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Restorative dentistry in the young cleft patient

British Dental Journal volume 234, pages 881–886 (2023)Cite this article

Abstract

This clinical paper outlines the role of the restorative consultant in the treatment of young cleft lip and palate patients up to the end of their cleft package of care on their 22nd birthday. The multidisciplinary nature of the care is highlighted, including the role of the general dental practitioner in caring for cleft patients in primary care. The various clinical treatment modalities used in this patient group are described with an emphasis on minimally invasive and adhesive approaches. The role of dental implants and removable prostheses are described. Considerations for long-term maintenance, much of which will take place in primary care, are also included.

Key points

  • Outlines the multidisciplinary nature of cleft care for specialists and speciality trainees.

  • Outlines the role of the general dental practitioner in the care of cleft patients.

  • Highlights the minimally invasive nature of the treatment provided for this patient group

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge Mr Martin Ashley, Consultant in Restorative Dentistry at Manchester Dental Hospital, for his kind assistance in the preparation of this manuscript.

Guest Editor, Sandip Popat, was not involved in the peer review process of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Consultant in Restorative Dentistry, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, Great Ormond Street, London, WC1N 3JH, United Kingdom

    Simon B. Critchlow

  2. Consultant in Restorative Dentistry, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, United Kingdom

    Sandip Popat

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  1. Simon B. Critchlow
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Contributions

Simon Critchlow and Sandip Popat contributed equally to the preparation of this manuscript.

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Correspondence to Simon B. Critchlow.

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The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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Cite this article

Critchlow, S., Popat, S. Restorative dentistry in the young cleft patient. Br Dent J 234, 881–886 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-023-5997-0

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