Interdisciplinary Management of an Adolescent Cleft Patient with Skeletal Class III Malocclusion: A Case Report

Abstract

Cleft lip and palate are the most frequently observed congenital abnormalities affecting the maxillofacial region. They can occur isolated or together in various combinations. These deformities are also associated with features found in over 300 recognised syndromes. Additionally, there are several problems, including social limitations, such as difficulties in breastfeeding resulting in failure to grow properly, speech abnormalities, hearing loss, misalignment of teeth, significant facial abnormalities, and serious aesthetic, psychological, and psychosocial challenges. Treatment modalities involve a number of specialists, such as Maxillofacial and Plastic surgeons, Anaesthetists, Orthodontists, Restorative dentists, Paediatric dentists and Prosthodontists, who collaborate to determine the best treatment plan based on the site of the defect and the patient's age. The present case report discusses the treatment and management of a 16-year-old female patient who presented with cleft lip and palate, along with skeletal class III malocclusion, hypodontia, multiple decayed teeth and dental malformation. The patient had missing lateral incisors and canines in the maxillary arch, along with carious maxillary central incisors. The purpose of this article is to report the multidisciplinary management of a unilateral cleft lip and palate patient with class III malocclusion, utilising orthognathic surgery, as well as, incorporating endodontic and prosthodontic corrections.