Hollow Complete Denture With a Speech Bulb Prosthesis: A Case Report

Speech is the most basic yet invaluable mode of expression for an individual. Alterations in speech can have vast effects on the psychological well-being of a person, hampering social interactions. Congenital or traumatic defects of the hard and soft palate result in velopharyngeal dysfunction, which often results in abnormal and aberrant speech. Apart from these, it is also a common outcome following surgical repair of cleft palate. Prosthodontic management of such cases with velopharyngeal obturators to improve speech and function is well documented and known to give optimal results. In this case report, we are presenting the rehabilitation of residual velopharyngeal insufficiency post-cleft palate closure using a speech bulb prosthesis attached to a complete denture. As the speech bulb would add to the weight of the existing prosthesis, a hollow complete denture was planned. The prosthesis resulted in a decrease in nasal air emissions and hypernasality, thus improving the patient's communication skills and overall quality of life.