Cleft palate with/without cleft lip in French children: radiographic evaluation of prevalence, location and coexistence of dental anomalies inside and outside cleft region

Sidedness in Unilateral Orofacial Clefts: A Systematic Scoping Review

ObjectiveAn overview of the literature relating to the sidedness of unilateral cleft lip with or without cleft palate to map current knowledge on the cause and impact of directional asymmetry.DesignScoping review with a systematic search of Medline and Embase from inception to May 2023.Patients, ParticipantsHumans born with a left or right unilateral cleft lip with or without a cleft palate.Main Outcome MeasuresCleft sidedness as a co-occurrence, an outcome or an exposure.ResultsForty studies were eligible for inclusion and confirmed the predilection for the occurrence of left sided cleft lips; 12 studies reported cleft sidedness co-occurring with another phenotype, 11 studies report sidedness as an outcome and 17 studies as an exposure. Phenotypes which were reported to co-occur with either left or right sided clefts included congenital dental anomalies, handedness and additional congenital anomalies. Variables investigated as a potential cause of left or right sided clefts as an outcome included chromosomal anomalies, genetic variants and environmental factors. Outcomes investigated in relation to cleft sidedness as an exposure included facial anatomical features, facial growth, educational attainment, functional and psychological characteristics. More studies showed worse outcomes in right sided clefts versus left sided clefts than vice versa, although studies were inconsistent, and a quality assessment was not performed.ConclusionsThe field of cleft sidedness research is expanding and there are promising early findings to differentiate cause and outcome by sidedness of the cleft.

Characterization of hypomineralization second primary molar and molar incisor hypomineralization in patients with orofacial clefts

AIMS

To identify and characterize hypomineralization in the second primary molar (HSPM) and molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH), as well as other developmental defects of enamel (DDE) in patients with clefts considering dentition type, tooth type, phenotype and cleft laterality.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this cross-sectional retrospective study, 6432 deciduous and permanent teeth of 290 patients with clefts aged between 3 and 14 years in a referral hospital were assessed using intraoral photographs. The classification of demarcated hypomineralization was carried out by a calibrated examiner using the MIH index. Statistical analyses were performed using a binomial generalized linear model.

RESULTS

Deciduous and permanent molars were the most affected by HSPM and MIH, whereas incisors and canines were most affected by hypoplasia, with the upper arch being most affected by DDE. Cleft phenotypes involving the palate were associated with HSPM (OR = 31; 95% CI: 1.0-59.3) and MIH (OR = 31.6; 95% CI: 0.6-53.2).

CONCLUSION

Patients with clefts had a high prevalence of HSPM and MIH in the upper arch and were associated with more severe cleft phenotypes.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Pediatric dentists who are members of the multidisciplinary teams responsible for caring for patients with clefts need to have a more discerning clinical eye when diagnosing DDE in patients with clefts. Posterior teeth are more susceptible to demarcated hypomineralizations in patients with clefts, while anterior teeth are more susceptible to hypoplasias.

Exploring polymorphisms in genes encoding growth factors associated with non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate and tooth agenesis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL±P) and tooth agenesis (TA), as well as the association of both conditions with polymorphisms in genes encoding growth factors.

METHODOLOGY

This cross-sectional study included children with NSCL±P and a control group of children without NSCL±P. Permanent teeth TA (excluding third molars) was evaluated using panoramic radiographs by a trained examiner. Only TA located outside the cleft was considered in the NSCL±P group. Genetic polymorphisms in Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 (TGFB1)-rs1800470 and rs4803455-Transforming Growth Factor Beta Receptor 2 (TGFBR2)-rs3087465 and rs764522-Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)-rs4444903 and rs2237051-and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR)-rs2227983- were genotyped by real-time PCR allele discrimination from buccal cell samples. Associations were tested by uni and multivariable Poisson regression models (5% significance level).

RESULTS

A total of 243 children-127 with NSCL±P (mean age = 8.80±2.14 years) and 116 without NSCL±P (mean age = 8.58±2.03 years) were included. TA was more frequent in the NSCL±P group (23.8%) than in the control group (6.2%) (p<0.01). The EGF rs2237051 was significantly associated with NSCL±P, independently of the other variables (PRa=1.41; p=0.042). Regarding TA, only the cleft presence was associated with a higher prevalence of TA regardless of different variables (PRa=3.70; p=0.001). There was no association between TA and the investigated genetic polymorphisms. When TA and NSCL±P were considered together, a borderline association was observed with rs1800470 in TGFB1 (p=0.06).

