Gingivectomy as a Supportive Therapy in Orthodontic Treatment of Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Patient: A Case Report

Background: One of the congenital malformation in the early phase of embryogenesis is cleft lip and/or palate that need multidisciplinary treatment in dentistry. Although surgery is performed in the first few months of life, advanced treatment is needed sometimes in the growth age, such as orthodontic, periodontic and esthetic treatment. Objective: To describe a gingivectomy procedure to support orthodontic treatment in bilateral cleft lip and palate patient. Case Report: A 13-year-old boy was referred from the orthodontic department with complaints of enlargement in maxillary anterior gingiva teeth, blocking the placement of the orthodontic device. Patient’s examination showed bilateral cleft lip and palate, plaque score 35%, bleeding on probing 73%, dental agenesis on teeth 12 and 22, and gingival enlargement on regions 13–23. The aim of gingivectomy, in this case, was to eliminate pockets, restore physiologic gingival contour and facilitate the placement of the orthodontic device. Results: Clinical evaluation after gingivectomy showed satisfying results in reducing the pocket depth. Conclusion: Gingivectomy is effective in supporting the orthodontic treatment for cleft lip and/or palate patient. Keywords: cleft lip, cleft palate, gingival enlargement, gingivectomy, orthodontic treatmen