Longitudinal Observation of Maxillofacial Morphology in a Pair of Monozygotic Twins with Cleft Lip and Palate

Effects of Two -Stage Palatoplasty on Maxillofacial Development

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to observe maxillofacial morphology of a pair of monozygotic twins with cleft lip and palate (Child 1) and cleft lip (Child 2) longitudinally, and to evaluate the effects of two-stage palatoplasty on maxillofacial development. The findings were as follows: 1. Compared with Child 2, th e position of the maxilla in Child 1 was already located posteriorly before the hard palate closure. Moreover, the posterior portion of the maxilla was located upward.2. Ther e was no difference in length of the hard palate between Child 1 and 2 before the hard palate closure. A little inhibition of maxillary growth was recognized in Child 1 operated on the hard palate closure.3. Clockwise ro tation of the mandible was observed in Child 1.4. The antero-posterior relationship between the maxilla and m andible was almost good in both Child 1 and 2. These findings s uggest that two-stage palatoplasty delaying hard palate closure does not severely inhibit growth of the alveolar portion of the maxilla, resulting in the achieving of a normal dental arch. In two-stage palatoplasty, this may cause a good inter-maxillary relationship owing to the help of morphological adaptation of the mandible, even if the position of the maxilla is posteriorly located.