Comparison of Anterior Cranial Base and Maxillary Length in Class III Malocclusions with and without Cleft Lip and Palate: A Retrospective Cone Beam Computed Tomography Study

Introduction: Craniofacial anomalies affecting the mandible and maxilla can be influenced by various hereditary and environmental factors. The present study aims to compare the sella turcica (ST) and maxillary arch dimensions in patients who present with Class III malocclusion with and without unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). The study also aims to assess the correlation between the anterior cranial base length (ACBL) and maxillary length. Materials and Methods: The study was a retrospective CBCT study. A total of 20 CBCTs of Class III malocclusion patients with and without UCLP were analyzed. Six linear parameters for ST dimensions and four linear parameters for maxillary length were measured. The ACBL was correlated with the maxillary length in both groups. An independent t -test was done to evaluate the differences between the linear measurement of ST and maxillary length in cleft and control patients. Pearson’s correlation was done to assess the relationship between ACBL and maxillary length. Results: Significant differences were found in the ST height (anterior and posterior) ( p = 0.0055, 0.0052), width ( p = 0.008), length ( p = 0.009), and diameter ( p = 0.0067) between the cleft and Class III control group. There was a statistically significant difference in the maxillary length ( p = 0.0012) between the cleft and Class III control group. The ACBL and the maxillary length showed a strong positive correlation in both the cleft and Class III groups. Conclusion: The study found statistically significant differences between the linear dimensions of ST and maxillary length in the cleft and control group. There was a positive correlation between the cranial base length and maxillary length.