Introduction: The face serves as a biological organ and a symbol of identity. It is involved in key functions such as breathing, speech, eating, sight and smell, and influences the perception of self-image and social image. Facial injuries can be congenital or acquired and affect psychological well-being and quality of life. Surgical reconstruction and aesthetic facial prostheses are used in rehabilitation. The latter offer an aesthetic and functional solution without the intervention of surgery. Purpose: The purpose of this diploma paper is to review professional and scientific literature in the field of facial prostheses, also known as epitheses, which are used in the rehabilitation of extensive facial injuries. Methods: The descriptive method is used, with a review of scientific and professional literature from foreign sources. The search was conducted using keywords in English in bibliographical databases PubMed, Google Scholar and Science Direct. Results: Epitheses play a crucial role in the rehabilitation of individuals with extensive facial injuries, as they restore lost anatomical structures, improve appearance and psychosocial well-being, and help maintain essential functions such as speech, mastication, and vision. Based on their location, epitheses are categorized into intraoral and extraoral types. The most common include nasal, auricular, ocular and orbital, as well as craniofacial prostheses that replace multiple facial regions simultaneously. They are made from biocompatible, durable, and aesthetically adaptable materials such as silicone elastomers, acrylic resins, vinyl polymers, and polyurethanes. Prostheses can be attached using adhesives, magnets, clips, or osseointegrated implants. The fabrication process can follow a traditional method with manual modelling and impression-taking, or modern digital techniques such as 3D printing and CAD/CAM, which enable greater precision, faster production, and improved aesthetic outcomes. The use of epitheses significantly contributes to enhanced quality of life and facilitates better social reintegration for patients. Discussion and conclusion: Epitheses represent an effective, non-invasive solution for the restoration of lost facial structures. Due to the aesthetic value, they significantly contribute to improved self-image, psychological well-being, and social inclusion. Implant-retained prostheses offer greater stability and higher user satisfaction. Key factors for successful rehabilitation include realistic expectations, social support, and an interdisciplinary approach. Advanced materials and digital technologies, such as 3D printing and CAD/CAM, enable more precise and faster fabrication of individually customized prostheses. Future development is expected to focus further on personalization and the use of smart materials.
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