Orthodontic treatment of patients with a cleft lip and palate - standard procedures at the Warsaw Institute of Mother and Child.

Based on many years of multidisciplinary research relating to children and adolescents with a cleft lip and palate who had undergone one-step surgery at the Warsaw Institute of Mother and Child (IMC), orthodontic treatment standards have been developed for this group. IMC standard orthodontic assessment is conducted in children at the ages of 5, 10 and 15. This assessment involves a clinical examination, preparing diagnostic models, photographic documentation, as well as radiographic examination including a pantomogram, a lateral cephalometric radiograph and, where appropriate, also computed tomography. The treatment is conducted as part of the Programme of Orthodontic Care for Children with Congenital Craniofacial Disorders, and it lasts from a child's first appointment at the IMC till the completion of orthodontic treatment at the age of 18.