Abstract
Objectives. The objective of this study is to compare the impact of early and late reconstruction of complete unilateral cleft lip and palate on the growth and development of the front of the dentoalveolar arch. Methods. This study was carried out in the years 2012–2015 at the Clinic of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery in Banska Bystrica. Infants with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate were divided into 2 groups according to the timing of lip reconstruction. Group A consisted of infants with early lip reconstruction–realised in the first 14 days of life. Group B consisted of infants with later lip reconstruction–realised in the third month of age. Maxillary dental casts were obtained for each child in four periods–in the first 14 days of life, in the third month, in the sixth month and in the age of one year. These were followed by the identification, measurement and evaluation of anthropometric parameters. Results. Significant differences were occurred after the reconstruction of the lips in linear and angle measurements between infants in the A and B groups. Conclusion. The early surgical reconstruction of the lips in the first 14 days of life has a positive effect on the growth and development of the anterior segment of the dentoalveolar arch. Early lip reconstruction forms a continuous pressure on the frontal segment, resulting in the earlier remedy of anatomical properties and creates appropriate conditions for the best development of this area.
Highlights
Cleft malformations belong to the most common facial congenital defects
The sample consisted of maxillary dental casts of 35 infants with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate
All casts were divided into 2 groups according to the timing of the lip reconstruction
Summary
Cleft malformations belong to the most common facial congenital defects. The patients are affected by cleft both aesthetically and functionally. Final result of cleft treatment depends on the appropriate choice and timing of the surgical and conservative methods. Cleft treatment is very difficult and lasts from the birth to the adulthood. We should focus on the close correlation of morphological and functional aspects in the treatment of clefts. There are many different opinions on the lip reconstruction timing. Nowadays the lip repair is possible already in the first week after birth (Desai, 1997; Galinier et al, 2008; How to cite this article Valentova-Strenacikovaand Malina (2016), Effects of early and late cheiloplasty on anterior part of maxillary dental arch development in infants with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate.
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