Cleft Orthodontics

Pre-surgical orthopedics: This treatment involves using an orthopedic device, such as a nasoalveolar molding (NAM) appliance, to reshape the upper jaw and nostril area before surgery.

Orthognathic surgery: This type of surgery involves repositioning the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to correct a malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth and jaws).

Alveolar bone grafting: This procedure involves taking bone from another part of the body, such as the hip, and using it to fill in the gap in the upper jaw created by the cleft.

Orthodontic braces: This is a common treatment for correcting misaligned teeth in cleft patients. Braces are used to move teeth into the correct position and improve the overall appearance of the smile.

Retainers: After orthodontic treatment, retainers are often used to maintain the position of the teeth and prevent them from moving back to their original position.

Speech therapy: Cleft orthodontic treatment may also involve speech therapy to help patients learn how to speak more clearly and overcome any speech problems caused by the cleft.

Cleft Lip: A visible split or gap in the upper lip, which may extend to the nose. This can cause difficulties with feeding, speech, and dental development.

Cleft Palate: A split or gap in the roof of the mouth, which can extend from the front of the mouth to the back of the throat. This can cause difficulties with feeding, speech, and hearing, as well as an increased risk of ear infections.

Difficulty feeding: Infants with a cleft lip or palate may have difficulty breastfeeding or bottle-feeding due to the cleft. This can lead to poor weight gain and malnourishment if not addressed.

Speech problems: Children with a cleft may have difficulty speaking clearly due to the malformation of the palate and/or lip. This can include problems with articulation, resonance, and voice quality.

Dental problems: A cleft can cause misalignment of the teeth and problems with dental development, such as missing or extra teeth.

Ear infections: Children with a cleft palate are more prone to ear infections due to the connection between the ear and the palate. This can lead to hearing loss if left untreated.

Improved oral health: Cleft orthodontic treatment can help to address dental problems associated with clefts, such as misaligned teeth, missing teeth, and bite problems. This can improve overall oral health and reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Improved speech: Cleft orthodontic treatment can help to improve speech by addressing problems with articulation, resonance, and voice quality.

Improved facial appearance: Cleft orthodontic treatment can help improve the face’s appearance by correcting the cleft and any associated dental or skeletal problems.

Improved self-esteem: Cleft orthodontic treatment can help to improve self-esteem and confidence by improving facial appearance, speech, and overall oral health.

Improved nutrition: Cleft orthodontic treatment can help to improve feeding and swallowing, which can improve overall nutrition and reduce the risk of malnourishment.

Reduced risk of complications: Cleft orthodontic treatment can help to reduce the risk of complications associated with cleft, such as ear infections and hearing loss.

Initial assessment: The first step is to have a thorough assessment of the cleft by a cleft team, which may include an orthodontist, plastic surgeon, speech therapist, and other specialists. The team will develop a treatment plan based on the individual’s needs.

Pre-surgical orthodontics: Before surgery, orthodontic treatment may be needed to align teeth and prepare the jaw for surgery. This may involve the use of braces or other orthodontic appliances.

Surgical repair: Surgery is usually required to repair the cleft, either in infancy or early childhood. This may involve multiple surgeries over a period of several years to address various aspects of the cleft, such as the lip, palate, and nose.

Post-surgical orthodontics: After surgery, orthodontic treatment may be needed to continue aligning teeth and adjusting the jaw. This may involve the use of braces, retainers, or other appliances.

Ongoing monitoring: Regular follow-up visits with the cleft team are important to monitor progress, adjust treatment as needed, and address any issues that arise.

• Individuals who have cleft lip and/or palate may benefit from cleft orthodontic treatment. Cleft lip and palate is a congenital condition that occurs when the tissue that forms the upper lip and/or roof of the mouth does not fuse properly during fetal development. This can result in a range of oral and facial abnormalities, including a gap in the upper lip, a split or opening in the roof of the mouth, and misaligned teeth and jaw.
• Cleft orthodontic treatment may be recommended for individuals with cleft lip and palate to address these abnormalities and improve overall oral health and function. The specific type of treatment will depend on the severity of the cleft and the individual’s specific needs. Orthodontic treatment for cleft lip and palate typically involves a combination of appliances, such as braces, palatal expanders, and orthognathic surgery.
• In general, individuals with cleft lip and palate may benefit from cleft orthodontic treatment if they have misaligned teeth or jaws, difficulty speaking, difficulty eating or swallowing, and/or issues with breathing. If you or a loved one has cleft lip and/or palate, it’s important to work closely with a cleft team, which may include an orthodontist, to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your specific needs

• Treatment for cleft lip and palate typically begins in infancy or early childhood, and cleft orthodontics may be recommended at different stages of a patient’s development. Here are some general guidelines for when cleft orthodontics may be done:

• Infancy: Cleft lip and palate are typically diagnosed soon after birth, and early intervention may be recommended to ensure that the infant can feed and develop properly. An orthodontist may be involved in the treatment plan to address any dental or skeletal issues that may affect feeding.

• Toddlerhood: As a child grows and develops, an orthodontist may be involved in the treatment plan to address issues such as a narrow upper jaw, misaligned teeth, or speech development issues.

• Childhood: Orthodontic treatment may be recommended in childhood to improve dental and skeletal alignment and address any bite issues. Braces or other orthodontic appliances may be used to achieve these goals.

• Adolescence: Surgical orthodontics may be recommended in adolescence to correct skeletal issues and improve facial symmetry. This may involve a combination of orthodontic treatment and jaw surgery.

• Misaligned teeth and jaw: Cleft lip and palate can cause misalignment of the teeth and jaw, which can make it difficult to eat, speak, and breathe. Without treatment, the misalignment can become more severe, leading to greater functional difficulties.

• Speech difficulties: Cleft lip and palate can affect speech, causing speech impediments or difficulty being understood. Without treatment, speech difficulties can persist or worsen.

• Oral health issues: Cleft lip and palate can increase the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Without treatment, these issues may become more severe, leading to pain, infection, and tooth loss.

• Social and emotional issues: Cleft lip and palate can cause social and emotional difficulties due to appearance and functional issues. Without treatment, these issues may persist or worsen, leading to decreased self-esteem and reduced quality of life.

All of us here at Kigo Dental are committed to providing you with the best dental care available, and we do so with a smile.

Our entire staff, from receptionists to dental hygienists and assistants, is committed to providing you with the best quality dental care possible

From the time you walk through the door and every time you revisit, you will experience this firsthand.

Kigo Dental has a team of experienced and skilled Orthodontists and other specialised dentists who specialise in providing high-quality dental care and treatments, utilising the latest technologies and techniques to ensure the best outcomes for their patients.