Growth modification in unilateral cleft lip and palate patients with face mask.

The intended aim of treatment in cleft lip and palate patients with growth modification is to improve the relation of jaws by advance the maxilla, restrict the mandible or combination of these. The appliances usually used are face mask or protraction headgear (Delaire and Petit types). Modification of growth is advocated to be applied before the end of adolescent growth spurt and long-term and permanent improvement cannot be guaranteed. Achieving the aim of growth modification is still controversial since most reported results of this treatment are dento-alveolar changes and backward rotation of the mandible that would not be considered to be growth modification.