Facial orthopedic intervention with bone anchorage in patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate

Abstract

Reconstructive plastic surgeries in patients with complete cleft lip and palate frequently result in maxillary growth deficiencies, causing a Class III facial pattern and anterior crossbites. The orthognatic surgery with maxillary advancement is required in approximately 40% of patients with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate after growth period. Recently, studies demonstrated very good results for maxillary protraction, during growth, using Class III intermaxillary elastics anchored to mini-plates in noncleft patients. Objective: The aim of this study is evaluating the effects of the protocol for maxillary advancement with Class III intermaxillary elastics anchored on intra-oral mini-plates, in individuals with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate. Methodology: The sample is composed by 26 patients with complete unilateral complete cleft lip and palate from both sexes with ages varying from 10 to 12 years of age, all showing moderate to severe anteroposterior maxillary deficiencies. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and dental casts will be performed in two different times: T1- in the onset of therapy; T2- twelve months after the onset of treatment with Class III intermaxillary elastics to titanium miniplates. The treatment effect will be evaluated using conventional 2D and 3D cephalometrics. Additionally, dental casts will be rated according to Goslon Yardstick. Interphase changes of cephalometric variables and Goslon index will be analyzed using paired t tests and Wilcoxon tests, respectively. A significance level of 5% will be considered. (AU)