Using a silicone core to reduce the weight of maxillary obturator prosthesis

ABSTRACT

In prosthetic reconstruction of maxillectomy defects, the weight of prosthesis is usually high due to the extension of prosthesis base into the surgical defect. In order to reduce the weight, this area should be formed hollow. This study describes a modified technique for hollowing out the obturator bulb to reduce its weight. Our patient was a 56 year-old man with a completely edentulous maxilla. Due to an anaplastic carcinoma involving the palate and right alveolar ridge, a large segment of hard and soft palate and the whole right alveolar ridge were resected. After the surgery, the patient was unable to masticate or swallow and was not satisfied with the speech. The suggested treatment plan included fabrication of a complete denture along with a palatal obturator for the maxilla and a removable partial denture for the mandible. Silicone core method was used on the master cast for fabrication of the hallow bulb obturator. Maxillary hollow bulb obturator prosthesis can greatly help in restoring functional capabilities of mastication, deglutition, and speech. Silicone core method on the master cast is a simplified approach for fabrication of the hallow bulb. This method helps to achieve a smooth surface in inner aspects of the bulb