Skeletal and Dental Habilitation of Residual Alveolar and Maxillary Clefts

Abstract

Management of residual clefts of the alveolus and maxilla requires the coordinated effort of multiple members of the craniofacial team including surgeon, orthodontist, and when teeth are hypoplastic or absent, the prosthodontist to achieve complete habilitation. Such cooperation among specialists begins early in the patient's life and continues through completion of care.Although numerous publications on this topic exist, few present definitive multidisciplinary reconstructive outcomes with longterm results. In this review paper, the authors present our comprehensive, multidisciplinary protocols, experience, and techniques as they have evolved with over 35 years of practice at our Craniofacial Center.Details of our updated protocols for each intervention and procedure, including our current thoughts on appropriate timing, follow up and advantages from the incorporation of current technologies are discussed. Close cooperation among specialists at all stages of care, the use of evolving technology, and adherence to, and modification where indicated, of time honored team protocols enables us to consistently achieve successful functional and esthetic outcomes, while minimizing complications.