Stabilization of an Edentulous Premaxilla for an Alveolar Bone Graft: Case Report

Abstract

Objective: The patient with bilateral cleft lip and palate and an edentulous premaxilla poses several additional challenges to the surgeon and the orthodontist. The cleft segments are usually expanded and stabilized with toothsupported orthodontic appliances prior to an alveolar bone graft. This report describes a technique for stabilizing an edentulous premaxilla using an orthodontic-surgical screw that is ligated to an orthodontic archwire.