Pattern of clefts and dental anomalies in six-year-old children: a retrospective observational study in western Norway

Prevalence and Incidence of Cleft Lip and/or Palate in Europe: A Scoping Review and Meta-Analysis

ObjectiveThis study synthesized and described the prevalence and incidence of cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) reported by different studies in Europe.DesignA scoping review was designed according to the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and an advanced search was conducted using MedLine, Science Direct, and Semantic Scholar without time or language restrictions. Two reviewers extracted data from the articles included.ParticipantsThe extracted data included specific details on the type of orofacial cleft, the European regions (Northern Europe, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and Southern Europe).Main Outcome Measure(s)A meta-analysis was conducted with the data reported for the incidence and prevalence of CL/P.ResultsA total of 66 studies were obtained reporting from 29 European countries. According to what was obtained from the meta-analysis, a prevalence of cleft lip and palate (CLP) of 0.7/1000 95% CI: (0.6-0.7) births is reported in Europe, followed by cleft palate (CP) and cleft lip (CL) with 0.5/1000 95% CI: (0.4-0.5) and 0.3/1000 95% CI: (0.3-0.4), respectively. A total prevalence of CL/P in Europe is estimated at 1.1/1000 95% CI: (1.0-1.2) between 1950 and 2014. The incidence of CLP is reported to be 0.7/1000 95% CI: (0.6 to 0.8) followed by CP and CL with 0.5/1000 95% CI: (0.5-0.6) and 0.4/1000 95% CI: (0.3-0.4), respectively. The total incidence of CL/P in Europe is estimated at 1.6/1000 95% CI: (1.5-1.7) between 1948 and 2018.ConclusionThis review provides a description of the status of the prevalence and incidence of CL/P in Europe and its regions, and can be considered as a guide for the development of promotion and prevention programs.

Dental Treatment Needs Among 16-Year-Old Patients with Cleft Lip and Palate: An Observational Study in Western Norway

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to a) assess intermaxillary sagittal relations, dental alignment, and occlusion among patients with Cleft Lip and/or Palate (CL/P) and b) evaluate the need for future dental treatment.

MATERIAL/METHODS

Clinical assessment, lateral cephalogram, orthopantomogram, and study models from 1019 patients with CL/P collected at age 16 from the Bergen national CLP team in Norway. Records included the number of dental agenesis or hypoplasia, ANB angulation, dental alignment, occlusion, oronasal fistula, and indications for future dental treatment needs.

RESULTS

One-third required further treatment by an orthodontist, prosthodontist, or oral surgeon in adulthood, and complete bilateral or unilateral CLP had a significantly higher need than patients with isolated cleft of the lip or the palate. Missing teeth increased the risk for retrognathic maxilla (OR = 3,62), need for orthodontic and prosthodontic treatment (OR = 5.20), and a negative overjet and need for orthognathic surgery (OR = 4.86) (p < 0.001). Oronasal fistula was present in 4.7% of the participants, significantly worsening all clinical indicators (p < 0.001). Boys exhibited more adverse findings than girls, except regarding the need for dental porcelain bridges. A noticeable trend indicated increased dental treatment needs among 16-year-old patients with clefts born between 1990-2001, compared to patients born between 1980-1990.

CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS

The findings underscore the need for comprehensive, individualized treatment plans and interdisciplinary dental services for adult patients with CL/P. The original cleft pattern, male gender, presence of oronasal fistula, and a high number of missing teeth negatively influenced the dental status and treatment outcomes measured at the 16-year-old assessment.

Prevalence of tooth agenesis and supernumerary teeth related to different Thai cleft lip and cleft palate populations

BACKGROUND

Pattern of dental anomalies encountered in cleft patients shows subtle signs of genetic involvement. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and pattern of tooth agenesis and supernumerary teeth in Thai cleft population according to the cleft type.

METHODS

Data collected from patients with cleft lip and palate, who had been treated at Tawanchai Cleft Center, Khon Kaen University, Thailand, available during year 2012-2022, were investigated. Records from 194 patients with non-syndromic clefts met the inclusion criteria. Standard dental records, and at least either orthopantomogram (OPG) or cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), were examined. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square and binominal test (p ≤ 0.05).

