Dynamic commissural splint

Abstract

Microstomia, an abnormally small oral orifice, can manifest as a sequela of burns involving the oral and perioral tissues due to contraction of the tissues and hypotonia of the circumoral musculature. Regardless of the etiology, scar contracture results in deformities that produce esthetic and functional impairment. Changes in the circumoral anatomy prevent optimal dental care and maintenance of good oral hygiene. The anatomic changes may detrimentally alter eating, speech, and mandibular motion. Prosthetic treatment involves providing physical resistance to scar contracture by maintaining the oral commissures in their normal relationship by means of a splint. This article describes a method to fabricate a dynamic commissural splint and describes its use in two cases.