A Cleft Lip and Alveolus Patient Treated with Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) Techniq u e for the Alveolar Bone Defect

Abstract

This study investigated the clinical application of guided bone regeneration (GBR)for alveolar bone defect in a patient with cleft lip and alveolus. A bioresorbable, lactic acid/glycolic acid copolymer membrane barrier was used. Three weeks after the application of the GBR technique,0.018 X 0.025-inch standard edgewise appliances were used for the subsequent orthodontic treatment. A bone bridge was formed at the alveolar bone defect, and the alveolar bone height and width increased during the post-operative observation period. These results suggest that the GBR technique is applicable to alveolar bone defects in cleft lip / palate patients, provided the mucoperiosteal flaps are handled carefully and good anti-infective therapy is performed to prevent early exposure and microbial contamination of the membrane barrier. Key words: cleft lip and alveolus, alveolar cleft, GBR, alveolar bone regeneration, bone graft