"Weighing it Down": Technique to Reduce the Weight of an Obturator

Objective: The objective during the obturator fabrication (interim or definitive) should be to reduce the weight of the obturator prosthesis. This is because the increased weight of the maxillary obturator is detrimental to the success of the prosthesis due to decreased retention (pulled by gravity), constant rubbing of prosthesis on mucosa and increased patient discomfort.

Design and interventions: Of the many simple baby-steps to ensure enhanced retention of the prosthesis, a simple method to reduce the weight has been described using the subtractive technique of obturator fabrication.

Results: Reduced weight of the obturator prosthesis which makes the prosthesis more acceptable to the patient and more successful overall.