COMPARISON OF MANDIBULAR ASYMMETRY BETWEEN CLEFT LIP PALATE AND NORMAL SUBJECTS.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare mandibular vertical asymmetry between cleft lip palate and normal class I occlusion subjects. METHODOLOGY: The sample for this study consisted of total 64 subjects divided into two groups:Group1consisted of 32 non-syndromic repaired cleft lip and palate subjects [further divided into:16complete unilateral and 16complete bilateral cleft lip and palate].Group2 consisted of 32 subjects with normal facial morphology and class I occlusion. Both groups included males and females with age14yr-16yr[mean age cleft group14.6yr±.73yr,and normal group14.8yr±.73yr]. Mandibular asymmetry index [condylar,ramal,condylar plus ramal] and gonial angle measurements were calculated on dental panoramic radiograph. RESULTS: Calculated descriptive statistical measurements between normal subjects and cleft lip and palate group shows statistically significant differences in both condylar and ramal asymmetry index but over all intergroup comparison of condylar plus ramal height asymmetry index did not show any significant result. CONCLUSION: Mandible in cleft lip and palate subjects was found to be normal. However, in unilateral cleft lip and palate a difference was found in condyle, ramal and gonial angle between cleft and non-cleft side. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]