Palatal Defects Research Articles

Comparison of palatal fistula incidence post palatoplasty with Veau-wardill kilner technique between men and women

Cleft palate is a congenital abnormality that occurs in the mouth and surrounding structures. The most used classification of cleft palate by Veau (1931). To repair the palatal defect, shape and function, surgical correction is necessary. There are various types of palatoplasty techniques that can be used, such as Veau-Wardill-Kilner. Palatoplasty may causes complications such as palatal fistula. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Airlangga University has been carrying out a social service for cleft lip and palate surgery repair since year 2008 in various regions in Indonesia. However, until now, there is no data available related with the incidence of palatal fistula. Purpose: To observe the comparison between the palatal fistula incidence post palatoplasty using Veau-Wardill-Kilner technique based on gender. Methods: This study based on 113 palatoplasty cases using Veau-Wardill-Kilner technique taken from Oral and Maxillofacial Cleft Palate Surgery Social Service data, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Airlangga University from the period of 2013 until 2022. Data analysis used Kruskal-Wallis on IBM SPSS version 29 Windows. Results: from 113 patients, 20 cases (17,7%) showed that there is developed palatal fistula. Between the incidence of palatal fistula in men and women observed after palatoplasty procedure using Veau-Wardill-Kilner, higher percentages of palatal fistula were found in women (p=0.426). Conclusion: The incidence of palatal fistula post palatoplasty using Veau-Wardill-Kilner technique in women is higher than men.

Serous otitis media as a cause for language delay following cleft palate repair—A case-control study

Background and Objectives: Serous otitis media (SOM), also called otitis media with effusion (OME) or glue ear, is a collection of non-purulent fluid within the middle ear space. Children with cleft palate are more prone to develop this condition. This is caused by impaired eustachian tube function in cleft palate. They may present with hearing loss, delayed speech, and language development or poor social behavior. This is a significant cause of conductive hearing loss in the early speech-forming years of their life. Even after an early surgical repair of palate, speech and language defects are frequently identified during regular postoperative follow-up by speech-language pathologists. When identified, the approach to language delay varies across healthcare systems and includes watchful waiting, providing hearing aids to early otological intervention. The primary objective was to compare the incidence of SOM in children with and without language delay following surgical correction of cleft palate. Materials and Methods: A case-control study involving 63 patients was conducted in a tertiary care hospital with a high-volume cleft lip and palate center from June 2022 to March 2023. Thirty children with language delay were identified and grouped as cases and 33 children without language delay as controls. Tympanogram was conducted after the detailed otoscopic examination. Those with Jerger types B and C were diagnosed with SOM. The incidence of SOM in each group was compared statistically. Results: About 70% of cases and 87.9% of controls had SOM. There is no positive correlation between the incidence of SOM and language delay (P-value > 0.05). Conclusion: SOM cannot be identified as a causal factor for language delay after cleft palate surgery.

Comprehensive perioperative and minimally invasive post-operative defect approach of massive palatal pleomorphic adenoma: Case series

Introduction and importanceExtensive Palatal post-operative defect management following excision of neoplasm is one of the most difficult challenges for oral and maxillofacial surgeons regarding its limited surgical access and visibility on narrow area, airway management difficulty during intubation, richness of maxillary vascular network resulting in enormous bleeding risk. Decision making regarding its surgical approach and impact on speech and mastication is important. This case series aim to describe comprehensive step by step perioperative and palatal defect management approach based on tumor pathological characteristic and anatomical perspective to achieve good surgical outcome. Cases presentationTwo cases of massive palatal pleomorphic adenoma were presented. Both of cases occurs in female patients. Lesions was crossing the midline, impair speech and causing discomfort. Preoperative diagnostic from CT scan and FNAB result was pleomorphic adenoma. Clinical discussionSurgery for both cases done with wide periosteal sacrificing excision, ostectomy and surgical obturator placement from intraoral approach under general anesthesia with nasal intubation. Eventually the wounds healed without wound dehiscence and fistula, no speech impairment and no sign of reccurency. ConclusionUnderstanding pathological characteristic of pleomorphic adenoma and basic anatomy of surrounding structure are important to formulate minimal invasive surgical and post-operative defect management planning and improve patient's quality of life.

