ELECTROMYOGRAPHIC AND CEPHALOMETRIC FINDINGS IN PATIENTS WITH UNILATERAL CLEFT-LIP AND PALATE AFTER THE USE OF A SPECIAL REMOVABLE APPLIANCE

Cephalometric measurements and electromyographic analysis of the super ior orbicularis oris muscle were undertaken in 13 children with unilat eral cleft lip and palate with a short upper lip length who have under gone surgery in childhood. Initially, cephalometric and electromyograp hic records were evaluated and again after the subjects had continuous ly worn, for 4 months, a removable appliance specially designed to avo id the restraining effect of superior orbicularis oris muscle activity over the maxilla. Comparison between pretreatment and posttreatment c ephalometric measurements showed a significant improvement in both the sagittal position of the maxilla and the dentoalveolar position. No s ignificant changes were observed in electromyographic activity during rest or when saliva swallowing. Cephalometric changes suggest that the removable appliance used improves the growth of the maxilla.