Masticatory Function in a Patient with Mandibular Midline Cleft

Abstract Bone grafting of a midline cleft is required to allow reasonable masticatory function. However, changes in the rhythm of mastication have not been investigated before and after such bone grafting procedures. We performed bone grafting in a patient with multiple craniofacial anomalies including a midline mandibular cleft. The patient showed a marked improvement in the rhythm of mastication after repair of the midline mandibular defect. Bone grafting proved to be an effective method for securing stable occlusion with better mandibular movement.