OBJECTIVE: To evaluate changes in maxillary transversal arch dimension in children with cleft lip and palate, during the complete deciduous dentition period, by a comparative study. METHOD: This study examined the intercanine and intermolar widths in 64 children with cleft lip and palate, as a study group, and 20 children presenting no deformities as a control group. Children were from 3 to 6 years old. The study group comprised 23 children with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP), 14 with bilateral cleft lip and palate, 15 with cleft lip (CL) and 12 with cleft palate (CP). Dental casts were obtained from both groups and the main points were marked for measurement. Using a digital caliper (Mitutoyo) the same examiner measured each cast twice at different moments and recorded the arithmetic mean. The results were subjected to statistical analysis (Anova F test within Tukey-Kramer procedure). CONCLUSIONS: The UCLP and BCLP presented intercanine width changed, affecting significantly the anterior maxillary transversal dimension during the deciduous dentition period, because they broke the whole maxillary structure.
Dimensional changes; Dental arches; Primary dentition; Cleft lip and palate
