Retrognathic maxilla in individuals born with oral clefts is due to intrinsic factors and not only due to early surgical treatment

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objectives To determine if the skeletal form of individuals born with oral clefts was associated with maxillary position. Materials and Methods Lateral cephalometric radiographs of 90 individuals 8 to 12 years old born with or without cleft lip and palate paired by age and sex were used. Skull base length, cranial base angle, cranial deflection angle, and maxillary skeletal length and position were studied. Also, mandibular skeletal length and position, lower anterior facial height, and dental position were defined. Individuals were divided into three groups: 30 individuals born with cleft lip and palate with Class III malocclusion (UCLP Class III), 30 individuals born with cleft lip and palate with Class I malocclusion (UCLP Class I), and 30 individuals born without cleft lip and palate with Class III malocclusion (non-cleft Class III). Results When comparing the UCLP Class III group with the UCLP Class I group, there were differences in maxillary position (P < .001) and mandibular position (P = .004) found. No differences were found when comparing the UCLP Class III group with the non-cleft Class III group. Conclusions There are intrinsic factors that affect craniofacial morphology of individuals born with cleft lip and palate.