Secondary cleft palate correction with 3D-printed thermoplastic polyurethane film – a case report

Cleft palate is an oronasal communication that can affect the area comprehending the lips and the soft palate. Its clinical signs vary depending on the degree of the defect and the age of the animal, ranging from nasal secretion, coughing, sneezing, halitosis, respiratory difficulty, aspiration pneumonia, and loss of body condition. Its diagnosis is based on inspection of the oral cavity and imaging tests. Palatal defects must be surgically corrected as quickly as possible, using mucosal flaps, grafts, or implants. A desire to evolve alternative treatments for cleft palates drives the search for ways to manufacture customized pieces. 3D printing and biomaterials have enhanced in detail and applicability; combined with design tools and imaging exams, they allow for the making of precise implants and anatomical models for the planning and execution of surgical procedures. This report describes the case of a female, mixed-breed feline treated at a veterinary clinic; it was diagnosed with secondary cleft palate, had a history of falling, and underwent previous palatoplasties with recurrence. A surgical reintervention was performed to implant a 3D-printed TPU film to close its secondary cleft palate.

Severe dental malocclusion in a case of repaired unilateral cleft palate managed by orthodontic mechanotherapy alone

Cleft palate is a developmental abnormality that perforates the palate, and divides the arch segments producing grave malocclusion. Crossbites, labiolingual displacements, rotations, archform distortion and incompatibility are a few facets characterizing the problem. Teeth may be congenitally missing or periodontally infirm in the vicinity of the breakdown. If the skeletal jaw base discrepancy is not major, orthognathic surgery may be omitted and orthodontic mechanics alone can suffice to manipulate the teeth into a decent occlusion. Restorative work for esthetic embellishment can enhance the overall result, particularly if teeth are malformed. This case report describes how severe dental malocclusion arising from a repaired unilateral cleft palate defect was corrected with a fixed preadjusted edgewise appliance, adorning smile esthetics and boosting the patient’s self-confidence.

Rehabilitation of Combined Hard and Soft Palate Defects with a Soft Relining Prosthesis: A Clinical Report.

It remains a significant challenge in prosthetic rehabilitation for combined hard and soft palate defects on account of two primary reasons. At first, conventional impressions can hardly get an accurate analogue and usually bring about a terrible experience for the patients. Secondly, conventional hard denture base resins used in obturator prostheses exhibit limitations in marginal sealing, undercut retention, and elastic buffering when in contact with the soft palate. This article presents a case where combined hard and soft palate defects were successfully and rapidly reconstructed by using digital intraoral impression technology and denture soft reline material.

A Comparative Analysis of Sector Classification and the Impacted Canine Grading System by Kumar and Daigavane in Patients With Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Utilizing Orthopantomogram (OPG) as a Diagnostic Tool.

Introduction Non-syndromic oral clefts, affecting one in 700 newborns in India, are the most prevalent craniofacial anomalies, with genetic or environmental causes impacting various life aspects. Studies indicate higher dental disturbances, particularly impacted canines, in cleft lip and palate (CLP) patients compared to non-cleft individuals. Impacted canines, trapped by hard tissues, require early diagnosis to prevent orthodontic issues. The widely used Ericson and Kurol method employs orthopantomograms (OPGs) to classify canine impaction in typical children. However, diagnosing canines in CLP patients is challenging due to palate defects and post-grafting complications. This study aims to compare the utility of the Kumar and Daigavane (KD) grading system and the sector classification to determine the best method for diagnosing impacted canine eruption paths. Method This cross-sectional comparative observational study was conducted at Sharad Pawar Dental College's Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics. The sample size, calculated using a significance level of 5% and a prevalence of 1%, required a minimum of 16 participants aged 9-11 years with non-syndromic clefts and impacted canines. Patients with systemic diseases or over 12 years of age were excluded. The sectoral and KD classification systems collected and evaluated OPGs from qualifying cleft patients. Sector classification considered the angle between the occlusal plane or canine tip and the adjacent tooth's long axis, while KD's classification considered the Frankfort horizontal plane, occlusal plane, vertical height from the occlusal plane, canine apex root position, and canine exposure to the cleft defect. Results The study found an 81.25% agreement between the KD grading system and the sector classification, with a Cohen's kappa value of 0.586, indicating a moderate agreement. The KD system showed 81.82% sensitivity and 80.00% specificity, with positive and negative predictive values of 90.00% and 66.67%, respectively. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed the KD system's superior performance in identifying impacted and non-impacted canines compared to the sector classification. Conclusion The KD grading system demonstrated higher efficacy than the sector classification for evaluating the impacted canines in children with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). The KD system's high sensitivity and specificity make it a valuable tool for predicting canine eruption paths and addressing anatomical challenges in cleft conditions. This study highlights the need for accurate diagnostic tools tailored to cleft patients and contributes to advancing orthodontic treatment outcomes through improved classification systems.

