Frequency of Cleft Lip and Palate and Associated Dental Anomalies at Islamic International Dental Hospital, Islamabad

The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of cleft lip and palate (CL&P) patients and their associated dental anomalies in orthodontics department. The data were retrieved from file records of orthodontics department at Islamic International Dental Hospital, Islamabad (IIDH). All the cleft patients were included in this study who visited orthodontics department, IIDH during the year 2009. The records included history and examination, radiographs (lateral cephalogram, Orthopantamogram, Upper occlusal), Study casts, Photographs (intra oral and extra oral) of the patients. Sixteen patients (10 females, 6 males) were included, 43.8% had left unilateral CL&P and 56.3% had bilateral CL&P. 43.8% had bilateral impacted maxillary canine, 31.3 showed left while 12.5% showed right side impaction. 75% had erupted maxillary lateral incisor. 31.3% had palatal fistula. One patient had a supernumerary tooth. More anterior crowding (75%; n=12) was evident. Crossbites were evident in both anterior (56.3%; n=9) and posterior (68.8%; n=11) segments. Maxillary deciduous canine was retained in 75% of cases. Short lip was also a common finding (75%; n=12). Associated dental anomalies are very common in patients with cleft lip and palate though frequency varies with the cleft type.