An Innovative Approach of Retaining a Large Facial Silicone Prosthesis with the Help of Dual Mechanical Retentive Aid

A BSTRACT In maxillofacial defects, where surgical reconstructions are not sufficient to provide coverage, function, or esthetics, the role of a maxillofacial prosthodontist becomes significant. Restoration of a large facial defect imposes a huge challenge, as it involves restoration of functionality, esthetics, the location of the defect, unfavorable contours, and size of the defect. In this case report, a large lateral facial defect (with intraoral communication) resulting from the resection of unilateral mandibular ameloblastoma was rehabilitated with a silicone prosthesis retained by a mechanical aid involving polyethylene tubes attached to an in-ear hearing aid replica along with adhesives. For successful rehabilitation of facial defects the correct assessment of anatomical requirements, appropriate choice of material and retentive aid is imperative.