Abstract-The purpose of this article was to compare the accuracy of a new impression technique, the triple-layer impression technique (TLIT), with the conventional impression technique (CIT) to fabricate an auricular prosthesis. Fifteen male subjects (aged 22-45 yr) were selected. Ten markings were made on the subject's ear (super aurale [sa], sub aurale [sba], pre aurale [pra], post aurale [poa], A, A1, B, B1, C, and C1) and five measurements (sa-sba, pra-poa, A-A1, B-B1, and C-C1) were made. Custom-made trays were used to record impression in CIT and TLIT. Impressions were made using alginate, and models were cast with type IV gypsum product. Markings were transferred on the cast. Measurements were rechecked on the models. Distribution analysis of difference in measurements between the two impression techniques and the subject's actual values was evaluated. Sign test was used to analyze the statistical significance. Statistically significant differences were found in measurements A-A1, B-B1, and C-C1 between the two techniques when compared with the subject's actual dimensions (p < 0.01). TLIT was found to produce accurate models when compared with CIT. The TLIT used in the study was cost effective, less technique sensitive, and tailor made to reduce chairside orientation time during wax try-in appointments for rehabilitating patients, especially those with unilateral auricular defects.

Maxillectomy performed in acquired lesions is often very extensive or bilateral, sparing very less hard and soft tissue in the oral cavity. These defects need both surgical and prosthetic rehabilitation. A definitive prosthesis is inserted after complete healing, when the patient is accustomed to the interim prosthesis. Definitive obturator warrants better retention and stability and needs a meticulous planning in design for long‐term use. Conventional design has a few disadvantages; it needs modification many times to improve retention and psychological comfort of the patient. The article explains an easy technique in fabrication of an obturator. The conventional obturator design has a hollow antral part but usually a solid oral part, which adds to the weight of the prosthesis pressurizing the soft tissues in a maxillectomy, which affects the function and esthetics. This article demonstrates the hollowing of oral part, which bears the artificial teeth, and modifying the antral bulb, which covers the defect. It was designed considering the potential difficulties shared by the patient in wearing the single piece conventional hollow bulb design. This technique when followed was beneficial in reducing the weight of the prosthesis and enhancing retention, and allowed the patient to perform normal functional movements.

The study suggests each pre-clinical practice should begin with a live demonstration to enhance immediate learning absorption followed by lectures with power point presentation and group discussion for retention of knowledge and memory retrieval.

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The rehabilitation of a maxillectomy patient involves meticulous treatment planning and designing. Lack of retention and facial support and limited mouth opening are the major issues that lead to functional and psychological trauma in post-maxillectomy patients. The successful rehabilitation of a maxillary defect includes restoring the function, esthetics, and a complete obturation of the defect, enabling the patient to feed without nasal regurgitation. This case report describes the fabrication of an obturator with a modified design, namely a split-antral hollow bulb obturator and oral part that is retained with a ball attachment, for a patient with right-side acquired maxillary defect due to recurrent myxoma. The primary advantage of this modification is enhanced facial support and a self-retentive antral obturation that improved the quality of life of the patient after an extensive maxillectomy.