RESULTS

Prevalence of tooth agenesis was higher (77.3%) than that of supernumerary teeth (5.7%) and was more common in bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) (88.1%) than in unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) (72.6%) (p = 0.017). The upper lateral incisor was more frequently affected (46.4%), followed by the upper second premolar. The number of missing teeth observed on the left side was significantly higher. Patients with left UCLP (ULCLP) had the highest prevalence of tooth agenesis. A total of 41 tooth agenesis code (TAC) patterns was found. The prevalence of supernumerary teeth was comparable with 6.6% of ULCLP, 5.1% of BCLP, and 4.5% of URCLP. Tooth-number anomalies were observed more often in the BCLP and were most likely to occur on the left side of the maxilla. Both types of anomalies could be featured in a small proportion of cleft patients.

CONCLUSIONS

More than half of the patients with non-syndromic cleft lip and palate in this study, presented with tooth-number anomalies. Tooth agenesis was approximately 10-time more prevalent than supernumerary teeth. Tooth agenesis was likely to appear on the left-side of the maxilla regardless of the laterality of the cleft.

Dental Protraction Versus Surgery for Cleft Lip and Palate: A Budget Impact Analysis

Class III malocclusion for individuals with cleft lip and palate has historically been managed with surgery. Orthodontic protraction is a noninvasive alternative that may be associated with lower costs. This analysis investigated the budget impact of protraction versus surgery from an institutional perspective. Using a decision tree, analysis was conducted using costs derived from Medicaid reimbursement codes and using actual institutional reimbursement. Probabilities of success, failure, and complications were based on a clinical trial comparing the 2 treatment modalities. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses tested the robustness of results to model parameters. Based on Medicaid fee schedules and failure rates requiring additional surgery, the total cost of protraction was $79,506 versus $172,807 for surgery, resulting in $93,302 cost-savings per patient. The cost and probability of surgery success, as well as the cost of surgery failure and repeat surgery, had the largest impact on these cost-savings. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed cost-savings of nearly $92,000 or higher in >50% of simulations. This study showed that protraction is associated with lower costs than surgery and may present a cost-effective alternative to surgery in eligible, appropriate patients.

Classification of Skeletal Phenotypes of Preadolescent Patients With Isolated Cleft Palate Using Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis

This study aimed to classify the skeletal phenotypes of preadolescent patients with isolated cleft palate using principal component analysis and cluster analysis. Sixty-four preadolescent female patients with isolated cleft palate (incomplete hard palate and complete soft palate cleft group, n=51; complete cleft of the hard and soft palate group, n=13; the mean age when lateral cephalograms were taken, 7.08±0.76 y) were included. Ten angular and 2 ratio cephalometric variables were measured on a lateral cephalogram. Cluster analysis was performed using 3 representative variables obtained from principal component analysis (SN-GoMe, SNA, and SNB). The differences in the variables among the clusters were characterized using the Kruskal-Wallis test. As a result of the analysis, 6 clusters were obtained from 3 groups: the retrusive maxilla and mandible group: cluster 3 (14.1%, moderately hyperdivergent pattern), cluster 5 (17.2%, severely hyperdivergent pattern); the normal maxilla and mandible group: cluster 1 (23.4%, normodivergent pattern), cluster 4 (12.5%, moderately hyperdivergent pattern), cluster 6 (20.3%, severely hyperdivergent pattern); the normal maxilla and protrusive mandible group: cluster 2 (12.5%, normodivergent pattern). The distribution of isolated cleft palate types did not differ among the 6 clusters ( P >0.05). Two thirds of the patients (68.7%, clusters 1, 2, 4, and 6) had a normal anteroposterior position of the maxilla, while one third of the patients (31.3%, clusters 3 and 5) showed a retrusive mandible. These results indicate that isolated cleft palate patients have diverse maxillo-mandibular growth patterns compared with patients with cleft lip and palate.

Tooth abnormalities associated with non-syndromic cleft lip and palate: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between orofacial clefts (OFC) and tooth abnormalities (TA).

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, LILACS, and BBO, and in the gray literature and selected observational studies that evaluated the association between TA and OFC. The risk of bias was analyzed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed comparing the presence and absence of OFC, cleft type-cleft palate (CP) and cleft lip with or without palate (CL/P)-and cleft laterality-unilateral and bilateral. The certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE approach.

