An innovative appliance to prevent trauma to the pedicle of buccal myomucosal flap

Abstract

Buccal myomucosal flap or buccal flap is an established procedure for the treatment of velopharyngeal dysfunction. This flap is harvested from cheek based posteriorly in retromolar region and transferred to the soft palate region for lengthening of the palate. This is used for nasal lining and/or for closure of oral mucosa defect. There is a risk of crushing of pedicle of the flap in adolescents and adults when molars are erupted. An innovative orthodontic appliance has been designed to be placed over mandibular anteriors to create an open bite in the region of molars. This appliance has been used in 2 clinical cases successfully preventing trauma to the pedicle of the flap. This appliance is fabricated in the dental laboratory after taking mandibular and maxillary impressions. This appliance is fitted over the mandibular anterior teeth and patient can remove and put back. The patient can be trained about the use of the appliance peroperatively. It is easy to fabricate, user-friendly, and inexpensive. There was no complication in terms of temporomandibular joint pain or teeth movement.

Keywords

• bite block
• buccal flap
• buccal myomucosal flap
• orthodontic appliance
• velopharyngeal dysfunction