title: Maximizing support for maxillary defects.
abstract: The use of the medical-grade silicone obturator can aid the prosthodontist attempting prosthetic closure of maxillary defects. This type of obturator prosthesis allows the patient to resume near-normal oral function. It aids in the preservation of the oral structures because it uses the support available from the defect to reduce the force per unit area on the remaining "normal" oral structures.
mesh_terms: D003779:Denture Design; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D008437:Maxilla / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D010158:Palatal Obturators; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D012826:Silicone Elastomers
chemical_list: D012826:Silicone Elastomers