Cleft lip and palate

Clefts in the lip, jaw and palate area are among the most common congenital malformations in the maxillofacial region. Treatment is carried out in collaboration with the treating oral surgeons and other specialist disciplines involved. This means that the therapeutic measures are discussed and coordinated on an interdisciplinary basis.

Active orthodontic treatment usually begins when the permanent front teeth and the first permanent molars have erupted. At the beginning, the upper jaw is often stretched and the incisors are adjusted. Together with the treating oral surgeon, the time of the next operation, the so-called jaw gap osteoplasty, is planned. In this procedure, the cleft in the jaw is bridged by inserting bone. The permanent canine tooth should then move into this bone as part of its eruption.

Once all the permanent teeth have erupted, the teeth are positioned in the dental arch and in relation to the opposing jaw. It may be necessary to decide individually how to deal with lateral incisors that have not been set. In this area, either a gap can be left for a later denture or the gap can be closed by moving the teeth from behind.

Orthodontic care is usually provided for patients until growth is complete. In some cases with severe discrepancies between the upper and lower jaw, the jaws are surgically aligned once growth is complete. surgical alignment of the jaws to each other.

Consultation hours for patients with cleft lip and palate