Osteogenic potency of dental stem cell-composite scaffolds in an animal cleft palate model

ObjectiveTo evaluate the osteogenic potency of stem cells isolated from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) in polycaprolactone with gelatin surface modification (PCL-GE) and poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid)-bioactive glass composite (PLGA-bioactive glass (BG)) scaffolds after implantation in a rat cleft model. MethodsCleft palate-like lesions were induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by extracting the right maxillary first molars and drilling the intact alveolar bone. Rats were then divided into five groups: Control, PCL-GE, PCL-GE-SHED, PLGA-BG, and PLGA-BG-SHED, and received corresponding composite scaffolds with/without SHED at the extraction site. Tissue samples were collected at 2, 3, and 6 months post-implantation (4 rats per group). Gross and histological analyses were conducted to assess osteoid or bone formation. Immunohistochemistry for osteocalcin and human mitochondria was performed to evaluate bone components and human stem cell viability in the tissue. ResultsBone tissue formation was observed in the PCL-GE and PLGA-BG groups compared to the control, where no bone formation occurred. PLGA-BG scaffolds demonstrated greater bone regeneration potential than PCL-GE over 2–6 months. Additionally, scaffolds with SHED accelerated bone formation compared to scaffolds alone. Osteocalcin expression was detected in all rats, and positive immunoreactivity for human mitochondria was observed in the regenerated bone tissue with PCL-GE-SHED and PLGA-BG-SHED. ConclusionPCL-GE and PLGA-BG composite scaffolds effectively repaired and regenerated bone tissue in rat cleft palate defects. Moreover, scaffolds supplemented with SHED exhibited enhanced osteogenic potency. Clinical significancePCL-GE and PLGA-BG scaffolds, augmented with SHED, emerge as promising biomaterial candidates for addressing cleft repair and advancing bone tissue engineering endeavors.

Fabrication of a definitive obturator for a patient with partial maxillectomy defect following post-covid mucormycosis: A case report

Mucormycosis was a rapidly progressing and life-threatening fungal infection. After surgery, we should anticipate seeing more individuals with orofacial abnormalities given the total number of cases and the orofacial region's primary involvement in the previous COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, in order to improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from mucormycosis, maxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation is of paramount importance. Postoperative maxillary defects can be rehabilitated through surgical and prosthetic procedures. An obturator was utilized as a part of prosthetic management to facilitate efficient deglutition and articulation. It also provides support for the facial soft tissue to restore the midfacial contour in cases of palatal defects. This case report describes about the fabrication of a definitive palatal obturator for a patient with postsurgical maxillary defect wearing interim obturator made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Food impaction and irritation of the fitting surface over the tissue defect, resulting in erythema to the tissue surface and discomfort of using interim obturator. With the remaining teeth and tissues serving as support, the definitive obturator made of cobalt and chromium was made. With no degradation in the prosthesis, the follow-up showed satisfactory outcomes.

Reconstruction of Palatal Defects Using a Composite Chondromucosal Nasoseptal Flap and Comparative Analysis.

The use of composite chondromucosal nasal septal flaps (ccNSF) has been demonstrated to be effective in cadaveric studies for the anterior skull base and the orbit. However, their application in the clinical setting remains unexplored. Our study aims to introduce a new method for treating palatal defects using ccNSF. Additionally, we studied the average NSF area and compared it to the average palate area. We collected 108 CT scans from the medical records of patients without head and neck pathologies from a tertiary medical institution. We quantified the quadrangular (septal) cartilage and palate areas. Furthermore, we included a clinical case in which we used the ccNSF for the palatal defect reconstruction. This was to compare the mean area between the palate and the septal cartilage. The ccNSF covered the palatal defect without any significant complications for the first 9 months of follow-up. A total of 102 CT scans met the inclusion criteria and were measured. We found that the mean quadrangular cartilage had a length of 2.50 (±0.52) cm, a width of 2.28 (±0.51) cm, and an area of 5.43 (±1.68) cm2. The mean palate length was 2.73 (±0.44) cm, with a width of 3.13 (±0.34) cm, and area of 7.87 (±1.43) cm2. The ccNSF proved successful in palatal defect reconstruction, resulting in positive outcomes and no major complications until the 9-month follow-up. The ccNSF is a useful flap that avoids the use of free flap transfer and its associated morbidities. 4 Laryngoscope, 2024.

