MAXILLOFACIAL DEFECTS AND THEIR CLASSIFICATION: A REVIEW.

Numerous classifications and nomenclatures exist in literature to describe maxillofacial defects. These classifications are not only useful for descriptive purpose but also provide guidance to the maxillofacial surgeon and the maxillofacial prosthodontist in reconstruction and rehabilitation phase. There remains, however confusion in use of terminology and nomenclature, as there is no single classification which is accepted universally. Here we have tried to compile all the classifications that exist for both congenital and acquired defects of the face.