Management of velopharyngeal defects: a review.
Success in Maxillofacial Prosthetics depends on full cognizance of the principles that underlie facial harmony, anchorage and retention, weight bearing and leverage, durability, tissue compatibility and tolerance. The maxillofacial prosthodontist normally provides appliances to restore aesthetics and function to the patients who cannot be restored to normal appearances or functions by means of plastic reconstructions. The velopharynx is a dynamic anatomic structure which is essential for normal breathing, eating, and speaking. The soft palate acts as a separator between oral and nasal cavities. Impairment of velopharyngeal function can be caused by insufficiency or incompetency. This article describes in brief about velopharyngeal defects and their management.
Senior Lecturer, Department of Prosthodontics, Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital , Nerul, Navi Mumbai, India .
Nitin Bhaskar
NB
Shetty
Senior Lecturer, Department of Periodontics, Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital , Nerul, Navi Mumbai, India .
Sanyuktha
S
Shetty
Reader, Department of Prosthodontics, P.M.N.M. Dental College and Hospital , Bagalkot, Karnataka, India .
Nagraj
N
E
Associate Professor, Department of Prosthodontics, Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital , Nerul, Navi Mumbai, India .
Raina
R
D'Souza
Professor and Head, Department of Prosthodontics, Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital , Nerul, Navi Mumbai, India .
Omkar
O
Shetty
Hollow obturators; Maxillofacial prosthesis; Velopharnygeal complex; Velopharnygeal obturators