Maxillofacial Prosthetics and Prosthodontics is a highly specialised field which deals with the aesthetic and functional rehabilitation of patients with acquired and congenital defects of the head and neck region. These range from minor to major functional disabilities combined with cosmetic disfigurement.
Patients that typically require prosthetic care are those that have been in an accident, have had surgical removal of diseased tissues from cancer or infection, or have a neuromuscular disorder from a stroke. Congenital malformations where children are born without fully developed ears, jaws, teeth, or the hard palate would require such prosthetics at some stage in their life to improve function and aesthetics.
Prosthetics are often needed to replace missing areas of bone or tissue and restore oral functions such as swallowing, speech, and chewing. Sometimes it is used for the face or body for cosmetic and psychosocial reasons.
Prosthetic devices known as radiation shields may be fabricated to position or protect facial structures during radiation therapy.