Post-surgical dentofacial deformities and dental treatment needs in cleft-lip-palate children: A clinical study

Background: Cleft lip and palate is a common congenital defect. It is one of the most common facial deformities occurring in major racial and ethnic groups. Aims: The aim of the present study was to record the post-surgical dentofacial deformities in operated cleft lip and palate children, as well as to assess the multitude and magnitude of their dental and other related problems so as to formulate an appropriate treatment plan for complete oral rehabilitation of these children. Materials and Methods: The present in vivo study was conducted on 50 operated cleft lip and palate children (23 males and 27 females) ranging from 3 to 14 years of age in an attempt to evaluate the post-surgical dentofacial abnormalities in these children. Results and Conclusions: The study revealed that the distribution of cleft deformity is shown out of 23 male children, 11 children with unilateral cleft lip, 9 children with bilateral cleft lip palate, and remaining 3 children were with cleft palate. Out of 27 female children, 19 children with unilateral cleft lip palate, 3 children with bilateral cleft lip palate, and 5 children with cleft palate. This study showed a wide range of surgical, dental, and functional problems in all operated cleft lip and palate patients. Hence, the study concluded that the effect of timing of the cleft repair on the overall development of facio skeletal-dental structures showed insignificant differences among the various operated cleft-lip-palate children.