Dental anomalies are more frequently seen in patients with CLP compared with the general population. There is a relationship between the cleft type and the ipsilateral lateral incisor agenesis.

ObjectiveThe objectives of this study were to evaluate linear and volumetric alveolar changes induced by nasoalveolar molding (NAM) in infants with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and compare the maxillary dimensions after NAM with the normal dimensions in infants without clefts.MethodsA total of 26 infants with UCLP treated by NAM (mean age before and after NAM: 14.20 ± 8.09 days and 118.16 ± 10.06 days, respectively) comprised the treatment group, while 26 infants without clefts (mean age: 115.81 ± 8.71 days) comprised the control group. Changes in the maxillary dimensions following NAM were measured on three-dimensional models using Mimics software, version 17.0.ResultsDuring NAM, there was a decrease in the cleft widths, maxillary arch depths, and rotation of the greater segment. While the anterior alveolar arch width exhibited a significant decrease, the posterior arch width was mostly maintained. There were no changes in the anterior vertical deviations of the alveolar segments. The alveolar crest lengths, arch circumference, and bilateral posterior volumetric measures exhibited an increase. After NAM, the anterior arch width was comparable between the treatment and control groups, whereas the posterior arch width and anterior vertical deviations were greater in the treatment group than in the control group. The maxillary arch depths, alveolar crest lengths, and maxillary volumes were smaller in the NAM group than in the control group.ConclusionsDuring NAM in infants with UCLP, the cleft width and anteroposterior and transverse alveolar dimensions exhibited a decrease while the vertical dimensions were maintained. Compared with infants without clefts, those with UCLP treated by NAM exhibited sagittal and vertical alveolar growth deficiencies and tissue insufficiency.

Objective:The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and distribution of natal/neonatal teeth in infants with cleft lip and palate (CLP) according to gender, involving jaw and side and to show the management of some cases.Materials and Methods:A retrospective study was carried out on medical history and photographic records of 69 infants with CLP, who were treated at the CLP clinic of Yeditepe University between years 2014–2015. The presence of neonatal teeth was determined, and if present the gender, type of cleft, and position were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed.Results:Neonatal teeth were observed in 7% of the study group. No significant differences were found between cleft types and gender (P > 0.05). The prevalence of neonatal teeth in bilateral, unilateral and isolated cleft type was 16.5%, 6.5%, and none, respectively. All neonatal teeth were located in the maxilla and on the cleft-side (100%).Conclusion:The presence of natal/neonatal teeth in infants with CLP was not rare. In all of these cases the teeth were located adjacent to the cleft region. In isolated palatal cleft, where the alveolar region including the teeth buds are away from the cleft, no neonatal teeth were observed. It may be concluded that neonatal teeth in infants with CLP are frequently present and located inside the borders of the presurgical orthopedic treatment (POT) plate. Therefore, if possible, immediate extraction of the neonatal teeth is advised or if not possible because of systemic health reasons, modifications of the plate are required.

Aim: The aim was to evaluate the anxiety and depression of both the father and mother of an infant with cleft lip and palate (CLP) before, during and after nasoalveolar molding (NAM) therapy and before and after the lip surgery. Subjects and Method: Forty mothers (age range: 18–36; mean ± SD: 23.6 ± 4.51) and 40 fathers (age range: 19–40; mean ± SD: 26.9 ± 4.69) of infants with CLP were asked to answer the 21-item Beck Depression as well as Anxiety Inventory (BDI and BAI) at 1 week after birth and before any intervention (T1), after impression taking (T2), after 2 months of NAM (T3), immediate before primary surgery (T4) and approximately 1 month of recovery after surgery (T5). Results: Maternal and paternal depression levels between T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 showed significant differences (P < 0.05). The BDI scores decrease from T2 to T3 and T4 to T5. The increases of scores from T3 to T4 were significant (P < 0.05). The maternal depression and anxiety levels were higher than the paternal ones in all time periods. The BDI and BAI levels were lesser in mothers and fathers of babies with unilateral than bilateral CLP (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Hence realizing of recovery, being in contact with the cleft team and other families, and having an active role in the therapy, the maternal and parental well-being increase with NAM therapy. However, depression and anxiety levels significantly increase before the lip surgery. It may be recommended that the cleft team deliver information and psychological support especially at birth and before the surgical approaches.

Turkish Journal of Orthodontics (Turk J Orthod) is an international, scientific, open access periodical published in accordance with independent, unbiased, and double-blinded peer-review principles. The journal is the official publication of Turkish Orthodontic Society and it is published quarterly on March, June, September and December. Turkish Journal of Orthodontics publishes clinical and experimental studies on on all aspects of orthodontics including craniofacial development and growth, reviews on current topics, case reports, editorial comments and letters to the editor that are prepared in accordance with the ethical guidelines. The journal's publication language is English and the Editorial Board encourages submissions from international authors.