Morphological Changes in Maxillary Arch Post-Cheiloplasty in Cleft Lip and Palate Infants: A Case Series

ObjectiveThis study evaluated the effectiveness of cleft lip repair in modifying maxillary arch morphology in infants with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (cUCLP) over a 6-month period.DesignProspective case series.SettingMy Thien Hospital of Odonto-Stomatology, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.ParticipantsFifteen infants with cUCLP, average age 5.07 months.InterventionAll infants underwent unilateral cleft lip repair using Fisher's technique. Maxillary arch impressions were taken before surgery and 6 months postoperatively and converted into 3D models.Main Outcome MeasuresAnalysis focused on maxillary arch dimensions in anteroposterior and transverse directions, changes in cleft width, curvature of the larger segment, and position of the proximal edge.ResultsAlveolar cleft width (GL) and anterior curvature angle (∠GIC) showed significant reductions (<i>P</i> < .05). Additionally, posterior arch width (TT'), maxillary arch depth (I-TT'), and anterior arch depth (I-CC') showed significant increases (<i>P</i> < .05), while anterior arch width (CC') remained unchanged (<i>P</i> = .87). Measurements demonstrated high reliability with ICC > 0.75 for all parameters.ConclusionUnilateral cleft lip repair in cUCLP infants significantly narrowed the alveolar cleft width and reduced the anterior curvature angle. Increases in posterior arch width and maxillary arch depth were also observed. These morphological changes are crucial for planning future surgical interventions to optimize outcomes.