EC Dental Science

Review Article Volume 24 Issue 11 - 2025

Retention Alternatives in Maxillofacial Prosthodontics: Adhesives, Prosthesis Design, and New Attachment Systems

Aditya Prakash1, Devi Parameswari2, Annapoorini Hariharan3 and Krithic Chitra Banu Vijaya Kumar1*

1Graduate-Student, Department of Prosthodontics Crown and Bridge, Meenakshi Ammal Dental College and Hospital, Meenakshi Academy of Higer Education and Research (Deemed to be University), Chennai, India

2Associate Professor, Department of Prosthodontics Crown and Bridge, Meenakshi Ammal Dental College and Hospital Meenakshi Academy of Higer Education and Research (Deemed to be University), Chemnai, India

3Head of the Department, Department of Prosthodontics Crown and Bridge, Meenakshi Ammal Dental College and Hospital Meenakshi Academy of Higer Education and Research (Deemed to be University), Chennai, India

*Corresponding Author: Krithic Chitra Banu Vijaya Kumar, Graduate-Student, Department of Prosthodontics Crown and Bridge, Meenakshi Ammal Dental College and Hospital, Meenakshi Academy of Higer Education and Research (Deemed to be University), Chennai, India.
Received: November 15, 2025; Published: November 30, 2025



Retention of maxillofacial prostheses is a critical factor influencing functional stability, esthetics, patient comfort, and overall quality of life. The success of a prosthesis depends on proper fit, material properties, and the method of retention, ensuring stability during speech, mastication, and facial expressions. Retention strategies are broadly categorized into adhesives, prosthesis design modifications, and attachment systems. Adhesive systems-including acrylic, silicone, and rubber-based formulations-provide non-invasive retention but may require frequent reapplication. Prosthesis design modifications exploit anatomical undercuts, extensions, or accessories for mechanical retention, suitable for patients unable to undergo surgery. Attachment systems-including bar-and-clip mechanisms, magnetic attachments, and ball/O-ring systems-offer robust and predictable retention, particularly for large or complex defects, although they require surgical intervention. This review critically evaluates each retention modality, emphasizing clinical applications, advantages, limitations, and future trends. Comparative tables highlight practical considerations, enabling clinicians to select optimal retention strategies tailored to individual patients. Hybrid approaches combining adhesives with implants, advanced biomaterials, and digital prosthetic design offer promising avenues for improving long-term outcomes.

 Keywords: Maxillofacial Prosthodontics; Prosthesis Retention; Adhesive Retention Systems; Prosthesis Design Modification; Attachment Systems; Bar-And-Clip Attachments; Magnetic Attachments; Ball And O-Ring Attachments; Implant-Retained Prostheses; Facial Prostheses; Mechanical Retention; Esthetics and Function; Patient Comfort; Digital Prosthetic Design; Hybrid Retention Approaches

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Krithic Chitra Banu Vijaya Kumar., et al. “Retention Alternatives in Maxillofacial Prosthodontics: Adhesives, Prosthesis Design, and New Attachment Systems”. EC Dental Science  24.12 (2025): 01-06.

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