Alternative Impression Technique for a Speech-Aid Prosthesis

Abstract

Objective Prosthetic treatment for speech disorders attributable to surgically acquired soft palate defects are introduced. Case A patient who underwent soft palate resection for cancer is presented. The resected portion of the soft palate was confined to the posterior segments. A prosthesis with a speech bulb was adapted to the patient. Conclusion Excellent restoration of speech and improvement of velopharyngeal function was achieved following placement of the special prosthesis.

Prosthetic Rehabilitation of Velopharyngeal Insufficiency: Pharyngeal Obturator Prostheses with Different Retention Mechanisms

“…Afterwards, detailed impression was made with zinc-oxide eugenol impression material (SS White Impression Paste, Gloucester, England). 14 The acrylic bulb was formed in wax and fabricated according to the impression using heat polymerized acrylic resin (Meliodent; Heraeus Kulzer GmbH, Hanau, Germany) and prosthesis was delivered to the patient (Figures 2 and 3). The patient was instructed in the specific care for her prosthesis.…”

“…5,7 When a pharyngeal obturator is placed, the patient can exhibit adequate separation between the oral and nasal cavities during production of plosives consonants or while blowing with variable intensity. 14,15 An effective prosthesis will restore speech, allow proper swallowing, and have an acceptable appearance. 16 However, it should have sufficient retention and stability.…”

Complete denture with pharyngeal bulb prosthesis

“…The success of the soft palate defect prosthesis depends on the functional adaptation of the impression material 2 4. In the current case, modelling plastic impression compound was used in functional contouring of the soft palatal defect.…”

“…Over this monophase vinyl polysiloxane impression material was added to make the final impression after applying tray adhesive 12. Impression wax or zinc oxide eugenol impression paste may also be added to the compound surface to make the final impression 2 10. However, zinc oxide eugenol sets to a brittle solid and needs to be handled carefully.…”

“…Thereafter, functional impression of the soft palate defect area was made using low fusing impression compound (figure 2). The patient was asked to move his head in a circular manner from side to side, to extend his head as far forward and backward as possible and to say ‘ah’ and swallow 2. A 1 mm round orthodontic wire was attached to the posterior part of the upper prosthesis, this helped hold the compound in position during functional moulding.…”