Assessment of Temporomandibular Joint for Occurrence and Severity of Disorders in Adult Cases with Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate and Non-Cleft Class I Using Helkimo Index

Abstract

Background: Cleft lip and palate is congenital anomalies. Cleft patients are more akin toward surgical treatment plan neglecting the dental treatment aspects as aesthetic is main concern of patient bond to have malocclusion. Which may contribute to Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMDs) in cleft patients. Methods: A total 40 patients (20 cleft patients and 20 non cleft class I) were taken in the study. patients’ selection was done based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Helkimo index was used for both subjective and clinical assessment for TMDs in both groups. Results: Cleft patients shows significant symptom of TMD between range of mild to severe while non cleft I cases showing mostly mild to moderate symptom of TMDs. Conclusions: It was found that Unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) cases shows higher occurrence of TMDs in comparison with non-cleft class I group.