This palatal covering is also known as a drink plate and has to cover the whole cleft area in order to avoid the food from introducing into the nasal area; if necessary, it can be extended into the pharynx
If the vestibule is not impressed accurately it has to be erased slightly to achieve the needed vacuum effect. If the palatal cleft reaches into the pharynx, but this area is not impressed accurately enough on the impression, it has to be erased slightly. This should only be done in agreement with the practitioner.
The retentive parts of the palatal cleft have to be covered with wax. In the pharynx region the cleft is built up with wax. The resulting cone is the coverage of the pharynx area. Later, this cone has to be shaped and polished by the practitioner.
In the anterior part of the cleft, the palatal plate has to be built up in such a way that it resembles a normal palatal anatomy, so that from early on, the tongue gets used to the later palatal form.
The palatal plate has to have in its whole extension the same height as a complete palate. For the curve of the descending cone, one can use the own thumb as measure. But anyway, the cone has still to be individually adapted to the curve of the palate.
The length of the cone always depends on the cleft. Either the treating orthodontist determines an approximate length, or the technician first designs it and afterwards consults it with the doctor.
The final palatal plate has to be finished as thin as possible. The functional margins have to be designed exactly as in a normal denture.
