[Analysis of morphological variations of the maxilla in unilateral complete cleft lip and palate after presurgical orthopedic treatment by a functional obturating plate].

BACKGROUND

The authors' aim is to show, through a morphological analysis, how the use of a passive functional plate in hard acrylic resin can guide the growth of the maxillary segments in babies born with cleft lip and palate.

METHODS

The authors have obtained, with a scanner gray scales, bidimensional monochromatic images of nine babies' dental casts with cleft lip and palate at birth and at the time of the first cheilo-rhinoplastic surgery. A graphic analysis on these images was made comparing the charts drawn by Bolter's points identified on the maxillary alveolar arch.

RESULTS

The overlapping of the graphic analysis of the mean of values recorded at birth and after the application of the functional passive plate in hard acrylic resin shows how it is possible to promote the growth of maxillary alveolar arch with unilateral complete cleft.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors believe that the presurgical orthopedic functional treatment can lay the bases for a symmetric and balanced skeletal growth of the cleft maxillary. This treatment will promote a better future occlusal relationship. It's also pointed out how this functional approach can favour plastic surgery in reducing cleft's size.