Role of the Craniofacial Orthodontist on the Craniofacial and Cleft Lip and Palate Team

Patients born with a craniofacial deformity and their families experience significant psychosocial effect as they deal with physical appearance that has been esthetically and functionally compromised. The deformity usually involves skeletal and soft-tissue elements, which often affect facial symmetry and esthetics. As the dentition is directly related to the jaw structures, a wide variety of malocclusions may result. As patients with craniofacial anomalies present with multiple dental and medical conditions, an interdisciplinary team approach is highly recommended to accurately diagnose and to properly customize a treatment plan. Craniofacial Orthodontics is the area of orthodontics that treats patients with congenital and acquired deformities of the integument and its underlying musculoskeletal system within the craniofacial area and associated structures. As part of the craniofacial and cleft teams, the craniofacial orthodontist is involved in data collection, clinical examination, diagnosis, treatment planning, and orthopedic or orthodontic treatment of the craniofacial disorder. The craniofacial orthodontist has been shown to play an intrinsic role in the care of patients with craniofacial anomalies and cleft lip and palate.