Extraoral traction to the maxilla with face mask: a follow-up of 17 consecutively treated patients with and without cleft lip and palate.

Abstract

Lateral cephalometric films of seven cleft palate (CP) or unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and ten nonCLP patients were obtained immediately before extraoral traction with face mask, immediately after, and at 6 months follow-up. The mean age at start of treatment was 7 years for the CLP patients and 11 years for the nonCLP patients. The average duration of traction was 8 months in both groups. The traction force was gradually increased from 300 to 800 g on each side. Five angular measurements were defined and recorded. The mean net effect in anterior displacement of the maxilla in the CLP group was +0.2 degrees (range +2.5 degrees to -2.5 degrees) and in the nonCLP group +1.0 degree (range +2.5 degrees to -1.0 degree). The orthopaedic effect of extraoral traction to the maxilla was found to be independent of skeletal morphology, age, peak height velocity (PHV), and duration of traction, and thus to be unpredictable. Normal overjet was obtained in most patients, because of a combination of anterior displacement of the maxilla, posterior displacement of the mandible, tipping of the incisors, and a possible anterior sliding of the maxillary dental arch on its base.