Esthetic and functional oral makeover of a 3 year old cleft palate patient suffering from early childhood caries using unconventional techniques

Cleft lip and palate (CL/P) are the most common congenital craniofacial anomalies. It has been observed that these children have a higher caries experience compared their non cleft counterparts. Early childhood caries results in early pulp involvement and gross destruction of the anterior and posterior teeth. This leads to decreased masticatory efficiency, difficulty in speech, compromised esthetics, development of abnormal tongue habits and subsequent malocclusion and psychological problems. The restoration of severely decayed deciduous teeth especially anteriors presents a special challenge to dentists, particularly in uncooperative children. The following case report documents the restoration of severely mutilated deciduous teeth in an emotionally immature cleft palate patient resulting in an improvement in not only oral and general health but also helping the patient gain more self confidence.