World Journal of Dentistry

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VOLUME 10 , ISSUE 1 ( January-February, 2019 ) > List of Articles

CASE REPORT

Speech Aid Prosthesis: A Non-surgical Approach for the Management of Velopharyngeal Insufficiency

Tapan K Patro, Angurbala Dhal, Lokanath Garhnayak, Arunkharavela Mohanty

Keywords : Computer-assisted designing-computer-assisted manufacturing, Laser sintering, Speech aid prosthesis, Velopharyngeal insufficiency

Citation Information : Patro TK, Dhal A, Garhnayak L, Mohanty A. Speech Aid Prosthesis: A Non-surgical Approach for the Management of Velopharyngeal Insufficiency. World J Dent 2019; 10 (1):67-71.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10015-1605

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 01-12-2018

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2019; The Author(s).


Abstract

Aim: Managing a case of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) using speech aid prosthesis (SAP) fabricated using computer-assisted designing (CAD)-computer-assisted manufacturing (CAM) laser sintering technology. Background: Velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) is a failure of the body's ability to temporarily close the communication between the nasal cavity and the mouth because of an anatomic dysfunction of the soft palate or the lateral or posterior wall of the pharynx.   Velopharyngeal insufficiencies (VPIs) can be congenital or acquired which may require surgical intervention. However, when the surgical treatment is not feasible or opted (due to various reasons), by a patient, prosthetic management of velopharyngeal insufficiency can be carried out non-surgically using a speech-aid prosthesis. Case description: A single case, where a 37-year-old male patient reported with the complaint of inadequate clarity of speech due to the defect in the palate since birth. The patient exhibited symptoms of velopharyngeal insufficiency. The patient was not motivated to undergo surgery and also had associated medical contraindications due to uncontrolled diabetes. To manage this case a speech aid prosthesis (SAP) with speech bulb on a Co-Cr metal framework was fabricated with the use of CAD-CAM laser sintering. Conclusion: A logical approach to the history taking and treatment planning resulted in a successful outcome for the patient, using speech aid prosthesis. In the current case, there was an appreciable improvement in the ease of speech and its clarity for the patient. Clinical significance: The CAD-CAM laser sintering fabricated speech aid prosthesis helps in better management of velopharyngeal insufficiency with enhancing phonetics and muscle response.


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