The importance of interdisciplinary approach for managing cleft lip and palate: a case report

Cleft lip and palate are among the most important congenital craniofacial malformations in dental practice, due to their high prevalence and significant functional and aesthetic consequences. Anteroposterior maxillary retrusion associated with a Class III malocclusion as well as unilateral or bilateral palatal collapse of the smaller maxillary segment, producing narrowing of the dental arch, is probably the most recurrent and challenging problem. In the surgical cleft procedures, one of the most important steps concerning facial growth is bone graft, improving maxillary growth and supporting teeth eruption. This case report addresses the diagnosis, planning, and orthodontic-surgical-restorative management of a patient with Class III cleft lip and palate. The patient was 14 years old at treatment onset and received orthodontic treatment by the edgewise technique, which was followed by orthognathic surgery for maxillary advancement, mandibular reduction, mentoplasty, bone graft, and restorative dentistry. The importance of interdisciplinary treatment planning to achieve optimal aesthetics and functional results are discussed. (C) 2012 World Federation of Orthodontists.