A Smile Transformed by Drs. Dustin Burleson and Brandon Simister

Orthodontic treatment of cleft lip and palate patients using 3D printing and indirect bracket placement

by Drs. Dustin Burleson and Brandon Simister

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• Before the bone graft, we aligned the roots away from the cleft site to create an ideal site for graft integration and future tooth movement.
• Intraoral scanners generate accurate digital models4 of dental and soft-tissue structures, eliminating the discomfort associated with traditional impression materials— an important advantage for patients with cleft lip and palate, who often have scarring, tight orofacial tissues and shallow vestibular spaces. Concurrently, CBCT imaging offers precise assessment and measurement of the bony clefts and facilitates detailed planning for orthodontic intervention and surgical preparation.
• Using digital models created from intraoral scanners and CBCT images, we designed and fabricated custom palatal splints precisely tailored to the patient’s unique anatomy.
• Indirect bonding trays allowed for accurate bracket placement, which is crucial for effective orthodontic treatment.

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Reference
1. Vaughn GA, Mason B, Moon HB, Turley PK. The effects of maxillary protraction therapy with or without rapid palatal expansion: a prospective randomized clinical trial. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2004; 128(3): 299–309.
2. Kim J, Jeong W. Secondary bone grafting for alveolar clefts: surgical timing, graft materials, and evaluation methods. Arch Craniofac Surg. 2022; 23(2):53–58.
3. Dawood A, Marti Marti B, Sauret-Jackson V, Darwood A. 3D printing in dentistry. Br Dent J. 2015 Dec; 219(11): 521–9.
4. Luu NS, Nikolcheva LG, Retrouvey JM, Flores-Mir C, El-Bialy T, Carey JP, Major PW. Linear measurements using virtual study models. Angle Orthod. 2012 Nov; 82(6):1098–106.

Dr. Dustin Burleson earned his dental degree and certificate in orthodontics from the University of Missouri–Kansas City and an MBA from New Charter University. Board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, he treats cleft palate patients at Saint Luke’s and Children’s Mercy Hospitals. Asdirector of the Leo H. Rheam Foundation for Cleft and Craniofacial Orthodontics and a provider for Smiles Change Lives, Burleson is dedicated to serving his community. He enjoys life with his wife and three children, and hobbies including cycling, golfing and sailing.

Dr. Brandon Simister is a third-year orthodontic resident at the University of Missouri–Kansas City. Originally from St.George, Utah, Simister brings a unique perspective to orthodontics, drawing on the discipline and teamwork practiced as a former college basketball player. Simister is eager to continue to learn the latest research and techniques to implement into their future practice, while striving to create healthy, beautiful smiles for all patients.