Mershon Lecture: Treatment of the Broken or Distorted Face

This presentation will include a discussion of the orthodontic and surgical treatment planning for patients with clefts of the face, lip and palate. There will also be a discussion of the treatment of patients with craniofacial syndromes which may cause malocclusion, facial distortion and facial imbalance. Orthodontic preparation for different types of unique surgical and orthopedic procedures will be discussed. A series of case reports will also be presented which illustrate the manifestations of several of these syndromes and how they can be managed.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the orofacial manifestations of Crouzon, Apert and Treacher Collins syndromes as well as Sickle cell disease.
• Assess the potential benefits of pre-surgical orthopedic treatment before surgical closure of complete clefts of the lip and palate.
• Assess and determine the appropriate tooth movement necessary prior to orthognathic surgery for a variety of craniofacial syndromes.