Title: Oral health and quality of life among cleft lip and palate patients
Abstract:
TITLE:
The orthodontic part of an interdisciplinary evaluation of 30 consecutive patients with unilateral CLP at age 40 years. Orthodontic parameters compered to quality of life and oral health.
OBJECTIVE:
To study facial growth, occlusal and dental status in 30 patients and to compere the findings to the patient’s own subjective perception of oral health and quality of life.
MATERIAL AND METHODS:
30 consecutive patients born with a unilateral CLP from the CLP archive of Bergen Norway were evaluated. All treated by the same protocol and by the same surgeon. All patients were clinically and radiologically examined at the age of 40 years. The dental status was evaluated from OPG and the growth was evaluated by lateral cephalostatic measurements. Oral health and quality of life was evaluated from standardized questioner and interview.
RESULTS:
All results showed individually variations.
The sagittal relations did reveal reduced growth of the midface and retrognatic maxilla.
If we compare the dental arch to a perfect situation our group did need some extra orthodontic adjustments, but 2 patients had a perfect situation.
3 patients were professionally evaluated as need for orthognatic surgery, otherwise minor deviations.
For the oral health there was minor subjective discomfort.
5 of 16 patients had a small fistula to the nose. 2 had some subjective discomfort with soft food and drinks to the nose, but not on a daily basis.
Satisfied patients with a good quality of oral health
DISCUSSION AND SUMMARY:
Follow up studies are important for evaluation of the quality of the service we are giving to the CLP patients.The professional evaluation of outcome of the treatment does tell only part of the total outcome of treatment. If the subjective perception of satisfaction coinciding with the professional perception of an outcome of treatment, the outcome has been a success. This study with a long follow up is unique, but the size of the sample in CLP studies is always crucial, as well in our study. The evaluation is of major importance to decide if we will stick to our protocol.
