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.

Does Complete Digitization in Maxillofacial Rehabilitation Become a Reality in Near Future?

“…The synchronous collaborative works on maxillofacial prosthetic cases through real-time high-quality digital data delivery and by bringing the database objects to a shared workspace. 8 Although there is digital advancement in the fabrication of maxillofacial prosthesis, but due to certain limitations it cannot be completely shifted to digital fabrication as final parts of prosthesis fabrication require conventional human intervention. Introduction of new technologies and techniques in the field of maxillofacial prosthodontic needs changes in recent treatment protocols, advance training of the operator, and workflow setting to meet the challenges in the near future.…”