Effects of implant anchorage on midface prostheses.

Statement Of Problem: Acquired midface defects may produce functional and psychologic impairments that adversely effects a patient's quality of life. Conventional prostheses may lack adequate retention and stability, diminishing the patient's confidence that the prosthesis will remain in place during routine activities.

Purpose: The experience with and patient response to endosseous implants in prosthetic restoration of midface defects is presented in this study.

Anterior margin adaptation for implant-retained auricular prostheses.

Adaptation of the anterior margin of implant-retained auricular prostheses may be compromised during mandibular movement. Loss of contact between prostheses and underlying skin in an esthetic area is of great concern. This article describes an impression procedure that addresses the problem of anterior margin adaptation.

Bilateral maxillectomy and midfacial reconstruction.

Extensive bilateral midfacial defects including the upper jaw, palate, and sinuses present a formidable reconstructive challenge. Prosthetic restorations require a solid anchor point to be successful, since orofacial motion would otherwise cause instability of the prosthesis. We report on a series of eight patients who underwent transmalar placement of a Steinmann pin at the time of definitive tumor resection.

Stents for nasal vestibule.

A method employing vinyl polysiloxane and polyethylene chemical tubing to make nasal stents is described. Vinyl polysiloxane stents, when well molded, are comfortable and easily tolerated. The technique has been useful for maintaining patent nares and enhancing graft viability.