Transverse changes after surgical closure of complete cleft lip, alveolus and palate

Surgery for patients with unilateral (UCLP) and bilateral (BCLP) complete cleft lip, alveolus and palate has a considerable influence upon craniofacial growth. With respect to this, the cleft team at Hannover Medical School has attempted to reduce necessary surgical interventions to labioplasty, palatoplasty and veloplasty. Still, the effects of these operations influence maxillary growth to an extent which requires orthodontic treatment in all patients. This study focuses upon the transverse alterations of the alveolar arch and the deciduous dentition after lip and palate surgery. Dental casts prior to any surgical intervention and after labioplasty and complete palaotoplasty of the hard and soft palate were measured for transverse changes by using anatomical landmarks. The results indicate a significant occurrence of anterior relative to posterior arch width loss for both UCLP and BCLP patients. Orthodontic treatment should be planned and performed with respect to these findings in order to support craniofacial growth and prevent maxillary dental arch deficiency. Received: 2 November 1998 / Accepted: 15 February 1999