Use of an esthetic overdenture as an alternative treatment in a patient with bilateral cleft lip and palate

Stable occlusion and a pleasing esthetic appearance are often difficult to achieve in patients with congenital defects and severe midfacial deficiencies. Conventional therapy, such as orthodontic treatment followed by orthognathic surgery, is often not sufficient to fully correct the dental and esthetic problems. An interdisciplinary approach for these patients should include prosthodontic treatment that will assist in establishing a harmonious occlusion and improve facial appearance. This clinical report describes the interdisciplinary approach for a young patient with a history of bilateral cleft lip and palate, spina bifida, hydrocephalus, and ventriculoperitoneal shunt. The patient was treated with conventional orthodontic treatment and orthognathic surgery that failed to fully correct the malocclusion. A removable overlay prosthesis made of crystallized acetyl resin was used to reestablish esthetics and create a stable occlusion.