A simple method for fabricating custom sectional impression trays for making definitive impressions in patients with microstomia Vinay Chila Bachhav1 Meena Ajay Aras2 ABSTRACT Objective: A maximum mouth opening that is smaller than the size of a complete denture can make prosthetic treatment challenging. This article describes a simple technique used to fabricate maxillary and mandibular custom sectional impression trays for making definitive impressions in patients with microstomia. (Eur J Dent 2012;6:244-247) Key words: Dental impression technique; microstomia; definitive impression; sectional impres- sion trays. INTRODUCTION Microstomia is defined as an abnormally small oral orifice.1 This disorder is described as a reduc- tion in the oral aperture size associated with facial burns, diffuse scleroderma, traumatic injuries, and surgical reconstruction involving the orbicularis oris muscle. Microstomia can result in multiple de- bilitating sequelae such as inability to masticate, drooling, speech problems due to poor articulation, impaired delivery of oral hygiene and dental care, and psychological problems secondary to facial disfigurement.2-8 Several methods of prosthodontic treatment for microstomia patients have been presented, and numerous devices to expand the oral commissure 1 Department of Prosthodontics, Guru Gobind Singh College of Dental Science and Research Center, Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh, INDIA 2 Department of Prosthodontics, Goa Dental College and Hospital, Bambolim, Goa, INDIA Corresponding author: Dr. Vinay Chila Bachhav Department of Prosthodontics, Guru Gobind Singh College of Dental Science and Research Center, Burhanpur-450331 (M.P.) INDIA Tel: +91 942 2783856 Email: vinaybachhav@gmail.com have been described.3,9-12 The prosthetic rehabilita- tion of microstomia patients presents difficulties at all stages, from preliminary impressions to pros- thesis fabrication.13 Because such patients have small oral openings, using conventional methods for making definitive dental impressions and fabri- cating dentures may be extremely difficult. Making the accurate impressions represents the initial dif- ficulty in the prosthetic rehabilitation of such pa- tients. The recommended techniques for obtaining preliminary impressions for microstomia patients include the use of modeling plastic impression compound, the use of stock impression trays with heavy and light body silicone impression materials, and flexible impression trays with silicone putty. The casts obtained from these preliminary im- pressions are then used for making custom sec- tional impression trays. These trays typically con- sist of 2 locking devices or assemblies, 1 situated anteriorly and the other posteriorly, which join and provide stability to both the sections of the trays. These 2 sections of the trays are assembled and disassembled intraorally. After the definitive im- 244 European Journal of Dentistry