A Novel two-step approach for impression making of an obturator in newborns with cleft lip and palate: A Case Report

Abstract

A 2-day-old male newbornwas reported for not being able to breastfeed. Following examination he was diagnosed with a unilateral cleft lip and palate of left side with nasal communication.Because of the clefting, impression-making with finger-loaded elastomeric putty impression material was planned by a two-step impression technique.A big piece of sterile gauze was wrapped around the impression material in the first step. In step two, a customized special tray was fabricated on which the final impression was made,thenthe feeding obturator was fabricated using self-cure acrylic with sprinkle-on technique.The feeding obturator allowed the infant to suck easily.Without nasal regurgitation, the mother could feed the newbornsoon after placement. The parents were advised to keep the appliance in place until surgery was performed, with frequent follow-ups after 24 hours and monthly follow-ups after that.This case report explains the novel method of fabrication of feeding plates with an improved newborn's sucking capacity. Keywords: Cleft lip and palate, feeding plate, Newborn, Obturator, two-step