Palatal obturator

A palatal obturator is a prosthesis that totally occludes an opening such as an oronasal fistula (in the roof of the mouth).

Following surgery, there may remain a residual orinasal opening on the palate, alveolar ridge, or vestibule of the larynx.

In simpler terms, a palatal obturator covers any fistulas (or "holes") in the roof of the mouth that lead to the nasal cavity, providing the wearer with a plastic/acrylic, removable roof of the mouth, which aids in speech, eating, and proper air flow.

In some cases it may be downsized gradually so that tissue can strengthen over time and compensate for the decreasing size of the obturator.

Speech bulbs and palatal lifts aid in velopharyngeal closure and do not obturate a fistula.

Materials such as food particles, oral mucosa and secretions may cause buildup on the upper surface of the plate; therefore, it is essential to clean a palatal obturator at least twice a day to avoid tissue irritation.

The Nance obturator may be used when the surgical closure of the fistula is not feasible and a removable device is not successful.

Location-specific palatal obturation has been documented to significantly improve articulation errors, hypernasality (based on listener judgments), and nasal emissions (immediately post-obturation only).