Dental issues

Malocclusion (misalignment of the bite) among cleft lip and palate patients is largely caused by insufficient development of the maxillary bone (upper jaw) and misalignment of tooth rows. Insufficient development of the upper jawbone comes from the congenital deformity and surgical restoration. The upper and lower dental arches do not line up together properly, causing underbite (upper teeth inside the lower teeth) of the front teeth and/or rear teeth. Malocclusion is caused by deficient length and width of the upper maxillary arch, shifting of permanent tooth bud or eruption point, tooth deformity or abnormal shape, or ongoing problems stemming from dental cavities. Abnormal alveolar malocclusion related to cleft lip and palate conditions can be treated with orthodontic correction alone or in association with surgical procedures as necessary.