Malocclusion in Children Aged 8 to 10 Years Old With Operated Isolated Cleft Palate

This study aims to characterize dental malocclusion in children with operated isolated cleft palate aged 8 to 10 years old. Cross-sectional study with medical charts and complementary orthodontics exams and a sample for convenience. The study population was children aged 8 to 10 years registered at a Brazilian center from 2005 to 2009, diagnosed with isolated cleft palate and operated. the population of children registered at a Brazilian center from 2005 to 2009, diagnosed with isolated cleft palate. The data obtained from clinical records were analyzed by 2 orthodontists using the initial orthodontic documentation. The variables were: isolated cleft, sex, time of palatoplasty, malocclusion. The statistics included chi-square and Fisher exact tests (error 5%) to assess the malocclusion according to sex, type of cleft palate and time at palatoplasty. The sample resulted in 28 children (50% males, 50% females), average 8.5 years of age; the inter arch Class III relation was predominant (41.7%); a normal transverse relation was present in 48.1% of the sample; the majority presented a normal position of the upper incisors (61.5%);anterior open bite and excessive overjet was observed in 15.4% each and anterior cross-bite in 40.7%. There was no significant association between malocclusion with cleft type and surgery timing. The association between malocclusion and sex was significant (P = 0.049). Class III malocclusion was observed in most cases and females showed worse occlusal relations. Early orthodontic treatment is necessary in these patients.