New Design of a Palatal Lift Prosthesis Combined with a Palatal Bar

Abstract

Objective In the past, palatal lift prostheses (PLPs) have been problematic with respect to stability. This stability problem has been addressed by designing a PLP that includes a palatal bar. Structure A PLP combined with a palatal bar is functionally characterized by a palatal bar that holds down the posterior palatal plate. By making this location the fulcrum, the force exerted by the soft palate on the lamina actually functions to stabilize the prosthesis instead of acting to overturn it. Cases This new prosthetic design was applied to patients with cleft palate and those who had undergone cerebral contrusion operations. The experimental group was composed of a total of 13 patients (7 men and boys, 6 women and girls) who ranged in age at the time of introduction of the prosthesis from 4 years 6 months old to 54 years 5 months. The period of follow-up after prosthetic insertion ranged from 2 months to 4 years 1 month. In all cases, the stability of the prosthesis was sufficiently maintained. Conclusion Because of increased stability, this technique can be applied to not only adult patients but also children in whom insertion during the deciduous dentition period can be difficult. The new PLP was also found to be effective in patients with cleft palate with a short clinical crown.