Advances in the application of finite element analysis in the diagnosis and treatment of cleft lip and palate and alveolar cleft.

Cleft lip and palate (CLP) and alveolar cleft are common congenital craniofacial anomalies, with postoperative maxillary hypoplasia and secondary deformities closely linked to altered biomechanics. Finite element analysis (FEA) enables quantitative investigation of craniofacial biomechanics in these conditions. This review summarizes FEA applications in model construction, including the evolution from spiral computed tomography (CT) to cone-beam CT (CBCT), model refinement that incorporates sutures and scar tissue, material property assignment, and integration with artificial intelligence (AI). Clinical applications such as maxillary protraction, arch expansion, alveolar bone grafting, and scar mechanics are also discussed. Biomechanical differences between unilateral CLP (UCLP) and bilateral CLP (BCLP) are compared. Refined models that include sutures and scar tissue better simulate orthodontic force transmission, while alveolar bone grafting improves stress distribution and biomechanical stability of the maxillary complex. FEA provides critical biomechanical evidence for personalized treatment. Future efforts should focus on standardized modeling, dynamic simulation, AI integration, and individualized preoperative planning. These advances will help translate biomechanical findings into clinical practice.