Prosthodontic rehabilitation of velopharyngeal insufficiency with definitive obturator

Abstract

Velopharyngeal insufficiency resulted from the defect in soft palate due to acquired or congenital reasons, which cause incomplete closure of the palatopharyngeal sphincter. The individual with such defect faces problem in eating, speaking, breathing as well as faces psychological trauma in society. This article presents a case report of a patient with congenital velopharyngeal defect. A definitive cast partial prosthesis with a hollow acrylic bulb obturator was planned for the patient. This case report presents a modified impression technique for making definitive obturator along with cast partial denture for better retention and stabilization of the prosthesis. The prosthesis increases the acceptance as it prevents the hypernasality; improve mastication and speech of the patient.

Keywords

• cast partial denture
• hollow obturator
• speech aid prosthesis
• velopharyngeal defect