Assisted eruption of impacted teeth into an alveolar bone graft in a patient with cleft lip and palate

Abstract

Abstract Aims To assist the eruption of impacted upper teeth into an alveolar bone graft in a patient with a unilateral cleft lip and palate. Methods An 8 year-old Thai boy with left unilateral complete cleft lip and palate had the chief complaint of anterior crossbite. He presented with a mild skeletal 3, dental Class III subdivision malocclusion, anterior crossbite, left unilateral posterior crossbite, moderate crowding in the upper arch with impaction of upper the left lateral incisor (tooth 22) and canine (tooth 23). In the first phase of treatment the posterior crossbite was corrected with a removable appliance with a 3-way screw. In the second phase the impacted teeth were surgically exposed, moved into the alveolar bone graft and the teeth aligned with fixed appliances. The upper left lateral incisor was extracted because of its questionable longevity. Results The orthodontic treatment resulted in normal overjet, overbite and an acceptable facial profile. A prosthesis replaced tooth 22. Conclusions Forced eruption of impacted teeth can be carried out successfully in the cleft patients after an appropriate treatment plan has been formulated and following preparation of alveolar bone graft in the cleft site.