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Conversion of an interim into a definitive speech aid: a predictable approach
Gustavo Tapia1, David Casey, Norman G Schaaf
1Department of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 27599-7450, USA. gus_tapia@yahoo.com
The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry
|January 25, 2002
Summary
This study introduces a laboratory technique for fabricating speech aids after soft palatectomy. It streamlines the process, saving clinicians time and improving cost-effectiveness for patients requiring prostheses.
Area of Science:
- Maxillofacial prosthodontics
- Speech prosthetics
- Surgical rehabilitation
Background:
- Patients undergoing soft palatectomy require interim prostheses for speech and swallowing.
- Current methods involve numerous clinical adjustments over a 3-month healing period.
- Reshaping the definitive prosthesis's pharyngeal portion duplicates clinical effort.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a laboratory procedure for fabricating speech prostheses.
- To reduce clinical time and enhance cost-effectiveness in prosthetic rehabilitation.
- To optimize the workflow between maxillofacial prosthodontists and laboratory technicians.
Main Methods:
- A novel laboratory procedure for prosthesis fabrication is detailed.
- The technique shifts specific shaping tasks from the clinic to the laboratory.
- Focus on efficient creation of the pharyngeal portion of the speech aid.
Main Results:
- The described laboratory procedure saves valuable clinician time.
- The technique increases the cost-effectiveness of prosthetic rehabilitation.
- Workload is effectively shifted to maxillofacial laboratory technicians.
Conclusions:
- This laboratory method streamlines the fabrication of speech prostheses post-soft palatectomy.
- It offers a more efficient and cost-effective approach to prosthetic rehabilitation.
- The technique is particularly beneficial for complex cases with limited pharyngeal movement.