Mesio-Distal and Buccal-Lingual Tooth Dimensions are Part of the Cleft Spectrum: A Pilot for Future Genetic Studies

Abstract

Objective : Considering that oral clefts and tooth dimensions may be part of the same phenotypic spectrum, the aim of this study was to investigate tooth dimensions in permanent dentition and dental malformations, including tooth size discrepancies, of subjects born with clefts compared with individuals without clefts. Design : Cross-sectional study. Participants : The cleft group was composed of 66 subjects, and the noncleft group consisted of 66 healthy unrelated subjects. Main Outcome Measures : The mesio-distal and buccal-lingual crown diameter of fully erupted permanent teeth outside the cleft area was measured using a digital caliber. Clinical records and radiographs were used to evaluate the type of clefts and dental anomalies. Results : The lower second premolar was significantly reduced in the CLP and CP groups. The upper lateral incisor was found to be significantly smaller in the CP group, only for mesio-distal dimensions (P < .05). Dental agenesis was found in eight (12%) cleft subjects and supernumerary teeth in two (3%). Conclusions : Subjects born with oral clefts presented size reduction in specific dental groups.