A Novel Laboratory Technique of Fabricating a Definitive Hollow Obturator using Brown Sugar
ZH01-ZH03
Correspondence
Dr. Sivaranjani Gali,
M S Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, New BEl Road, Bangalore-560054, Karnataka, India.
E-mail: nature79gali@gmail.com
Obturators are prostheses that help to seal congenital or acquired tissue openings of hard, soft palate and adjacent structures and restore patient’s lost function, comfort and aesthetics. In the process of its fabrication, the extension of the obturator often depends on the patient’s presentation of the tissue defect. In large maxillofacial defects, the retention of the obturator is often compromised due to increased inter-ridge distance and the weight of the prosthesis. In such cases, light weight hollow obturators can enhance the retention, stability of the prosthesis and further improve patient comfort. Brown sugar is soluble in water and can be shaped with ease and removed from the prosthesis, without leaving any residue. We propose an investment technique using brown sugar as a three dimensional spacer for fabricating hollow obturator. Solubility of brown sugar over the commonly used hollow spacer materials such as salt and granulated sugar was compared and further verified for any residues in the hollow obturator. Uniform thickness of the obturator wall has been accomplished through use of heat polymerized pellets on the tissue surface of the obturator mould.