Two-piece obturator using “lock-and-key” mechanism

Abstract

This paper describes a method used for the fabrication of a two-piece denture obturator for a patient who had surgical removal of the premaxilla due to squamous cell carcinoma. The patient had been wearing a two-piece obturator but encountered difficulty in inserting the prosthesis. In this case report, a lock-and-key mechanism was used to easily assemble the two-piece prosthesis intraorally. A keyhole was designed on the obturator to act as the lock while the denture was used as the key that fitted into the keyhole. This mechanism facilitated insertion and provided retention for the prosthesis. Heat-cured resilient acrylic material (Molloplast B®), which was used to fabricate the obturator, was a nonirritant, nontoxic, tissue-compatible material. It also did not contain plasticizers, therefore eliminating the problems associated with leaching out of plasticizers. The use of this flexible and resilient material allowed the obturator to engage in the undercuts without causing trauma and irritation to the soft tissues in the region of the defect. To conclude, the “lock-and-key” mechanism used in the fabrication of the two-piece denture obturator provided the patient with a lightweight, comfortable, and user-friendly form of prostheses.

Treatment Options With Combined Dentures in Patients With Maxillary Resection

“…The chosen treatment method aimed at not only isolating the oral cavity from the nasal one but also restoring the nasal breathing by forming the nostrils and regulating the air flow. The opportunity for direct design and corrections of the material confirmed the view that silicone material could be used in patients with maxillary resection [9,10]. This was shown by the achieved retention and stability of the obturator -an important characteristic of the material according to some authors [11,12].…”

“…Heat cured acrylic resin is mostly used in order to ensure their retention and stability [8]. Combined obturators with acrylic resin and silicone material are commonly used, as well [9]. Their application is particularly appropriate in the stage-by-stage fabrication of denture's base and obturating part, including the cases with trismus [10].…”

A Feeding Appliance for an Infant with Cleft Palate

“…There are some articles about two-piece obturator using "lock-and-key" [18] mechanism but in our case this design was too difficult and complicated for an infant. The design of our obturator helps to "lock" it in to the mouth -the upper part holds strongly into nasal cavity because of the negative angles (Figure 4).…”

Post maxillectomy rehabilitation and amelioration of quality of life of post-COVID rhinocerebral mucormycosis patients using obturator: A case series

“…For definitive obturator cases, because the size of the defect areas was large in complete maxillectomy patients, a hollow obturator was fabricated, which is easy to maintain, reduces the weight of the prosthesis on the unsupported basal seat area, and allows maximum extension into the defect areas, which helps in retention, reduces air space, and prevents fluid and food collection. [ 11 12 ] Because most of the patients had microstomia post-operatively, a two-piece obturator was planned, which allows easy placement and removal of the prosthesis. However, there were some difficulties in orientating the exact position, retention, and stability of the denture (second part) over the obturator (first part); hence, magnets were used as a retentive aid because of their small compact size and strong attractive forces, which allow automatic reseating of the prosthesis by both the dentist and the patient.…”