Orthodontic treatment in the management of cleft lip and palate.

The orthodontic treatment of patients with all types of cleft lip and palate, a resume of facial growth and discussion on dental and occlusal development is presented. A fully integrated cleft team provides life-long interdisciplinary holistic treatment for patients born with an orofacial cleft. To understand the team approach to cleft care, this article should be read in close conjunction with those on speech therapy, surgery and alveolar bone grafting to determine the synergy required between these and other clinical specialties. Team working is essential to produce successful patient outcomes. Cleft teams and their constituent clinicians are at the forefront of patient outcome assessment and any aspiring cleft team member must understand how the continuous evaluation of outcome and burden of care will further refine clinical protocols for future patients.