Orthognathic and secondary cleft reconstruction of adolescent patients with cleft palate

Midfacial reconstruction in adolescent patients with cleft palates is becoming increasingly practiced through a multidisciplinary approach that includes surgical, orthodontic, and prosthetic treatment. Four general types of cleft palate deformities in adolescents are discussed in terms of treatment. These include bilateral midfacial hypoplasia, unilateral midfacial hypoplasia, alveolar incompetence, and soft tissue incompetencies. The surgical treatment and associated considerations are presented.