Fabrication of obturators for veau’s class III cleft lip and palate patients - A case series

Abstract

A fissured palate is a genetic condition where there is a gap or opening in the roof of the mouth (palate). This opening occurs due to the inability of the palatal shelves, which are responsible for forming the palate, to properly fuse during fetal development. This results in oronasal communication, or an opening between the palate and the base of the nose. Cleft palates can result from a combination of genetic factors, chromosomal disorders, heredity, and environmental factors. Possible environmental causes include nutritional deficiencies, maternal alcohol or cigarette consumption, exposure to radiation during pregnancy, hormonal imbalances, the ingestion of teratogenic substances by the mother, and infections. Newborns with cleft palates face difficulties in feeding and swallowing due to the gap in the palate. This can lead to problems such as stunted growth and being underweight. As these children grow, they can experience additional challenges including difficulties in speech, dental problems, altered facial appearance, and psychological issues. One immediate solution for infants with cleft palate is the fabrication of a feeding plate, often called an obturator. This device helps close the oronasal opening, enabling improved feeding, and reducing the risk of infections and regurgitation. This intervention can also aid in achieving proper weight gain, which is essential for future reconstructive surgery to repair the cleft palate. This paper presents a case series of infants with cleft palate who received feeding plates. The feeding plates were created using putty impressions to customize them for each patient's needs. This approach aimed to help the infants feed effectively, maintain their weight, and prepare for future reconstructive surgery to address the cleft palate.