Types of Palatal Obturators
- Palatal plate: an acrylic plate with orthodontic wire clasps used to cover a palate fistula
- Modification obturator: a short-term device to block a palatal fistula
- Interim palatal obturator: used post-palatal surgery to close remaining fistula
- Definitive obturator: long-term solution when further rehabilitation is not possible
- Palatal adhesives: oral adhesives or skin barrier materials to occlude a hard palate fistula

The Nance Obturator
- Based on the Nance appliance, used to close anterior palatal fistulas in cleft lip and palate patients
- Used when surgical closure is not feasible and a removable device is unsuccessful

Speech
- Palatal obturator used to improve development and articulation affected by palatal fistula
- Fistula size affects speech alterations, with large fistulas causing nasal emissions and weak pressure
- Fistulas may decrease intraoral air pressure, causing sound distortions and nasal airflow increase
- Palatal obturation can significantly improve articulation errors, hypernasality, and nasal emissions
- Speech therapy prior to sustained palatal obturation may be most beneficial

Dental and Prosthodontic Care for Patients with Cleft or Craniofacial Conditions
- Reisberg (2000) discusses dental and prosthodontic care for patients with cleft or craniofacial conditions.
- The article emphasizes the importance of specialised care for these patients.
- Dental and prosthodontic treatments can help improve oral function and aesthetics.
- The author highlights the role of interdisciplinary collaboration in providing comprehensive care.
- The article suggests that early intervention is crucial for optimal outcomes.

Congenital Disorders and Implants in Medicine
- Cleft palate and craniofacial conditions are congenital disorders.
- These conditions can affect the structure and function of the oral and facial regions.
- Congenital disorders may require long-term multidisciplinary care.
- Treatment options for these disorders include surgery, orthodontics, and prosthodontics.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are essential for managing congenital disorders effectively.
- Implants are widely used in medicine, including dental and craniofacial care.
- Dental implants are commonly used to replace missing teeth.
- Craniofacial implants can provide support for prosthetic devices, such as palatal obturators.
- Implants offer stability, durability, and improved oral function for patients.
- The success of implant procedures depends on factors like bone quality and patient compliance.

Medical Equipment and Prosthetics
- Palatal obturators are considered medical equipment in the field of prosthodontics.
- Prosthetics, including palatal obturators, aim to restore or improve bodily functions.
- Custom-made prosthetics are essential for achieving optimal outcomes.
- Advances in technology have led to the development of more precise and comfortable prosthetic devices.
- Regular maintenance and follow-up care are necessary to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of prosthetics.

Palatal obturator (Wikipedia)

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A palatal obturator is a prosthesis that totally occludes an opening such as an oronasal fistula (in the roof of the mouth). They are similar to dental retainers, but without the front wire. Palatal obturators are typically short-term prosthetics used to close defects of the hard/soft palate that may affect speech production or cause nasal regurgitation during feeding. Following surgery, there may remain a residual orinasal opening on the palate, alveolar ridge, or vestibule of the larynx. A palatal obturator may be used to compensate for hypernasality and to aid in speech therapy targeting correction of compensatory articulation caused by the cleft palate. In simpler terms, a palatal obturator covers any fistulas (or "holes") in the roof of the mouth that lead to the nasal cavity, providing the wearer with a plastic/acrylic, removable roof of the mouth, which aids in speech, eating, and proper air flow.

Palatal obturators are not to be confused with palatal lifts or other prosthetic devices. A palatal obturator may be used in cases of a deficiency in tissue, when a remaining opening in the palate occurs. In some cases it may be downsised gradually so that tissue can strengthen over time and compensate for the decreasing size of the obturator. The palatal lift however, is used when there is not enough palatal movement. It raises the palate and reduces the range of movement necessary to provide adequate closure to separate the nasal cavity from the oral cavity. Speech bulbs and palatal lifts aid in velopharyngeal closure and do not obturate a fistula. A speech bulb, yet another type of prosthetic device often confused with a palatal obturator, contains a pharyngeal section, which goes behind the soft palate.

Palatal obturators are needed by individuals with cleft palate, those who have had tumors removed or have had traumatic injuries to their palate.