RESULTS

A total of 99 studies were included in the qualitative analysis, and 37 were included in the meta-analysis. Only four studies were classified as low risk of bias. Significant associations were observed between the presence of OFC and tooth agenesis (OR = 19.46; 95%CI = 4.99-75.96), supernumerary teeth (OR = 4.04; 95%CI = 1.26-12.99), developmental defects of enamel (OR = 3.15; 95%CI = 1.28-7.80), microdontia (OR = 15.57; 95%CI = 1.06-228.51), and taurodontism (OR = 1.74; 95%CI = 1.74-2.86). Individuals with CP had a lower frequency of supernumerary teeth (OR = 0.22; 95%CI = 0.08-0.64), peg-shaped tooth (OR = 0.31; 95%CI = 0.12-0.80), and morphological TA (OR = 0.13; 95%CI = 0.04-0.45) than individuals with CL/P. No TA was significantly associated with cleft laterality (p > 0.05). The quality of the evidence was very low in all analyses.

CONCLUSION

Individuals with OFC had a higher frequency of TA than those without OFC. Individuals with CP had a lower frequency of TA than individuals with CL/P. No TA was associated to cleft laterality.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Help to identify the treatment needs of individuals affected by OFC, improving the services provided to this population.

Dental anomalies in non-syndromic orofacial clefts: a clinical approach

Orofacial clefts (OC) represent some of the most common congenital malformations and affect multiple structures in the craniofacial region. There are a wide range of morphological OC types within the spectrum of both non-syndromic OC (NSOC) and syndromic OC, including cleft lip (CL); cleft lip and palate (CLP) and cleft palate (CP). Here, we describe the most frequent dental anomalies seen in the permanent dentition of individuals with NSOC, comparing them between the three main cleft types (CL, CLP, CP). We present these findings from the perspective of prevalence relating to each anomaly, as well as the clinical characteristics and potential impact in the rehabilitation process. The investigation of dental anomalies associated with NSOC is important, helping to expand the phenotypic characterization of NSOC, improve initial diagnostics and establish appropriate rehabilitation and counseling.

Norwegian Orthodontists' Experience and Challenges With Treatment of Patients With Cleft Lip and Palate

Background:

Patients born with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) have orthodontic treatment challenges due to maxilla deficiency, malocclusions, and dental abnormalities. In Norway, orthodontic treatment is done by centralized CL/P teams. Due to traveling restrictions, this treatment might be done locally in the future. The experience of Norwegian community orthodontists in managing such patients has not been investigated previously.

Objective:

To assess Norwegian orthodontists’ management of patients with CL/P and need for further education.

Material and Methods:

All orthodontists in Norway were sent a questionnaire about their experience, challenges, and knowledge and asked about their need of further theoretical education and clinical training in the management of patients with CL/P.

Results:

Norwegian orthodontists’ standard of knowledge of CL/P treatment is adequate. However, few respondents have treated a high number of cleft patients. Eighty-six percent of the participants believed that treating CL/P patients involves challenges, such as time-consuming treatment and technical difficulties. Increased perceived need for more education was revealed among participants stated unpreparedness during education (4 folds), encountered challenges, and lack of knowledge (almost 3 folds).

Conclusions:

The study revealed that community orthodontists in Norway lack experience and acknowledged the challenges in treating patients with CL/P. Most of the respondents perceived a need for additional education and clinical training to treat CL/P patients competently. The findings suggested more focus on patients with CL/P management in the curricula and more collaboration between centralized CL/P teams and community orthodontists.

Dental age, agenesis, and morphological anomalies in individuals with Van der Woude syndrome and isolated cleft palate

OBJECTIVES

To analyse the differences between dental age and chronological age and dental anomalies in individuals with Van der Woude syndrome (VWS) and compare with non-syndromic cleft palate (NSCP) and non-cleft controls.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In total, 204 oral panoramic radiographs (118 girls and 86 boys) consisting of 51 VWS patients (age x̅ = 8.17 ± 1.34 years), 51 NSCP patients (age x̅ = 8.09 ± 1.41 years), and 102 normative non-cleft children (age x̅ = 8.62 ± 1.24 years) were collected. Dental stages were assessed by the Demirjian method, with the local dental maturity index as reference. Dental anomalies including agenesis were investigated. Statistical differences were determined by One-way ANOVA and regression. Repeatability was calculated by an intra-class correlation test and 95% confidence interval.

