Assessment of the asymmetry of the lower jaw, face, and palate in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate

This study aimed to assess the asymmetry of the lower jaw, face, and palate in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) using photography, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and digitized three-dimensional casts.This case-control study was conducted on photographic, CBCT, and digital cast records of 14 UCLP patients and 24 healthy controls between 10 and 16 years. Totally, 65 variables were measured on photographs, CBCT scans, and on digitized casts. Measurements were compared between the two groups and within each group between the two sides. For easier measurement, in patients who had right side CLP, the cleft was transferred to the left side and in subjects without cleft, mild chin deviation was transferred to the left side.The anteroposterior dimensions of the two condyles in the UCLP group were greater than those in the control group, while the mediolateral dimensions of the left condyle and ramus height, mandibular body length, and total length of the mandible in the control group were greater than those in the UCLP group. Right ocular, nasal, and angular variables were greater in the UCLP group. Other variables except for the palatal width from the right canine to midline were greater in the control group.Our findings highlighted the presence of asymmetry in the nasal and palatal areas in patients with UCLP while these patients had no significant difference with healthy controls in the relationship of condyles with the temporomandibular fossa.