ROLE OF A PEDODONTIST IN CLEFT LIP AND CLEFT PALATE REHABILITATION - AN OVERVIEW

Cleft lip and palate is one of the most common congenital anomalies requiring multidisciplinary care. Such anomaly is associated with many problems such as impaired feeding, defective speech, hearing difficulties, malocclusion, dental abnormalities, gross facial deformity as well severe psychological problems. Cleft of the lip and palate is one of the complex conditions that occur at a functionally potential area in the orofacial region and also at such a crucial time that strategic interventions at the right age by the concerned specialists becomes the need of the hour. Pediatric dentist is an integral part of the cleft rehabilitative process right from the neonatal period upto the phase of permanent dentition. Being well versed with a childs growth and development, both physical and mental, a Pedodontist helps in restoring function and esthetics in a cleft child, in a most empathetic way. This article describes the enormous challenges faced by these innocent souls and the vital role played by a Pedodontist, to provide comprehensive cleft care, be it preventive, restorative, or interventional care, in order to achieve the best possible outcome and meaningfully improve their quality of life.