Clinical statistical investigation of cleft lip and palate patients aged over 18 years at Department of Orthodontics, Suidobashi Hospital, Tokyo Dental College.

Since the fee for orthodontic treatment of malocclusion caused by cleft lip and palate (CLP) became covered by national health insurance in 1982, orthodontic treatment from school age has become the norm. However, in some CLP patients, orthodontic treatment is commenced in adulthood. A number of studies have reported on orthodontic treatment in adult CLP patients. The purpose of this study was to clarify the number and age of new patients, chief complaint, referral status, cleft type, malocclusion, history of orthodontic treatment, and acceptance and planning of orthodontic treatment. The study investigated new CLP patients aged over 18 years who visited the Department of Orthodontics, Suidobashi Hospital of Tokyo Dental College, between April 1, 2001 and March 31, 2006. During the investigation period mentioned above, 235 new CLP patients visited our department. Among them, 23 were aged over 18 years, accounting for 9.8% of the 235 CLP patients. In terms of chief complaint, occlusion-related complaints and occlusal dysfunction accompanying malocclusion were noted in 14 cases (61%). Eighteen patients were referrals. Unilateral CLP was the most prevalent cleft type. In terms of malocclusion type, reversed occlusion was noted in 13 cases (57%), accounting for over half of all cases. Patients with a previous history of orthodontic treatment accounted for half of all cases. Ten patients accepted orthodontic treatment. In terms of treatment plan, surgical orthodontic treatment was planned in 10 cases.