[The application of metal framework obturator to a patient with maxillary defect].
METHODS
A 55-year-old patient with left maxillary defect was referred to the clinic in 1987, and an obturator prosthesis was made, but frequent denture base fracture occurred. In 1998, she came to the clinic complaining of unfitted obturator. A metal framework obturator prosthesis was constructed for her maxillofacial rehabilitation. Since delivery of the prosthesis, normal masticatory and speech function and appearance were successfully achieved.


CONCLUSIONS
Oral functions were improved by the obturator prosthesis, but the remaining part of the obturator was broken and caries of the remaining teeth were observed after 3 years. It was considered that frequent recalls were necessary to keep the remaining teeth and obturator prosthesis in good conditions.


CONCLUSIONS
This article describes the prosthetic rehabilitation of left maxillary defect. The metal framework obturator improved function and esthetics.
Oki
Meiko
M
Department of Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery, Dentistry, Orthodontics, University of Tokyo Hospital, Bukyo, 113-8655 Tokyo. OKIM-ORA@h.u-tokyo.ac.jp