RESULTS

The difference between dental age and chronological age of the VWS group (0.12 years) and the NSCP group (0.09 years) was significantly lower than the non-cleft group (0.40 years) (P = 0.002). There was no significant difference between the VWS and NSCP groups (P = 0.885). Hypodontia was more prevalent in both the VWS group (37.25%, P = 0.0001) and the NSCP group (19.60%, P = 0.035) compared with the non-cleft group (5.88%). The odds for hypodontia in the VWS group were approximately double compared with the NSCP group. In VWS patients, the most commonly missing teeth were the permanent second premolars and the maxillary permanent laterals incisors. Peg-shaped teeth had a prevalence of 13.70% in VWS patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In VWS and NSCP patients compared with non-cleft children, the difference in dental age compared with chronological age decreased. Hypodontia occurs at a high prevalence in VWS and NSCP patients compared with non-cleft children.

Characteristics of craniofacial morphology and factors affecting them in patients with isolated cleft palate

Background

Myriad maxillo-mandibular occlusal relationships are observed in patients with isolated cleft palate (ICP), unlike in patients with other cleft types, such as cleft lip and palate.

Objectives

This study aimed to categorise the characteristics of craniofacial morphology in patients with ICP, and investigate the clinical factors affecting these categorised morphological characteristics.

Methods

Thirty-six girls with ICP (age (mean ± SD): 5.36 ± 0.36 years) underwent cephalometric measurement. Their craniofacial morphology was categorised using cluster analysis. Profilograms were created and superimposed onto the standard Japanese profilograms to visualise the morphological characteristics of each group (cluster). The mean values and variations in the linear and angular measurements of each group were compared with the Japanese standards and statistically analysed using Dunnett’s test after the analysis of variance. Fisher’s exact test was used to analyse the differences between the cleft types (cleft in the hard and/or soft palate) and skills of the operating surgeons in the groups.

Results

Cluster analysis of craniofacial morphologies in patients with ICP resulted in the formation of three categories: the first cluster exhibited a relatively harmonious anteroposterior relationship between the maxilla and the mandible (22.2%); the second cluster exhibited crossbite owing to a significantly smaller maxilla (33.3%); and the third cluster exhibited a smaller mandible with posterior rotation showing skeletal class II malocclusion (44.4%). Differences in cleft types and surgeons were not associated with the distribution of patients in each cluster.

Conclusions

Patients with ICP exhibited characteristic morphological patterns, such as bimaxillary retrusion or severe mandibular retrusion, besides the anterior crossbite frequently found in patients with cleft lip and palate . Understanding the typical morphological characteristics could enable better diagnostic categorisation of patients with ICP, which may eventually improve orthodontic treatment planning.

Dental anomalies in the deciduous dentition of non-syndromic oral clefts patients

Abstract Objectives: to investigate the prevalence of dental anomalies in complete deciduous dentition of children with NSCL/P. Methods: this study included 75 children with NSCL/P and 286 healthy control. In both groups the children had deciduous dentition with ages varying from 4 to 6 years. Clinical examination, panoramic and periapical radiographies were performed and dental anomalies of number and shape were considered. Results: there was a higher prevalence of dental anomalies in the case group, compared to the control group. In all, 42 dental anomalies were identified, 25.33% in the case group and 8.04% in control group (p<0.001). Therewas a higher frequency of dental anomalies in NSCL/P (47.36%), followed by non-syndromic cleft lip (31.57%) and non-syndromic cleft palate (21.05%). The occurrence of agenesis (p= 0.005) and twinning (p = 0.029) were higher in the case group. Conclusions: the occurrence of agenesis and dental twinning was more frequent in the case group and may contribute to the definition of oral cleft subphenotype.

Scandcleft randomized trials of primary surgery for unilateral cleft lip and palate: dental anomalies in 8-year olds

BACKGROUND

Children born with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) are reported to display several dental anomalies including agenesis, supernumeraries, as well as variations in dental size, shape, and path of eruption. The extensive sample of individuals with UCLP included in the Scandcleft randomized control trials offers the opportunity to study more rare conditions, which is seldom possible with limited samples.

