Dental Skeletal Bad Results in Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery

Orofacial clefts are associated with skeletal and dental defects. Alveolar fistulas, missing or malformed teeth, maxillary growth disturbance, and related occlusal problems are commonly observed in these patients, and they are associated with poor oral health quality of life and cosmetic and functional disabilities. These problems are the result of the congenital hypoplasia and/or effect of the primary surgeries at early age and should be interpreted as multifactorial disorder. Projected premaxilla is another skeletal problem commonly observed in bilateral cleft lip and palate and requires an early interdisciplinary management. Severe sequels are observed at later age when this problem is not properly addressed during the first weeks of age. This chapter provides important information regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and interdisciplinary management of dental skeletal bad outcomes in patients with cleft lip and palate. In addition, the different surgical methods described for treatment of the dental skeletal deformities are illustrated.