Case report demonstrates successful presurgical orthodontic alignment using thermoformed aligners in a patient with cleft palate and multiple sclerosis, indicating a viable nonmetallic alternative.
We present a 15-year-old female with a complete right unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCL/P), no prior alveolar bone graft, and multiple sclerosis (MS) requiring periodic MRI monitoring, in whom metallic fixed appliances were contraindicated. A sequence of 18 thermoformed aligners per arch achieved dentoalveolar expansion, alignment, leveling, torque correction, and preparation of the alveolar cleft site over ~10 months, including strategic extraction of a palatal supernumerary tooth 3 months before grafting. MRI follow-up proceeded without interference. This case demonstrates that thermoformed aligners constitute a viable and effective presurgical orthodontic alternative within multidisciplinary UCL/P management when metallic appliances are systemically contraindicated.
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Dabed et al. (2026) studied this question.
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