Effects of cleft lip and palate on the development of permanent upper central incisors: a cone-beam computed tomography study.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate 1. the differences among the cleft sides of unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) patients, non-cleft sides of the same UCLP patients and well matched control patients in the root development and position of permanent upper central incisors and 2. possible gender differences. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study sample consisted of 40 patient (20 males and 20 females; mean age: 14.84±3.2 years) with non-syndromic UCLP patients, and 40 control patients (20 males and 20 females; mean age: 13.38±1.6 years). Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were taken off from all patients. All tomographs were obtained in supine position by using CBCT (NewTom 5G, QR, Verona, Italy). RESULTS Significant smaller root volume of central incisor was observed on the cleft side than on the non-cleft side of UCLP patients (P < 0.05). No significant difference in the root development and position of the central incisors was found between the non-cleft side of the UCLP and the control group (P > 0.05). There were no statistically significant gender differences in any linear, angular, or volumetric measurements (P > 0.05). Only the root volume of the cleft side was smaller in females than in males (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS In general, root volumes of central incisors on the cleft side were 12.15 per cent smaller than non-cleft side. Root development of the central incisor was much more influenced by the cleft in females than in males.