The split obturator: an innovative technique

J Maxillofac Oral Surg. 2013 Jun;12(2):232-6. doi: 10.1007/s12663-011-0258-1. Epub 2011 Jul 27.

Abstract

A palatal prosthesis can improve function by closing the palatal defect, preventing regurgitation, improving swallowing and speech. Although techniques have been previously described for fabrication of palatal obturator but there have not been any techniques to devise an obturator for a patient with palatal defect and that too with a quad helix orthodontic appliance overlying it. This article describes an innovative method of fabricating a palatal obturator which aims at restoring the above mentioned functions along with improving esthetics and making it cleansable, thus improving patient psychology and confidence and be a boon for them.

Keywords: Cleansable; Palatal obturator; Psychology; Quad helix; Regurgitation.