CONCLUSION

NSCL±P is associated with TA outside the cleft area. The EGF rs2237051 was associated with NSCL±P. Polymorphisms in genes encoding growth factors are not associated with TA.

Tooth Anomalies in Patients With Nonsyndromic Orofacial Cleft: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the frequency of tooth anomalies (TA) in the deciduous and permanent dentition of patients with nonsyndromic orofacial clefts (NSOC), both inside and outside the cleft area.

METHODS

The following databases were searched for the relevant literature: Cochrane, OVID, SciELO, Embase, Livivo, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The risk of bias was analyzed using the Joanna Briggs Institute. Fixed and random-effects meta-analysis was performed comparing the presence and absence of NSOC subtypes. The certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE approach.

RESULTS

Out of 1939 articles identified, after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 75 articles were included (46 cohort and 29 case-control), including 27,703 patients (16,450 with NSOC and 11,253 healthy controls) from 34 countries. The meta-analyses revealed higher odds for tooth agenesis (ORNSOC: 3.72; p = 0.001) and macrodontia (ORNSOC: 8.04; p = 0.04) across the different cleft subtypes outside the cleft area compared with the control group in the permanent dentition, whereas the frequency of root dilaceration was significantly lower in nonsyndromic cleft lip only (NSCLO) (ORNSCLO: 0.38; p < 0.0001) and in nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate (NSCLP) (ORNSCLP: 0.44; 95% p < 0.0001). The results also demonstrated a higher risk of tooth agenesis (ORNSOC: 16.49; p < 0.0001), microdontia (ORNSOC: 17.14; p < 0.0001), macrodontia (ORNSOC: 10.41; p = 0.02), supernumerary tooth (ORNSOC: 10.03; p < 0.0001), and enamel hypoplasia (ORNSOC: 5.62; p < 0.0001) in the permanent dentition inside the cleft area of patients with NSOC. However, for the deciduous dentition, outside the cleft area, microdontia was the only TA significantly more frequent in patients with NSOC (ORNSOC: 6.24; p = 0.006) and nonsyndromic cleft palate only (NSCPO) (ORNSCPO: 8.45; p = 0.02) compared with the control group. TA associations varied across populations. In Europe, no significant associations were found for NSOC, while in Asia, strong associations were observed for NSCLP and NSCL ± P (ORNSCLP and NSCL±P: 139.19; p < 0.0001). In South America, significant associations were identified for NSCLP (ORNSCLP: 2.16; p < 0.0001), NSCL ± P (ORNSCL±P: 2.48; p < 0.0001), and NSOC (ORNSOC: 2.72; p < 0.0001). In North America, tooth agenesis was more frequent in NSCL ± P (ORNSCL±P: 4.75; p < 0.0001), though no significant associations were found for NSCLP or NSOC. In the cleft area, significant associations were observed in European populations for NSOC, including increased frequencies of tooth agenesis (ORNSOC: 19.57; p = 0.003) and supernumerary teeth (ORNSOC: 9.77; p < 0.0001). Asian populations showed similar patterns (ORNSOC: 19.23; p = 0.002), while no significant associations were noted in South America due to limited data. Root dilaceration remained less frequent in NSCLO (ORNSCLO: 0.38; p < 0.0001) and NSCLP (ORNSCLP: 0.44; p < 0.0001), with no associations identified for microdontia, taurodontism, supernumerary tooth, impacted tooth, or transposition.

CONCLUSION

The results confirm a higher frequency of TA in the permanent dentition of patients with NSOC compared to controls, regardless of cleft subtype. However, significant differences were observed depending on whether the TA occurred inside or outside the cleft area. Although only a limited number of studies were included, microdontia was the only TA significantly more prevalent in the cleft area of patients with NSOC in the deciduous dentition. Variations in the frequency of TA across populations highlight the complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and methodological factors influencing these associations. Despite these findings, the quality of the existing evidence is moderate, with limitations stemming from small sample sizes, methodological variations, and study heterogeneity. These results emphasize the importance of tailored dental management and early intervention strategies for individuals with different cleft subtypes to effectively address and mitigate the impact of these tooth anomalies on oral health and development.

Prevalence of tooth agenesis and supernumerary teeth related to different Thai cleft lip and cleft palate populations

BACKGROUND

Pattern of dental anomalies encountered in cleft patients shows subtle signs of genetic involvement. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and pattern of tooth agenesis and supernumerary teeth in Thai cleft population according to the cleft type.

