Orthodontic-care burden of patients with unilateral and bilateral cleft lip and palate

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was the evaluation of the orthodontic care burden of patients treated in Division of Facial Abnormalities Department of Orthodontics, Wroclaw Medical University. Methods: The patient’s medical data with complete uni - and bilateral cleft lip and palate (ULCP and BLCP), who finished the orthodontic treatment between 2012 and 2019 were evaluated. The duration of orthodontic treatment, number of removable appliances, kilometers traveled, number of visits and surgical procedures performed were recorded. The sample was divided into 2 groups according to ICD-10 diagnosis code identification. All data was subjected to statistical analysis. Results: For the UCLP patients (n = 54) the mean time of orthodontic treatment was 9,24 years, the mean time of orthodontic appointments was 62,91, the mean number of removable appliances was 4,12, the mean number for surgical procedures was 3.35, and the mean distance traveled to attend the center for orthodontic appointments was 5466,95km. For the BCLP patients (n = 19) the mean time of orthodontic treatment was 10,16, the mean time of orthodontic appointments was 66,26, the mean number of removable appliances was 4,12, the mean number for surgical procedures was 4.05, and the mean distance traveled to attend the center for orthodontic appointments was 3758,23km. Conclusion: Orthodontic treatment of patients with uni- and bilateral cleft lip and palate is very burdensome for the patients. However, the care burden at the Division of Facial Abnormalities Department of Orthodontics, Wroclaw Medical University is not less than in other European countries.