To try and achieve good alveolar structure without the need for later bone grafting, we have carried out secondary gingivoalveoloplasties in 19 consecutive patients with cleft lip and palate at a mean age of 36 months (range 19-68). The lip and soft palate had been repaired at a mean age of 6 months. Preliminary results suggest that simultaneous closure of the hard palate and reconstruction of the alveolomaxillary cleft results in good formation of new bone and good or reasonable alveolar structure, so obviating the necessity for bone grafting at the age of 9-10 years. Long term follow up is needed to confirm these results.