ABSTRACT Cleft lip and palate (CL/P) represent the most common craniofacial birth defects worldwide, affecting approximately 1 in 700 live births with significant geographic and ethnic variations. From a preventive medicine perspective, addressing CL/P requires a multifaceted approach encompassing primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention strategies. Primary prevention focuses on preconception and prenatal interventions, including folic acid supplementation, avoidance of teratogenic exposures, and genetic counseling. Secondary prevention involves early prenatal diagnosis through advanced imaging techniques and preparation for immediate postnatal care. Tertiary prevention emphasizes comprehensive management protocols to prevent complications and optimize long-term outcomes. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on preventive strategies across the continuum of care for CL/P, examining epidemiological patterns, risk factors amenable to modification, the role of periconceptional nutrition, environmental exposures, and public health interventions. Evidence demonstrates that periconceptional folic acid supplementation reduces CL/P risk by approximately 25%–50%, while maternal smoking and alcohol consumption significantly increase risk. Multidisciplinary team approaches, early feeding interventions, and systematic protocols for preventing otitis media and speech disorders constitute essential components of tertiary prevention. Population-based screening programs and health education initiatives show promise in reducing CL/P burden. Despite advances, significant gaps remain in implementing evidence-based preventive strategies, particularly in low-resource settings. Future directions include enhanced genetic screening, targeted interventions for high-risk populations, and strengthened integration of preventive services within existing healthcare systems to reduce both incidence and long-term morbidity associated with CL/P.
Children with repaired cleft lip and palate (RCLP) often exhibit compensatory articulation necessitating intensive and consistent speech therapy. However, these children have difficulty accessing speech services due to the unavailability of speech-language pathologists in their localities and the affordability of travelling expenses and time. Telepractice has emerged as a feasible alternative mode of service delivery which reduces travel expenses and time for families. The study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of articulation therapy for stop consonants through telemode in Kannada-speaking children with RCLP between the age range of 4 and 10 years. A time series research design was employed to compare the production of stop consonants across pretherapy, posttherapy, and follow-up phases. Ten children with RCLP underwent 30 sessions of articulation therapy through telemode via Zoom platform. The stop consonants were selected from the Kannada Diagnostic Photo Articulation Test for periodic assessment. The outcome measure such as cleft type errors (CTEs), percentage of consonants correct revised (PCC R) and proportion of whole word correctness (PWC) were analyzed across pretherapy, posttherapy, and follow up phases. The results reported an overall reduction in CTE across pretherapy, posttherapy, and follow-up. Friedman analysis was performed to analyze outcome measures CTE, PCC-R, and PWC across three time points. The findings indicated a significant reduction in glottal stop between pretherapy and follow-up ( P = 0.030). Additionally, there was a significant increase in PCC-R scores from pretherapy to posttherapy ( P = 0.016) and pretherapy to follow-up ( P = 0.000), indicating improved consonant proficiency. PWC scores also showed a significant improvement between pretherapy and follow-up ( P = 0.000). These outcome measures enhanced the articulatory placement and oral airflow. Articulation therapy delivered via telemode is effective in minimizing compensatory articulation in children with RCLP.
Introduction: Orofacial clefts (OFC) may present with other congenital anomalies and syndromes. Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify anomalies and syndromes associated with OFC and determine their prevalence in patients with OFC. Methodology: This retrospective study included patients with OFC and congenital anomalies and syndromes who presented at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital from January 2009 through December 2023. Demographic, OFC, anomaly, and syndrome characteristics were recorded. Results: A total of 1,032 patients with OFC presented, 152 (14.7%) had associated anomalies, and majority (56.6%) were female. Patients’ ages ranged from 3 days to 43 years with a median (interquartile range) of 3.0 (0.7–6.0) months. Twenty (13.2%) patients had cleft lip and alveolus only, 42 (27.6%) had cleft palate only (CP), 72 (47.4%) had cleft lip, alveolus, and palate (CLP), and 18 (11.8%) had Tessier cleft. Associated anomalies were delayed developmental (30.3%), cranial (38.2%), maxillofacial (58.6%), ophthalmic (51.3%), rhinologic (29.6%), otologic (26.3%), cardiovascular (41.4%), upper limb (20.4%), lower limb (17.1%), genitourinary (19.7%), and skin (5.3%) anomalies. From the records of the 1032 patients, only 58 (5.6%) out of the 152 included patients, had identifiable syndromes. The most common syndromes were the Pierre-Robin sequence (27.6%), Van-der-Woude syndrome (19.0%), and Down syndrome (10.3%). These associated anomalies and syndromes were most seen in patients with CLP and CP, respectively ( P < 0.05 for both associations). Conclusion: This study suggested a relatively high prevalence of associated anomalies and syndromes of OFC. Pierre Robin sequence was the most associated syndrome.