METHODS

Data collected from patients with cleft lip and palate, who had been treated at Tawanchai Cleft Center, Khon Kaen University, Thailand, available during year 2012-2022, were investigated. Records from 194 patients with non-syndromic clefts met the inclusion criteria. Standard dental records, and at least either orthopantomogram (OPG) or cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), were examined. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square and binominal test (p ≤ 0.05).

RESULTS

Prevalence of tooth agenesis was higher (77.3%) than that of supernumerary teeth (5.7%) and was more common in bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) (88.1%) than in unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) (72.6%) (p = 0.017). The upper lateral incisor was more frequently affected (46.4%), followed by the upper second premolar. The number of missing teeth observed on the left side was significantly higher. Patients with left UCLP (ULCLP) had the highest prevalence of tooth agenesis. A total of 41 tooth agenesis code (TAC) patterns was found. The prevalence of supernumerary teeth was comparable with 6.6% of ULCLP, 5.1% of BCLP, and 4.5% of URCLP. Tooth-number anomalies were observed more often in the BCLP and were most likely to occur on the left side of the maxilla. Both types of anomalies could be featured in a small proportion of cleft patients.

CONCLUSIONS

More than half of the patients with non-syndromic cleft lip and palate in this study, presented with tooth-number anomalies. Tooth agenesis was approximately 10-time more prevalent than supernumerary teeth. Tooth agenesis was likely to appear on the left-side of the maxilla regardless of the laterality of the cleft.

Molar-incisor hypomineralization in a cohort of individuals born with cleft lip and palate

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the frequency of molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) in individuals born with cleft lip and or cleft palate.

SETTINGS AND SAMPLE

Three hundred eighty-six individuals born with cleft lip and/or palate before orthodontic treatment.

METHODS

All the individuals were submitted to a clinical examination and intraoral standardized photos. The registration of MIH was taken by two orthodontists and analysed in association with the cleft type and laterality. The Kruskal-Wallis test and the regression test were used to compare the frequency of molars and incisors affected according to cleft type and laterality, sex and age.

RESULTS

We found a frequency of 67.87% of MIH in the studied sample. The frequency varied from 25% (in individuals born with cleft palate) to 77% in individuals born with bilateral cleft lip and palate). The number of affected molars was statistically different depending on cleft type and laterality (P < .001- Kruskal-Wallis test). Differences were found between individuals born with unilateral cleft lip and palate and unilateral cleft lip and alveolus (P = .03), and with isolated cleft palate (P = .03), and between individuals born with bilateral cleft lip and palate and born with unilateral cleft lip and alveolus (P = .01), and cleft palate (P = .01). Sex (P = .21) and age (P = .36) had no influence on the frequency of MIH. A positive correlation was found between the number of molars affected and incisors affected (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Individuals born with cleft lip and palate have a higher frequency of MIH, and the complexity of cleft type was associated with the number of affected molars.

Comparison of Alveolar Bone Grafting Outcomes using CBCT in Individuals with UCLP Based on the Presurgical Orthodontic Treatment Methods

OBJECTIVE

The purpose is to evaluate outcomes of alveolar bone grafting based on the pre-grafting orthodontic preparation methods.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of individuals with unilateral cleft lip and palate.

SUBJECTS AND SETTINGS

28 individuals with non-syndromic UCLP from two craniofacial centers, 14 individuals each from XXXX and XXXX.

INTERVENTIONS

The alignment group underwent maxillary expansion with incisors alignment while the non-alignment group underwent only maxillary expansion for presurgical orthodontic preparation.

METHODS

Initial and post-surgical CBCT scans were compared to observe changes in angulation of the incisor adjacent to the cleft site, alveolar bony root coverage, and bone graft outcomes.

RESULTS

In the alignment group, the buccolingual rotation decreased by 32.35 degrees (p = .0002), the anteroposterior inclination increased by 14.01 degrees (p = .0004), and the mesiodistal angulation decreased by 17.88 degrees (p = .0001). Alveolar bony coverage did not change after bone graft in both groups, and no difference was observed between the groups. Chelsea scale showed satisfactory bone graft outcome (category A, C) in 12 cases (85.71%) in the alignment group and 11 cases (78.51%) in the non-alignment group. The volumetric measurement showed the alignment group had better bone fill of 69.85% versus 51.45% in the non-alignment group (p = .0495).

CONCLUSIONS

Alveolar bony coverage on the tooth adjacent to cleft sites did not change with alveolar bone grafting surgery in either of the alignment and non-alignment group. Presurgical orthodontic alignment does not induce root exposure nor poorer bone grafting outcome.

