Prosthesis

Did you or a loved one recently have surgery that left a hole in the roof of your mouth (palate)? Are you experiencing problems talking, eating, or getting your face to work normally again after maxillofacial surgery? In that situation, a bespoke obturator prosthesis can be what you need.

This tutorial explains what an obturator prosthesis is, how it works, who needs one, and what to expect when you get one.

What is an obturator prosthesis?

An obturator prosthesis is a dental device that is built individually for you and is meant to correct difficulties in the upper jaw or hard palate that are caused by disorders like:

· Surgery to remove tumors, like after a maxillectomy

· Accidents or injuries

· Birth deformities such as a cleft palate

The prosthesis fills in the space between the mouth and the nose, which makes the mouth work normally again. This helps patients get back the capacity to:

· Speak plainly

· Chew and swallow the appropriate way

· Breathe through your nose without letting any food or drink out

Who Can Use an Obturator?

You might be a good candidate for an obturator prosthesis if you have had any of the following:

✅ Surgery to take off a piece of the upper jaw or palate
✅ You can't talk or eat well due of a problem with your mouth
✅ Changes in how you look or how your face is even
✅ Issues with leaking from the nose while eating that won't go away

One of the most prevalent uses for obturator prosthesis is to help people who are recovering from surgery for cancer of the mouth, head, or neck.

Different types of obturator prosthetics

There are many types of obturators, and the one you require will depend on how far along you are in your recuperation.

1. Surgical Obturator

· Put in right after the operation

· Helps with fundamental function and mending throughout recovery

2. Temporary Obturator

· Used for a short period after the first healing

· Makes waiting for the final reconstruction more comfortable and beneficial

3. Final Obturator

· Long-term prosthesis created for the finest looks, comfort, and speech clarity

· Made from robust materials, such metal or acrylic frames

Benefits of Getting an Obturator Prosthesis

�� Better speech—restores control of airflow, which makes it simpler for you to talk clearly
��️ Better chewing and swallowing—keeps food in the mouth and stops it from leaking out of the nose
�� Face looks better—helps retain the shape and symmetry of the face
�� More confidence—feel more at ease in social situations and in everyday life
��️ Non-surgical reconstruction—an excellent option if you don't want or can't have surgery

The Steps: What You Should Expect

1. Talk and Look

Your dentist or prosthodontist will look at how bad your oral problem is, go over your medical history, and take impressions or scans of your mouth.

2. Make and fit to order

You might want to put in a temporary obturator first. Then, your final prosthesis will be carefully shaped, adjusted, and made to fit you perfectly and securely.

3. Changes that keep happening

To keep up with how your mouth and tissue are recovering, you may need to alter or reline your prosthesis from time to time.

How to Take Care of Your Obturator

You need to take care of your obturator so that it stays clean and comfortable:

· Use a gentle brush and a light cleanser every day to clean

· If you can, take it off and rinse it after meals

· Don't drink really hot liquids because they could hurt the prosthetic

· Get regular checkups to see how well it fits and works

· Talk to your dentist about how to keep your teeth healthy over time or how to replace them

Will an obturator prosthesis be covered by insurance?

Medical insurance will often pay for obturators, especially if they are needed for cancer therapy or surgery to fix something. Get the details from your physician and work with your care team to get the documentation ready.

A solution that will change your life for a healthier, happier smile

You don't have to live with discomfort or reduced function after oral surgery or because of a congenital abnormality. You may eat, talk, and smile without worrying with a personalized obturator prosthesis. It can also help you feel like yourself again and improve your quality of life.

Want to know more? Let's talk.

You deserve professional care and a treatment plan that is made just for you.

�� Call us today to set up a consultation and learn how a custom obturator prosthesis can make your daily life more comfortable and functional again.
Let’s work together to find a solution that works for you and feels like you.