Maxillary movement in cleft patients treated with internal tooth borne distractor

Area of Science:

• Craniofacial surgery
• Orthodontics
• Maxillofacial reconstruction

Background:

• Cleft lip and palate often results in maxillary hypoplasia and retrognathism.
• Surgical interventions and distraction osteogenesis are common treatment modalities.
• Objective assessment of maxillary advancement in cleft patients is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To objectively evaluate the extent and direction of anterior maxillary movement.
• To assess the efficacy of internal tooth-borne distractors in cleft patients.
• To analyze cephalometric changes following maxillary distraction.

Main Methods:

• Prospective clinical study involving 8 consecutive cleft patients (15-25 years).
• Patients underwent anterior maxillary distraction using a tooth-borne appliance after osteotomy.
• Lateral cephalograms were analyzed preoperatively, pre-distraction, and post-distraction.

Main Results:

• Consistent anterior and superior repositioning of the anterior maxilla was observed.
• Significant increases in anterior and posterior dentoalveolar heights were noted.
• Lower anterior facial height and mandibular plane angle increased, improving facial profile.

Conclusions:

• Internal tooth-borne distractors provide predictable anterior and superior maxillary advancement.
• This technique effectively increases palatal length, enhancing esthetics and function in cleft patients.
• Maxillary distraction offers a valuable solution for correcting hypoplasia in cleft lip and palate deformities.