선천성 구순구개열 환자의 장기적인 교정 치료 및 음성언어학적 고찰

Orthodontic treatment planning of cleft lip and palate requires consideration of the characteristic features, growth pattern and functional disorders related to cleft lip and palate patients. Tissue deficiencies and constriction of the scar tissue in surgically treated cleft lip and palate results in disturbance of maxillary growth and deficiency of midfacial region with anterior and posterior crossbite. These patients often present congenital missing of teeth, supernumerary teeth, malformed teeth, or ectopic position of teeth, which should be treated by orthodontic treatment by expanding upper arch followed by fixed appliance. Proper use of retainer and continuous follow-up is needed to prevent relapse after orthodontic treatment has finished. Also we have to pay attention to correct speech disorder which is caused by the velopharyngeal insufficiency.