Management of Velopharyngeal Defects: A Review

Abstract

Success in Maxillofacial Prosthetics depends on full cognizance of the principles that underlie facial harmony, anchorage and retention, weight bearing and leverage, durability, tissue compatibility and tolerance. The maxillofacial prosthodontist normally provides appliances to restore aesthetics and function to the patients who cannot be restored to normal appearances or functions by means of plastic reconstructions. The velopharynx is a dynamic anatomic structure which is essential for normal breathing, eating, and speaking. The soft palate acts as a separator between oral and nasal cavities. Impairment of velopharyngeal function can be caused by insufficiency or incompetency. This article describes in brief about velopharyngeal defects and their management.

Keywords

• maxillofacial prosthesis
• hollow obturators
• velopharnygeal complex
• velopharnygeal obturators