Method of orthodontic expansion, lengthening and maintaining a normalised upper dental arch in cases of congenital cleft lip and palate during the transitional dentition period prior to bone grafting of the alveolar ridge

AIM. The aim of this study was to improve the effectiveness of complex therapy for children with congenital cleft lip and palate during the mixed dentition period prior to maxillary alveolar bone grafting by developing an orthodontic treatment method. MATERIALS AND METHODS. The developed method was applied at the Dental Clinical Center of the Republic Hospital No. 1 – National Center of Medicine (Yakutsk, Russian Federation) in 101 patients aged 6–7 years who underwent cheiloplasty and uranoplasty between 2007 and 2025 prior to bone grafting. RESULTS. The method was applied after the eruption of the central incisors, before the formation and eruption of the permanent canine on the cleft side. This method ensures a fixed, normal position of all permanent and deciduous teeth, including those bordering the alveolar ridge cleft, creating optimal conditions for bone grafting of the maxillary alveolar ridge. The developed orthodontic treatment method ensures a fixed, normal position of all permanent and deciduous teeth in the dental arch, including those bordering the alveolar ridge cleft, and also creates favorable conditions for proper jaw growth and development. CONCLUSIONS. The use of the proposed orthodontic treatment method promotes optimal restoration of dental and jaw function and enables timely and efficient implementation of comprehensive medical and social measures aimed at restoring the anatomical integrity of oral organs and tissues, as well as the child’s social adaptation.