Work

The Use of an Intraoral Scanner for the Fabrication of Maxillary Obturator Prosthesis in a Young Adult With Oronasal Fistula: A Case Report

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background Cleft lip and palate require complex treatment, often involving early surgery. Postoperative complications, such as palatal fistulas, can impair speech and feeding. While surgical correction is standard, large fistulas may pose challenges due to age, cost, and recurrence risks. Obturator prostheses provide a nonsurgical alternative, but digital impression techniques for their fabrication are underutilized. This case report explores intraoral digital impressions for creating obturator/speech aid appliances in a patient with cleft palate deformities. Methods A 17‐year‐old female with Class III malocclusion on a Class III skeletal base and increased facial proportion and IOFTN score of 5, with cleft palate‐related eating difficulties, missing anterior teeth, and worn dentition, underwent intraoral scanning. Digital files were used to fabricate a premolar‐to‐premolar obturator, with relief areas and teeth arranged on printed casts. Results The appliance effectively addressed functional and aesthetic concerns. Conclusion Digital impressions offer precise, efficient, and comfortable fabrication of obturator prostheses compared to conventional methods. Despite initial costs, they reduce chair time, enhance accuracy for dental hard tissues, and improve patient experience, particularly for young patients with cleft lip and palate.

Source: Case Reports in Dentistry

DOI: 10.1155/crid/1167521

Authors: Sayed Shojaedin Shayegh, Zahra Mohammadi, Mohammad Amin Bafandeh, Mohammad Reza Nazemalroaya

Institution: Shahed University

Language: English

Topic: Cleft Lip and Palate Research

Subfield: Genetics

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $870