Obturators for Maxillary Defects

The treatment goal in the restoration of acquired palatal defects is to achieve normal function and appearance. Two categories of treatment are suggested: conventional prosthetic rehabilitation of a defect with an obturator prosthesis or surgical reconstruction of the defect. The obturator prosthesis continues to be the most common procedure for the rehabilitation of maxillectomy patients. Fabrication of obturator prostheses depends on the application of basic prosthodontic principles that are used in the treatment of patients without maxillary defects. Some principles must be modified because of the defect and the character and position of the remaining structures. The defect, in conjunction with the remaining structures, must be used to provide support, retention and stability of obturator prosthesis.