Microstomia in a maxillectomy patient: A prosthetic challenge

The provision of a satisfactory denture in case of reduced stomal inlet has always been a trouble for the patient and a challenge to the prosthodontist. Fabrication of complete and removable partial denture prosthesis requires accurate diagnostic impression and diagnostic casts for the development of custom trays and final impression. The decreased mouth opening, technically called "Microstomia," poses problems in tray selection, impression making, jaw records and denture insertion. The causes for microstomia are numerous, one major cause being the after-effect of radiation therapy. Whatever the cause, the ability to make impressions and jaw records becomes taxing. A variety of impression techniques using modifications in the nature of the tray and impression materials are required. The present case report highlights an innovative and different aspect of impression making and fabrication of an obturator prosthesis for a microstomic patient who underwent maxillectomy.