An Alternative Approach to Combine Orbital Prosthesis and Obturator: A Case Report Gokce Sogancia Suat Yalugb Mustafa Kocaciklic AbstrAct This report describes a different approach for diminishing the movements of orbital prosthesis during mimic movements and chewing function. Mechanical devices such as magnets are used to enhance the retention in case lack of the implants. However rigid fixation of obturator and orbital prosthesis can result in movements of the orbital prosthesis during mastication. In this case obtu- rator and orbital prosthesis are combined by magnets. However this combination is not rigid be- cause of an active part which provides movement. This active part allows movements in a space constructed in the acrylic base of orbital prosthesis. Thus, the movements that may occur on orbital prosthesis during chewing can be diminished by this simple mechanism. Due to the fact that design- ing such a mechanism that minimizes the movements of the orbital prosthesis contributes patient’s comfort. (Eur J Dent 2011;5:459-464) Key words: Combined prostheses; Magnets; Movement; Obturator; Orbital prosthesis. IntroducIno Radical maxillectomy frequently leads to ex- tended defects in hard and soft tissues that result in a connection between the oral and nasal cavi- ties.1-3 Maxillary defects, such as those created after extended tumor ablation, trauma or created a Research Assistant, Gazi University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Prosthodontics, Ankara, Turkey. b Professor, Gazi University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Prosthodontics, Ankara, Turkey. c Lecturer, Gazi University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Prosthodontics, Ankara, Turkey. Corresponding author: Gokce Soganci Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Gazi University, 8.Cd. 82.Sk. No:4 Emek, 06510, Ankara, Turkey. Phone: + 90 532 642 04 86 Fax: + 90 312 223 92 26 E-mail: dtgokcesoganci@yahoo.com October 2011 - Vol.5 by congenital malformation,4 may result in severe facial disfigurement and compromised function.5 Lack of support, retention, and stability are com- mon prosthodontic treatment problems for pa- tients who have had a maxillectomy.4,6 And also patients experience a loss of quality of life and feel isolated because of their appearance and func- tional deficits.5,7 Factors that affect the prosthetic prognosis for these patients are the size of defect, number of remaining teeth6,8 amount of remaining bony structure, quality of existing mucosa, radia- tion therapy, and patient's own ability to adapt to the prosthesis. Patients, who have unilateral re- section with few remaining teeth, have problems like poor prosthetic prognosis because of inad- equate denture bearing area, lack of cross arch stabilization, and lack of structures for denture 459 European Journal of Dentistry