Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Cleft treatment aimed at restoring aesthetics and ensuring adequate speech development is often prolonged and start from childhood and finish in adulthood. The present study was conducted to assess combined orthodontic and surgical management of cleft lip and palate patients. Materials & Methods: The present study was conducted in the department of Oral Surgery and Orthodontics. It consists of 24 cases of cleft lip and palate of both genders. Surgical repair was carried out . The expansion of the arches and redistribution of available space was achieved with orthodontic treatment. Satisfaction with facial appearance and function was assessed qualitatively using a three point Likert scale, i.e., (1) very satisfied, (2) satisfied, and (3) not satisfied. Results: Out of 24 patients, males were 14 and females were 10. Cleft deformity was unilateral cleft lip + alveolus in 2 cases, bilateral cleft lip + alveolus in 3 cases, cleft of hard & soft palate in 3 cases, unilateral cleft lip + palate in 10 cases and bilateral cleft lip + palate in 6 cases. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Satisfaction of treatment outcome was very satisfied in 21 cases, satisfied in 2 cases and not satisfied in 1 case. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Authors found that patients of cleft lip and palate can be well managed with surgical and orthodontic treatment. Thus combined interdisciplinary approach may be useful in such patients. Key words: Cleft lip, Palate, Orthodontic treatment.