Decision making in the fabrication of mandibular guide flange prosthesis: A case series.

• DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.7834172
• Publication Date: 2023-04-16
• Authors: Sourav Maji; Rahul Paul; Shubhabrata Roy
• Keywords: 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Mandibular guide flange prosthesis; Mandibular guidance therapy rehabilitation; Hemi-mandibulectomy

Abstract Introduction: Post-cancer ablative surgery often results in a gross imbalance in the anatomic structure, thereby impairing occlusion and other vital functions of life. The remaining mandible after surgery shifts to the medial and superior direction, causing impaired functions. "Guide flange prosthesis’ is an appliance, which is indicated in such a situation to reduce the clinical appearance. Case Presentation: This paper describes a case series of 3 cases, where patients with different clinical presentations were treated with different mandibular guide flange prosthesis design. Discussion: The degree of mandibular movement impairment depends on factors like the location and extent of the defect, amount of soft tissue defect, the neural tissues involved, and the presence of natural teeth. The mandibular guide flange prosthesis acts as interference in patient habitual movement post-surgery and redirects the mandible to acceptable occlusion. Hence suitable design of mandibular guide flange prosthesis must be selected for optimum outcome.