Related Experiment Videos
Preparation of feeding obturators for infants with cleft lip and palate
1Dental Services Department, Northwest Armed Forces Hospital, Tabuk, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Feeding obturators are crucial for infants with cleft lip and palate, improving nutrition and health before surgery. This study presents a practical method for fabricating custom obturators, addressing challenges posed by varying cleft severity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Craniofacial Malformations
- Biomaterials
Background:
- Cleft lip and palate are common congenital craniofacial malformations.
- Impaired sucking in infants with complete clefts affects feeding and growth.
- Feeding obturators are essential for nutritional support and surgical preparation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a method for fabricating custom feeding obturators for infants with cleft lip and palate.
- To address the challenges of impression taking in infants with variable cleft severity.
- To ensure optimal appliance fit for improved feeding outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Preliminary impressions using thermoplastic material and finger manipulation.
- Fabrication of a custom tray from the preliminary model.
- Final maxillary impressions using irreversible hydrocolloid in an upright position.
- Obturator construction with autopolymerizing acrylic resin on a stone model.
Main Results:
- A reproducible method for custom obturator fabrication was established.
- The technique accommodates variations in infant maxillary arch anatomy.
- The described method facilitates the creation of well-fitting feeding obturators.
Conclusions:
- Custom feeding obturators are vital for managing feeding difficulties in infants with cleft lip and palate.
- The presented fabrication method is practical and adaptable for pediatric dentists.
- Successful obturator use supports infant growth and prepares them for surgical repair.
Abstract:
Clefts of the lip and palate are the commonest congenital craniofacial malformations in children. Sucking is impaired in infants born with complete clefts of the lip and palate. Feeding obturators improve feeding thereby contributing to weight gain and a thriving state of health, a prerequisite for surgical repair of the defects. A pediatric dentist may be required to fabricate the obturator. A method for constructing the appliance is presented. The severity of the clefts varies so much that stock trays are not always useful for the impression of the infant's maxillary arch. A preliminary impression is taken by introducing a thermoplastic impression material with the index and middle fingers as the tray. A model is produced from which a custom tray is constructed. The final maxillary impression is taken using an irreversible hydrocolloid with the child in an upright position. An obturator is constructed on the stone model by sprinkling soft autopolymerizing acrylic resin on the palate extending well into the mucobuccal fold area. The cured appliance is trimmed and polished prior to insertion.