Cleft Lip and Palate: 3D Maxillary Morphology Changes

Cleft lip and palate (CLP) is the most common craniofacial malformation that an orthodontist will encounter. However, the management of this condition still presents a challenge to the practitioner. A patient with CLP exhibits a multitude of problems, including functional impairments and aesthetic compromise, but maxillary hypoplasia is the major complication. Management of CLP patients in mixed dentition phase showing 3D differences in maxillary morphology will be presented and discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• Measure intermolar and intercanine transverse distances at the cusp and gingival levels, surface area and volume of the palatal vault.
• Determine optimal timing for orthodontic treatment.
• Examine the benefits of mixed dentition treatment in CLP patients.