A custom nasal obturator for velopharyngeal dysfunction: A dental technique

Area of Science:

• Medical Devices
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD) affects speech clarity, often requiring interventions.
• Current treatments for VPD include surgery, speech therapy, and various devices.
• Nasal obturators offer a non-surgical option for managing VPD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the fabrication of a novel 1-piece silicone nasal obturator.
• To evaluate the obturator's efficacy in reducing hypernasality and nasal airflow errors.
• To assess the obturator's impact on hyponasality, visibility, and inhalation risk.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a custom 1-piece silicone nasal obturator.
• Clinical assessment of speech parameters, including hypernasality and nasal airflow.
• Evaluation of patient-reported outcomes regarding comfort and visibility.

Main Results:

• The silicone obturator effectively reduced hypernasality.
• Nasal airflow errors were significantly decreased post-insertion.
• The device demonstrated minimal visibility and a low risk of inhalation, without causing significant hyponasality.

Conclusions:

• Removable silicone nasal obturators are a viable treatment for velopharyngeal dysfunction.
• This 1-piece design offers an effective, minimally invasive solution for managing speech disorders.
• The obturator preserves options for future therapeutic interventions.