OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the current evidence of digital workflow feasibility based on the data acquisition methods and the software tools used to fabricate intraoral prostheses for patients with partial or total maxillary and mandibular defects.
METHODS: An electronic search was performed in PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science using a combination of relevant keywords: digital workflow, digital designing, computer-assisted design-computer aided manufacturing, 3D printing, maxillectomy, and mandibulectomy. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool was used to assess the quality of evidence in the studies reviewed.
RESULTS: From a total of 542 references, 33 articles were selected, including 25 on maxillary prostheses and 8 on mandibular prostheses. The use of digital workflows was limited to one or two steps of the fabrication of the prostheses, and only four studies described a complete digital workflow. The most preferred method for data acquisition was intraoral scanning with or without a cone beam computed tomography combination.
CONCLUSIONS: Currently, the fabrication process of maxillofacial prostheses requires combining digital and conventional methods. Simplifying the data acquisition methods and providing user-friendly and affordable software may encourage clinicians to use the digital workflow more frequently for patients requiring maxillofacial prostheses.

The aim of this systematic review was to identify and analyze the findings of various studies that analyzed the changes in the color stability of maxillofacial prosthetic materials after the addition of various colorants and nanoparticles and assess the change in color after being subjected to either natural or artificial accelerated aging as well as outdoor aging. This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the guidelines of transparent reporting of systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA Statement). The primary objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the color stability of maxillofacial prosthesis. The secondary objective was to assess the effect of various colorants; pigments; opacifiers; UV absorbers-such as inorganic colorants (dry earth pigments); metal oxides; and organic colorants. The time period of the included studies extended from 2013 to 2023. Electronic database search identified a total of 217 studies. Ten studies were included to meet the research question. All 10 included studies analyzed the effect of various colorants and their exposure to various aging and weathering conditions. It was found that various pigments and nanoparticles had an effect on the color stability. Also weathering and aging conditions had a direct effect on the color stability as well. In terms of disinfection, although there was not much color difference observed, highest change in color stability was observed when rubbing or brushing of the prosthesis was carried out. In conclusion, the color stability of maxillofacial prosthetics is a critical factor that influences both patient satisfaction and the overall cosmetic look. The potential of pigments and nanoparticles to enhance the color stability of silicone-based maxillofacial prosthesis has received much research. By avoiding color fading and discoloration brought on by environmental variables including UV radiation, aging, and chemical exposure, the inclusion of various pigments and nanoparticles has been demonstrated to improve the color stability of silicone maxillofacial prostheses.

OBJECTIVE: In this narrative review, we present the current applications and performances of artificial intelligence (AI) models in different phases of the removable prosthodontic workflow and related research topics.
METHODS: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases between January 2010 and January 2023. Search terms related to AI were combined with terms related to removable prosthodontics. Articles reporting the structure and performance of the developed AI model were selected for this literature review.
RESULTS: A total of 15 articles were relevant to the application of AI in removable prosthodontics, including maxillofacial prosthetics. These applications included the design of removable partial dentures, classification of partially edentulous arches, functional evaluation and outcome prediction in complete denture treatment, early prosthetic management of patients with cleft lip and palate, coloration of maxillofacial prostheses, and prediction of the material properties of denture teeth. Various AI models with reliable prediction accuracy have been developed using supervised learning.
CONCLUSIONS: The current applications of AI in removable prosthodontics exhibit significant potential for improving the prosthodontic workflow, with high accuracy levels reported in most of the reviewed studies. However, the focus has been predominantly on the diagnostic phase, with few studies addressing treatment planning and implementation. Because the number of AI-related studies in removable prosthodontics is limited, more models targeting different prosthodontic disciplines are required.

