Reproducing the vertical-lateral defect space in obturator construction

Area of Science:

• Dental Prosthodontics
• Maxillofacial Prosthetics
• Impression Techniques

Background:

• Obturation is crucial for patients with oro-nasal defects.
• Accurate impressions are essential for successful obturator fabrication.
• Current techniques may have limitations in capturing all necessary tissue details.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce an improved method for obtaining impressions for obturator prostheses.
• To detail a laboratory technique for constructing definitive and interim obturators.
• To enhance the adaptability and function of obturator prostheses.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing an open palate impression tray for capturing vertical and horizontal tissue details.
• Employing a specific laboratory technique for prosthesis construction.
• Fabricating both heat-cured (definitive) and cold-cured (interim) prostheses.

Main Results:

• The described method successfully incorporates vertical and horizontal tissue features into the impression.
• The laboratory technique facilitates the construction of well-fitting obturators.
• The approach is applicable to both edentulous and dentulous patients.

Conclusions:

• The presented open palate tray impression technique offers a viable method for obturator fabrication.
• This technique supports the creation of functional and accurate definitive or interim obturator prostheses.
• Improved impression accuracy contributes to better patient outcomes in obturator rehabilitation.