Effects of Rapid Maxillary Expansion on Facial Soft Tissues in Children With Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Using 3-Dimensional Stereophotogrammetry

Objective To determine the effects of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) on facial soft-tissue dimensions in children with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) using 3-dimensional stereophotogrammetry. Design A prospective case series longitudinal study. Setting Orthodontic Department, School of Dental Sciences. Participants Thirty-four children with UCLP aged 8 to 10 years presenting with maxillary transverse constriction and requiring RME therapy. Intervention RME followed by a 6-month retention phase. Main outcome Changes in facial soft-tissue dimensions after RME using 3-dimensional digital stereophotogrammetry (3dMDface™). Results At the level of the eyes, changes in the soft-tissue canthal parameters were not statistically significant ( P > .05). At the nasal level, the alar base width and alar base root width increased by 3.22 mm ( P = .033) and 3.03 mm ( P = .028), respectively. No significant differences were observed in the magnitude of change between the cleft and noncleft sides ( P > .05). Intercanine and intermolar widths increased by 5.01 mm and 5.17 mm, respectively (both P < .001). No significant correlations were observed between the magnitude of intercanine or intermolar expansion and changes in alar base width or alar base root width ( P > .05). The remaining soft-tissue variables showed no significant changes ( P > .05). Conclusion Treatment with RME was associated with significant changes in the nasolabial soft tissues in children with UCLP while having minimal effects on other facial soft-tissue structures. Therapeutic long-term effects remain uncertain, and their potential impact on facial aesthetics should be considered before initiating treatment.