A Cross-Sectional Study of the Dental Arch Relationship and Palatal Morphology after Cleft Surgery in Italian Children with Unilateral Cleft and Lip Palate

Dental arch relationships (DARs) and palatal morphology (PM) were evaluated in in non-syndromic complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) Italian patients after surgery. Pre- and postnatal factors affecting the results were investigated. Sixty-six children with UCLP (40 boys and 26 girls, with a mean age of 10.1 ± 2.9 years), predominantly Caucasian (77%), were consecutively enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Twenty children had received a one-stage protocol consisting of an early periosteal palate surgical repair and lip closure and forty-six were submitted to a staged surgical protocol with delayed palate repair (DPR). A single clinician collected data on their medical history and carried out a dental examination. The DAR and PM were graded on dental casts according to the Eurocran index and dichotomised as favourable and unfavourable based on the treatment outcome. Multiple logistic regression analyses demonstrated that female sex (OR = 6.08, 95% CI: 1.47-25.23, p = 0.013), DPR (OR = 4.77, 95% CI: 1.14-19.93, p = 0.032) and the use of a neonatal plate (OR = 4.68, 95% CI: 1.27-17.16, p = 0.020) increased the odds of having favourable DAR, while only DPR (OR = 9.76, 95% CI: 2.40-39.71, p = 0.001) was significantly associated with a favourable PM. Based on these findings, only DPR had a significantly favourable effect on both DAR and DM in Italian children with complete UCLP.

Use of Individually Designed CAD/CAM Suprastructures for Dental Reconstruction in Patients with Cleft Lip and Palate

This patient series reports the outcomes of CAD/CAM prosthetic reconstructions in patients with cleft lip and palate (n = 9, aged 27 to 76) who have experienced significant failure with conventional restorative and fixed prosthodontic treatments. The objective of the protocol is to establish a functional and patient-friendly prosthetic structure for individuals with unilateral/bilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP/BCLP) while minimising the requirement for specialised follow-up care in the cleft unit. The study data were obtained from a retrospective cohort at Helsinki University Hospital. Prosthetic reconstructions were performed using CAD/CAM bar structures by the Atlantis 2in1 system or Createch removable telescope structures, supported by four to eight maxillary dental implants. Out of the nine patients, seven experienced no complications. One prosthesis fracture occurred after 16 months due to a design error in the original framework, and one patient experienced failure of osseointegration in a dental fixture (specifically, one fixture out of the eight maxillary implants in this patient). In total, 56 implants were successfully placed. The maxillary dentition of elderly patients with cleft lip and palate often poses challenges due to periodontal and reconstructive issues. An implant-supported CAD/CAM bar with a removable telescope suprastructure offers an easily maintained and functional solution for dental rehabilitation.

Maternal consumption of caffeine and second-hand tobacco smoke as risk factors for the development of oral clefts

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this case-control study was to investigate environmental factors, such as caffeine, folic acid, nutritional iron supplementation, multivitamin complexes, alcohol, and tobacco (second-hand smoking), which have been described as risk factors for the development of oral clefts.

METHODS

This case-control study employed convenience sampling and included 409 mothers: 132 with children with oral clefts (cases) and 277 with children without oral clefts (controls). The age range of the children in both groups was 0 to 2 years. A questionnaire was administered to each mother to inquire about their habits and food consumption during the first trimester of pregnancy.

RESULTS

Folic acid supplementation was observed in 116 (87.8%) of the case group (p < 0.001) and 271 (97.8%) of the control group. Regarding the use of ferrous sulfate, 114 (86.3%) of the case group and 271 (97.8%) of the control group reported using it. In the case group, 84 (63.6%) mothers reported being exposed to second-hand smoke, and 5 (3.7%) reported alcohol consumption (p = 0.797). In terms of caffeine consumption, 127 mothers (95.4%) in the case group consumed it (p = 0.13), while 247 (88.8%) reported consumption in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest a direct relationship between secondhand smoke, alcohol consumption, and the lack of maternal supplementation with oral clefts.

Challenges for dental care of the paediatric patient born with cleft lip and/or palate

This paper forms part of a series on the management of patients with cleft lip and/or palate (CLP). Children with CLP have a higher incidence of dental caries and dental anomalies. This paper explains the important roles of both the general dental practitioner and specialist paediatric dentist on the cleft team in managing these children alongside the multidisciplinary team.

