SWING-LOCK DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS FOR OBTURATOR FRAMEWORKS

The conventional and swing-lock (Sn) obturator prostheses can be highl y effective in restoring maxillary defects when careful attention is p aid to the principles of framework design. Although the Sn modality ha s been available since the mid 1960s, its use in maxillofacial prosthe tics has been Limited, and little information is available in the lite rature to guide the practitioner. This modality offers a conservative design option that lies somewhere between the conventionally designed obturator prosthesis and the prosthesis designed to use extensive fixe d reconstruction or endosseous implants. When the Sn obturator is cons idered, single, double, or dual labial bar designs are possible and ma y be required by the length and complexities of the are of closure. Su ch designs provide a flexible labial bar that transmits less stress to abutment teeth. This article reviewed conventional obturator framewor k designs and compared them with S/L designs for similar patient categ ories.