Cleft palates fall in the category of deformities at birth (congenital deformities). In the developed world surgical correction of a cleft palate is normally done between 9-12 months after birth whereas in developing countries such interventions may be done much later in childhood, or even adulthood. The surgical procedure to repair a cleft palate often requires tissue to be taken from the roof of the mouth to help bridge the gap. Occasionally, such an intervention may require more than one operation. Oxtex devices may be used in such cases to expand the mucoperisteum of the hard palate in order to generate additional soft tissue.

The main need for the Oxtex technology would be in all applications that require an augmentation of the jaw bone. Such bone augmentation is needed in 15-20 per cent of all dental implant operations in order to stabilise implants or to replace bone mass following trauma or cancer operations. Both scenarios require additional soft tissue. The main need exists for expanders with a delayed onset of expansion. Once inserted into the mucoperisteum of the gum the expanders would only begin to expand after the gum has healed. Existing soft tissue expanders do not allow for a delayed start in expansion or for expansion in one direction only. Both of these requirements are addressed by the Oxtex technology.