OBJECTIVES

The aim was to study dental anomalies at 8 years of age in children born with UCLP included in the Scandcleft randomized control trials.

METHODS

Panoramic and intraoral radiographs from 425 individuals (279 males and 146 females) with a mean age of 8.1 years were assessed by four orthodontists regarding dental anomalies.

RESULTS

Agenesis was found in 52.5 per cent and supernumerary teeth in 16.9 per cent of the participants. The cleft lateral was missing in 43.8 per cent and was found peg shaped in 44.7 per cent. The distribution of ectopic eruption was 14.6 per cent, mainly affecting maxillary first molars, while transposition was found in 3.4 per cent of the individuals. In addition, infraocclusion of one or several primary molars was registered in 7.2 per cent of the participants.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that 8-year-old children born with UCLP display multiple dental anomalies. The Scandcleft sample allowed rarely studied conditions such as infraocclusion of primary molars and transposition to be studied in children born with UCLP.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN29932826.

Eighteen-Year Follow-Up of 160 Consecutive Individuals Born With Unilateral Cleft Lip or Cleft Lip and Alveolus Treated by the Oslo Cleft Lip and Palate Team

OBJECTIVE

Describe patients born with unilateral cleft lip with or without cleft alveolus (CL±A) in relation to cleft severity and laterality, gender, associated anomalies and syndromes, number and type of lip- and nose operations, and time of alveolar bone graft (ABG) treatment in relation to dental status in cleft area.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients included 220 children born with unilateral CL±A, born between 1988 and 1997 referred to the Oslo Cleft Lip and Palate Team. The data were collected retrospectively. All patients were followed up until 18 years of age.

RESULTS

Among all CL±A, 3.6% had recognized syndromes, 6.8% had associated anomalies, and in 89.6% CL±A was the only malformation. CL±A was more common, but not more severe, on the left side. Among the 160 individuals with CL±A without syndromes and associated anomalies, 66.9% had an isolated soft tissue CL, and 33.1% were diagnosed with a CL alveolus (CL+A). Male predominance was observed. Children with CL+A had more severe soft tissue clefts of the lip and underwent more lip and nose surgeries than children born with CL. The time of ABG was found to be at a younger age when the patient had a lateral incisor in the cleft area than when this tooth was missing.

CONCLUSION

Findings provide a reference for morphologic variations in CL±A, and insight into the surgical burden of care until the age of 18 years.

Management of rare diseases of the Head, Neck and Teeth: results of a French population-based prospective 8-year study

BACKGROUND

In the last ten years, national rare disease networks have been established in France, including national centres of expertise and regional ones, with storage of patient data in a bioinformatics tool. The aim was to contribute to the development and evaluation of health strategies to improve the management of patients with rare diseases. The objective of this study has been to provide the first national-level data concerning rare diseases of the head, neck and teeth and to assess the balance between demand and supply of care in France.

METHODS

Centres of expertise for rare diseases record a minimum data set on their clinical cases, using a list of rare Head, Neck and Teeth diseases established in 2006. The present analysis focuses on 2008 to 2015 data based on the Orphanet nomenclature. Each rare disease RD "case" was defined by status "affected" and by the degree of diagnostic certainty, encoded as: confirmed, probable or non-classifiable. Analysed parameters, presented with their 95% confidence intervals using a Poisson model, were the following: time and age at diagnosis, proportions of crude and standardized RD prevalence by age, gender and geographical site. The criteria studied were the proportions of patients in Paris Region and the "included cases geography", in which these proportions were projected onto the other French Regions, adjusting for local populations.

RESULTS

In Paris Region, estimated prevalence of these diseases was 5.58 per 10,000 inhabitants (95% CI 4.3-7.1). At December 31st 2015, 11,342 patients were referenced in total in France, of whom 7294 were in Paris Region. More than 580 individual clinical entities (ORPHA code) were identified with their respective frequencies. Most abnormalities were diagnosed antenatally. Nearly 80% of patients recorded come to Paris hospitals to obtain either diagnosis, care or follow up. We observed that the rarer the disease, the more patients were referred to Paris hospitals.

CONCLUSIONS

A health network covering a range of aspects of the rare diseases problematic from diagnostics to research has been developed in France. Despite this, there is still a noticeable imbalance between health care supply and demand in this area.