title: Maxillary definitive obturators: rationale of design.
abstract: Maxillary definitive obturators are usually fabricated for patients who have an acquired defect. The obturators help patients with speech, swallowing, mastication, esthetics and psychological well-being. The main goals in restoring a maxillary defect with a completely edentulous or partially dentate obturator are to provide adequate retention, increased stability and strong vertical support. This article addresses the step-by-step fabrication of a maxillary obturator that meets these goals.
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Louisiana State University School of Dentistry, USA.
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Rogers
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Salinas
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Novoselsky
mesh_terms: D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007575:Jaw, Edentulous / Q000534:rehabilitation; D007576:Jaw, Edentulous, Partially / Q000534:rehabilitation; D008437:Maxilla; D008447:Maxillofacial Prosthesis; D010158:Palatal Obturators