Craniofacial orthodontics is the sub-specialty of orthodontics that focuses on the multidisciplinary treatment of patients with birth defects, such as cleft lip and palate. These conditions often require coordinated surgical and medical interventions or extraordinary behavioral management to make orthodontic treatments practical and effective. Braces treatment for cleft lip and palate patients tends to be more complex, takes more time and clinical resources, and requires working with multiple dental, surgical, and medical providers to get the best results. Current practice standards call for a coordinated plan of care between the fellowship-trained craniofacial orthodontists and plastic-craniofacial surgeons - among other specialists - to achieve excellent and aesthetic facial results. Dr. Feldman is a clinical associate professor in pediatric medicine and plastic surgery at the University of South Florida. He has been on staff since 1984.
Treating patients with cleft lip and palate is commonly done in a team setting, and usually spans the first two decades of life. Our doctors have the experience and education necessary to deliver cleft lip and palate treatments by virtue of specific post-residency craniofacial and surgical orthodontic fellowship training. We have clinical expertise in all aspects of orthodontic treatment for infants, children, adolescents, and adults with facial clefts, craniofacial diagnoses, and those with complex medical and special needs.
Patients and parents may access additional resources related to these conditions by visiting the website for the American Cleft Palate - Craniofacial Association (ACPA) www.acpa-cpf.org. The ACPA reports that patients born with birth defects benefit the most when all providers work together in interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary teams, ensuring not only the best outcome, but also the most effective utilization of health resources.
For questions regarding the orthodontic treatment options for infants, children, and adults with cleft lip / palate deformity, or other craniofacial anomalies, please contact our offices today.
Additional resources are also available from the website of the Cleft Palate Foundation at http://www.cleftline.org.
