Adolescent dentistry: multidisciplinary treatment for the cleft lip/palate patient

Congenital labiomaxillary clefts result from the absence or incomplete fusion of the maxillary and medial nasal processes with resultant hard and soft tissue defects. Comprehensive treatment of these defects requires the collaborative efforts of surgeons, orthodontists, restorative clinicians, and laboratory technicians. Precise periodontal and orthodontic treatments must be carefully coordinated with the restorative plan to ensure sufficient space and tissue architecture for the definitive restorations. This article describes the multidisciplinary treatment of a cleft lip/palate patient using conservative fixed and removable restorative options to provide aesthetic restoration.