Dental Anomalies in a Sample of Lebanese Children: a Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

Dental anomalies (DAs) represent a significant chapter in pediatric dentistry with a lot of practical relevance. Both primary and permanent dentitions may be affected.

OBJECTIVE

The main objective of our study was to evaluate, using digital panoramic radiographs, the prevalence, distribution, and patterns of DAs in a sample of Lebanese children aged between 8 and 15 years old.

METHODS

112 digital panoramic radiographs of patients aged between 8 and 15 years (60 males and 52 females) from the year 2017 till 2022 attending the department of Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health at the Faculty of Dental Medicine at the Lebanese University were assessed for DAs of number (hypodontia, oligodontia, hyperdontia), of size (microdontia, macrodontia), of shape (fusion, gemination, dilaceration, taurodontism), of position (transposition, ectopia, impaction), and of structure (dentin dysplasia, amelogenesis imperfecta, dentinogenesis imperfecta). The data were analyzed statistically using Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests.

RESULTS

Out of 112 patient radiographs, 84 showed at least one DA, which suggests a very high prevalence (75%). Among them, 36.9% exhibited multiple types of anomalies. These 84 patients showed a total of 274 DAs, distributed equally among males and females.

CONCLUSION

Dentists should be alerted to the presence of DAs. Their high prevalence requires careful clinical and radiological examinations for early detection. Regular monitoring is mandatory and could guide preventive approaches to minimize associated dental complications.

Dental anomalies in cleft lip and palate: A case-control comparison of total and outside the cleft prevalence

This study's objective was to compare the total and outside the cleft prevalence of dental anomalies (DA) between patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) and a control group. This retrospective cross-sectional study was done under a case-control design. The case group consisted of 192 non-syndromic patients with complete CLP, while the control group included 411 patients. All subjects had orthopantomography, intra, and extraoral photographs. The prevalence of dental agenesis, supernumerary teeth, impacted teeth, dental transposition, and microdontia were compared using a chi-squared test (P < .05). Next, a second test was made, but only the anomalies outside the cleft were considered for this study. Total prevalence was 89.1% for cases, and 20.9% for controls (P < .01). The prevalence of each DA was significantly higher for the case group. In the analysis of DAs outside the cleft, the total prevalence was still significantly associated (P < .01); however, only dental agenesis was statistically significant (P < .01). Further analysis found that a high rate of upper premolar absence (P < .01) could explain this event. Patients with CLP have a higher prevalence of DAs compared to controls. After considering only the DAs outside the cleft, the total prevalence remains significantly higher. However, this phenomenon is explained mainly by the elevated prevalence of upper premolars' agenesis. This study's results suggest that environmental factors are behind the high prevalence of DAs in subjects with CLP.

Tooth abnormalities associated with non-syndromic cleft lip and palate: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between orofacial clefts (OFC) and tooth abnormalities (TA).

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, LILACS, and BBO, and in the gray literature and selected observational studies that evaluated the association between TA and OFC. The risk of bias was analyzed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed comparing the presence and absence of OFC, cleft type-cleft palate (CP) and cleft lip with or without palate (CL/P)-and cleft laterality-unilateral and bilateral. The certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE approach.

RESULTS

A total of 99 studies were included in the qualitative analysis, and 37 were included in the meta-analysis. Only four studies were classified as low risk of bias. Significant associations were observed between the presence of OFC and tooth agenesis (OR = 19.46; 95%CI = 4.99-75.96), supernumerary teeth (OR = 4.04; 95%CI = 1.26-12.99), developmental defects of enamel (OR = 3.15; 95%CI = 1.28-7.80), microdontia (OR = 15.57; 95%CI = 1.06-228.51), and taurodontism (OR = 1.74; 95%CI = 1.74-2.86). Individuals with CP had a lower frequency of supernumerary teeth (OR = 0.22; 95%CI = 0.08-0.64), peg-shaped tooth (OR = 0.31; 95%CI = 0.12-0.80), and morphological TA (OR = 0.13; 95%CI = 0.04-0.45) than individuals with CL/P. No TA was significantly associated with cleft laterality (p > 0.05). The quality of the evidence was very low in all analyses.

CONCLUSION

Individuals with OFC had a higher frequency of TA than those without OFC. Individuals with CP had a lower frequency of TA than individuals with CL/P. No TA was associated to cleft laterality.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Help to identify the treatment needs of individuals affected by OFC, improving the services provided to this population.

