375 - Cleft vs Non-Cleft Maxillary Expansion in Unilateral Cleft Palate

Abstract:

Purpose: The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate treatment outcomes and symmetry of palatal expansion in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate Improved understanding of expansion patterns may help optimize orthodontic treatment planning in this population.

Methods: Electronic medical records and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of UCLP patients treated at Children’s Medical Center Dallas were reviewed. Pre- and post-expansion CBCT scans were analyzed using three-dimensional imaging software (Dolphin Imaging). Measurements were obtained from a defined mid-sagittal reference line to the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) of the primary canines and permanent first molars on both cleft and non-cleft sides. These data were used to assess the magnitude and symmetry of maxillary expansion.

Results: The analysis of transverse changes following palatal expansion demonstrated slight increases on both canine and molar widths across the cleft and non-cleft sites. Primary canine expansion was identical for both cleft and non-cleft sides. The mean increase width in the palate in the areas of the primary canines for both cleft and non-cleft segments was 1.373 mm. At the molar level, the mean increase was 0.987 mm on the cleft side and 1.273 mm on the non-cleft side. Despite observed increases, statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in expansion between cleft and non-cleft sides at either the canine or molar levels (p>0.05).

Conclusions:
1. In this study, there was no significant difference in transverse changes between cleft and non-cleft segments.
2. More studies with larger patient populations need to be completed in the future.

Identify Supporting Agency and Grant Number: Research supported by Children's Health SM.