Orthodontic Treatment for Cleft Lip and Palate Patients
Posted on 9/16/2024 by Raleigh Family Orthodontics
A cleft lip or palate happens when facial developmental structures do not fully fuse during embryonic stages. This leaves a gap or opening in upper mouth tissues that can displace teeth alignment. Besides speech/eating issues, misaligned teeth negatively impact confidence. But well-timed orthodontics coordinated around restorative cleft closure can still yield dramatic improvements.
Coordinated Multidisciplinary Care
With severe cleft cases, a prosthodontist first creates a palatal obturator to close openings left by the cleft, enabling safer eating/speech in infancy before surgical repair. Definitive cleft closure procedures, rebuilding the separation of upper lip muscles and realigning gum tissues, often occur from ages 6-12 months once growth stabilizes tissues.
Successive surgeries may better reposition tissues for optimal function as the face further matures during childhood. Once underlying foundational repairs have stabilized, orthodontics steps in to align the dental arches and bite.
Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment
The American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association outlines a two-phase protocol for cleft orthodontics coinciding with stages of facial growth.
The first phase initiates between ages 8-10 to correct severely displaced teeth before adolescence. This early treatment can utilize a palatal expander, creating room for alignment and establishing the harmony of width between the upper/lower arches well before the major growth spurt.
The second phase begins in early adolescence, around age 12 to 14. This treatment focuses on fine-tuning alignment, occlusion, and coordination of the jaws prior to facial maturity. Additional phase treatment after adolescence may further refine bite symmetry.
A Team Approach
Smoothly integrating the staged interdisciplinary process over years of gradual facial change requires close coordination between surgical, prosthetic, restorative, and orthodontic specialties. Our experienced cleft treatment team is ready to extensively evaluate individual conditions and map out an integrated care timeline tailored to the unique needs of your child for the best outcome.
From infancy into adulthood, committed expertise and support make the involved journey navigable at every phase. Begin mapping a transformative path for your child. Contact us today.
About Us • Raleigh Family Ortho Learn more about Dr. Lee & Dr. Neill, their Raleigh dental practice, and some basic information about orthodontics. Call us today to schedule! Raleigh Family Orthodontics, 9201 Leesville Rd STE 160, Raleigh, NC 27613 + (984) 254-0585 + raleighfamilyortho.com + 10/5/2024 + Related Phrases: orthodontist RALEIGH NC +
A cleft lip or palate happens when facial developmental structures do not fully fuse during embryonic stages. This leaves a gap or opening in upper mouth tissues that can displace teeth alignment. Besides speech/eating issues, misaligned teeth negatively impact confidence. But well-timed orthodontics coordinated around restorative cleft closure can still yield dramatic improvements.