Medical Oncologist
CION Cancer Clinics
Obturators: the removable plate that seals the palate | CION Cancer Clinics
An obturator is a removable plate, similar to a denture, that seals the hole in the roof of your mouth after part of the upper jaw is removed. A raised part fits up into the hole so food, drink and air stay in the mouth. This page explains what the plate is made of, why you will have more than one, what holds it in, and who it suits less well. CION Cancer Clinics’ surgical oncologists in Hyderabad can talk this through with you.
MI
Medically reviewed by Dr. Mohammed ImaduddinConsultant Surgical Oncologist · MBBS, MS (General Surgery), MCh (Surgical Oncology) · last reviewed September 2026, next review due September 2027
17+specialists on panel
15,000+patients treated
35+centres across Telangana & AP
4.8★ / 800+Google rating
The short answer
What is an obturator after maxillectomy?
An obturator is a removable plate, much like a denture, that seals the hole in the roof of your mouth after part of the upper jaw is removed. A raised part on top fits up into the hole, so air, food and drink stay in the mouth instead of passing into the nose.
What it does for you
With the obturator in, most people can speak clearly, swallow without liquid coming out of the nose, and eat by mouth. If teeth were removed with the bone, the plate can carry artificial teeth, which also supports the lip and cheek so the face looks fuller.
Who makes it
It is made by a prosthodontist, a dentist trained in plates and artificial teeth, often working closely with the surgeon from before the operation. Moulds of your mouth are usually taken before surgery so the first plate is ready on the day.
What it feels like to wear
At first the plate feels bulky, and your tongue keeps finding its edges. Speech may sound thick for a few days while your mouth learns where everything sits. Saliva can build up, and swallowing feels different. These sensations usually fade as you practise, and each adjustment tends to make the plate feel more like part of you.
An obturator is not a single plate made once. You will usually have several over the first months as your mouth heals and changes.Parts of the plate
What are the parts of an obturator called?
- Base plate
- The hard acrylic or metal part that sits against the roof of the mouth on the side that was not operated on.
- Bulb
- The raised part that fills the hole and makes the seal. It is often hollow, to keep the plate light.
- Clasps
- Small metal arms that hook around your remaining teeth to hold the plate in place.
- Soft liner
- A cushioned layer on the bulb, used while the tissue is still tender or changing shape.
- Reline
- Adding new material to the fitting surface so a loose plate seals again.
Not sure whether this applies to you?
Ask an oncologistOver the first months
Why will you have more than one obturator?
-
The surgical obturator
Placed at the end of the operation over the packing. It is often held with wires or small screws, so you do not remove it yourself. It lets you swallow and speak from the first days.
-
The interim obturator
Fitted when the packing comes out, usually around a week after surgery. You learn to take it out, clean it and put it back. It is adjusted often, because the tissue keeps shrinking as it heals.
-
Adjustments during radiotherapy
If radiotherapy follows, the lining becomes sore and tighter. The plate may be softened, trimmed or relined at several visits to stay comfortable and keep sealing.
-
The definitive obturator
Made once healing has settled, often several months after surgery. It is shaped closely to the healed cavity, is usually lighter, and can carry a full set of artificial teeth on the operated side.
Staying in place
What keeps an obturator from falling out?
A plate on the upper jaw works against gravity. Several things help it stay, and the more of them you have, the firmer it feels.
Your remaining teeth
Clasps on healthy teeth give the firmest hold. This is why your team works hard to keep teeth on the other side, and why dental care matters so much afterwards.
The shape of the cavity
Natural ledges and undercuts inside the hole let the bulb sit up and grip. The surgeon may shape the edges during surgery with this in mind.
Dental implants
Titanium posts in the remaining bone can hold the plate with clips or magnets. Not everyone is suitable.
Ask about this if
- You have few or no upper teeth
- The plate keeps dropping
Denture adhesive
For people with no teeth, a denture adhesive can add some grip. Use only a product your prosthodontist suggests.
Leave a number, we will call you
One field. No form to fill in, and no charge for the call.
Commonly believed
What do people often misunderstand about obturators?
"An obturator is just a denture, any dentist can make one."
It looks like one, but the bulb and seal need special skill. A plate made without experience of maxillectomy often leaks or rubs. Ask whether a prosthodontist with head and neck experience will make yours.
"If it feels loose, I should just press it in harder."
Pressing harder causes sore spots and damage to the tissue. A loose plate usually needs a reline. Book an adjustment rather than forcing it.
"Once I have the final plate, I will not need the prosthodontist again."
The mouth keeps changing with age, weight loss and any radiotherapy. Regular checks keep the plate fitting and let the team look into the cavity.
"Sleeping without it lets the mouth rest."
Early on, some teams ask you to keep it in at night so the tissue does not shrink around the hole. Follow what your own team advises for your stage of healing.
Did you know
An obturator lets the team see directly into the cavity at every follow-up visit. You simply take the plate out, and the surgeon can look for any change in the lining without a scan. This is one reason some teams prefer a plate in the first period after surgery, when watching the area closely matters most.
