A congenital cleft of the maxillofacial region is best described as which of the following?

• A. Inborn defects of maxillofacial area development in utero
• B. Abnormality of jaws position
• C. Congenital anomalies of the size and the form of jaws
• D. Incorrect eruption

Answer: (A)

Congenital clefts are defects that arise during embryologic development in utero due to failure of fusion of facial processes. This is an intrinsic developmental problem of the maxillofacial region, present at birth, rather than a misposition of the jaws, a simple size/form jaw abnormality, or a problem with tooth eruption. Therefore, describing it as an inborn defect of maxillofacial development in utero best fits.