Rehabilitation of a hemimaxillectomy patient with flexible obturator prosthesis.

ABSTRACT

Rehabilitation of hemimaxillectomy patients can be challenging. The most common prosthetic treatment problem with such patients is, getting adequate retention, stability and support. The size and location of the defect usually influences the amount of impairment and difficulty in prosthetic rehabilitation. Obturator prosthesis is commonly used as an effective means for rehabilitating hemimaxillectomy cases. In cases of maxillary defect, obtaining satisfactory retention, stability & biocompatibility in the definitive obturator prosthesis can be elusive. Resilient denture materials are extremely useful in retaining the prosthesis, which obturates the maxillary defects. This clinical report describes making of flexible obturator prosthesis with modified buccal flange on unresected side as a means of indirect retention. This approach provides excellent mouldability, light weight & strength of the prosthesis to increase the retention, stability and comfort.