West China Journal of Stomatology

Previous Articles     Next Articles

Changes of Soft Tissue Profile in Operated Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Patients after Maxillary Protraction

Xie Yongjian, Wang Dawei, Zhu Shuanglin, et al   

  1. Xie Yongjian, Wang Dawei, Zhu Shuanglin, et al Sun Yat-Sen University of Medical Science Duan Yugui College ofStomatology, West China University of Medical Sciences
  • Received:2001-08-25 Revised:2001-08-25 Online:2001-08-20 Published:2001-08-20

Abstract:

Objective:The aim of this study is to investigate effects ofmaxillary protraction on softtissue profile in operated operated uni- lateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) patients.Methods:A total of 10 growing UCLP patients (male 7, female 3), age from 812 to 12 years old (Average: 1014 years old), were selected to be treatedwithmaxillary protraction using head gear-chin cap-long hook protraction appliance. The appliance was worn 12~14 hours per day, and the protraction force was 400~500g each side. The protraction directionwas forward and slightly downward. The treatment period was 417 months (Average: 518 months). Cephalo- metricswere 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 0146mm before treatment to 1118mm after treatment. The angle G-Prn-Pgcde- creased significantly, andG-Sn-Pgcchanged significantly from-0130 before treatmentto 61260 aftertreatment. The anterior-poste- rior position of mandible and lower lip did not change significantly, the changes of angles Cm-Sn-Ls, Acls/SiLi had no statistical significance. The results indicated thatmaxillary 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 op- erated UCLP patients. UCLP patients should have early interrupted treatment.

Key words: cleft palate, maxillary protraction, soft-tisue profile