Maxillectomy secondary to trauma/tumour is an unfortunate event occurring to humankind. An obturator has remained as the ultimate solution from the ages of Ambroise Pare in the 16th century. It not only closes the defect, but also assists in functional movements such as swallowing and speaking, indirectly providing the patient mental assurance and social confidence.
Although there has been a tremendous change in technology and materials, basic principles of retention remain the same. Thus, similar to complete denture prosthodontics, a dentist must have a thorough knowledge of existing anatomy to attain maximum retention of the obturator. It is necessary to understand that a maxillectomy does not just contain a horizontal component as given by Aramany. We need to know the defect from all 3 dimensions and must keep in mind that all types of defects cannot be rehabilitated with just an intraoral prosthesis. Some might need extraoral retention based on anatomic limitations. Thus, this poster gives a quick glance of the anatomical structures that help in aiding retention of the obturator as well as to predict and deliver successful rehabilitation.
Keywords: Obturator, maxillofacial defects
