Aesthetic tooth modification for patients with cleft lip and palate

Alongside orthodontic treatment, tooth shape modification may be indicated for teeth associated with clefts of the lip and alveolus, and in non-carious teeth, minimal tooth preparation techniques appear to be most appropriate. Two methods of tooth shape modification are described. In one, hybrid composite materials, bonded to tooth enamel using the acid-etch technique, may be considered to provide a permanent, low cost, aesthetically satisfactory result, often without tooth preparation and with minimal operating time. Alternatively, indirect veneers may be appropriate for treatment of more severely malformed teeth.