Palatal Molding In Patient With High Palate: Case Report

Method: A 5-month-old and 5 kg infant with high palate without cleft was referred to the Selcuk University Department of Orthodontics with primary complaint of nutrition problems. After clinical examination, tube feeding using nasogastric tube was observed due to immature sucking and insufficient swallowing functions. We decided to treat the patient with a palatal plate as a feeding appliance, and parents were advised about sucking exercise with finger. First impression was taken under the control of an anesthetist, and then palatal plate was prepared by acrylic. Following 6 months the patient was fed assisted with palatal plate, and plate was remodelled every 2 months. Routine controls were made every two weeks.

Result:  After 4 months later, the patient gained the sufficient swallowing by touching her tongue to the plate and normal sucking pattern and after 6 months later patient became 7 kg. The total height and width of high palate area decreased from 9.21 mm to 6.96 mm and from 7.03 mm to 4.63 mm, respectively.

Conclusion: Palatal concavity shallowed by prevention tongue to be localized on the midpalatal area by using of the plate and the baby gained normal sucking and swallowing pattern.