Tooth Abnormalities of Number and Position in the Permanent Dentition of Patients with Complete Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To radiographically evaluate the prevalence of tooth abnormalities of number and position in the permanent dentition of individuals with complete bilateral cleft lip and palate. DESIGN: Cross-sectional retrospective. SETTING: Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies, University of São Paulo, Bauru, Brazil. PATIENTS: Two hundred five individuals with complete bilateral cleft lip and palate. INTERVENTIONS: Analysis of patient records and panoramic radiographs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Evaluation of hypodontia and supernumerary teeth and analysis of the position of the permanent maxillary lateral incisor in relation to the alveolar cleft. RESULTS: Hypodontia was observed in 144 patients (70.2%), and the highest prevalence was observed for the maxillary lateral incisor. When both lateral incisors were present (43%), they were primarily located on the distal side of the cleft (25%). Supernumerary teeth were observed in 11.7% of individuals. CONCLUSION: Patients with cleft lip and palate presented high prevalence of hypodontia and supernumerary teeth. The prevailing characteristics of their location may suggest the presence of a similar genetic component for the occurrence of hypodontia and cleft.