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The orthodontic management of patients with cleft lip and palate: from the permanent dentition and the adult returning to the service

British Dental Journal volume 234, pages 892–898 (2023)Cite this article

Abstract

This is the second of two papers outlining the orthodontic management of patients with cleft lip and palate. The first paper reviewed orthodontic input into children with cleft lip and palate from birth to the late mixed dentition before definitive orthodontics. In this second paper, I will discuss tooth management across the grafted cleft site and its impact on the bone graft itself. I will also discuss the some of the challenges of the adult patient returning to the service.

Key points

  • Appropriate alveolar bone graft timing and preparation leads to a reduction in orthodontic burden of care.

  • In orthodontic terms, children with a cleft involving their alveolus come with further additional dental/skeletal challenges compared to their peers.

  • Close liaison with the patient's general dental practitioner throughout the orthodontic management is critical to provide the optimal orthodontic outcome.

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  1. Cleft Surgical Service for Scotland & Glasgow Dental Hospital and School, Glasgow, United Kingdom

    Toby Gillgrass

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Correspondence to Toby Gillgrass.

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Gillgrass, T. The orthodontic management of patients with cleft lip and palate: from the permanent dentition and the adult returning to the service. Br Dent J 234, 892–898 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-023-5956-9

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