Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of maxillary protraction face mask combined with orthodontics on complete unilateral cleft lip and palate patients' jaws.
Methods: 14 patients with complete unilateral cleft of lip and palate were included. Lateral cephalometric films were taken before orthodontic treatment ,before protracting and after orthodontic treatment. The statistical data were compared and analysed by SPSS10.0. Student's t test was used to determine the effect of maxillary protraction face mask combined with orthodontic treatment on jaw growth before and after treatment.
Results: The treatment resulted in good outcomes: incisor's overjet of 2mm, stable occlusion and straight profile. The SNA angle had a significant increase (P<0.001). The SNB angle and mandibular plane angle (SN-MP) have no change (P>0.05). The convexity of angle had significant change (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Orthopedic force combined orthodontic treatment on patients with UCLP can promote the development of maxilla, without significant effect on the mandible. The overjet and overbite were improved by increasing the clination of upper anterior teeth, compensating lingually on lower anterior teeth and moving the upper anterior forward. The profile was improved from concave to straight, maxillary protrusion was increased, upper lip was plumpand, and the relationship between upper and lower jaws was more compatible.