Objective: Masticatory function is one of the most important physical functions in craniomaxilla system. Masticatory performance is evaluated with the degree of broken dawn tested food in a limited period of time. Unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) is a congenital abnormality in craniofacial growth and developing. It seriously damages face esthetics and masticatory function in UCLP patients.
Methods: 28 UCLP patients (male 17, female 11, permanent teeth) were selected, which all had received plastic operation treatments and never received any orthodontic therapy. The masticatory performance was determined by the advanced light absorbtion method and took peanuts as tested food. Meanwhile, malocclusal patterns and castings were identified in clinic. All of the data were treated with t-test and step wise-regression in statistics.
Results: 1. Masticatory performance of male was higher than that of female in normal people, but there was no sexual difference in UCLP. 2. Masticatory performance in UCLP was lower about 53.97% than that in normal people. 3. Different masticatory times within limited time had no effects on masticatory performance. 4. Different Patterns of malocclusion had different effects on masticatory performance.
Conclusion: Orthodontic therapy is necessary to improve masticatory function in UCLP after plastic surgery.