Obturator design for hemimaxillectomy patients.

The retention and stability of the obturator for the patient who has had a hemimaxillectomy are major problems. A removable partial denture with a swing-lock retentive design system will provide retention and stability due to the continuous splinting of the remaining teeth during function and a passive multiple retentive-clasp system during relaxation. However, because of the danger of the possible orthodontic action of the swing-lock system, special care should be taken when using this kind of design, and the patient should be closely observed.