3D Morphological Maxillary Arch Changes Following Anterior and Complete Maxillary Distraction in Patients with Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate.

ObjectiveTo evaluate changes in maxillary arch dimensions following anterior and complete maxillary distraction (CMD) in patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP).DesignProspective controlled trial.SettingTertiary medical center for cleft care.PatientsInclusion criteria were patients with UCLP having Skeletal Class III malocclusion with an ANB angle ≤ -4°, Wits appraisal ≤ -2 mm, and a reverse overjet of 4 mm or more. Thirty-four patients were included and divided into two groups based on intervention.InterventionAnterior maxillary distraction (AMD) and CMD.Outcome measuresPalatal volume, palatal length, arch length, anterior and posterior palate width, anterior and posterior palate height were measured at presurgical (T0) and 6 months post-surgical phase (T1) using cone-beam computed tomographic scans.ResultsA statistically significant increase was observed in palatal volume, palatal length, and arch length in Group 1. The mean differences in palatal volume, palatal length, arch length, anterior and posterior palate width, anterior and posterior palate height were found to be nonsignificant in Group 2. There was a significant positive correlation between palatal volume and palatal length in Group 1.ConclusionPalatal volume, palatal length, and arch length increased significantly after AMD. No changes were observed in the transverse and vertical dimensions of the palate after AMD. No changes were observed in the sagittal, transverse, and vertical dimensions of the palate after CMD.