Pre-Surgical Management of Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate in a Neonate: A Clinical Report

Abstract

Cleft lip and palate deformity is a congenital defect of the middle third of the face, consisting of fissures of the upper lip and/or palate. Naso-alveolar molding provides excellent results when considered and started early in the neonatal. Early treatment is important not only due to esthetic and functional concerns, but also for a positive psychological impact it has on the child. In the pre-surgical management, an interdisciplinary approach is necessary where an Orthodontist and a Prosthodontist play a major role. Also any treatment procedure in an infant becomes difficult due to the lack of co-operation from the child. This clinical report describes the multidisciplinary approach for complete pre-surgical management of a neonate with complete unilateral cleft of soft palate, hard palate, alveolar ridge and lip.