Impact of a new combined preoperative cleft assessment on dental implant success in patients with cleft and palate: a retrospective study

Background

Bone height assessment alone is frequently used to guide rehabilitation choice, without consideration for soft tissues or adjacent teeth. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of different preoperative cleft assessments on implant success and patient satisfaction.

Methods

The study involved a retrospective assessment of records from 40 patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP). The alveolar cleft score (ACS; clinical criteria), interdental alveolar bone height (IABH) score (radiological criteria), patient compliance score (dental hygiene, medical visit observance, and smoking), and a novel combined score (IABH-ACS-Compliance) were assessed from patient records. Patients who required prosthetic tooth rehabilitation in the cleft dental arch space were included. Twenty-six patients (Group 1) were treated with dental implants, and 14 patients (Group 2) selected another prosthetic option (fixed prosthodontics, removal prosthesis), orthodontic space closure, or no rehabilitation. The main outcomes measured were relative implant success (no implant loss involving marginal bone loss ≤ 1.9 mm) for patients treated with dental implant therapy (Group 1) and patient satisfaction for all patients (Groups 1 and 2).

Results

Forty dental implants were placed in the patients in Group 1. Four implants in four patients (Group 1 relative failure, RF) were lost (implant survival rate of 90%) after 36 (± 12.4) months of follow-up. Twenty-two patients who received implants belonged to the relative implant success group (Group 1 RS). The average “IABH-ACS-Compliance” scores were significantly different (p < 0.05): 16.90 ± 2.35 and 12.75 ± 0.43 for the Group 1 RS and RF groups, respectively.

Conclusions

Preoperative cleft parameters have an impact on relative implant success and patient satisfaction. The new cleft assessment combined-score (“IABH-ACS-Compliance”) allows an accurate selection of cleft cases eligible for dental implants, thereby improving postoperative outcomes.

Alveolar bone heights of maxillary central incisors in unilateral cleft lip and palate patients using cone-beam computed tomography evaluation

PURPOSE

The aims of this retrospective cross-sectional study were to measure and compare labial and palatal alveolar bone heights of maxillary central incisors in unilateral cleft lip and palate patients, following STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) guidelines.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study group consisted of 21 patients with a mean age of 16 years. High-resolution cone-beam computed tomography was performed at least one year after secondary alveolar bone grafting. The experimental side was the cleft side and the contralateral side without congenital cleft was the control. Measurements were performed on incisors' midsagittal cross-sections. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for intergroup comparisons.

RESULTS

The labial and palatal distances between alveolar bone crests and cementoenamel junctions were significantly greater on the cleft side than on the noncleft side. Mean differences were 0.75 and 1.41 mm, respectively. The prevalence of dehiscences at the cleft side maxillary central incisors was 52% on the labial surface and 43% on the palatal surface. In the controls, it was 19% and 14%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The cleft-adjacent maxillary central incisors had more apically displaced alveolar bone crests on the labial and palatal sides of the roots than the controls. Higher prevalence of dehiscences was found on the cleft side. Bone margin differences predispose to gingival height differences of the central incisors. These differences could increase the demands of patients to obtain more esthetic treatment results with orthodontic extrusion and periodontal intervention on the cleft side.

Sella Turcica Bridging and Tooth Agenesis in Children With Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate

AIM

To investigate differences in sella turcica size and bridging in children with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) with or without concomitant dental anomalies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out looking at 56 children with nonsyndromic UCLP. Lateral cephalograms, taken before alveolar bone grafting, were used to assess sella turcica height, width, area, and bridging. Panoramic radiographs were used to evaluate the presence of dental anomalies in the cleft area including agenesis, supernumerary, and peg-shaped lateral incisors. Differences between sella turcica measurements in the presence or absence of dental anomalies were assessed using t tests. Differences between the prevalence of dental anomalies and sella turcica bridging were assessed using χ² and Fisher exact tests. Multinomial logistic regression was used to investigate potential associations between sella measurements and dental anomalies.

RESULTS

Twenty-six of the 56 children presented with agenesis of the cleft-side lateral incisor, while 7 had a supernumerary, and 19 had a peg-shaped lateral incisor. With regard to sella turcica bridging, 27 children had no calcification, 25 partial and 4 complete calcification. Children with agenesis of the cleft-side lateral incisor showed a shorter sella maximum height (P = .010) and a smaller area (P = .019). When looking at sella turcica bridging, 100% of children with complete calcification showed agenesis of the cleft-side lateral incisor, compared with 52% and 33% of children with partial calcification and no calcification, respectively (P = .034).

