Cleft lip or cleft lip and palate is one of the most common physical disorders at birth. In cases of cleft lip, there is a cleft in the upper lip, and in cases of cleft palate, there is a cleft in the palate (roof of the mouth). Cleft lip and palate are seen in 1 baby out of every 700 babies, cleft lip and palate in 1 baby out of every 1000 babies, and cleft palate in 1 baby out of every 2000 babies.
Cleft lip and palate can generally have a genetic background. The occurrence of EDD in parents and parental relatives particularly increases the risk. Factors causing EDY are as follows:
1. Genetics
2. Consanguineous marriage
3. Drug use during pregnancy
4. Drug, alcohol, cigarette use
5. Exposure to radiation during pregnancy
6. Late pregnancy
7. Diseases during pregnancy
Duties of the Orthodontist
Treatment of babies with cleft lip and palate requires teamwork. As a member of this team, the orthodontist; It is responsible for providing the correct guidance for the growth and development of the face and teeth from birth to maturity.
In babies with cleft lip and palate, thanks to the process called nasoalveolar molding performed by the orthodontist in the postnatal period, the segments in the cleft area are brought closer to each other and thus the soft tissues of the plastic surgeon are more tension-free. can operate in any environment. Lip operations usually occur on the 5-6th day. months, palate surgery at 12-14 months. It is carried out in months. This allows better lip aesthetics and normal facial development.
Nasoalveolar molding appliance
In children with cleft lip and palate Orthodontic treatment can begin at the age of 8-10, when the permanent teeth erupt. The problem in these children is usually upper jaw stenosis and lack of development of the upper jaw. Ideal occlusion will be achieved with fixed orthodontic treatment. In addition, the relationship disorders between the jaws observed at the end of development (16-18 years of age) will be corrected with orthodontic surgical treatment. When necessary, the cleft line should be closed with a secondary graft. Missing teeth due to cleft palate are replaced prosthetically.
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