Oral rehabilitation of a cleft palate patient with tooth-supported, telescopic magnetic overdenture

Abstract

A 49-year-old male patient with residual cleft palate and missing pre-maxilla presented with an ill-fitting and unaesthetic maxillary denture. The posterior teeth were periodontally sound but crowded and had defective restorations and secondary caries. We restored the bilateral maxillary canines and first premolars with conical telescopic crowns having magnetic keepers. A metal-reinforced acrylic overdenture with magnetic attachments corresponding to the keepers of the telescopic crowns was fabricated. The telescopic crowns provided a single path of insertion, retention and stability to the prosthesis. The magnetic attachments provided additional retention and self-centring properties. The prosthesis effectively sealed the oronasal communication and enhanced the function, aesthetics and oral hygiene. The 6-month and 1-year follow-ups revealed that the patient was delighted, and the prosthesis provided excellent obturation and function. Periodic follow-up, maintenance, patient education and meticulous oral hygiene are vital for long-term success of such prostheses.