Int J Stomatol ›› 2026, Vol. 53 ›› Issue (6): 787-797.doi: 10.7518/gjkq.2026633

• Expert Forum •    

Outcome of alveolar cleft bone grafting and presurgical orthodontic intervention

Weiran Li()   

  1. Dept. of Orthodontics, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Digital Medical Devices & Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China
  • Received:2026-04-14 Revised:2026-06-23 Online:2026-11-01 Published:2026-10-29
  • Contact: Weiran Li E-mail:weiranli@bjmu.edu.cn
  • Supported by:
    Appropriate Technology Promotion Project of National Center of Stomatology (Peking University School of Stomatology)(2024NCSHTP04);Natural Science Foundation of Beijing(L242127)

Abstract:

Alveolar bone grafting constitutes a pivotal procedure in the sequential treatment of patients with cleft lip and palate. It dictates orthodontic treatment planning and determines the difficulty and final outcomes of subsequent or-thodontic management. Successful bone grafting is therefore an essential prerequisite for the overall efficacy of the entire sequential treatment protocol. However, considerable uncertainties remain regarding the therapeutic effects of alveolar bone grafting and corresponding preventive and interventional strategies. This article elaborates on preoperative assessment for alveolar bone grafting, along with presurgical orthodontic interventions and their associated impacts, aiming to offer clinical references for clinicians.

Key words: cleft lip and palate, orthodontic treatment, alveolar bone grafting

CLC Number: 

  • R783.5

TrendMD: 

Fig 1

Three-dimensional CBCT images demonstrating satisfactory outcomes of alveolar bone grafting"

Fig 2

Three-dimensional CBCT images demonstrating unsatisfactory outcomes of alveolar bone grafting"

Fig 3

Indications for presurgical orthodontics before alveolar bone grafting"

Fig 4

Removable appliance for arch expansion and incisor alignment"

Fig 5

Fixed appliance for maxillary expansion and correction of cleft-adjacent tooth inclination"

Fig 6

Presurgical orthodontic intervention, including maxillary transverse expansion, adjustment of cleft-adjacent tooth axes, correction of maxillary segmental step-offs, and reduction of alveolar cleft width"

Fig 7

Combined orthodontic and orthognathic treatment with alveolar bone transport technique for reduction of wide alveolar clefts"

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