BACKGROUND Palatal obturators and microvascular free flaps are both used to treat patients with maxillectomy defects, however, the optimal technique remains controversial. METHODS A retrospective analysis of 113 patients undergoing maxillectomy for cancer was performed. Seventy-three patients received an obturator and 40 patients were reconstructed with a free flap. RESULTS Speech intelligibility and postoperative diet were comparable between the obturator and free flap groups, except in cases of extensive (>50%) palatal defects, where free flap reconstruction was superior in both aspects (p = .019 and p = .043, respectively). The average time for presenting with a local recurrence in advanced cancer involving the palate was comparable in both groups (p = .33). CONCLUSIONS Moderate-sized maxillectomy defects involving the palate can be successfully treated with either an obturator or free flap reconstruction. Extensive defects have a better functional outcome with free flaps. Evidence does not suggest that free flap reconstructions delay diagnosis of local recurrences.