Unexpected Reduction and Removal of an Obturator in a Patient With Palate Paralysis

An Examination of Nonspeech Oral Motor Exercises for Children with Velopharyngeal Inadequacy

“…16 The overall findings of the investigations indicated that the elimination of compensatory errors had a positive influence on velopharyngeal movement, 21 but hypernasality and nasal emission remained to some degree. 10 At about the same time studies were conducted by several investigators [22][23][24][25][26] who evaluated the use of speech appliances to reduce hypernasality. Clients were fitted with speech appliances constructed by a prosthodontist.…”

“…There are anecdotal reports that some clients were able to eliminate their appliances after wearing them for different periods of time. [22][23][24]26 The anecdotal reports were subject to experimental study, and the findings did not support the clinical observations. 86,87 In addition, investigations performed by Tachimura and his associates [27][28][29][30] found levator veli palatini muscle activity generally lower with a speech appliance in place, which contraindicates appliances as stimulators of increased muscle activity.…”

Treatment of velopharyngeal closure for speech: Discussion and implications for management.

“…Patients are fitted with the intraoral appliances by a prosthodontist, and speech and resonance are monitored by a speech-language pathologist during the fitting and as needed. The appliance needs to be modified with age due to growth factors; however, there are clinical reports in the literature that some clients were able to eliminate the use of appliances after wearing them for different periods of time (Blakeley, 1960; Blakeley, 1964; Blakeley, 1969; Blakeley, 2000; Blakeley & Porter, 1971; Weiss, 1971). The implicit logic underlying the observations is that the appliances furnish continuous sensory stimulation during speech and nonspeech activities, and this acts to improve range of movement, develop skill and possibly build strength.…”