Surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion for complete bilateral cleft lip and palate rehabilitation: Technical features

Abstract

Cleft lip and/or palate are malformations with wide phenotypic heterogeneity, which require highly complex treatments in most cases. In turn, transverse maxillary deficiency is a common finding in individuals with complete cleft lip and palate, especially as a response to the restrictive effects of the primary reconstructive plastic surgeries. With this in mind, this study aims at presenting the technical description of the case of a patient with bilateral complete cleft lip and palate, who underwent surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion, as well as discussing the relevant particularities.