Prevention of postoperative complications in children after palatoplasty using a prolonged-release phytocomplex

Relevance. Palatoplasty is a technically demanding reconstructive surgery for congenital full-thickness defects of the palate, with more than 20% of cases reporting postoperative complications. The primary cause of these complications is chronic oral inflammation. To mitigate inflammatory reactions, medications with antibacterial, bactericidal, and antiseptic properties are employed. Given the age-specific characteristics of children and the presence of full-thickness palate defects, it is essential to administer anti-inflammatory medications in an adapted, prolonged, and safe form. Consequently, we have developed a prolonged-release phytocomplex in the form of lozenges.Purpose. To evaluate the effectiveness of a prolonged-release phytocomplex in preventing postoperative complications in children following palatoplasty.Materials and methods. This study presents clinical and laboratory examination data from 90 children aged 2.5 to 5 years with cleft palate who underwent palatoplasty, and 45 healthy children aged 3 to 8 years. The study involved measuring the levels of secretory immunoglobulin IgA in the oral fluid using the 'IgA Secretory ELISA-BEST' reagent kit, cytokines (interleukins-2, 4, 6), and gamma-interferon through enzyme immunoassay with kits from 'Vector Best' (Russia), and lysozyme using the Lysozyme-96 kit.Results. It was observed that following the use of the prolonged-release phytocomplex, the levels of sIgA, lysozyme, and interleukins-2, 4, and 6 in the oral fluid of the children were significantly elevated compared to the control group. Additionally, the gamma-interferon levels returned to normal.Conclusion. The findings of this study demonstrate the positive antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and woundhealing effects of the developed prolonged-release phytocomplex in the form of lozenges.

PROSTHODONTIC REHABILITATION OF A MAXILLARY DEFECT USING HOLLOW BULB OBTURATOR: A CASE REPORT

Inverted papilloma arising from the sinonasal mucosa often necessitates a total or partial maxillectomy, creating a significant palatal and alveolar ridge defect. These defects can lead to sequelae like nasal regurgitation, compromised oral and nasal competence, impaired mastication, and deglutition due to lack of bony support, and altered speech due to changes in oral cavity anatomy. Facial aesthetics can also be negatively impacted with the potential for a sunken malar eminence or collapsed midface. While prosthodontic rehabilitation with obturators aims to restore function and aesthetics, conventional designs can be cumbersome due to their weight and bulk. This case report details the utilization of a hollow bulb obturator, addressing the limitations of traditional obturators and potentially improving patient outcomes.

3D Printing for the Development of Palatal Defect Prosthetics.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing has emerged as a promising new technology for the development of surgical prosthetics. Research in orthopedic surgery has demonstrated that using 3D printed customized prosthetics results in more precise implant placements and better patient outcomes. However, there has been little research on implementing customized 3D printed prosthetics in otolaryngology. The program sought to determine whether computed tomography (CT) serves as feasible templates to construct 3D printed palatal obturator prosthetics for defects in patients who have been treated for head and neck cancers. A retrospective review of patients with palatal defects was conducted and identified 1 patient with high quality CTs compatible with 3D modeling. CTs of the patient's craniofacial anatomy were used to develop a 3D model and a Formlabs 3B+ printer printed the palatal prosthetic. We successfully developed and produced an individualized prosthetic using CTs from a veteran with head and neck deformities caused by cancer treatment who was previously treated at the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System. This project was successful in printing patient-specific implants using CT reproductions of the patient's craniofacial anatomy, particularly of the palate. The program was a proof of concept and the implant we created was not used on the patient. Customized 3D printed implants may allow otolaryngologists to enhance the performance and efficiency of surgeries and better rehabilitate and reconstruct craniofacial deformities to restore appearance and function to patients. Additional research will strive to enhance the therapeutic potential of these prosthetics to serve as low-cost, patient-specific implants.

