Cleft Orthognathic Surgery

Cleft orthognathic surgery drastically affects the facial profile, masticatory function, and sets the foundation for future lip revision and rhinoseptoplasty. A multi-disciplinary cleft team comprised of dentists, plastic surgeons, otolaryngologists, orthodontists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and speech pathologists can ensure optimal holistic outcomes. These patients often require a maxillary advancement with mandibular setback, correction of any existing cants, and possibly a genioplasty with genioglossus advancement to achieve an orthognathic profile without worsening obstructive sleep apnea. When soft tissue and vascularity is preserved, complications in cleft orthognathic can be minimized and relapse controlled with careful planning and conservative maxillary movements.