Purpose: To quantify the cumulative oral implant survival rates and changes in radiographic bone levels based on the configuration of the implant-abutment connection type over time. Materials and Methods: An electronic literature search was conducted in four databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase), and records were refereed by two independent reviewers based on the inclusion criteria. Data from included articles were grouped by implant-abutment connection type into four categories ([1] external hex; [2] bone level, internal, narrow cone < 45 degrees; [3] bone level, internal wide cone ≥ 45 degrees or flat; and [4] tissue level) and duration of follow-up (short-term 1 to 2 years, mid-term 2 to 5 years, and long-term > 5 years). Meta-analyses were performed for cumulative survival rate (CSR) and changes in marginal bone level (ΔMBL) from baseline (loading) to last reported follow-up. Studies were split or merged as appropriate based on the implants and follow-up duration in the study and trial design. The study was compiled under PRISMA 2020 guidelines and registered in the PROSPERO database. Results: A total of 3,082 articles were screened. Full-text review of 465 articles resulted in a total of 270 articles (representing 16,448 subjects with 45,347 implants) included for quantitative synthesis and analysis. Mean ΔMBL (95% CI) was as follows: short-term external hex = 0.68 mm (0.57, 0.79); short-term bone level, internal, narrow cone < 45 degrees = 0.34 mm (0.25, 0.43); short-term bone level, internal wide cone ≥ 45 degrees = 0.63 mm (0.52, 0.74); short-term tissue level = 0.42 mm (0.27, 0.56); mid-term external hex = 1.03 mm (0.72, 1.34); mid-term bone level, internal, narrow cone < 45 degrees = 0.45 mm (0.34, 0.56); mid-term bone level, internal wide cone ≥ 45 degrees = 0.73 mm (0.58, 0.88); mid-term tissue level = 0.4 mm (0.21, 0.61); long-term external hex = 0.98 mm, 0.70, 1.25); long-term bone level, internal, narrow cone < 45 degrees = 0.44 mm (0.31, 0.57); long-term bone level, internal wide cone ≥ 45 degrees = 0.95 mm (0.68, 1.22); and long-term tissue level = 0.43 mm (0.24, 0.61). CSRs (95% CI) were: short-term external hex = 97% (96%, 98%); short-term bone level, internal, narrow cone < 45 degrees = 99% (99%, 99%); short-term bone level, internal wide cone ≥ 45 degrees = 98% (98%, 99%); short-term tissue level = 99% (98%, 100%); mid-term external hex = 97% (96%, 98%); mid-term bone level, internal, narrow cone < 45 degrees = 98% (98%, 99%); mid-term bone level, internal wide cone ≥ 45 degrees = 99% (98%, 99%); mid-term tissue level = 98% (97%, 99%); long-term external hex = 96% (95%, 98%); long-term bone level, internal, narrow cone < 45 degrees = 98% (98%, 99%); long-term bone level, internal wide cone ≥ 45 degrees = 99% (98%, 100%); and long-term tissue level = 99% (98%, 100%). Conclusion: The configuration of the implant-abutment interface has a measurable effect on the ΔMBL over time. These changes can be observed over a period of at least 3 to 5 years. At all measured time intervals, similar ΔMBL was noted for external hex and internal wide cone ≥ 45-degree connections, as were internal, narrow cone < 45-degree and tissue-level connections.

Magnets have been widely used in dentistry as a means of retention in various prosthodontic applications. This review summarizes the historical background, types, and modes of action of magnets in dentistry, including their uses in conventional removable prostheses, sectional dentures, overdentures, maxillofacial prostheses, and implant-supported prostheses. A comprehensive electronic literature search was performed through multiple databases, including Medline via Pubmed, Wiley Online Library, Ebscohost, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. We used the following keywords: \"magnets\", \"retention\", \"overdenture\", and \"maxillofacial prosthesis\", with a focus on articles published between October 1953 and March 2016. We found 20 articles, and 16 were selected for inclusion in this review based on their relevance to the topic at hand. Recent advancements in magnetic technology have resulted in newer magnets that exhibit superior biological compatibility and corrosion resistance. These properties have made magnets an effective retentive aid intra- and extra-orally.

Purpose To assess the accuracy of scanning technologies for constructing facial prostheses on human faces.Study selection Our systematic search was performed on five databases. Studies reporting on human volunteers (P) whose faces were scanned with a scanning technology were eligible. The anthropometrical interlandmark distances (ILDs) were used as indicators of accuracy; the ILDs are measured on the virtual models (I) and directly on the faces (C). The virtual models deviated from their true values (O). Studies reporting the measurements on patients with or without facial deformities were included, but cadavers or inanimate objects were reasons for exclusion. We performed a mean difference (MD) / standardized MD analysis with a random effect model. The difficulties regarding the scanning procedure mentioned in the articles were also assessed.Results We found 3723 records after duplicate removal. Twenty five articles were eligible for the qualitative review, and ten articles were included in the quantitative synthesis. Eight different ILDs were compared in MD analyses. The differences were between -0.54-0.43 mm. We also performed a regional three-dimensional analysis to compare scanning technologies in each major region. No significant differences were found in any of the regions and axes. The most mentioned difficulties were artifacts due to motion or blinking.Conclusions The results suggest no systematic skew in linear dimensions neither between direct caliper measurements nor between measurements on the scanned models, scanning technologies, or facial regions.

