Customized Microstomia Prevention Appliance Therapy: A Case Report

Abstract

Microstomia is a condition with abnormally small oral aperture which is associated with compromised aesthetics and function of stomatognathic system. In young children, the leading cause of microstomia is oral electrical or chemical burns. Management of microstomia requires multidisciplinary approach including surgery, physiotherapy and appliance therapy. Appliance therapy in form of microstomia prevention appliance plays a pivotal role in prevention of contraction of tissue during healing. Numerous appliances have been described in literature to prevent microstomia. However, decision to use a particular appliance require meticulous planning considering the efficacy and effectiveness of the appliances and various patient factors like age, dentition status and compliance. This paper presents an unusual clinical condition where a unique customized microstomia prevention appliance therapy was instituted to prevent microstomia in 2 year old female patient following lip surgery. This appliance was constructed easily and inexpensively, could be adjusted so that it was almost painlessly inserted, and was progressively adapted. It was convenient for use in young child with minimal compliance offering improved mouth opening and consequently functional outcomes.