The first thing they did was fit Megan for an obturator. An obturator is basically a retainer (minus the wires) that fits on the roof of her mouth.
To make it, the dentist and nurse took a mold of her mouth (we did not get to watch this process, but I am not sure I would want to anyway). It only took a few minutes to complete. Within a few hours the "appliance" was ready. The purpose of the obturator is to give her an artificial palate until she has the surgery to permanently fix it. Without it, the separated parts of her palate could start to collapse and change the shape of her mouth and jaw. She will wear it 24 hours a day, with the exception the time it takes to clean it once a day. It fits nicely in her mouth and stays right in place...but if it starts to lift out or shift around we can use denture cream like fixodent to help it stay. As you can see from the picture, the obturator has an extra bump on the top. That part fits into the gap in the roof of her mouth. Megan is still trying to get used to wearing it, but before long it should be second nature for her.
To make it, the dentist and nurse took a mold of her mouth (we did not get to watch this process, but I am not sure I would want to anyway). It only took a few minutes to complete. Within a few hours the "appliance" was ready. The purpose of the obturator is to give her an artificial palate until she has the surgery to permanently fix it. Without it, the separated parts of her palate could start to collapse and change the shape of her mouth and jaw. She will wear it 24 hours a day, with the exception the time it takes to clean it once a day. It fits nicely in her mouth and stays right in place...but if it starts to lift out or shift around we can use denture cream like fixodent to help it stay. As you can see from the picture, the obturator has an extra bump on the top. That part fits into the gap in the roof of her mouth. Megan is still trying to get used to wearing it, but before long it should be second nature for her.Next the plastic surgeon evaluated Megan's lip and palate. He wants to see her back in about six weeks (our next appointment is set for July 14) to see how she is growing and if the obturator is helping to close the gap in her mouth. At that point we will have a better idea on a timeline as far surgeries go. From what we have been told, the first surgery (for her lip) takes place between 3-6 months of age. Every situation is different so there is no exact timeline for these things, we just take things one step at a time.
So far we have been impressed with the doctors and facilities at Riley. We are grateful to have a clinic available where all the doctors work together as a team to make this process go smoothly.
4 comments:
I'm so glad to hear things are going well! I knew you had her appointment yesterday, and have been wondering how it went. Thanks for keeping us posted!
Thanks for the photos and information on how all this works. Also, thanks Julie for instruction on the links. One of these days I will learn that if it is in a different color you can do something with that word! She is such a beautiful baby!
Thank you for sharing. and we are glad to hear how things are going. i'm also glad you guys are happy with the doctors you have there and seems like things we'll be going smoothly. wish we were close to give you a hand with the other girls. but i'm glad you have some help.
Hey Matt! This Kari (Adkins) Fischer from Cincy! I have been following your blog for a while now and I wanted to say congrats on your new addition! I am glad to hear that things went well with her first meeting with the doctors. My aunt works at Riley- it is a great hospital, and I know Megan is great hands! My blessings and prayers to you all!
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