Oral and maxillofacial surgery for cleft lip and palate.

The role of the oral and maxillofacial surgeon in managing the cleft patient is to correct existing deformities of the jaws and supporting structures. Reestablishing the correct skeletal support of the facial soft tissues is essential for proper aesthetic and functional reconstruction. Proper timing of alveolar-cleft bone grafting and orthognathic surgery provide an improved skeletal foundation for reconstruction of soft tissues, for bone to stabilize the maxillary arch and allow proper eruption and alignment of teeth, an alveolar ridge on which to construct a prosthesis, improved masticatory and speech functions, as well as improved facial aesthetics. At our institution, the team approach to the patient provides excellent care and treatment in overcoming the disfiguring deformities often present.