Studies on facial growth and arch size in cleft lip and palate

A study of facial growth and palatal dimensions was done on 32 patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate. The study population, treated by a single surgeon, was separated into two groups: those whose palates were closed before age 4 years, and those whose palates were closed after 4 years. Maxillary growth was better in patients who had late surgery than in those who had early surgery. In addition, palatal dimensions were more nearly normal in the late group than in the early group.