EVALUATION OF MANDIBULAR HARD AND SOFT TISSUES IN CLEFT PATIENTS*

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the mandibular hard and soft tissue measurements of unilateral and bilateral cleft lip and palate patients with non-cleft individuals. Materials and Methods: The study sample comprised of lateral cephalograms of 45 subjects. Sample included 15 non-cleft (NC), 15 unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and 15 bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) cases whose age were between 15 to 17. 1 angular 13 linear measurements were carried out using Arnett and Gunson soft tissue cephalometric analysis and 4 angular measurements were calculated with Steiner Analysis. Results: Mandibular incisor inclinations relative to the occlusal plane (Md1-Md OP) were significantly greater and mandibular incisor projections (Md1-TVL) were significantly retrusive in cleft subjects (p<0.05). Projection values pertaining to lower lip anterior (LLA-TVL), soft tissue B point (B’-TVL), and soft tissue pogonion (Pog’-TVL) were significantly deficient as well in cleft patients (p<0.05). Sagittal position of the maxilla (SNA) (p<0.001) and intermaxillary relation of the jaws (ANB) were significantly deficient in UCLP subjects (p<0.05) and BCLP individuals (p<0.01). LLA-TVL and B’-TVL correlated with SNB in cleft patients (p