During this period, the cleft palate field shifted from purely tissue rearrangement toward functional restoration of the velopharyngeal mechanism. The levator veli palatini became central to surgical planning as techniques emphasized muscular reconstruction to improve speech outcomes, rather than simple repositioning of tissue. Use of robust vascularized tissue adjuncts, such as periosteal flaps, supported wound healing and reduced scarring, while tongue-based lingual flaps provided durable closure for hard-palate fistulas. There was also a trend toward earlier, holistic primary reconstructions addressing maxillary growth, nasal-alignment, and dentition within multidisciplinary protocols.