Techniques for the Treatment of Maxillary Hypoplasia in Cleft Patients: An Overview

Purpose of review Maxillary hypoplasia is often unavoidable sequelae in cleft lip and palate patients who had undergone timely surgical and orthodontic intervention. Since 1970s these deformities have been traditionally corrected by means of orthognathic surgery. Numerous published studies have tried different techniques to combat the same. The advantages and disadvantages of the various techniques are overviewed. Recent Findings Distraction osteogenesis is one of the recent major developments in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery and provides promising outcome. Tooth borne device hyrax proved good skeletal stability of distracted anterior maxillary segment. Distraction forces when directly transferred to the bone resulted in significant dentoalveolar compensation. This modern technique has also been used to evaluate its immediate and long term impact on nasal index as well which showed significant increase. This technique overcomes significant disadvantages of relapse and velopharyngeal insufficiency and also helps to produce better normal facial esthetics and profiles and masticatory function. Summary The oral and maxillofacial surgeons have widely accepted the use of maxillary distraction osteogenesis as an attractive alternative to treat malocclusion in CLP patients and this has broadened the reconstructive spectrum. Recent advancements have led to a wider clinical application and improved acceptance.