Variations in anterior tooth morphology and alignment based on alveolar cleft position

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Orthodontics
• Craniofacial Biology

Background:

• Alveolar cleft position is a key factor influencing dental development.
• Understanding these variations is crucial for effective treatment planning in cleft lip and palate patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze maxillary anterior tooth morphology and alignment based on alveolar cleft location.
• To establish a scientific foundation for personalized treatment and prognosis in cleft patients.

Main Methods:

• Study included 108 patients with non-syndromic complete unilateral cleft lip and palate.
• Patients were categorized into mesial cleft (MC) and distal cleft (DC) groups.
• Cone-beam computed tomography and orthopantomograms were used to assess dental variables.

Main Results:

• The mesial cleft (MC) group showed more retroclination and distal inclination of central incisors, with disrupted eruption.
• Lateral incisors in the MC group had smaller crown width, while the distal cleft (DC) group showed a smaller root/crown ratio.
• Opposing torque and inclination of lateral incisors led to a convergence of teeth towards the cleft.

Conclusions:

• Alveolar cleft position significantly affects anterior tooth morphology and alignment.
• Distal clefts (DCs) are linked to improved lateral incisor crown morphology and central incisor alignment compared to mesial clefts (MCs).