Q.
Hi, I’m really hoping you can help with my problem. Back in July 2006 I had surgery to remove a rare benign tumour in my right upper jaw. Sadly they had to remove more than they first thought and it resulted in me losing part of my jaw bone and some of the roof of my mouth. I was fitted with a temporary obturator at the time and since then have had 3 permanent obturators made, non of which I have been able to use so I’m still having to use the temporary one I was first given. I was 19 at the time and I’m now 21 and it has affected my confidence greatly. Its very noticeable and I can’t smile on photos anymore which really upsets me. It’s got me down a lot and although the obturator fuctionally works (I can’t talk, eat or drink without it), cosmeticaly it just doesnt work at all. As I said I’m only 21 and have the rest of my life ahead and I want to feel normal again and have my confidence back. I graduated from my course earlier this week and I couldnt even smile on my graduation photos which I was really upset about. Also as a result of the surgery, it has moved one of my proper teeth at the front which looks horrible now. Previous to this I never had any problems with my teeth and had no fillings or anything. As I’ve been trying with the NHS now for 2 years to get a final obuturator and one that looks good which hasnt happened, I’m now looking elsewhere (I live in Newcastle). Would it be possible for your practise to make an obturator or help me in any way to get my confidence back and get on with my life again. Many Thanks,