Malocclusion in children with and without cleft palate-a case-control study

Abstract

There is a principle agreement that malocclusion is a major health concern as it is the third most common oral disease, next only to dental caries and periodontal disease. As it is a major challenge for even normally abled children to handle these problems, questions arise as to the difference in the extent or severity of manifestation of malocclusion in the oral cavity of patients with cleft palate. The study aims to determine the prevalence of malocclusion in children with and without cleft palate. A sample size of 18 case sheets was reviewed for malocclusion in children with cleft only. The data was obtained from record management software of a private dental institute. Data was analysed using SPSS software, and Mann-Whitney was done. The results were recorded. Children with cleft palate showed higher incidence of malocclusion when compared to children without cleft palate. Within the limitations of the present study, children with cleft palate (case) showed a higher incidence of malocclusion than the control group.