Selected Orthodontic Principles for Management of Cranio-Maxillofacial Deformities

An understanding of fundamental orthodontic principles involving diagnosis, treatment planning, and clinical strategies is essential for achieving successful outcomes in the treatment of craniofacial patients, particularly cleft lip/palate. This article focuses on: customizing a mandibular dental arch form using the WALA ridge; accurately diagnosing the maxillary skeletal transverse dimension (cusp to cusp/fossa to fossa); coordinating the upper dental arch with the lower; using a smiling profile and glabella vertical to assess anteroposterior jaw position; and leveling the mandibular curve of Spee while considering the lower one-third of the face. These concepts influence treatment outcomes to the extent they are used.