Long-term results in maxillary deficiency using intraoral devices

Area of Science:

• Craniofacial surgery
• Orthodontics
• Regenerative medicine

Background:

• Cleft lip and palate (CLP) patients frequently exhibit maxillary retrusion and Class III malocclusion post-surgical repair.
• Maxillary deficiency in CLP patients can significantly impact facial aesthetics and function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and long-term stability of maxillary distraction osteogenesis in CLP patients with maxillary deficiency.
• To discuss the advantages of distraction osteogenesis over traditional methods for treating maxillary retrusion in CLP.

Main Methods:

• Le Fort I osteotomy combined with intraoral distraction devices was performed on twelve CLP patients.
• Distraction devices were activated at 1mm per day after a 4-day latency period.
• Long-term clinical and cephalometric evaluations were conducted at one and two years post-treatment.

Main Results:

• Maxillary distraction demonstrated stable skeletal advancement and soft tissue repositioning in CLP patients.
• Cephalometric analysis confirmed sustained improvements in maxillofacial relationships.
• The technique avoided the need for intermediate bone grafting.

Conclusions:

• Maxillary distraction osteogenesis is a reliable and stable method for correcting moderate to severe maxillary retrusion in cleft patients.
• This approach offers significant skeletal advancement with predictable long-term outcomes.
• Distraction osteogenesis presents a viable alternative for managing maxillary deficiency in growing CLP individuals.