In-Vivo Modal Analysis of Maxillary Dentition in a Maxillectomy Patient Wearing Buccal Flange Obturator Prostheses with Different Bulb Height Designs

The purpose of this study was to apply in vivo modal analysis to the maxillary dentition of the maxillectomy patient using obturator prostheses which were different in lateral wall height of the bulb: specifically a high type (H type), middle type (M type), and low type (L type).The left central incisor was struck with an impact hammer, and the response at each measurement point was detected using a Laser-Doppler vibrometer. The transfer function was then obtained from each measurement point using a fast Fourier transform analyzer. Finally, a computer analysis and simulation were performed based on the measured transfer functions to obtain the natural frequency, modal shape decay rate (DR), and maximum displacement (MDP).The results showed that the natural frequency was different between with and without obturator prostheses, that the modal shapes with M and L type obturator prostheses are more suitable than that with H type. The DR of the maxillary dentition with the L type was significantly higher than that with the H or M types, and the MDP of the maxillary dentition with an obturator prosthesis was significantly lower than without an obturator prosthesis.From the standpoint of vibratory characteristics, the L type obturator prosthesis is the most suitable bulb design for the patient of the three types obturator prostheses. This is the first report to apply in-vivo modal analysis to the maxillary dentition of the maxillectomy patient using obturator prostheses and clarify the vibratory characteristics of the dentition.