A Comparative Study on the Measurements of Palatal Shelf Area and Gradient for Adult Patients With Unoperated Cleft Palate

Objective: To determine the maxillary growth potential of cleft palate patients compared with the normal population. Methods: By using a three-dimensional computed tomography scanning and imaging system, the gradient and surface area of the palatal shelves were measured and analyzed statistically among 30 adults with normal occlusion, 30 adult patients with operated unilateral complete cleft lip and palate, and 30 adults with unoperated unilateral complete cleft lip and palate. Results: In comparison with the control group, for the unoperated unilateral complete cleft lip and palate subjects, the gradient of the palatal shelves at both the cleft and noncleft sides was larger, meaning that the palatal shelves were rotated cranially and were more vertically positioned. The palatal surface area was significantly smaller in the unoperated and operated unilateral complete cleft lip and palate groups than in the noncleft control group; although, there was no significant difference between the unoperated and operated unilateral complete cleft lip and palate groups. Conclusions: There is an intrinsic tissue deficiency in the palate/maxilla of unilateral complete cleft lip and palate patients.