[Multidisciplinary care of patients with cleft lips and cleft palates in Zürich]

Since about 10 years a coordinated timing of procedures has been used in Zürich for the management of CLP cases. It equally considers the requirements of growth and functional development. Early orthopedic treatment can, however, only be efficient if concomitant primary surgery is adequately timed and performed. The importance of two-stage palatal closure (soft palate 18 months, hard palate after 5 years of age) is emphasized. In contrast to results of former treatment methods, present cleft patients show good arch form and intermaxillary relationship in deciduous and early mixed dentition. The need for orthodontic treatment is considerably reduced. As far as speech development is concerned, the procedure proves to be beneficial as well.