RETENTION IN MAXILLOFACIAL PROSTHESIS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Defects in the maxillofacial region can be congenital or acquired, and may negatively affect their physical and psychological health, hence such defects require rehabilitation to improve the quality of life. Maxillofacial prosthesis helps in substituting these missing body parts. The mode of retention is always challenging. Apart from the various modes of retention available, a thorough treatment planning can give a better quality of maxillofacial prostheses. The type of retentive to be given depends on several factors such as the shape and size of the defect, the systemic conditions and the age of the patient. Using ideal retentive aids along with the aesthetic, functional and economic factors helps in achieving successful outcomes.