Intensive Speech Therapy Programme Combined with a Speech Bulb Prosthesis in the Prosthodontic Rehabilitation of Velopharyngeal Dysfunction

Velopharyngeal insufficiency resulting from a defect in the soft palate, acquired or congenital, causes incomplete closure of the palatopharyngeal sphincter. An individual with such a defect suffers from multiple problems in eating, speaking, breathing, as well as psychological trauma, in society. This case report describes the rehabilitation of a patient with a congenital velopharyngeal defect using a definitive speech bulb obturator and an intensive speech therapy program. The patient underwent speech therapy for a period of three months. A speech and voice assessment was conducted before and after speech therapy. A speech intelligibility test was conducted, and nasalance was measured using a nasometer. Significant improvement in speech, mastication, and velopharyngeal function was achieved after bulb reduction and speech therapy.