Fabrication of one-piece hollow obturators.

This technique is a controlled process in which the thickness of the obturator can be easily modified by adding to or shaving off the dimensionally stable silicone putty. All phases of the obturator fabrication are heat-cured and not autopolymerized, thus negating the disadvantages of other techniques. The technique provides more predictable results in obturator fabrication as it uses silicone putty as the obturating material as opposed to sugar, asbestos, or other silicone rubber foams that can be messy, dangerous, and unstable. This technique can also be used for patients with atrophic maxillae where the hollow denture can significantly reduce the weight of the restoration.