J Korean Acad Prosthodont.  2017 Jul;55(3):319-324. 10.4047/jkap.2017.55.3.319.

Use of artificial palate for improving facial support in the fabrication of a maxillary obturator: A case report

• Yoon HK
• Hwang HS
• Kim CH
• Kim JH
• Kim BJ

• KMID: 2387206
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4047/jkap.2017.55.3.319

Abstract

Patients with maxillectomy defects predisposed to not only difficulty in deglutition, mastication, speech but also psychological depression from impaired facial esthetics that affect life quality. Obturator prostheses play a important role in restoring the lost form, function and the quality of life for patients with maxillectomy defects. This clinical report presents the simplified approach to predict the degree of adequate facial support by Artificial palate which reflected from a maxillary interim obturator during the stabilization period after maxillectomy.

Keyword

Unilateral maxillary defect; Obturator; Artificial palate

MeSH Terms

Deglutition
Depression
Esthetics
Humans
Mastication
Palate*
Prostheses and Implants
Quality of Life

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Initial photographs. (A) Frontal view, (B) Intraoral maxillary occlusal view, (C) Post-operative panoramic radiograph.

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  Fig. 2 Extraoral photographs. (A) Frontal view, (B) Lateral view.

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  Fig. 3 The artificial palate fabrication. (A) Existing obturator prosthesis, (B) The existing obturator prosthesis placed into the silicone mold, (C) Silicone mold, (D) Artificial palate.

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  Fig. 4 (A) Artificial palate assembly made by attaching wax material to the bottom of artificial palate and pick up impression using artificial palate assembly, (B) Master cast, (C) Metal framework with artificial palate, (D) Wax denture.

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  Fig. 5 5. Intraoral photographs after placement of definitive prosthesis. (A) Definitive obturator, (B) Frontal view, (C) Intraoral maxillary occlusal view.

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  Fig. 6 Extraoral photographs after placement of definitive prosthesis. (A) Frontal view, (B) Lateral view.

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