Use of Osseointegrated Implants to Support a Maxillary Denture for a Patient with Repaired Cleft Lip and Palate

Abstract

Although many cleft lip and palate patients retain their dentition, some develop partial or complete edentulism. The configuration of the residual maxillary alveolar ridge may provide little support for a complete or partial maxillary denture. The success of the Branemark dental implant has been well established, and although placement of implants in the maxilla may present a surgical challenge, implants are very effective in providing support and, therefore, retention and stability. Application of implants to the cleft palate maxilla is particularly valuable because of the difficulty in constructing well-fitting conventional dentures for CLP patients, and the relatively compromised nature of the prostheses when made. This report presents the prosthetic treatment of a nearly edentulous cleft lip and palate patient.

Dental implants in patients with orofacial clefts: a long-term follow-up study

“…In addition, several studies report on experiences of dental implants in patients with orofacial clefts 10,12,13,15,16,20,23 . In most studies, either the number of examined patients was small or the period of follow-up was relatively short.…”

Hollow Speech Bulb in Completely Edentulous Patient: A Case Report.

“…It is difficult to achieve an effective retention by conventional prostheses for the edentulous patients with both hard and soft palate defects ( Abreu et.al, 2007;Lefkove et.al, 2013;Lund, Wade, 1993).This is because of the weight of the prosthesis and the inability to obtain a border seal ( Harrison JW, 1992). In this case, the weight of the bulb was reduce by making it hollow.…”

Complete denture with pharyngeal bulb prosthesis

“…Achieving an effective retention by conventional prostheses for the edentulous patients with both hard and soft palate defects is very difficult, if not impossible 4 8 9. This is especially because of the weight of the prosthesis and the inability to obtain a border seal 10.…”