Experiences of Obturator Use in Adults With Unrepaired Cleft Palate: A Qualitative Study

In low-resource settings, adults with unrepaired cleft palate often have limited access to surgery. Palatal obturators have been proposed as an alternative to surgery in older patients. This study explored the experiences of 5 adults fitted with obturators while awaiting primary palatoplasty in Paraguay. Despite initial discomfort, patients reported improved eating, speech, and self-esteem. Ultimately, however, all chose surgery, viewing it as a more permanent solution for speech issues. These findings highlight that while obturators offer benefits, patients prioritize surgery for long-term outcomes. This study points to the need for further research to identify strategies to optimize patient acceptance and outcomes of obturator use before they can be considered a feasible alternative to surgery for adults in low-resource settings.