Cleft lip and palate, a review of current knowledge and treatment philosophies.

Abstract

Cleft lip and palate are the most common congenital craniofacial malformations. They occur due to embryological alterations that cause lack of fusion between facial processes. Its aetiology is multifactorial, influenced by genetic and enviromental factors, however, there are no conclusive studies to help us determine the exact causes.

When fissures occur in combination, they create very complex morphophysiological, aesthetic and psychological alterations, thus requiring a multidisciplinary team capable of providing treatment in order to offer the patient a better quality of life and integration into society.

At present there are two philosophical currents for its treatment, one uses only surgery to correct the deformity, while the other includes presurgical correction of the fissured segments with maxillary orthopaedics. Despite advances in cleft lip and palate surgical treatment, it has been observed that this alone does not solve the multiple problems encountered in these patients and therefore has led to the search for alternatives that overcome its restrictions, resulting in an increased collaboration between surgeons and dentist, especially odontopediatricians and orthodontists.