[Eruption of canines through alveolar bone grafts in cleft lip and palate]

62 patients with clefts of the alveolus who had received alveolar bone grafts (iliac crest) at ages 8.6 to 12.8 years (mean 10.1 years) were studied. The eruption of 73 canines from 11 bilateral and 51 unilateral cleft patients could be evaluated. The postoperative observation period ranged from 2 to 16 years (mean 9 years). Spontaneous eruption occurred for 77% of the canines, 20% required surgical uncovering either bony or/and soft tissue. One canine had to be removed and one canine is still impacted.