A technique for fabrication of a cheek recontouring prosthesis.
A technique has been described for fabrication of a removable prosthesis that restores proper cheek contour. This prosthesis is a modified removable partial denture with a retentive surface to hold an acrylic resin bolus to recontour the cheek from within. The advantages of such a prosthesis for the patient with facial nerve paralysis include restoration of fullness and proper contour to the cheek (Figs. 7 and 8), prevention of trauma to the buccal mucosa during mastication, and stretching of the cheek, which indirectly improves oral hygiene in the buccal sulcus. The disadvantages of this technique include limited improvement in esthetic and functional contour of the cheek, and food accumulation beneath the acrylic resin bolus, which requires more meticulous hygiene.