J Korean Acad Prosthodont.  2016 Jan;54(1):35-40. 10.4047/jkap.2016.54.1.35.

Maxillofacial rehabilitation of hemi-maxillectomy patient using a closed hollow bulb obturator fabricated by one-step polymerization technique: a clinical report

• Sim JH
• Kim MK
• Han JS
• Lee JB
• Kim SH
• Yeo IS

• KMID: 2153047
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4047/jkap.2016.54.1.35

Abstract

The maxillary defects lead to anatomical and functional deformity of the maxillofacial region. As far as functions are concerned, such defects can produce difficulty in speech, mastication, and deglutition. Obturator prostheses play a very important role in functional recovery for post-maxillectomy patients. To achieve rigidity of the obturator, appropriate retention should be given, and the weight of the prosthesis be reduced. There are two types of hollow bulb obturator: open and closed. A closed type has many advantages. Nevertheless, some problems, including complexity of fabrication and water leakage into the bulb, have the closed hollow obturator not be widely used. The one-step polymerization technique described in this case overcomes the shortcomings by easily constructing a small hollow bulb with two thermoplastic resin sheets.

Keyword

Maxillary defect; Maxillectomy; Obturator; Closed hollow obturator

MeSH Terms

Congenital Abnormalities
Deglutition
Humans
Mastication
Polymerization*
Polymers*
Prostheses and Implants
Rehabilitation*
Water
Polymers
Water

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1. Initial photographs. (A) Intraoral maxillary occlusal view, (B) Frontal view, (C) Post-operative panoramic radiograph, (D) Post-operative CT image.

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  Fig. 2. (A) Master cast, (B) Individual tray for secondary impression, (C) Altered cast fabrication, (D) Recording base and wax-rim.

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  Fig. 3. The hollow body fabrication. (A) Attaching paraffin wax for relief (lower investment), (B) Placed thermoplastic resin sheet(lower part), (C) Trimming of lower thermoplastic resin sheet, (D) Placed thermoplastic resin sheet(upper part), (E) The hollow body made by bonding two thermoformed resin sheets, (F) The hollow body placed into the lower investment.

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  Fig. 4. Intraoral photographs after placement of definitive prosthesis. (A) Definitive closed hollow obturator, (B) Intraoral maxillary occlusal view, (C) Frontal view.

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