Available online 18 April 2024

Nasal obturation using a removable medical device is a suitable treatment option for patients with velopharyngeal dysfunction. In the United Kingdom in recent years, the use of nasal obturation has increased because of the successful collaborations among the Speech and Language Therapy, Restorative Dentistry, and Maxillofacial departments. However, fabrication of the devices requires specialist skill and considerable time. A digital process which facilitates the rapid, cost effective production of a light, comfortable, unobtrusive nasal obturator is described.

Before production of the obturator begins, confirm patient consent and ensure that the nasal septum is intact. This is important as a septal perforation could prevent the removal of the impression material. Evaluate the nasal passages and remove any secretions. Instruct the patient to breathe through the mouth while the impression is made.

Mix 15 g of impression material (PureSil; Puretone Ltd) with hardener and introduce it into the patient’s nostrils to a depth of approximately 10 to 20mm.

The digital design and production of nasal obturator devices overcome several of the drawbacks of conventional production; the device is much lighter and thinner at just 0.5 mm, and the connecting bar is much thinner and less obtrusive, although not color matched to the skin. The main benefits come from accurate adjustments to the fit and design and sufficiently rapid printing for same day fitting. Another major benefit is that once a good design has been established, numerous devices can be

The digital production of nasal obturators based on the design described by Reed et al8 allows a custom device to be manufactured at low cost and with finer dimensions. Although the production costs are low, the costs of setup and ongoing manufacture have not been calculated, and the costs of hardware and the software program are considerable. However, many maxillofacial laboratories in the United Kingdom already have scanning, design, and printing facilities for departmental production13, 14

Peter Evans: Conceptualization, Methodology, Writing--reviewing editing, Writing--original draft. Steven Hollisey-McLean: Supervision, Project administration. Lawrence Dovgalski: Software, Methodology. Lisa Farquar: Formal analysis, Validation. Helen Extence: Writing- reviewing and editing, Supervision.

The authors thank the patients for their cooperation and feedback. The authors also thank the Medical Photography Department of Morriston Hospital for their help with some of the images.

There are more references available in the full text version of this article.

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