Abstract

GONZALEZ ESPINDOLA, María Elena; GARCIA GONZALEZ, Brismayda; VERGARA PIEDRA, Librado  and  MENA RODRIGUEZ, Libia. Orthodontic-orthopedic management of a child with facial microsomia. Rev Cubana Estomatol [online]. 2004, vol.41, n.1, pp. 0-0. ISSN 1561-297X.

It is well known that complex congenital craniofacial malformations should be treated at early ages by a multidisciplinary team where the orthodontist takes on a leading role, taking advantage of the potentialities of growth and development of children at this stage, which occasionally makes it possible that the disorder be less complex when reaching the surgical stage, both for the patient and the surgeon. Hemifacial microsomia is a congenital malformation derived from alterations in the first and second brachial arches that might be associated to other syndromes. There can be unilateral or bilateral damage, although the most severe effect is often found in one of the two sides of the face and it has a multi-factor etiology. Facial asymmetry is one of the characteristics inherent to this syndrome, so at early ages, we try to re-direct the growth with the use of a hybrid functional appliance that is tailored-made to the specific features of each patient and may yield highly satisfactory results.