CONCLUSIONS

Children with UCLP and sella turcica bridging are more likely to present with agenesis of the cleft-side maxillary lateral incisor.

Patterns of dental anomalies in patients with nonsyndromic oral cleft

Aim: To characterize the patterns of dental anomalies (DA) in the mixed and permanent dentitions of patients with nonsyndromic oral cleft (NSOC). Methods: This cross-sectional, observational, case-control study included 173 patients, 61 with mixed dentition (NSOC=29 and control=32) and 112 with permanent dentition (NSOC=57 and control=55). All subjected were submitted to clinical and radiographic examination. Dental anomalies of eruption, number, size and shape outside the cleft area were considered. Results: Although there was no statistical significance among patients with mixed dentition, dental agenesis was the anomaly more common in this group. In patients with permanent dentition, a higher prevalence of DA in NSOC group compared to control group was observed (p=0.02). Gyroversion and dental agenesis were the DA more frequently observed in the permanent dentition and the second premolar was the tooth more affected (p=0.003). Mandible and the left side were more involved, and dental agenesis was more frequently found in patients with unilateral cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL±P). Conclusion: Our findings show a higher frequency of DA in NSOCs than in the control group in patients with permanent dentition, mainly due to a higher occurrence of agenesis of second premolars in patients with unilateral NSCL±P.

A novel method for alveolar bone grafting assessment in cleft lip and palate patients: cone-beam computed tomography evaluation

Objectives

This retrospective cross-sectional study aimed to present a new method for secondary alveolar bone grafting (SABG) assessment and to qualitatively evaluate the SABG results in unilateral cleft lip and palate patients.

Materials and methods

Research was conducted according to the STROBE guidelines. The study group consisted of 21 patients with a mean age of 16 years. High-resolution cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was performed at least 1 year after grafting. The experimental side was the cleft side, and the contralateral side without a congenital cleft was the control. Measurements were performed at four levels of the maxillary central incisors’ roots according to the new scale with scores from 0 to 3. The sum of the scores provided a general assessment of bone architecture. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for intergroup comparisons, and a Kappa coefficient was used for reproducibility measurements.

Results

High individual variability was found, and the bone architecture was significantly worse on the cleft side than on the noncleft side. The results showed 28.57% failure, 33.33% poor, 19.05% moderate, and 19.05% good results from the surgical procedure. Kappa coefficients produced results from 0.92 to 1.00 for intra-rater and from 0.81 to 1.00 for inter-rater reproducibility.

Conclusions

CBCT provides detailed information about alveolar bone morphology. The new assessment method is useful at every treatment stage and provides excellent repeatability. SABG did not provide good bone morphology, in most cases.

Clinical relevance

This research presents a new universal alternative for the assessment of SABG by utilizing CBCT.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00784-020-03505-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Dental anomalies in the deciduous dentition of non-syndromic oral clefts patients

Abstract Objectives: to investigate the prevalence of dental anomalies in complete deciduous dentition of children with NSCL/P. Methods: this study included 75 children with NSCL/P and 286 healthy control. In both groups the children had deciduous dentition with ages varying from 4 to 6 years. Clinical examination, panoramic and periapical radiographies were performed and dental anomalies of number and shape were considered. Results: there was a higher prevalence of dental anomalies in the case group, compared to the control group. In all, 42 dental anomalies were identified, 25.33% in the case group and 8.04% in control group (p<0.001). Therewas a higher frequency of dental anomalies in NSCL/P (47.36%), followed by non-syndromic cleft lip (31.57%) and non-syndromic cleft palate (21.05%). The occurrence of agenesis (p= 0.005) and twinning (p = 0.029) were higher in the case group. Conclusions: the occurrence of agenesis and dental twinning was more frequent in the case group and may contribute to the definition of oral cleft subphenotype.

Tooth Agenesis in Patients with Complete Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate

Aim

The aim of this study was to compare the number of teeth in the premaxilla (cleft area) and to assess the presence of tooth agenesis with the ultimate goal of finding whether differences existed in the two suggested subtypes of nonsyndromic bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) patients.

Settings and Design

A retrospective comparative study was conducted, where cone- beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 22 BCLP patients (10 males and 12 females, with age range 8 to 14, mean age 9.6 years) obtained from archive of Cleft Clinic, affiliated to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery department, Ain-Shams University, Cairo, Egypt were assessed.

