ETIOPATHOGENETIC MECHANISMS OF MESIAL OCCLUSION FORMATION IN CHILDREN WITH UNILATERAL CLEFT LIP AND PALATE

Cleft lip and palate (CLP) represent one of the most common congenital craniofacial malformations worldwide, with a prevalence ranging from 1 in 500 to 1 in 1,000 live births depending on geographic and ethnic factors. Among the functional and morphological complications associated with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP), the development of mesial (Class III) occlusion in the mixed dentition stage is particularly significant. Mesial occlusion, characterized by an anterior crossbite and negative overjet, is not only an esthetic concern but also compromises masticatory efficiency, speech articulation, and psychosocial adaptation.