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The restorative dentistry management of adult cleft patients: 'the adult returner'

British Dental Journal volume 234, pages 906–911 (2023)Cite this article

Abstract

This paper will discuss the management of adult patients with cleft lip and palate who return to care, often many decades after their initial course of treatment. This can be a very complex group of patients to treat as they often present with anxiety about dental care and often have other long-standing psychosocial issues. Working very closely with the multi-disciplinary team and the general dental practitioner is crucial to the successful outcome of care. This paper will outline the most common complaints that these patients may present with and the restorative dentistry solutions that are available to address them.

Key points

  • Consultants in restorative dentistry are core members of the cleft multi-disciplinary team.

  • Managing adult patients with cleft lip and palate who have returned to care can be very challenging; failing complex dentistry is a common complaint in this group.

  • A multi-disciplinary approach and involving the GDP is essential for a successful outcome.

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References

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  6. Stock N M, Feragen K B, Rumsey N. "It Doesn't All Just Stop at 18": Psychological Adjustment and Support Needs of Adults Born with Cleft Lip and/or Palate. Cleft Palate Craniofac J 2015; 52: 543-554.

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  9. Swan M C, Popat S, Kidner G, Sibley J, Goodacre T E E. Iatrogenic Rhinoliths: Exercise Caution When Undertaking Palatal-Dental Impressions in the Cleft Patient With an Incompetent Palate. Cleft Palate Craniofac J 2017; 54: 487-488.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Mr Tom Dudding, StR in Restorative Dentistry, and Professor Martin Ashley for their kind assistance in 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, Spires Cleft Centre, Headley Way, Oxford, OX3 9DU, United Kingdom

    Sandip Popat

  2. Consultant in Restorative Dentistry, Maxillofacial and Dental Department, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, WC1A 3JH, United Kingdom

    Simon Critchlow

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  1. Sandip Popat
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  2. Simon Critchlow
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Both authors contributed to the concept, content and preparation of this manuscript.

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Correspondence to Sandip Popat.

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No conflicts of interest to declare. Written consent to publish has been obtained for Figure 2. Written consent was obtained for use of all images.

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Popat, S., Critchlow, S. The restorative dentistry management of adult cleft patients: 'the adult returner'. Br Dent J 234, 906–911 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-023-5996-1

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