Bite Force Changes in Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Patients Before and After ALT-RAMEC Protocol

Area of Science:

• Craniofacial Orthodontics
• Pediatric Dentistry
• Maxillofacial Surgery

Background:

• Children with bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) often exhibit reduced bite force (BF).
• Effective therapeutic interventions are crucial for improving masticatory function in BCLP patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate changes in bite force (BF) in children with BCLP compared to non-cleft children after ALT-RAMEC Facemask therapy.
• To assess the efficacy of ALT-RAMEC Facemask therapy in enhancing masticatory strength in BCLP patients.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 60 children (6-13 years), with 30 in the BCLP group and 30 in the control group.
• The BCLP group received ALT-RAMEC Facemask treatment, with BF measured at baseline, immediately, 3 months, and 6 months post-treatment.
• BF of the control group was measured at baseline for comparison; statistical analysis used independent t-tests and ANOVA.

Main Results:

• Baseline BF was significantly lower in the BCLP group (122.53 ± 8.64 N) compared to the control group (181.38 ± 18.84 N).
• Following ALT-RAMEC therapy, BF in BCLP patients showed significant improvement at 3 months (106.7 ± 9.3 N) and 6 months (137.4 ± 9.5 N).

Conclusions:

• ALT-RAMEC protocol combined with facemask therapy leads to significant improvements in bite force for BCLP patients.
• This therapeutic approach shows promise in enhancing masticatory function and potentially improving quality of life for children with BCLP.