What Is a Maxillofacial Prosthetist and Facial Prosthetic?

A maxillofacial prosthetist is a dental specialist who designs and fabricates prostheses to replace structures of the face and mouth that have been lost due to cancer, trauma, or congenital conditions. The term 'maxillofacial' refers to the jaw (maxilla and mandible) and face, reflecting the broad scope of this specialty.

Maxillofacial prosthetics encompasses both extraoral prostheses (those worn on the outside of the face) and intraoral prostheses (those worn inside the mouth). Extraoral prostheses include artificial eyes, ears, noses, and orbital prostheses. Intraoral prostheses include obturators, palatal lift devices, and speech aids.

Dr. Min S. Kim at Comfy Denture & Hearing Clinic is a maxillofacial prosthetist and denturist serving patients in Federal Way, Kent, and Bonney Lake, Washington. He has specialized training in the fabrication of both facial and intraoral prostheses, making him a unique resource for patients with complex prosthetic needs.

Patients who benefit from maxillofacial prosthetics include those who have undergone surgery for head and neck cancers, experienced traumatic facial injuries, or were born with conditions such as microtia, anophthalmia, or cleft palate. For these patients, a well-crafted prosthesis can be life-changing.

To learn more about maxillofacial prosthetics or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kim, contact Comfy Denture & Hearing Clinic at (253) 839-1505 (Federal Way) or (253) 981-3917 (Kent). We welcome referrals from physicians, surgeons, and other healthcare providers.