J Korean Acad Prosthodont.  2025 Apr;63(2):164-175. 10.4047/jkap.2025.63.2.164.

Prosthetic treatment of velopharyngeal insufficiency using maxillary obturator in an edentulous patient with Passavant’s ridge

• Kim YA
• Jeong CM
• Yun MJ
• Huh JB
• Lee SH

• KMID: 2567735
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4047/jkap.2025.63.2.164

Abstract

This case report presents an 81-year-old edentulous female patient with congenital cleft lip and palate, rehabilitated with a maxillary obturator and a mandibular complete denture. A defect in the hard palate causes nasal leakage and hypernasalization of speech. Velopharyngeal insufficiency due to a defect in the soft palate causes reflux during swallowing and decreased clarity of pronunciation. The anatomical structures, such as Passavant’s ridge, were considered to prevent respiratory problems when impression taking. We achieved satisfactory results including velopharyngeal closure for pronunciation, mastication, and swallowing, as well as improved aesthetics. Therefore, we report the process and considerations of the treatment.

Keyword

CAD-CAM; Cleft palate; Maxillary Obturator; Passavant’s ridge; Velopharyngeal insufficiency