Malocclusion in complete unilateral and bilateral cleft lip and palate. The results of a change in the surgical procedure.

In 1972 the surgical interference with the cleft in the hard palate was changed to a one-layer closure by a vomer flap. The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the effect of this change in the surgical management on the width of the maxillary dental arch and the frequency of malocclusion. Two groups of CLP children were examined: group 1 consisted of 58 children operated on before and in 1972. Group 2 consisted of 72 children operated on after 1972. All of the children had been operated on by the same surgeon. The remainder of the surgical procedures was the same in the two groups. No significant differences were observed, either in the maxillary dental arch width or in the frequency of malocclusion. A minor decrease in the frequency of mandibular overjet and crossbite was seen in the vomer group. Less need for closure of fistulas in the anterior part of the hard palate was seen in group 2.