Integrated Care Strategies for Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate: A Multidisciplinary Treatment Approach for Profile Correction

• Published in: Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) Vol. 16; no. 3; p. e55473
• Main Authors: Kaiser, Japneet K, Kamble, Ranjit H, Nambiar, Karthika, Nerurkar, Sumukh, Suchak, Dhwani, Atole, Srushti
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Cureus Inc 04-03-2024; Cureus
• Subjects: Adults; Aesthetics; Case reports; Dental occlusion; Dentistry; Genetics; Interdisciplinary aspects; Oral Medicine; Patients; Reconstructive surgery; Surgeons; Teeth; adult orthodontics; unilateral cleft; class iii skeletal pattern; multidisciplinary treatment; alveolar cleft
• DOI: 10.7759/cureus.55473
• EISSN: 2168-8184

Cleft lip and palate (CLP) is a prevalent congenital craniofacial deformity that can be unilateral or bilateral. This case report highlights the interdisciplinary approach to managing a 24-year-old male with unilateral CLP (UCLP), emphasizing the complexity of associated dental and skeletal challenges. The patient had undergone multiple surgeries, including lip closure at three months, palate repair at seven years, and alveolar bone grafting at 12 years. Clinical assessments revealed a retruded maxilla, an absence of lateral incisors, and scars from previous surgeries. Radiographic evaluations indicated a Class III skeletal pattern and confirmed the presence of a cleft on the left side. Orthodontic treatment commenced with maxillary arch alignment, followed by Le Fort I surgery to address maxillary retrusion, correct skeletal malocclusion, and close the alveolar cleft space. The post-surgical phase involved orthodontic adjustments, crossbite correction, and alignment of the mandibular arch. Despite the discontinuation of treatment due to the patient's relocation, the interdisciplinary collaboration achieved significant improvements, including a corrected facial profile, maxillary advancement, closure of the cleft space, and enhanced dental alignment. The patient's confidence and functionality were positively impacted. This case underscores the importance of a coordinated interdisciplinary approach to addressing the multifaceted challenges associated with UCLP, aiming to optimize both aesthetic and functional outcomes for improved patient well-being.