The Influence of Palatal Obturators adaptation on Velopharyngeal Sphincter Closure

Introduction: The cleft palate presents changes related to the velopharyngeal sphincter closure. The velopharyngeal sphincter is an anatomical valve defined by the lateral and posterior pharynx walls, presenting the soft palate as prior limit. In many cases, there is speech-language hearing therapy associated with the using of speech prosthesis to help on velopharyngeal sphincter dysfunction.

Objectives: The study aimed to verify whether the velopharyngeal sphincter closure type influences the adaptation or results of the palatal obturators.

Methods: A total of 20 individuals were followed up, after palatoplasty and with palatal obturators indication at least 6 months after speech therapy.

Result: With regard to the velopharyngeal sphincter, the circular type was observed in nine individuals, seven of whom or 77.8% improved; circular closure with Passavant vocal cords was observed in four individuals, three of whom (75%) improved, and the sagittal closure, from seven individuals five (71.4%) improved. There was not coronal closing in those individuals evaluated.

Conclusion: The improvement results are influenced by the palatal obturators’ adaptation and not by the type of velopharyngeal sphincter closure.