Silicone Prosthesis

There are two types of prosthetic ears. The first adheres to the skin using safe, biocompatible glue, and the second type is called an osseointegrated prosthesis. If you choose to receive an osseointegrated prosthetic ear, your surgeon will place several titanium implant posts into the bone around the ear.

If you choose to receive an osseointegrated prosthetic ear, your surgeon will place several titanium implant posts into the bone around the ear. The silicone ear will then snap securely onto these implants. Both types of prostheses are removable. You should take off your prosthetic ear before you sleep or participate in athletic activities, and you should also remove it once a day to thoroughly clean the ear and underlying tissue. Typically, these prostheses last between one and three years, depending on maintenance, environment, activity level, and other factors.

Why it Needed?
We custom-make your silicone finger prosthesis, thumb prosthesis, or hand prosthesis to protect sensitive tissue, improve function and normalize appearance. We mimic the texture, color and translucency of your skin and nails to create prosthetic fingers and hands with a natural appearance. We work closely with patients and their families to determine a prosthetic solution that will be comfortable, life-like, and functional.

Silicone artificial fingers and hands may be needed due to :

• Congenital or birth difference; such as Amniotic band syndrome or symbrachydactyly (missing or underdeveloped fingers)
• Surgery - finger amputation due to cancer or tumor removal
• Disease such as diabetes or scieroderma resulting in finger amputation Traumatic injury - work-related injuries, burns, or other traumas

How We Make?
We custom-make each fin er prosthesis and hand prosthesis in our own laboratory ensuring hig quality and individual design. The process requires 4 to 5 appointments which involve these steps :

• We make molds of the hands using gentle materials.
• We modify the patient model and fabricate a diagnostic test socket to evaluate fit.
• We carefully sculpt the shape of the prosthesis in wax as we establish a natural contour.
• When the sculpture is complete, we fabricate a durable mold which allows us to reproduce the silicone prosthesis.
• We have you try on a prototype version of the prosthesis and will make modifications until a secure fit is achieved.
• We back-paint the fingernail for a natural appearance.
• We meticulously paint every skin detail using your color formulae in your mold.
• We check the finger or hand prosthesis for precise fit, and delicately paint color details, such as freckling, onto the surface.
• We demonstrate wear and care instructions so that you can use your prosthetic finger or hand with confidence.

If you choose to receive an osseointegrated prosthetic nose, your surgeon will place several titanium implant posts into the bone around the nose. The silicone nose will then snap securely onto these implants. Both types of prostheses are removable. You should take off your prosthetic nose before you sleep or participate in athletic activities, and you should also remove it once a day to thoroughly clean the nose and underlying tissue. Typically, these prostheses last between one and three years, depending on maintenance, environment, activity level, and other factors.

Prostheses are often needed to replace missing areas of bone or tissue and restore oral functions such as swallowing, speech, and chewing. In other instances, a prosthesis for the face or body may be indicated for cosmetic and psychosocial reasons. Prosthetic devices may also be created to position or shield facial structures during radiation therapy. Patients that typically desire prosthetic care are those that have been in an accident, have had surgical removal of diseased tissues, or have a neuromuscular disorder from ALS or a stroke. Children can also be born without full development of ears, teeth, or palate and need specialized care. Maxillofacial Prosthodontists are accustomed to working cooperatively with ENTs, oral surgeons, general and specialty dentists, plastic surgeons, neurologists, radiation oncologists, speech pathologists, anaplastologists and various ancillary personnel. The overall goal of all maxillofacial prosthetic treatment is to improve the quality of life.