Conservative approaches in prosthodontic management of cleft lip and palate patients

Abstract

The goals of prosthodontic management of patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) are the restoration of esthetics and improvement of speech and occlusion. Deficiency of bone volume, soft-tissue excess, or presence of oronasal fistula complicates the treatment planning. Though dental implants present a viable treatment option to replace missing teeth in the cleft region, the need for bone augmentation and surgical morbidity limits its application in some patients. A combination of fixed dental prosthesis, resin bonded bridges, removable prosthesis, and overdentures allows conservative management of such patients without causing further morbidity. This clinical report illustrates two patients with CLP managed with a resin-bonded Maryland Bridge and a tooth-supported overdenture.