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doi: 10.1597/03-109.1
The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal: Vol. 42, No. 3, pp. 239–244.

Effect of an Intraoral Retrusion Plate on Maxillary Arch Dimensions in Complete Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Patients
Barbara C.M. Oosterkamp, D.D.S.
Robert P. van Oort, D.D.S., Ph.D.
Pieter U. Dijkstra, P.T., M.T., Ph.D.
Kees Stellingsma, D.D.S., Ph.D.
Michiel W.J. Bierman, D.D.S.
Lambert G.M. de Bont, D.D.S., Ph.D.

Dr. Oosterkamp is an Orthodontic Resident, and Dr. Bierman is an Orthodontist, Department of Orthodontics, University Hospital Groningen, The Netherlands. Dr. van Oort and Dr. Stellingsma are Maxillofacial Prosthodontists, and Dr. Dijkstra is a Clinical Epidemiologist, and Dr. de Bont is a Professor and Chairman, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Maxillofacial Prosthetics, University Hospital Groningen, The Netherlands

Submitted July 2003; Accepted May 2004.

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze maxillary arch dimensions in patients with complete bilateral cleft lip and palate treated with an intraoral retrusion plate prior to lip closure.

Patients: The effects of the intraoral retrusion plate were evaluated on serially obtained maxillary casts of 14 patients with complete bilateral cleft lip and palate.

Results: The Student's t test for dependent observations showed a significant decrease in distance between the premaxilla and the cleft lateral segments during active treatment. This decrease correlated with an increase in deviation of the premaxilla in relation to the vomer. For each millimeter decrease in distance between the premaxilla and the cleft lateral segments, an average increase in deviation of 4.0 degrees was found. Left and right cleft widths decreased significantly, premaxillary width increased significantly, and transverse dimensions did not change significantly.

Conclusion: From this study it can be concluded that active presurgical treatment with an intraoral retrusion plate induces a significant decrease in distance between the premaxilla and the lateral segments. This decrease is frequently accompanied by an increase in deviation of the premaxilla relative to the vomer.

KEY WORDS:complete bilateral cleft lip and palate, intraoral retrusion plate, presurgical orthopedic treatment

© 2005, The American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association