Being straight with you
Who does an obturator suit less well?
An obturator works well for many people, but not for everyone. Your surgeon and prosthodontist will talk through whether a plate, a flap or a mix of the two fits your situation.
When a plate is harder
It is harder to keep in place when there are very few or no upper teeth, when the hole is very large, or when the jaw is stiff and will not open wide after radiotherapy. People with shaky hands, poor eyesight or memory problems may need a family member to help with daily cleaning.
Questions to ask before surgery
Ask who will make your plate and whether you can meet them before the operation. Ask which teeth will be kept to hold it. Ask how often you will need to come back for adjustments in the first months, and what to do if the plate breaks or becomes loose between visits. If you live outside Hyderabad, ask how many of those visits can be grouped together.
What this page cannot tell you
It cannot tell you how your own plate will fit or how your speech will sound. Those depend on the size of your operation, your teeth and how your tissue heals. The first weeks are often the hardest, and the fit usually improves with each adjustment.
Questions we are asked
Common questions about obturators
Does putting in an obturator hurt?
It can feel tight and awkward at first, especially while the cavity is sore. It should not cause sharp pain. Sore spots usually mean the plate is pressing somewhere, and a small adjustment by the prosthodontist usually fixes it. Do not trim the plate yourself.
How long does it take to get used to it?
Most people take a few weeks to feel comfortable taking it in and out and talking with it. Early on, the plate changes often, which can make it feel like starting again. It usually becomes routine once the definitive plate is made.
Can I eat with the obturator in?
Yes, and you should, because it stops food and drink going into the nose. Start with soft food and small mouthfuls. Chew on the side that was not operated on. Take the plate out and rinse both it and your mouth after meals.
What is the obturator made of?
Usually a hard acrylic plastic, sometimes with a thin metal framework for strength, and metal clasps. The bulb may be hollow to reduce weight. A soft lining material is often added in the early months while the tissue is tender.
What if I have no upper teeth?
A plate can still be made, but holding it firmly is harder. The shape of the cavity, denture adhesive and sometimes dental implants help. Some people without teeth are offered a flap instead. Ask your team what would work best for your mouth.
How often will it need to be changed?
Frequently in the first months, as the tissue heals and shrinks. After the definitive plate is made, it may last years with relines and small repairs. Weight loss, radiotherapy and new dental problems can all mean it needs attention sooner.
Can people tell I am wearing one?
With the plate in and artificial teeth in place, most people cannot tell. The plate supports the lip and cheek, which helps your face look fuller. Your voice may sound slightly different, especially when you are tired.
Is the obturator covered by insurance or schemes?
The operation is often covered by Aarogyasri, CGHS, ECHS, EHS or cashless insurance. The plates and later relines may be covered differently, or not at all. Call the helpline with your card details and ask specifically about prosthetic work.
Meet the Specialists
17+ senior cancer specialists. One panel for your case.
Trained at AIIMS, Tata Memorial, and leading international centres. Combined 150+ years of experience. Every complex case is reviewed by 3+ of them — together.
Medical Oncologist
Dr. C. Raghavendra Reddy
MBBS(Gold Medal), DNB(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Gold Medal)
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Bharati Devi Gorantla
MBBS, MD(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Adyar,Chennai), ECMO, MRCP SCE(UK)
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Owais Mohammed
MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DrNB (Medical Oncology), ECMO, MRCP SCE (Medical Oncology) (UK)
Medical Oncologist
Medical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Muralidhar Muddusetty
MBBS (AIIMS), MS (Surgery) (AIIMS), DNB (Surgical Oncology), MRCS (Edinburgh)
Surgical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Vinay Mamidala
MBBS, MS(General Surgery), M.Ch(Surgical Oncology), FMAS, FARIS(Ongoing)
Surgical Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Hematologist
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Vajja Sandeep Kumar
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DrNB (Surgical Oncology), FALS Oncology
Surgical Oncologist
Want a specific doctor for your case? Mention them when booking.
Book Free ConsultationBook an appointment with our specialist
Share your name and number — we'll call you back within 30 minutes to schedule your consultation.
Sources
- Cancer Research UK — Surgery for nasal and sinus cancer
- Cancer Research UK — Surgery for mouth cancer
- Macmillan Cancer Support — Head and neck cancer
- National Cancer Institute — Oral Complications of Cancer Therapies (PDQ) - Patient Version
This page is general information, not a prescription. Do not change or stop any treatment based on what you read here. If anything is worrying you, contact your own treating team — or call our helpline and we will help you reach the right specialist.
Keep reading
Related pages
Living With an Obturator Day to DayCleaning, eating and sleeping with the plateThe Hole Left in the Palate and What Closes ItWhy the plate is needed in the first placeProsthodontist and Dental Rehabilitation After MaxillectomyImplants, artificial teeth and follow-upFlap Reconstruction vs ObturatorWhen a flap is considered instead
Talk to us
Planning for an obturator?
Tell us what has been planned so far and we will help you reach the right head and neck surgical specialist. One helpline serves every CION centre.