the synchronized movement of the bulb of the appliance with the soft palate during swallowing. Soft extension of the feeding plate eliminated the risk of irritation, and the baby accepted the appliance easily.

Candida albicans, known for its adhesion on prosthetic materials and oral tissues, is the most frequently encountered fungal infection in dentistry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of four different surface treatment methods and immersion in artificial saliva on the surface roughness of and candida adhesion on dental porcelains. The four surface treatment methods were namely: natural glaze, overglaze, dual ion exchange, and polishing. Surface roughness of porcelain was evaluated using a surface profilometer and by SEM. Candida adhesion was examined by culturing two Candida strains on porcelain specimens followed by a colorimetric method using XTT/Coenzyme Q0. It became evident that Candida adhesion was found more in the specimens treated with natural glaze and polishing. Further, by the visual inspection of SEM images and comparison of surface roughness, polished and naturalglazed specimens showed rougher surface characteristics than overglazed and dual-ion-exchanged specimens.