[Presurgical orthopedic treatment for cleft lip and palate].

INTRODUCTION: A multidisciplinary approach with several specialits allows a complete treatment for Cleft Lip and Palate. We show our experience in presurgical orthopedic treatment in these patients, their advantages, their problems and the results.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Since 1999 presurgical orthopedy has been applied to 12 patients (3 bilateral cleft lip and palate and 9 unilateral cleft lip and palate). This approach was applied when there was a long distance between the alveolar segments. A palate mould and the location of Latham's appliance have been made in the operating room under general anesthesia. The patients were controlled by the orthodoncist and Latham's appliance was removed when cleft lip was closed.

RESULTS: Latham's appliance was kept for 4-7 weeks with once a week controls until the distance between the maxillary segments was less than 1 mm; in bilateral cases of cleft lip and palate the premaxilla was moved between lateral segments. Then, lip closure and nasoplasty was made and, sometimes, an obturador was placed.

CONCLUSIONS: Latham's appliance permit to achieve a perfect alignment of alveolar segments decreasing the soft tissues tension and facilitating the lip surgery, thus, a better aesthetic and functional results can be achieved. A more anatomic position of palate can be made and easier future orthopedic treatments are possible.