Conversion of an interim into a definitive speech aid: a predictable approach.

In patients with partial or total soft palatectomy, an interim prosthesis generally is inserted as soon as possible after surgery. Over the average postoperative healing period of 3 months, numerous clinical appointments are needed to shape the prosthesis. When the definitive prosthesis is completed, reshaping the pharyngeal portion of the speech aid unnecessarily involves duplication of work by the clinician. A laboratory procedure is described that can save clinic time, increase cost-effectiveness, and shift work normally performed by the maxillofacial prosthodontist to the maxillofacial laboratory technician. This technique is particularly useful with prostheses that are difficult to shape because of trismus or lack of residual lateral and posterior pharyngeal movement.