Fabrication of an interim buccal-retaining flange obturator for a patient undergoing partial maxillectomy

Abstract Prosthodontic treatment of palatal defects focuses on closing oronasal communication and improving masticatory function, speech, esthetics, and comfort. The most difficult aspect of rehabilitating patients with hemimaxillectomy is ensuring the prosthesis has enough retention and stability. During healing, a simpler design and effective retention should adequately meet the patient’s functional requirements. This case report presents the fabrication of an interim cost-effective and retentive buccal flange palatal obturator for a 65-year-old male patient who had an acquired maxillary defect resulting in mastication and deglutition difficulties. In this report, the retention of the obturator was achieved by utilizing the remaining teeth and employing a flexible thermoplastic buccal flange, with a wrought-wire U-shaped loop, on the buccal surfaces of the left canine, premolars, and molars. A complete palatal acrylic palate was designed to achieve optimal distribution of load to the surrounding tissues. To enhance patient comfort, the obturator featured a closed hollow bulb, reducing its overall bulk and making it lightweight. This interim prosthesis successfully rehabilitated the patient, resulting in improved masticatory efficiency, enhanced speech clarity, and an overall improvement in the patient’s quality of life.

Application of a Custom Two-Piece Zirconia Device for Multidimensional Ridge Augmentation in a Trauma Patient: A Case Report

Background: Due predominantly to anatomic factors, most maxillary anterior extraction sockets exhibit greater resorption of facial rather than palatal alveolar walls. However, traumatic episodes can result in physical damage to interproximal and palatal alveolar walls, leading to complex deficiencies that can be difficult to manage. The purpose of this report is to describe the use of a two-piece, site-specific zirconia device to augment the facial, crestal, and palatal aspects of a deficient maxillary anterior alveolar ridge. Methods: A 25-year-old male with history of facial trauma presented to the Department of Periodontics, Army Postgraduate Dental School, Fort Eisenhower, Georgia, requesting replacement of teeth #8 through #10. A two-piece custom zirconia device was utilized to achieve multidimensional augmentation of a severely deficient alveolar ridge. Results: The procedure was well tolerated, resulting in favorable alveolar ridge volume for dental implant placement. Exposure of the device occurred at postoperative week 13. One of two planned implants were stabilized in the augmented alveolar ridge. At the #10 position a palatal dehiscence defect was noted during osteotomy preparation, and additional grafting was required. Conclusions: The custom zirconia device design shown in this report permitted convenient intraoperative packing of bone biomaterial and minimized loss of regenerative space during healing. The protocol relies upon technology that is increasingly accessible to periodontists and has the potential to substantially simplify a technique-sensitive procedure. Envisioned design improvements are presented.

A Randomised Controlled Trial on the Effect of Hamulectomy on Hearing Outcomes in Cleft Palate Patients - A Comparative Study.

Cleft palate, a common congenital craniofacial defect, requires surgical repair and many surgical approaches have been employed for the same to reduce the risk of post-operative complications and improve outcomes. In order to achieve tension free closure, fracture of pterygoid hamulus has been advised. However, the effect of this manoeuvre on auditory functions remains debatable. The study was designed to evaluate the effect of hamulectomy on auditory function during the post-operative period after palatoplasty. The present study enrolled 100 participants aged 10 months-2 years with isolated cleft palate defect. They were randomly divided into two groups: palatoplasty with hamulectomy (n = 50) and palatoplasty without hamulectomy (n = 50). Hearing outcomes were evaluated using objective measures (otoscopy, tympanometry, and otoacoustic emission [OAE] tests) at 1-month and 6-month post-operative follow-up visits. The Chi-square test was used to analyse the data and significance level was kept at P ≤ 0.05. The findings of otoscopy, tympanometry and OAE tests were statistically similar between the two study groups (P > 0.05; Chi-square test) at both one month and six months follow-up visits. Another noteworthy observation was improvement in auditory function during follow-up period indicating recovery of middle ear function following palatoplasty. The addition of hamulectomy to the palatoplasty treatment may improve the hearing outcomes for cleft palate patients and can be adopted to achieve tension free closure.

