[Vestibuloplasty in patients with cleft lip and palate]

After cleft lip repair the upper lip is sometimes attached at the premaxilla. The scar bands and contractures may occur deleterious effects on: the growth, the facial expression, the speech, problems during orthodontic treatment and in prosthetic dental care, regression of the attached gingiva, resorption of the transplanted bone and the aspect of the upper lip. In nine edentulous patients with cleft lip palate, in six patients with cleft lip palate and with a mutilated dentition and in ten younger patients with cleft lip palate the buccal sulcus was successfully restored. The importance of a free upper lip and adequate sulcus has been under-emphasized in treatment of the patient with cleft lip palate.