Light-cured combination obturator prosthesis.

Abstract

A technique for the fabrication of an open combination (hard-resilient) obturator prosthesis with VLC materials for patients undergoing partially edentulous maxillectomy is described. VLC denture resins and resilient liners are an exciting innovation in prosthodontic treatment and offer the maxillofacial prosthodontist a wider choice of treatment modalities. The technique and the resultant obturator prosthesis have the following advantages: 1. The ease and rapidity of the technique saves time for both the patient and the maxillofacial prosthodontist by introducing the open obturator prosthesis at the earliest opportunity. 2. The combination open obturator prosthesis provides a stable record base for securing jaw relation records. 3. The thickness and resiliency of the obturator prosthesis can be managed more easily. Flexibility and resiliency can be modified by the thickness of the resilient liner or by adding a rigid scaffolding according to the clinical requirements. 4. Prostheses are easy to repair or modify by using increments of VLC hard or resilient materials. 5. The combination VLC obturator prosthesis provides stability, retention, and decreased weight and obduration of residual palatal defects. 6. The technique can be used for partially edentulous or edentulous patients after maxillary resection.