Model analysis through two-dimensional evaluation of alveolar changes of untreated unilateral cleft lip and palate infants

Abstract

The primary objective of therapeutic interventions for unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) is to reestablish typical role and anatomy. The efficacy of nasoalveolar molding relies on the age at which it is initiated, thus early initiation is recommended. Evaluating the success of presurgical orthopedics involves assessing the after-treatment maxillary arch form and proportions in UCLP infants and comparing them to age-matched infants without clefts. Untreated UCLP cases exhibit various changes in the transverse and angular dimensions of the alveolar segment. Utilizing digital analysis of UCLP plaster casts through Photoshop software (version 24.0.0) can serve as an alternative method to predict changes in cleft width, arch width, and angular measurements in untreated cases.