A cone-beam computed tomography evaluation of facial asymmetry in unilateral cleft lip and palate individuals

Abstract

Our study aimed to examine facial asymmetry in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palates (UCLP) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and explore the factors responsible for lower facial asymmetry in these individuals. The experimental group included 21 adolescent patients with non-syndromic UCLP while the control group comprised 14 patients without any facial cleft defects. The maxillofacial regions of the patients in the two groups were scanned using CBCT, and the Mimics 10.01 software was used to analyze the images. Multiple linear stepwise regression analysis was used to explore the factors related to the deviation of the pogonion point (Pog). Comparison of the two groups showed that the position of the lateral point of the pyriform aperture and the length of the mandibular body exhibited significant asymmetry (P < 0.05). Pog in the UCLP group deviated to the cleft side (1.24 ± 2.28 mm), and was related to B6L(R) to Sagittal plane, CdL(R) to Sagittal plane, and U6L(R) to LS plane. We concluded that significant differences between the cleft and non-cleft sides existed only around the cleft, and not in the deeper regions of the maxillary complex. Functional adaption may be the main reason responsible for chin deviation in UCLP individuals.