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What is maxillofacial prosthodontics?

Maxillofacial prosthodontics refers to the branch of prosthodontics that deals with the restoration of facial and oral structures that have been affected by trauma, disease, or congenital defects.
dr Ursula Klostermyer Prosthodontist Dr. Franziska Klostermyer Cosmetic Dentist photo portrait in the office advanced Dentistry of Richmond Women owned and operated, dental practice, patient focused
dr Ursula Klostermyer Prosthodontist Dr. Franziska Klostermyer Cosmetic Dentist photo portrait dvanced Dentistry of Richmond Women owned and operated, dental practice, patient focused

Maxillofacial Prosthodontics

Dr. Ursula Klostermyer and Dr. Clara Bergeron have extensive experience helping patients who require complex rehabilitation after trauma, tumor removal, or related to congenital conditions. With years of training and dedication, they combine clinical precision with an artistic touch to restore both form and function. Their expertise includes designing and delivering customized intraoral and extraoral prostheses—such as obturators, speech-aid devices, and facial restorations—each tailored to the unique anatomy and needs of the individual patient.

These advanced treatments often involve close collaboration with surgeons, oncologists, speech and occupational therapists, and other specialists. Dr. Klostermyer and Dr. Bergeron serve as key members of this multidisciplinary team, guiding patients through each stage of treatment with compassion, skill, and clear communication. Their goal is to not only improve health and function, but also to give patients confidence, comfort, and a better quality of life.

Oral Cancer & Maxillofacial Rehabilitation

Patients undergoing treatment for oral cancer often experience impairments in speech, swallowing, and appearance. Prosthetic rehabilitation not only restores critical functions but also dramatically improves quality of life. Obturators, for instance, are custom intraoral devices used to close defects in the palate post-surgery. At Advanced Dentistry of Richmond, these prostheses are carefully designed and integrated into the patient’s comprehensive cancer care plan.
obturator before Maxillofacial Prosthodontics Dental Specialist Richmond VA obturator after Maxillofacial prosthodontics Advanced Dentistry of Richmond Women owned and operated, dental practice, patient focused in Virginia
congenital obturator Maxillofacial prosthodontics Advanced Dentistry of Richmond Women owned and operated, dental practice, patient focused in Virginia

Congenital & Developmental Conditions

Children born with cleft palates or syndromes such as ectodermal dysplasia often face lifelong dental and functional challenges. Dr. Ursula Klostermyer and Dr. Clara Bergeron have extensive experience supporting pediatric patients, including fabricating early prostheses to improve feeding, speech, and self-esteem. As children grow, they continue to manage their restorative needs with the goal of achieving long-term functional and aesthetic harmony. Advanced Dentistry of Richmond also works with families involved in organizations like the Ectodermal Dysplasia Foundation to assist families in need.

TMD/TMJ Management

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) can cause chronic pain, jaw dysfunction, and headaches. Dr. Klostermyer provides comprehensive TMD therapy, starting with an in-depth diagnostic evaluation. Treatment may include custom occlusal orthotics (night guards), physical therapy, dietary or habit modifications, medications, and, when necessary, referrals for advanced interventions such as TENS therapy or joint surgery. Every treatment plan is tailored to address the cause and restore comfort.
Custom dental night guard on a model, demonstrating effective treatment for bruxism and TMD at Advanced Dentistry of Richmond, VA.
obturator Maxillofacial Prosthodontics Dental Specialist Richmond VA

Obturator

An obturator is a custom-made prosthetic device used to close congenital or acquired openings in the palate or upper jaw, often resulting from surgical treatment of oral cancers, cleft palate, trauma, or other conditions that affect the maxillofacial structures. An obturator restores the separation between the oral and nasal cavities, allowing patients to speak, chew, and swallow more effectively.

Obturators are carefully designed to fit securely and comfortably, often blending prosthetic teeth with a lightweight acrylic base that fills the defect. In many cases, they are a critical part of comprehensive maxillofacial rehabilitation—restoring both function and appearance, and significantly improving quality of life.

Palatal lift

A palatal lift is a specialized removable prosthetic device designed to assist patients with soft palate dysfunction, often due to neurological conditions or muscle weakness. It gently lifts the soft palate toward the back of the throat to help close the gap between the nasal and oral cavities during speech and swallowing. By improving velopharyngeal closure, a palatal lift can significantly reduce hypernasal speech and improve communication and quality of life. This device is often part of a collaborative treatment approach involving prosthodontists, speech-language pathologists, and physicians. It is custom-fabricated to ensure comfort, stability, and effective function for each patient’s unique anatomy.

Speech bulb

A speech bulb is a custom-made prosthetic device designed to help patients with velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI)—a condition where the soft palate cannot adequately close against the back of the throat during speech, often due to cleft palate, neurological disorders, or post-surgical changes.

This prosthesis includes an acrylic extension (the “bulb”) that fits into the space at the back of the throat, helping to close the gap between the soft palate and the pharyngeal wall. It restores proper airflow and resonance during speech, significantly reducing nasal-sounding speech (hypernasality) and improving articulation.

Speech bulb prostheses are typically used in collaboration with speech-language pathologists as part of a comprehensive therapy plan. They are carefully tailored to each patient’s anatomy and functional needs, offering a non-surgical solution for improved communication and confidence.

Restoration of Fibula Free Flap aka “Jaw-In-A-Day”

“Jaw-in-a-Day” is an advanced procedure that replaces part of the jaw and restores missing teeth—all in a single surgery. Using a piece of bone from the leg (called a fibula free flap), the jaw is rebuilt and dental implants are placed at the same time. A custom-made temporary set of teeth is attached during surgery, so patients leave with a new smile the same day.

What makes this approach unique is the close collaboration between the surgical and prosthetic teams. Through digital planning and 3D technology, we design the jaw reconstruction and the implant-supported teeth in advance to ensure a precise, functional, and aesthetic result.

Maxillofacial Implants Advanced Dentistry of Richmond

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