Facial Aesthetic Analysis of Prosthetic Recovery after Partial Maxillectomy Using a Non-Contact 3-Dimensional Digitiser

[Background & Aims] Midface deformities after maxillectomy markedly influence patient's social lives. Facial morphology and function are recovered by combining reconstructive surgery and/or dento-maxillary prosthesis after maxillectomy. The dento-maxillary prosthesis may be simply adjusted and thus accommodates facial changes over time ; however, there are no objective evaluations of the aesthetic effects of these prostheses. The aesthetic goal of the dento-maxillary prosthesis is based on the aesthetic judgments of patients and physicians, and in many cases, these goals differ. Therefore, a simple and objective method for evaluating facial morphology is necessary for creating a common viewpoint for the patient and treating physician. The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in facial morphology after partial maxillectomy and recovery after dento-maxillary prosthesis placement. We also sought to establish an objective method for evaluating prosthesis placement effectiveness from an aesthetic viewpoint as a pilot study.