Orthodontic Treatment Protocol for Cleft Lip and Palate Patients in Mixed Dentition

Abstract

Mixed dentition period is one of the most critical times to initiate dental treatment in cleft lip and palate patients as it includes permanent teeth eruption and pubertal growth spurt. Orthodontic treatment in this period, including maxillary growth modification, correcting localized dental anomalies to facilitate permanent teeth eruption and dental arch expansion for maxillary bone graft, can reduce complexity of treatment in adult when growth has ceased.
This review article provides some guidelines for orthodontic treatment in mixed dentition for cleft lip and palate patients, such as maxillary growth modification, correction of anterior and posterior crossbite, reduction of protruding premaxilla, elimination of localized malocclusion, dental arch preparation for alveolar bone graft and retention needed during this period.