Timing of Orthodontic Tooth Movement After Alveolar Bone Grafting in Patients with Alveolar Cleft: A Review Article

Natnicha Chatvichit, Marasri Chaiworawitkul

Published Online: Aug 7, 2026 DOI DOI 10.12982/OSR.2026.031

Alveolar bone grafting (ABG) is a cornerstone of the multidisciplinary management of cleft lip and palate (CLP), restoring alveolar continuity and enabling dental rehabilitation. Orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) into grafted sites promotes functional loading, enhances graft stability, and facilitates the eruption of cleft-adjacent teeth. However, the optimal timing for initiating OTM post-ABG remains a subject of clinical debate. While traditional approaches recommend longer healing periods, the earlier initiation of OTM is possible with individual assessment based on radiographic evidence of bone bridge formation and clinical consideration. This review synthesizes current evidence on graft biology, healing phases, orthodontic biomechanics, and timing strategies. It aims to guide clinicians in optimizing treatment protocols for improved outcomes in cleft rehabilitation.

cleft lip and palate alveolar bone grafting functional loading graft healing orthodontic tooth movement

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Chatvichit N, Chaiworawitkul M. Timing of Orthodontic Tooth Movement After Alveolar Bone Grafting in Patients with Alveolar Cleft: A Review Article: Review articles. Oral Sci Rep [Internet]. 2026 Aug 07 [cited 2026 Aug 08];47(3):279-287. Available from: https://www.dent.cmu.ac.th/cmdj/frontend/web/?r=site/viewarticle&id=555

Chatvichit, N. & Chaiworawitkul, M. (2026). Timing of Orthodontic Tooth Movement After Alveolar Bone Grafting in Patients with Alveolar Cleft: A Review Article. Oral Sci Rep, 47(3), 279-287. Retrieved from: https://www.dent.cmu.ac.th/cmdj/frontend/web/?r=site/viewarticle&id=555

Chatvichit, N., and Marasri Chaiworawitkul. 2026. "Timing of Orthodontic Tooth Movement After Alveolar Bone Grafting in Patients with Alveolar Cleft: A Review Article." Oral Sci Rep, 47(3), 279-287. https://www.dent.cmu.ac.th/cmdj/frontend/web/?r=site/viewarticle&id=555

Chatvichit, N. et al. 2026. 'Timing of Orthodontic Tooth Movement After Alveolar Bone Grafting in Patients with Alveolar Cleft: A Review Article', Oral Sci Rep, 47(3), 279-287. Retrieved from https://www.dent.cmu.ac.th/cmdj/frontend/web/?r=site/viewarticle&id=555

Chatvichit, N. and Chaiworawitkul, M. "Timing of Orthodontic Tooth Movement After Alveolar Bone Grafting in Patients with Alveolar Cleft: A Review Article", Oral Sci Rep, vol.47, no. 3, pp. 279-287, Aug. 2026.

Natnicha Chatvichit, Marasri Chaiworawitkul "Timing of Orthodontic Tooth Movement After Alveolar Bone Grafting in Patients with Alveolar Cleft: A Review Article." Oral Sci Rep, vol.47, no. 3, Aug. 2026, pp. 279-287, https://www.dent.cmu.ac.th/cmdj/frontend/web/?r=site/viewarticle&id=555