Clinical efficacy of miniplates anchorage between the maxilla and the mandible for maxillary hypoplasia in cleft patients

Objective To investigate the effects of titanium miniplates used for anchorage between the maxilla and the mandible for maxilly hypoplasia in cleft patients. Methods Miniplates were inserted into the infrazygomatic crests and between the canine and lateral incisor in the mandible on both the right and left sides in 6 subjects (mean age, 11.3 years). Maxillomandibular elastics were attached between the upper and lower miniplates on each side. Cephalometric radiographs of each patient were evaluated at the beginning of treatment and at the end of active protraction treatment. Results A-point movement was increased mean 3.67 mm, SNA angle and ANB angle were increased by 2.75° and 3.1° respectively. Wit's appraisal was increased by 4.52 mm, and upper lip to E-plane was decreased mean 2.8 mm in a mean of 15 months and the significant difference was found (P<0.05). Miniplates stability was excellent in all patients throughout treatment. Conclusions Remarkable advancement in the middle face and consequent fullness in the soft-tissue profile can be achieved by using titanium miniplates protraction for maxilly hypoplasia in cleft patients in the late mixed-dentition and initial stage of permanent dentition period. Key words: Cleft lip; Cleft palate; Retrognathia; Traction; Titanium miniplate