[Aspects of early treatment in cleft lip and palate patients].

The Heidelberg Concept of combined surgical otorhinolaryngological and orthodontic treatment of cleft patients starts immediately after birth with the incorporation of an orthopaedic plate. In a study on 38 children with complete unilateral and bilateral cleft lips and palates, maxillary alveolar arch morphology was analyzed by standardized photographs of casts. The importance of early treatment with plates for guided growth and functional coordination is demonstrated.