Prosthodontics rehabilitation in velopharyngeal insufficiency.
When surgical correction is less than successful or when children are poor candidates for surgery due to a large gap, a neuromuscular cause of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI), a strong gag reflex, or unfavorable anatomy, prosthetic intervention can result in the elimination of VPI. Surgery is ideal and best suited for long-term results; however, if needed, prosthetic correction can resolve VPI and is presented here. Indications for obturators, various designs, and clinical pearls when managing a child with an obturator are discussed. Correction of VPI must always be considered a multidisciplinary approach involving multiple modalities of treatment and specialties.
Consultant in Maxillofacial Prosthodontia to Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Brigham, Women's Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Mass., USA.
Matthew
M
Jackson
D006801:Humans; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D017755:Prosthesis Fitting; D011476:Prosthodontics / Q000379:methods*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D014681:Velopharyngeal Insufficiency / Q000601:surgery*