Treatment for patients with cleft lip and palate has changed dramatically over the years. Previously, orthodontists and plastic surgeons worked independently at predetermined phases, with the surgeon repairing the lip and palate and then passing the patient along to an orthodontist to realign
the teeth.
Today, orthodontists and plastic surgeons work together throughout a patient’s five stages of development to achieve optimal results working with natural facial growth and maturity. There are three times in the life of an individual when the jaws grow dramatically, and where orthodontists and plastic surgeons have the most impact in addressing children for cleft lip
and palate.
The first phase occurs during infancy, the second during the eruption of molars between five-and-a-half to seven-and-a-half years of age, and the final initiated by the onset of puberty. During these stages, the orthodontist and plastic surgeon are able to set the segments of jaws in relationship to one another and perform the lip closure, controlling the overall facial development that allows the patient to grow with the treatment.
The years between early childhood and puberty are used to realign any wrongly positioned teeth for more uniform growth. Adult or non-growing patients are treated in much the same way as in the previous phases, however segments of the jaws must be surgically positioned in order to achieve normal symmetry, facial proportions and a beautiful smile.
Dr. Edward and Jeffrey Genecov work closely with the surgical team to ensure the best outcome possible for our patients. As a result, no one sees more patients with cleft lip and palate and craniofacial deformities than our office.
For questions concerning the treatment cleft lip or palate, contact Genecov Orthodontics today.
Click here for Before & After Photos