Role of Pediatric Dentist - Orthodontic In Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Patients

Abstract: Cleft Lip and Palate is severe birth defect occurring one in 700-1000 newborn infants. Cleft lip and palate together account for 50% of all cases whereas isolated cleft lip and palate occur in about 25% of cases. Management of Cleft Lip and Palate is carried out by multi disciplinary team approach. When ever a child is born with cleft lip and palate or one of them, it interferes with feeding and speech and hampers esthetic severely. Consequently it is psychologically traumatic to both patients as well as for their family members. Patients with cleft lip and palate are also are at high risk for dental diseases. So in such situation proper education, guidance, motivation and encouragement are required. Pre and post surgically pediatric dentist and orthodontics helps the patient by providing functionally and esthetically acceptable occlusion, good oral hygiene and preventive dental care. This paper describes the treatment protocol of pediatric dentistry and orthodontic with cleft lip and palate.