Comparison of transverse maxillary stabilization after orthognathic surgery in cleft lip and palate patients with and without alveolar bone graft

Abstract

Objective: To compare transverse maxillary measurements in the pre and immediate postoperative periods of orthognathic surgery in patients with and without alveolar bone grafting (ABG), in order to assess whether the ABG group presents less transverse relapse and greater occlusal stability compared to the non-ABG group. Methods: Thirty cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were analyzed, 15 from patients with previous secondary alveolar bone grafting before orthognathic surgery and 15 from patients without previous grafting. Transverse maxillary dimensions were measured in the pre and postoperative periods. Results: The variables “molar,” “canine,” and the differences between the groups with and without grafting showed no statistically significant results. Thus, it can be inferred that the transverse maxillary dimension is not altered after Le Fort I osteotomy, regardless of prior alveolar bone grafting. Conclusion: Although the literature suggests a higher tendency for relapse in cleft lip and palate (CLP) patients without ABG, this study did not statistically confirm differences between the groups regarding transverse relapse or occlusal stability. Further studies with larger samples are required to clarify this issue.