[The effect of passive plates on the arrangement of the alveolar arch segments in unilateral total cheilognathopalatoschisis].

Maxillary alveolar arch morphology was studied from birth to palate repair at the age of 19 months in 24 children with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) treated with passive orthopaedic plates (treated children). 18 children with the same defect, who received no orthopaedic treatment, served as controls. The surgical procedures and the age at lip and palate repair were similar. Maxillary alveolar arch morphology was described by 15 linear and five angular measurements. No significant difference was found in total alveolar crest length neither between the cleft and the non-cleft maxillae nor between the treated children and the controls. Anterior alveolar arch width was significantly larger in the treated children at lip repair and at palate repair. Posterior alveolar arch width was significantly larger in the treated children at lip repair only. There was no significant difference in alveolar cleft width between the treated children and the controls at lip or at palate repair. Palatal cleft width decreased significantly in the treated children only. Medial rotation of both the cleft and the non-cleft maxillae was observed in both groups. The main difference was the absence of arch collapse in the treated children. At palate repair the relationship between the two maxillae was more favourable in the treated children for the development of the occlusion. The occlusion of the mixed dentition will be subject of a subsequent follow-up.