Nanotechnology in Maxillofacial Prosthodontics: Trends and Future Directions

Abstract

Maxillofacial prosthodontics provides prosthetic rehabilitation for patients with congenital,
developmental, traumatic, and acquired craniofacial defects. Silicone elastomers remain the
principal materials for extraoral facial prostheses because of their flexibility, biocompatibility, ease
of manipulation, and ability to reproduce the texture of facial soft tissues. Nevertheless, inadequate
mechanical strength, color instability, ultraviolet degradation, surface deterioration, microbial
colonization, and limited clinical longevity continue to compromise long-term outcomes.
Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising approach for modifying prosthetic materials and implant
interfaces at the molecular and nanoscale levels.
This narrative review aims to summarize the current applications of nanotechnology in maxillofacial
prosthodontics, critically discuss available evidence, identify emerging trends, and explore future
opportunities for nanoengineered materials, implant surfaces, tissue engineering, drug delivery,
additive manufacturing, biosensing, and regenerative rehabilitation.
Nanotechnology represents an important emerging platform for improving the durability, biological
performance, and functionality of maxillofacial prostheses. However, most evidence remains
laboratory-based, and considerable uncertainty persists regarding long-term stability, nanoparticle
release, cytotoxicity, standardization, manufacturing reproducibility, and regulatory approval.
Future research should prioritize standardized protocols, clinically relevant aging models, long-term
clinical trials, and integration of nanotechnology with digital dentistry, additive manufacturing,
artificial intelligence, and regenerative medicine.