[Changes of soft tissue profile in operated unilateral cleft lip and palate patients after maxillary protraction].

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to investigate effects of maxillary protraction on soft tissue profile in operated operated unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) patients.

METHODS

A total of 10 growing UCLP patients (male 7, female 3), age from 8.2 to 12 years old (Average: 10.4 years old), were selected to be treated with maxillary protraction using head gear-chin cap-long hook protraction appliance. The appliance was worn 12-14 hours per day, and the protraction force was 400-500 g each side. The protraction direction was forward and slightly downward. The treatment period was 4.7 months (Average: 5.8 months). Cephalometrics were taken before and after treatment. The changes of soft-tissue profile were studied using the computer-aid X-ray cephalometric analysis.

RESULTS

After protraction, the points of Prn, Sn and Ls moved forward significantly. The distance from points Ls to E plane changed significantly from 0.46 mm before treatment to 1.18 mm after treatment. The angle G-Prn-Pg' decreased significantly, and G-Sn-Pg' changed significantly from -0.30 before treatment to 6.260 after treatment. The anterior-posterior position of mandible and lower lip did not change significantly, the changes of angles Cm-Sn-Ls, A'ls/SiLi had no statistical significance. The results indicated that maxillary protraction could make maxilla and upper lip move forward, and the convexity of soft tissue profile improve significantly.

CONCLUSION

Maxillary protraction is an effective way to improve the facial deformity of operated UCLP patients. UCLP patients should have early interrupted treatment.