Tooth size in children with cleft lip and palate

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Pediatric Dentistry

Background:

• Cleft lip and palate are common congenital conditions affecting facial development.
• Dental arch and tooth dimension anomalies are frequently observed in individuals with clefts.
• Understanding these variations is crucial for effective treatment planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate mesiodistal and buccolingual tooth dimensions in children with isolated cleft palate or unilateral cleft lip and palate.
• To compare these dimensions between sexes and different cleft types.
• To identify specific patterns of tooth size reduction associated with clefts.

Main Methods:

• Measurement of mesiodistal and buccolingual tooth dimensions in primary and permanent dentition.
• Inclusion of 246 children diagnosed with isolated cleft palate or complete unilateral cleft lip and palate.
• Comparison with control groups to assess significant differences.

Main Results:

• Males with clefts exhibited reduced buccolingual dimensions in primary teeth compared to controls.
• Females with clefts showed reduced mesiodistal dimensions in primary teeth.
• Females with clefts also presented with reduced buccolingual dimensions in permanent teeth across both jaws.
• No significant differences in permanent tooth size were noted in males with clefts.

Conclusions:

• Cleft palate and cleft lip with palate significantly impact primary and permanent tooth dimensions, with sex-specific variations.
• These findings highlight the need for tailored orthodontic and surgical interventions based on observed dental anomalies.
• Further research can explore the long-term implications and optimal management strategies for dental development in this population.