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Case Reports
. 2019 Jan-Mar;19(1):74-78.
doi: 10.4103/jips.jips_181_18.

Maxillary hollow-bulb obturator: A paradigm shift

Aanchal Rajesh Punjabi  1 , Gaurang Mistry  1 , Omkar Shetty  1 , Asha Rathod  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Maxillary hollow-bulb obturator: A paradigm shift

Aanchal Rajesh Punjabi et al. J Indian Prosthodont Soc. 2019 Jan-Mar.

Abstract

Maxillary defects, whether congenital or acquired, make a patient encounter an array of physical and psychological difficulties, leading to an extremely poor quality of life. Rehabilitation of such a patient is often challenging due to the extent of the defect area coupled with the absence of adequate retention caused by the size and weight of the prosthesis. Further, providing a proper seal of the oronasal communication is of utmost importance to restore function. Taking the above factors into consideration, a combination of hollow-bulb obturator consisting of a titanium framework and a flexible, snap-on silicone cap is an effective prosthesis providing a long-term treatment, increased retention, and a happy patient. The fabrication protocol included the use of computer-aided design, titanium along with laser welding, and an intraoral trial before final fabrication, hence, reconfirming the success of the prosthetic design. The maxillary obturator presented in this article eliminates several disadvantages associated with a conventional hollow-bulb obturator, thereby providing a novel, viable option for a maxillofacial prosthodontist.

Keywords: Computed-aided design-computed-aided manufacturing; laser welding; obturator prosthesis; silicone cap; titanium.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Armany Class VI maxillary defect
Figure 2
Figure 2
Two-piece magnetic acrylic obturator
Figure 3
Figure 3
Primary impression
Figure 4
Figure 4
Final impression
Figure 5
Figure 5
Computer-aided design of the obturator bulb
Figure 6
Figure 6
Definitive cast, trial obturator bulb in poly(methyl methacrylate), titanium framework
Figure 7
Figure 7
Three-dimensional printed castable framework
Figure 8
Figure 8
Laser welding of the titanium bulb and framework
Figure 9
Figure 9
Titanium bulb laser welded to the titanium framework. Note 5 orientation grooves and circumferential undercut for retention
Figure 10
Figure 10
Trial placement of the obturator
Figure 11a
Figure 11a
Inner surface of the flexible, removable silicone cap showing orientation and retention locks
Figure 11b
Figure 11b
Outer surface of the flexible, removable silicone cap which engages the defect undercuts
Figure 12a
Figure 12a
Components of completed hollow-bulb titanium obturator and removable silicone cap
Figure 12b
Figure 12b
Hollow-bulb titanium obturator with removable silicone cap
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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