OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze maxillary arch dimensions in patients with complete bilateral cleft lip and palate treated with an intraoral retrusion plate prior to lip closure. PATIENTS: The effects of the intraoral retrusion plate were evaluated on serially obtained maxillary casts of 14 patients with complete bilateral cleft lip and palate. RESULTS: The Student's t test for dependent observations showed a significant decrease in distance between the premaxilla and the cleft lateral segments during active treatment. This decrease correlated with an increase in deviation of the premaxilla in relation to the vomer. For each millimeter decrease in distance between the premaxilla and the cleft lateral segments, an average increase in deviation of 4.0 degrees was found. Left and right cleft widths decreased significantly, premaxillary width increased significantly, and transverse dimensions did not change significantly. CONCLUSION: From this study it can be concluded that active presurgical treatment with an intraoral retrusion plate induces a significant decrease in distance between the premaxilla and the lateral segments. This decrease is frequently accompanied by an increase in deviation of the premaxilla relative to the vomer.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze maxillary arch dimensions in patients with complete bilateral cleft lip and palate treated with an intraoral retrusion plate prior to lip closure. PATIENTS: The effects of the intraoral retrusion plate were evaluated on serially obtained maxillary casts of 14 patients with complete bilateral cleft lip and palate. RESULTS: The Student's t test for dependent observations showed a significant decrease in distance between the premaxilla and the cleft lateral segments during active treatment. This decrease correlated with an increase in deviation of the premaxilla in relation to the vomer. For each millimeter decrease in distance between the premaxilla and the cleft lateral segments, an average increase in deviation of 4.0 degrees was found. Left and right cleft widths decreased significantly, premaxillary width increased significantly, and transverse dimensions did not change significantly. CONCLUSION: From this study it can be concluded that active presurgical treatment with an intraoral retrusion plate induces a significant decrease in distance between the premaxilla and the lateral segments. This decrease is frequently accompanied by an increase in deviation of the premaxilla relative to the vomer.