In recent years, the treatment of cleft patients has changed largely, as a result of the introduction of new therapies, such as bone grafting, dental implantation and distraction osteogenesis. Even the Showa University Cleft Palate Team (SCPT) has seemed always prompt to adopt them. It is understandable that their patients, and their patient's parents, might be a little bewildered or anxious about treatment. Therefore, this study was undertaken to investigate the awareness of cleft patients and their parents about the nature of orthodontic treatment.
The subjects were the parents of cleft patients, who answered our questionnaire.
The following conclusions were obtained :
1. The parents were anxious about the bone graft operation, although they recognized the necessity of the procedure.
2. The parents of many patients who have not yet undergone bone grafting have strong feelings about the procedure.
3. Many parents of patients thought that orthodontists or surgeons should explain the bone grafting to them “soon after their child's birth”, while to the child “at the time when he/ she could comprehend it.”
4. The orthodontists admitted the need for bone grafting in the treatment of cleft alveolus, and recommend it to patients and their parents. However, when the result does not meet expectations, they find it frustrating to explain this outcome to patients, who will then need different orthodontic treatment in the future.
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