Guide devices in the rehabilitation of interrupting mandibular bone defects: a proposal for a new classification

Interrupting mandibular surgical resections may lead to mandibular deviation toward the resected side. This further complicates future surgical and prosthodontics reconstructions. The rehabilitation of this mandibular deviation by the specialist in maxillofacial prosthodontics is often done by guide devices. This helps to prevent or reduce postsurgical mandibular deviation. The current literature lacks data on a standard classification of these devices despite the various clinical situations that require different rehabilitation techniques. After a deep appraisal of the current literature on this topic and many years of experience, the authors propose an overview of the indications, the types, and an original classification of these prosthetic devices. We believe this new classification will facilitate communication among practitioners, the development of treatment plans, and the comparison of outcomes among different expert centers.