Maxillary definitive obturators: rationale of design.

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.