Presurgical management of a child with missing lower lip using a new design of fixed lower tongue crib

Abstract

Missing of any perioral structure can result in imbalance of muscular forces leading to loss of structure and function along with esthetics especially in a growing individual and can result in permanent damage. Rehabilitation of such children is a challenge and requires an integrated multidisciplinary approach not only to correct the defect, but also to ensure normal development with minimal handicap. Here is a case report of a 10-year-old child with missing lower lip due to childhood infection and its presurgical management using a new design of fixed lower tongue crib used to limit tongue pressure, improve tongue position, and facilitate lower incisor retraction. A new clinical experience for lower lip missing cases in children are added, as these cases are rare.