A New Device for Repositioning the Premaxilla in Complete Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate

Abstract

Bilateral cleft lip and palate often poses a problem to the surgical repair due to the anterior placement of the premaxilla which results in tension at the suture line. To facilitate the ease in surgical repair, nasoalveolar molding extends a helping hand in retracting the premaxilla and finer scar forms when a surgical incision heals under less tension. This article provides an insight of new appliance design which works on the Latham's appliance principles. The appliance utilizes an acrylic splint cemented on the premaxilla and alveolar portion of the palate, used to reposition the protruded premaxilla in child who reported late with primary teeth.