The originator of modern facial prosthetics, Dr. Arthur Bulbulian, and the originator of modern plastic surgery, Dr. Varaztad Kazanjian, were not medical doctors but dentists who began their careers working on denture prosthetics. components or casting wax patterns (Fig. 5). I prefer bar-and-clip retention in young patients with enough dexterity to lock the clips onto the bars and access the tissues beneath for hygiene. Magnets work well in patients with poor dexterity and poor hygiene habits; however, they have reduced retentive values. Fig. 6 shows the postoperative view of a patient with a postoncologic defect after implant placement and magnetic abutment connection. Magnetic retention devices can be picked up in an impression and a silicone prosthesis is created from a wax pattern using investing and processing techniques similar to denture laboratory techniques (Fig. 7). After final coloration, the prosthesis can then be delivered to the patient (Fig. 8). Fig. 7 Digital techniques in facial prosthetic construction The traditional method of creating an impression-based moulage is often uncomfortable to the patient, because of the presence of highly sensitive residual structures. The use of digital techniques such as CT-derived data or laser scanning in the creation of facial prosthetics improves not only the workflow but also the comfort level of patients during the capture. Using technology to replace physical impressions is only part of the digital revolution in facial prosthetics. The impressions can also be digitally altered as necessary and models, frameworks and molds can be printed in resin while patterns can be printed in wax. 48 AUGUST 2021 // dentaltown.com Fig. 8 Fig. 5 Fig. 6http://www.dentaltown.com