Subjects and Methods

CBCT images were divided into two subtypes: Group (P) - this represents BCLP characterized by well-developed (P) prominent premaxilla and SNA >80 ± 2 and Group (R) - this represents BCLP characterized by ill-developed (R) rudimentary premaxilla and SNA <80 ± 2. The number of teeth in the premaxilla was evaluated, and the presence of agenesis in the premaxilla and posterior segments was documented.

Statistical Analysis Used

Unpaired-Student's t-test was used to compare the number of teeth among the two groups and to test significance at P < 0.05. Intraobserver agreement was assessed using alpha (Cronbach) reliability analysis. A descriptive analysis using percentages was performed to characterize tooth agenesis.

Results

A significant difference was found in the number of teeth in the premaxilla among Group R and Group P. Maxillary lateral incisor showed the highest percentage of agenesis in the two groups followed by the maxillary second premolar.

Conclusions

The number of teeth might be useful in differentiating different subtypes of nonsyndromic BCLP.

Implant-borne rehabilitation for alveolar dental cleft: Retrospective analysis of thirty-nine cases

INTRODUCTION

Dental rehabilitation of patients with alveolar-dental cleft sequelae is a crucial issue in the final stages of functional and aesthetic management of these patients. The objectives of this study are to establish the success of implant-supported rehabilitations for patients with alveolar dental cleft sequelae followed in the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery and Stomatology of Lille University Hospital and the reasons for not using this type of rehabilitation for others.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

Patients treated between January 2009 and December 2018 with implant-supported prostheses at an alveolar dental cleft site were included. Dental implants were placed after a complementary alveolar bone graft. Clinical and radiological criteria regarding periodontal, occlusal and prosthetic status were studied.

RESULTS

A total of 12 implants in 8 patients were placed. One of these implants was lost, resulting in an implant survival rate of 91.7%. All patients were able to benefit from functional rehabilitation.

DISCUSSION

The present results demonstrate the interest and reliability of implant rehabilitation in these patients. They furthermore highlight financial factors as a barrier to using this solution among the majority of patients in care.

Enamel defects in permanent teeth of patients with cleft lip and palate: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the prevalence, type, and location of enamel defects in the permanent teeth of patients with complete unilateral or bilateral cleft lip and palate (CLP), and compared the prevalence and characteristics of defects between CLP patients and non-CLP individuals.

METHODS

We examined completely erupted permanent dentition, except for third molars, of CLP patients and non-CLP individuals of both sexes, 9-36 years of age, and analyzed corresponding panoramic radiographs. Two independent examiners performed clinical examinations in accordance with the Modified Developmental Defects of Enamel index.

RESULTS

A total of 210 (87.9%) CLP patients and 194 (41.4%) non-CLP individuals had at least one enamel defect; these were more prevalent in the CLP group than in the non-CLP group. Upper teeth were primarily affected by enamel defects associated with the cleft; defects were most prevalent on the cleft side in CLP patients, followed by the non-cleft side in CLP patients, and then by non-CLP individuals.

CONCLUSION

Enamel defects were more common in CLP patients than in non-CLP individuals. Among CLP patients, enamel defects were more prevalent in the cleft side of the maxilla; the central incisor was the most commonly affected tooth in this quadrant.

Fetal dental panorama on three-dimensional ultrasound imaging of cleft lip and palate and other facial anomalies

OBJECTIVES

Craniofacial deformities have a high psychosocial impact. The aim of this paper is to improve obstetric ultrasonography and prenatal detection of facial anomalies by providing a new fetal dental panorama.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The present study describes a new modality to visualize the fetal tooth germs and an easy step-by-step diagnostic approach. Image acquisition was performed between 23 and 32 weeks of gestation using a Voluson E10 GE ultrasound machine with an RM6C transducer (GE Medical Systems, Zipf, Austria). Reconstruction was performed using Omniview from the axial image. Volume contrast imaging (VCI) was used with a thickness of 20 mm, and a render mode that combined "Rx mode" and "surface texture."

RESULTS

The resulting imaging allows a more precise visualization of the fetal dental arch and can be obtained between 14 and 28 weeks of gestation. The presence of dental anomalies can be a clue for the diagnosis of various congenital defects, in particular conditions with a shortage of other physical abnormalities, such as ectodermal dysplasia and Binder syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

The creation of a precise fetal dental panorama allows an improved detection of facial deformities.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

With the current paper, we want to increase prenatal diagnostics facial anomalies, and help to establish a tailored multidisciplinary treatment plan. This paper should be of interest to readers who are currently treating patients with craniofacial malformations and readers who are performing diagnostic prenatal sonography.