A study model analysis of adult unoperated Sri Lankans with unilateral cleft lip and palate.

Abstract

The maxillary arch-form of 41 Sri Lankan adults with unoperated complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (8 female and 33 male) were compared to a control group of 100 normal Sri Lankan adults (45 female and 55 male). The teeth in the cleft group were smaller than their equivalents in the control group, the most marked difference being found in the central and lateral incisors. Arch widths of the cleft groups were reduced, more anteriorly than posteriorly, resulting in more V-shaped arches. No differences were found in the arch length or chord lengths between the groups. Crossbites occurred in 19.5 percent of the cleft group as compared to none of the controls. The overjet was greater in the cleft group than in the controls. A higher percentage of missing teeth was recorded in the cleft group.