Facial-palate correlation in unilateral cleft lip and palate: A data-driven 3D analysis

Few studies correlated facial and palate characteristics using three-dimensional (3D) analysis. The aim of this study was to describe these correlations using standardized 3D imaging.

This cross-sectional study included 30 infants with non-syndromic unilateral complete cleft lip and palate (UCLP) before cleft repair. 3D facial and intraoral scans were acquired using an intraoral scanner. Anatomical landmarks were identified, and quantitative measurements were performed using linear and surface area dimensions. Linear regression modelling (considering 1 mm reduction in anterior alveolar cleft width and 10 mm² reduction in true cleft area) assessed the relationship between facial and palate morphology.

A 1 mm reduction in anterior alveolar cleft width resulted in a -0.47 mm in cleft lip width, -0.18 mm in cleft side nostril width, and -0.20 mm in cleft side nasal sill width (p < 0.05). A 10 mm² reduction in true cleft area was associated with -0.31 mm in nasal width and a -0.22 mm in white roll height at the lateral lip, along with +0.06 mm in non-cleft side vermillion height (p < 0.05).

This study defined a morphological relationship for distinct facial and palatal variables in infants with UCLP. 3D analysis showed that reduced cleft dimensions are associated with improved nasal and lip symmetry. These findings emphasize the value of standardized 3D assessment to guide patient-specific presurgical interventions and surgical planning, aimed at optimizing aesthetic and functional outcomes.