No abstract

An analysis of integrated electromyographic (IEMG) activity of the superior orbicularis oris muscle was undertaken in 15 children with cleft lip and palate who have undergone surgery compared to 10 children without clefts (control group). Bipolar surface electrodes were used for IEMG recordings of resting level activity and during the swallowing of saliva. Similar resting level activity was observed in both groups. During the swallowing of saliva, activity in children with cleft lip and palate was higher than in children without clefts (noncleft children). Moreover, in the cleft lip and palate group, children with abnormal lip seal showed the highest values for IEMG activity during the swallowing of saliva. This fact suggests that with each swallow of saliva, a greater counteracting effect of the superior orbicularis oris muscle could be produced on the growing maxilla. This may result in a significant long-term effect on the growth of the stomatognathic system, since the process of swallowing is a 24-hour function repeated between 600 and 2400 times each day.

No abstract

An analysis of integrated electromyographic (IEMG) activity of the superior orbicularis oris muscle was undertaken in 15 children with cleft lip and palate who have undergone surgery compared to 10 children without clefts (control group). Bipolar surface electrodes were used for IEMG recordings of resting level activity and during the swallowing of saliva. Similar resting level activity was observed in both groups. During the swallowing of saliva, activity in children with cleft lip and palate was higher than in children without clefts (noncleft children). Moreover, in the cleft lip and palate group, children with abnormal lip seal showed the highest values for IEMG activity during the swallowing of saliva. This fact suggests that with each swallow of saliva, a greater counteracting effect of the superior orbicularis oris muscle could be produced on the growing maxilla. This may result in a significant long-term effect on the growth of the stomatognathic system, since the process of swallowing is a 24-hour function repeated between 600 and 2400 times each day.

A 15-month follow-up study was conducted on 13 children with unilateral cleft lip and palate. The patients presented with short upper lip, abnormal lip seal, and maxillary retrusion. All had undergone surgery in childhood. Cephalometric and electromyographic measurements were made prior to the start of treatment, 4 months into treatment, and after 15 months of continuous wear of a special removable appliance. The cephalometric measurements on paired comparison showed major improvement in both the sagittal maxillary and dentoalveolar positions. The electromyographic activity of the superior orbicularis oris muscle demonstrated no significant changes over the treatment period. Improvement in the sagittal maxillary and dentoalveolar positions seems to suggest that the elimination of the restrictive effect of the superior orbicularis oris muscle is a good therapeutic approach to promote normal growth potential in children with cleft lip and palate.