Maxillary obturator: a clinical case report.

The most frequent openings of the maxilla result from cleft palates or tumors that require either partial or total surgical removal of the palate. Intraoral defects in the maxilla can cause an opening into the nasopharynx complex. Cleft palates or surgically removed tumors can have a devastating effect on a patient's appearance and speech. Obturators allow patients to eat and drink without fear of food or drink entering the oronasal and/or oroantral cavities during mastication. This article reviews the three clinical situations in which obturators are used to correct intraoral defects and discusses a clinical case that was treated successfully by using an obturator. An alternative method for fabricating a hollow bulb obturator also is discussed.