Orthognathic surgery in cleft lip and palate
Correction of jaw position in patients with the after-effects of cleft lip and palate. Dr. Nico Sierra is a specialist in orthognathic surgery specifically for cleft lip and palate.
What is orthognathic (jaw) surgery in cleft lip and palate?
Orthognathic surgery in cleft lip and palate is the procedure that corrects the position of the jaws when the cleft has affected facial growth. In these patients, the upper jaw often grows too little forwards and downwards, causing a malocclusion and affecting facial harmony.
Orthognathic surgery for cleft lip and palate has important technical differences from conventional orthognathic surgery, related to palate scarring, blood supply and altered anatomy. Dr. Sierra adapts the technique to each patient, taking these differences into account.
Dr. Nico Sierra is a specialist in orthognathic surgery for patients with cleft lip and palate. He works closely with the patient's orthodontist to achieve the best possible chewing function, a correct bite and the facial harmony the patient is looking for.
When is orthognathic surgery recommended in cleft lip and palate?
Orthognathic surgery is planned once facial growth is complete and presurgical orthodontics has prepared the bite appropriately.
What does orthognathic surgery involve in cleft lip and palate?
Orthognathic surgery in cleft lip and palate requires careful planning and close teamwork between Dr. Sierra and the patient's orthodontist.
What results can you expect?
Orthognathic surgery in cleft lip and palate improves chewing function, the bite and facial harmony, with a positive effect on the patient's quality of life and self-esteem.
See all →Dr. Nico Sierra completed his fellowship in Craniofacial Surgery and Cleft Lip and Palate at the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Brazil. He is a referral surgeon at Clínica Tresserra and Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, and has taken part in surgical missions on four continents with Operation Smile.
His experience includes working with Operation Smile on more than four continents, as well as a published chapter with Springer on cleft lip and palate surgery in low-resource settings.
Frequently asked questions about orthognathic surgery in cleft lip and palate
These are the questions families ask us most. If you cannot find the answer you are looking for, write to us directly.
Ask a question → What does orthognathic surgery correct in cleft lip and palate?
Orthognathic surgery in cleft lip and palate corrects the position of the jaws when the cleft has affected facial growth. In these patients, the upper jaw often has a deficit in projection, causing a class III malocclusion and affecting facial harmony. Dr. Nico Sierra adapts the technique to the anatomy of each patient with cleft lip and palate.
At what age is orthognathic surgery done in cleft lip and palate?
Orthognathic surgery in cleft lip and palate is done once facial growth is complete, usually from the age of 16-17 in women and 18-19 in men. Before that age, remaining growth can compromise the long-term result. Dr. Sierra assesses each case individually to determine the right moment.
How long does the full orthognathic surgery treatment take in cleft lip and palate?
The full orthognathic treatment includes 12-18 months of presurgical orthodontics, the surgery itself and 6-12 months of postsurgical orthodontics to complete the bite. The whole process usually takes between 2 and 3 years, with the surgery around the midpoint.
Is orthognathic surgery more complex in patients with cleft lip and palate?
Yes. Orthognathic surgery in patients with cleft lip and palate involves palate scarring, altered blood supply and specific anatomy, which create technical challenges that do not exist in conventional orthognathic surgery. Dr. Sierra specialises in these particularities and adapts the technique to reduce risks and improve the result.
Can orthognathic surgery improve speech in patients with cleft lip and palate?
In some patients with cleft lip and palate, correcting the position of the upper jaw can improve aspects of speech related to the bite. However, speech problems of velopharyngeal origin are not corrected by orthognathic surgery — they need a separate assessment by a speech and language therapist. Dr. Sierra coordinates the speech assessment with the relevant specialists.
Reviewed by Dr. Nico Sierra · Medical licence no. COMB 45307 · Reviewed: