title: Alternative approaches to managing the cleft alveolus.
abstract: The cleft alveolus component of the oral cleft deformity is addressed with a separate surgical stage. Several host and operator related factors affect the surgical outcome. When factors that increase the likelihood of secondary alveolar bone graft failure are identified, alterative methods like dentoalveolar distraction (DAD) may be employed. In infants, molding of the alveolar segments is possible and when a synergistic surgical approach is used, the possibility of successful alveolar cleft repair is increased. The authors present two case reports wherein the use of nasoalveolar molding (NAM) and DAD helped to tackle the alveolar cleft deformity.
authors.affiliation: Ibn Sina National College for Medical Studies, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. sabari23@rediffmail.com
authors.forename: V P
authors.initials: VP
authors.lastname: Sabarinath
authors.affiliation: Charles Pinto Cleft Center, Jubilee Mission Hospital, Trichur, Kerala.
authors.forename: Vasant
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Radhakrishnan
authors.affiliation: Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Sharad Pawar Dental College, Wardha.
authors.forename: P V
authors.initials: PV
authors.lastname: Hazarey
authors.affiliation: Ibn Sina National College for Medical Studies, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Sreeja
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ravindran
mesh_terms: D064728:Alveolar Bone Grafting; D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D002972:Cleft Palate / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009666:Nose / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000601:surgery; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D019857:Osteogenesis, Distraction; D011300:Preoperative Care; D016684:Prone Position; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D016896:Treatment Outcome