Orthodontics before surgery
Description:
The Orthodontist sees some babies with clefts in the first few weeks of life in order to make a plastic plate that is used to re-shape the mouth so that the best plastic surgery result possible may be obtained when the cleft is closed. At the first appointment a dental impression is taken of the baby’s mouth and the plate is fitted soon after.
Things to talk about:
- Ask for a demonstration on how to fit and take out the plate.
- Ask for a demonstration on how to fit the bonnet or do the strapping.
- How do we clean the plate and what do we do for dental hygiene?
- What do we look for when a new plate is inserted?
- What do we do if our child has ulcers?
- Where do we get the bonnet, steristrips, gauze and/or second skin from?
Important information:
- If your baby requires an orthodontic plate, they will get used to this very quickly.
- When the plate is being made you are not present. This is because they are dealing with the baby’s breathing passages and want to be able to concentrate on the baby. It takes only about 15 minutes.
- You can use vaseline for dry lips and a dry or cracked pre-maxilla.
- Give baby a drink of water after each feed, this helps to rinse away the milk.
- If you are using steristrips to strap your baby’s lip, you can use second skin or comfeel on their cheeks to protect their skin. Ask your orthodontist about where you obtain this.
July 18th, 2008 02:40
Dear Sirs,
I would like to know more about how to fabricate an obturator especially for extreme cases of bilateral cleft palate which need straping for early presurgical treatment and fitting procedure. Can you give me more infomation where to get the relevant book. I really appreciate your kind reply. Thank you
July 23rd, 2008 03:28
ask for demonstration on how to fit the bonnet or do the strapping.