Клінічний випадок пізньої корекції щілини твердого піднебіння в 11-річного хлопця з двобічною розщілиною губи і піднебіння

Clefts of the lip and palate remain one of the most common congenital malformations. Bilateral cleft is considered the most complex form of the defect. There is no consensus on the timing and method of surgical treatment. However, most publications focus on the two-stage method of defect closure and recommend complete correction by 24 months of age. This clinical case deviates from the commonly accepted approach to treating children with bilateral clefts of the lip and palate. The patient sought medical help at a late age, specifically at 11 years old, due to a number of subjective and objective reasons. The aim - based on a clinical case, analyze the timely and qualitative provision of medical care, the difference in the quality of life before and after surgical intervention in patients with the described pathology. The first stage was performed at the age of 2 years. After preoperative preparation, including antibiotic therapy guided by throat swabs, the patient underwent a series of surgical procedures, including complete dissection of soft palate muscles, intravelar veloplasty, formation of a Vomer flap, and meticulous closure of the palate defect layer by layer. One month after the surgery, the patient exhibited soft palate movements (which were absent before surgery), improved feeding, and continued speech therapy sessions, resulting in significantly improved pronunciation. Analysis of this clinical case will contribute to a better understanding of the approach to treating children with bilateral clefts of the lip and palate. Timely referral of patients for comprehensive treatment, including surgical correction, subsequent orthodontic treatment, speech therapy sessions, possible psychological rehabilitation, and so on, is crucial in children with bilateral clefts of the lip and palate. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The informed consent of the patient was obtained for conducting the studies. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.

Patterns of primary and secondary defects associated with non-syndromic cleft lip and palate: An epidemiological analysis in a Kenyan population.

Cleft lip and palate deformities substantially burden individuals and families, particularly in low-income communities. However, a comprehensive understanding of the patterns and distribution of these deformities in Kenya remains limited. This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed 647 clinical records from the BelaRisu Foundation registry in Kenya, spanning 2018-2022. After meticulous record verification and data extraction, cleft pattern modeling was used to analyze each case. Data were imported to SPSS version 29.0 and descriptive statistics were calculated, which included means, ranges, frequencies, percentages, and standard deviations. Additionally, a comparative analysis between genders was conducted. The findings revealed a higher average age of presentation compared with previous studies in Kenya, along with a greater susceptibility of males to cleft lip and palate defects overall. Noteworthy disparities in case distribution across provinces were observed. Cleft lip emerged as the most observed primary defect, while palatal fistulae constituted the most frequent secondary defect. Interestingly, while some results aligned with global trends, others diverged significantly from the existing literature, warranting further exploration and investigation. These findings shed light on the unique patterns and distribution of cleft lip and palate deformities in Kenya, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and support systems.

Image Guided Palatal Obturator Design and Fabrication for Maxillectomy Defect in the Case of Acute Invasive Fungal Sinusitis

Acute invasive fungal sinusitis requires a high clinical suspicion and rapid diagnosis for initiation of surgical and medical treatment. Due to necessity of expedited surgical treatment, evaluation and impression making by a maxillofacial prosthodontist is rarely possible prior to debridement. Surgical debridement often results in maxillary defects, which can negatively impact speech, deglutition, and respiration. A surgical obturator occludes the palatal defect resulting in improved speech, swallowing and prevention of wound contamination with food particulate. This article focuses on utilizing medical imaging, usually acquired for diagnosis and surgical planning, to fabricate a well-fitting surgical obturator without conventional or digital intraoral dental impression making.

Caregivers' Experience with Lip Taping as a Presurgical Orthopedic Treatment for Cleft Lip and Palate Defects.

This study aimed to assess caregivers' experiences and perceptions of applying lip taping as presurgical orthopedic therapy (PSO) for infants with a cleft lip and palate. A retrospective survey was conducted, inviting parents to respond to a series of structured questions between September 2022 and June 2023. The questionnaire focused on evaluating parents' experience with lip taping, a crucial component of PSO. Descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test were employed to analyze relationships between categorical variables. Of the 157 participants, overall, 122 completed the survey, forming the dataset for analysis. A majority (90.0%) reported sufficient experience in using lip taping and no major difficulties with lip taping application. Caregivers with higher education levels exhibited a significantly positive correlation (p = 0.015). Additionally, 93.4% confirmed the efficacy of lip taping for premaxillary segment retraction, with this outcome being correlated with caregivers' knowledge and education (p = 0.008). Interestingly, caregivers' age also demonstrated a substantial association (p = 0.020). While a vast majority expressed positive experiences with lip taping as a presurgical treatment, continuous, tailored education on cleft lip and palate is imperative. This education should be directed towards caregivers and individuals offering direct support to parents of children with CLP, ensuring optimal care and preparation for surgical treatment.