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Clinical Assistant Professor: Division of Advanced Prosthodontics, Biomaterials and Hospital Dentistry UCLA School of Dentistry Chair: Section of Removable Prosthodontics , UCLA School of Dentistry Associate Member: International and American College of Prosthodontics International Association of Dental Research Pacific Coast Society of Prosthodontists American Association of Maxillofacial Prosthodontics Academy of Osseointegration

Contact Info: The Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology UCLA School of Dentistry Box 951668, CHS B3-087 Los Angeles, CA 90095-1668 Email:

Cleft Lip and Palate Rehabilitation

One in 400 to 600 infants are born with a cleft lip and/or palate deformity (unilateral cleft lip, bilateral cleft lip or in combination with a cleft palate or cleft palate alone). Working with a team of specialists dedicated to the treatment of cleft patients from infancy to maturity, Dr. Chang’s patients are evaluated by craniofacial surgeons, pediatricians, geneticists, orthodontists, pediatric dentists, speech pathologists, neurosurgeons, otolaryngologists, oral surgeons, otologists, psychiatrists, ophthalmologists and social workers. Dr. Chang’s research focus is in the application of the presurgical nasoalveolar molding (PNAM) device in infants who are born with a cleft lip and/or palate. This device is effective in approximating the alveolar segments (bringing the gum line together) and improving nasal shape; allowing the plastic surgeon to perform optimal operative repair of the defect site.

Implant Biomechanics

Biomechanical overloading from imbalance between anticipated load and load bearing capacity leads to late failure of osseointegration.  To better understand implant biomechanics and predictably maintain long-term success of osseointegration, Dr. Chang collaborates with other faculty members to map out the micro-architecture of trabecular bone of jaw bones for bone quality assessment using state of the art 3-D microCT technology and to evaluate stress characteristics of various implant prosthesis designs using photoelastic methods.

Maxillofacial Prosthetic Treatment on Quality of Life

Patient perceptions of outcome and satisfaction with treatment are key elements in evaluating quality of care, but often absent in clinical studies.  Critical information describing the outcomes, from the patients’ perspective, of extensive maxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation is needed to plan the most effective treatment modality for future patients. Dr. Chang’s ongoing project involves evaluation of patients’ perceived satisfaction and function with craniofacial implant-retained and adhesive-retained maxillofacial prostheses.

Areas of Research:

1. Cleft Lip and Palate Rehabilitation
2. Maxillofacial Prosthetic Treatment on Quality of Life
3. Dental implantology

• Chang T-L, Maruyama SN, White S, Son S, Caputo AA. Dimensional Accuracy Analysis of Implant Framework Castings from Two Casting Systems. International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants, 20:720-725, 2005.
• Chang T-L, Garrett N, Roumanas ., Beumer J.  Treatment Satisfaction with Facial Prostheses.  Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, 94:275-289, 2005.

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