# Suction cup denture for restoration of maxillary edentulousness with hemilateral maxillary defects: a case report

## TL;DR

A suction cup denture was successfully used to restore function in a patient with a maxillary defect after cancer treatment.

## Contribution

This case report introduces suction cup dentures as a viable, low-cost alternative for patients with hemimaxillary defects.

## Key findings

- The suction cup denture provided satisfactory retention and masticatory efficiency.
- The patient experienced improved comfort and quality of life without mucosal complications.
- The denture is suggested as a temporary option for hemimaxillectomy patients with specific needs.

## Abstract

This single case report describes the rehabilitation of a 71-year-old man with a hemimaxillary defect following resection of maxillary gingival carcinoma and reconstruction with a pedicled submental island flap. Conventional prosthetic rehabilitation had failed to provide adequate retention, and implant therapy was contraindicated due to prior radiotherapy. A suction cup denture was fabricated as a minimally invasive alternative to restore function. At six months, the denture demonstrated satisfactory retention, stability, and masticatory efficiency, with the patient reporting improved comfort, speech, and quality of life, and no persistent mucosal complications were observed. This case suggests that suction cup dentures may serve as a temporary, low-cost, and functionally effective option for hemimaxillectomy patients with specific indications, provided that wearing time is restricted and close follow-up is maintained to minimize risks.