The Effect of the Lip Adhesion Procedure on the Alveolar Arch

Abstract

In a material of 89 wide clefts, we measured the effect of the lip adhesion on the width of the cleft, the deviation of the maxillary arch segments, and in bilateral clefts on the premaxillary protrusion. The width of the unilateral complete cleft diminished by two-thirds, on average, depending upon decreasing positive deviation of the major alveolar segment, while the minor segment did not react at all. In unilateral alveolar clefts the effect was in principle similar. In bilateral complete clefts the width of the cleft diminished by only 40-50%, on the average, and the protrusion of the premaxilla by 8-23%, while the primarily always negative segmental deviation decreased by about 40%. The age at operation within certain limits did not seem to influence the results in any significant way. Lip adhesion is thus recommended especially in wide unilateral complete clefts as an operative orthodontic procedure to facilitate subsequent final repair.

Effect of One-Stage Bilateral Cleft Lip, Nose, and Alveolus Repair Following Nasoalveolar Molding on the Premaxilla Position at Preadolescence: An 8-Year Retrospective Study

“…7 Studies have also shown that the protrusion of the premaxilla decreases by 8% to 23% and deviation decreases by 40% following lip adhesion surgery. 13 Other studies have demonstrated that lip adhesion surgery reduces the alveolar gap by 60% in patients with BCLP. 14 However, there is a risk that the soft tissue will break down due to the tension of the protruding premax-illa 15 frequently resulting in the need for additional revisional surgical procedures on the lip.…”

“…The goal of lip adhesion is to retract the protruding premaxilla, bring the alveolar segments together, and minimize tension in the soft tissue before definitive lip surgery 7 . Studies have also shown that the protrusion of the premaxilla decreases by 8% to 23% and deviation decreases by 40% following lip adhesion surgery 13 . Other studies have demonstrated that lip adhesion surgery reduces the alveolar gap by 60% in patients with BCLP 14 .…”