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Interim obturator in an infant with Treacher Collins syndrome: Review and chairside modification in impression making
Sudhir Bhandari1, Meena Aras, Sonika Bakshi
1Unit of Prosthodontics, Oral Health Sciences centre, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India.
Insights
Treacher Collins syndrome infants with cleft palate can be treated with an interim obturator. This study presents a simple, anesthesia-free chairside method for impression taking in infants.
Area of Science:
- Craniofacial abnormalities
- Pediatric dentistry
- Prosthodontics
Background:
- Treacher Collins syndrome impacts craniofacial development, affecting the 1st and 2nd branchial arches.
- Cleft palate in affected infants leads to feeding difficulties and growth delays.
- Delayed milestones can postpone surgical repair of palatal defects.
Observation:
- Infants with Treacher Collins syndrome present with nasal regurgitation and poor oral intake.
- Delayed milestones necessitate prosthetic intervention for palatal defect closure.
- A simple, chairside impression technique for infants is crucial.
Findings:
- A straightforward, anesthesia-free chairside approach for taking infant impressions was successfully implemented.
- This method facilitates the creation of an interim obturator for palatal defect closure.
- The technique is suitable for infants with Treacher Collins syndrome.
Implications:
- Early prosthetic intervention can improve nutrition and growth in affected infants.
- The described technique offers a viable solution for managing palatal defects when surgery is delayed.
- This approach enhances the quality of life for infants with Treacher Collins syndrome by addressing feeding issues.
Abstract:
Treacher Collins syndrome has been described as a syndrome involving 1st and 2nd branchial arches, affecting various organs in the craniofacial region. Affected infants report with nasal regurgitation and minimal dietary intake due to cleft palate, consequently show delayed and retarded growth. The situation is further complicated when the repair of the palatal defect is postponed due to delayed milestones. At this juncture, it is of paramount importance to intervene prosthetically and close the defect with the aid of an interim obturator. Herein we describe a simple, yet successful, chairside approach to make an impression of an infant without the aid of any kind of anesthesia.