Maxillofacial prostheses provide effective rehabilitation of complex facial defects as alternatives to surgical reconstruction. Although facial prostheses provide aesthetically pleasing reconstructions, multiple barriers exist that prevent their routine clinical use. The accessibility of facial prostheses is limited by the scarce supply of maxillofacial prosthodontists, significant time commitment and number of clinic appointments required of patients during prosthesis fabrication, short lifespan of prostheses, and limited outcomes data.
A literature review was completed using PubMed and Embase databases, with search phrases including face and maxillofacial prostheses. Patient cases are included to illustrate the use of facial prostheses to reconstruct complex facial defects.
The clinical use of facial prostheses requires a multidisciplinary team including a reconstructive surgeon, a maxillofacial prosthodontist, and an anaplastologist, if available, to provide patients with aesthetically appropriate facial prostheses. Developing technology including computer-aided design and three-dimensional printing may improve the availability of facial prostheses by eliminating multiple steps during prosthesis fabrication, ultimately decreasing the time required to fabricate a prosthesis. In addition, enhanced materials may improve prosthesis durability. Long-term outcomes data using validated measures is needed to support the continued use of facial prostheses.
Facial prostheses can be used to reconstruct complex facial defects, and bone-anchored prostheses are associated with high patient satisfaction. Multiple barriers prevent prostheses from being used for facial reconstruction. New technologies to assist the design and fabrication of prostheses, and cost reduction measures, may allow their use in the appropriately selected patient.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review is aimed at investigating the biomechanical stress that develops in the maxillofacial prostheses (MFP) and supporting structures and methods to optimize it. Design and Methods. A literature survey was conducted for full-text English articles which used FEA to examine the stress developed in conventional and implant-assisted MFPs from January 2010 to December 2020.
RESULTS: 87 articles were screened to get an update on the desired information. 74 were excluded based on a complete screening, and finally, 13 articles were recruited for complete reviewing. Discussion. The MFP is subjected to stress, which is reflected in the form of compressive and tensile strengths. The stress is mainly concentrated the resection line and around the apices of roots of teeth next to the defect. Diversity of designs and techniques were introduced to optimize the stress distribution, such as modification of the clasp design, using materials with different mechanical properties for dentures base and retainer, use of dental (DI) and/or zygomatic implants (ZI), and free flap reconstruction before prosthetic rehabilitation.
CONCLUSIONS: Using ZI in the defective side of the dentulous maxillary defect and defective and nondefective side of the edentulous maxillary defect was found more advantageous, in terms of compression and tensile stress and retention, when compared with DI and free flap reconstruction.

Defects in the face area caused by trauma, accident, tumor or congenital defects are treated with special facial prostheses. Besides esthetics, the most common problem with these prostheses is the retention of prostheses. In the present article review, the methods used for the retention of prostheses from past to present were researched, and the advantages of adhesives and implants, which are the most commonly used current methods, were evaluated. Current techniques, new materials, treatment options, and implementation procedures are described. The success of maxillofacial prostheses in meeting the expectations of patients and dentist doctors is increasing day by day with the development of adhesive material science, the emergence of technical knowledge, and the development of implant technology. Increasing the retention provides both ease of use and acceptance by the patient. Therefore, the chosen method for retention has great importance in the long-term prognosis of the prosthesis.

A systematic review was conducted in early 2019 to evaluate the articles published that dealt with digital workflow, CAD, rapid prototyping and digital image processing in the rehabilitation by maxillofacial prosthetics. The objective of the review was to primarily identify the recorded cases of orofacial rehabilitation made by maxillofacial prosthetics using computer assisted 3D printing. Secondary objectives were to analyze the methods of data acquisition recorded with challenges and limitations documented with various software in the workflow. Articles were searched from Scopus, PubMed and Google Scholar based on the predetermined eligibility criteria. Thirty-nine selected papers from 1992 to 2019 were then read and categorized according to type of prosthesis described in the papers. For nasal prostheses, Common Methods of data acquisition mentioned were computed tomography, photogrammetry and laser scanners. After image processing, computer aided design (CAD) was used to design and merge the prosthesis to the peripheral healthy tissue. Designing and printing the mold was more preferred. Moisture and muscle movement affected the overall fit especially for prostheses directly designed and printed. For auricular prostheses, laser scanning was most preferred. For unilateral defects, CAD was used to mirror the healthy tissue over to the defect side. Authors emphasized on the need of digital library for prostheses selection, especially for bilateral defects. Printing the mold and conventionally creating the prosthesis was most preferred due to issues of proper fit and color matching. Orbital prostheses follow a similar workflow as auricular prosthesis. 3D photogrammetry and laser scans were more preferred and directly printing the prosthesis was favored in various instance. However, ocular prostheses fabrication was recorded to be a challenge due to difficulties in appropriate volume reconstruction and inability to mirror healthy globe. Only successful cases of digitally designed and printed iris were noted.