EARLY PALATAL CHANGES AFTER INITIAL PALATAL SURGERY IN CHILDREN WITH CLEFT-LIP AND PALATE

Early palatal growth and development after primary palatal closure was studied in children with different types of cleft lip and palate (CLP ). Palatal dimensions were measured on dental casts taken at fixed age s, from 9 months to 4 years of age. The results showed that soft and h ard palatal closure in one stage had a significant impeding influence on posterior sagittal palatal growth compared to closure of the soft p alate only. Timing of surgery possibly had a small temporary restricti ve effect on posterior transverse palatal growth and development. Type and severity of the oral cleft had a significant effect on transverse palatal development and anterior sagittal dimensions. Anterior arch w idth was reduced in children with a complete unilateral (U) CLP or bil ateral (B) CLP. The palates of the latter children had consistently la rger anterior arch depths. Compared to normal children, palates of cle ft children changed anteriorly from wider at 9 months of age to narrow er at 4 years of age. Arch depths were smaller in cleft children excep t for anterior arch depths in children with complete BCLP.