Length of hospital stay (LOS) following orofacial cleft repair contributes to the overall cost of management and may influence patient satisfaction. To determine factors that influence postoperative LOS. This prospective interventional study included patients with cleft lip, alveolus and/or palate who were managed at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital from October 2022 to March 2024. Demographic and perioperative data were collected. For this study, LOS of not more than 2 days postoperatively was adopted as short LOS. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine factors influencing postoperative LOS. A total of 145 patients were included in this study; seventy-nine (54.5%) were females. Their age ranged from 3 months to 44 years, with a median (interquartile range) age of 2 (1–9) years. Forty-five (31.0%) patients had cleft lip repair, 75 (51.7%) had cleft palate repair, 7 (4.8%) had alveolar bone graft, and 18 (12.4%) had combined surgeries. The mean surgery time was 105.9 ± 35.4 min. About half (51.0%) of the patients had a postoperative LOS of not more than 2 days. Only one (0.7%) patient had intraoperative complications, while seven (4.8%) had postoperative complications, including wound dehiscence, bleeding, and respiratory complications. Increased postoperative complication was significantly associated with increased postoperative LOS ( P < 0.05). There was no significant relationship between patients’ age, type of cleft, surgery done, surgery time, intraoperative complications, postoperative medications administered, and postoperative LOS ( P > 0.05 for all regression analyses). Postoperative LOS after cleft surgeries is influenced by postoperative complications.
Objective: The study aimed to evaluate difference in dental maturation timing between individuals with cleft lip and palate (CLP) and those without CLP (non-CLP) of similar age in an Egyptian population. Research on cleft deformities is crucial for raising societal awareness, enhancing patients’ quality of life, highlighting ethnic differences in maturational timing, and specifying treatment timing. Materials and Methods: Dental maturation was determined using panoramic X-rays, employing Demirjian’s staging dental age estimation index (DAEI) method (1973). Three hundred and seventeen panoramic radiographs were obtained from the Cairo University Orthodontic Department clinics, Egypt. X-rays were collected from orthodontic patients aged 6–18 years. Results: All teeth examined in the CLP group were significantly less mature than non-CLP group, with a difference of 0.59 ± 0.28 years, 95% confidence interval = 0.03%–1.15%, and P = 0.03*. Particularly, the second molar showed less dental development in CLP group in both genders and across all three chronological age groups ( P = 0.0001): 6–9, +9–12, and + 12–18 years. Conclusions: Dental maturation was lower in the CLP group. Second molar DAEI stages are considered a dental maturational indicator. Clinical Relevance: These dental outcomes provide a framework for improving efficiency, simplicity, and accessibility for patients’ parents, patients themselves, and all medical team involved in CLP treatment journey. Assessment in scheduling treatment steps for each CLP patient and introduces a simpler landmark: second molar DAEI stages. This simplifies for general doctors, pediatric dentists, parents, and patients to identify the next steps in treatment during regular checkups.
Background: Children with repaired cleft lip and palate (RCLP) often face persistent speech and language difficulties requiring long-term intervention. However, due to practical challenges such as distance, finance, personal, logistical barriers, etc., access to consistent therapy is limited. Aim: The present study examined the impact of teleintervention on speech and language outcomes in children with RCLP, with a focus on analyzing maternal language measures. Methods: A pre-post single-case study design was employed with five children (aged 1–4 years) diagnosed with a spoken language disorder secondary to RCLP. Each child and their mother participated in 20 telesessions involving the Focused Stimulation approach and strategies conducted over the Zoom platform to stimulate speech and language outcomes. Language and speech measures were analyzed pre- and post-intervention using mother–child interaction samples. The language outcome measures included the total number of utterances, total number of words, number of different words, mean length of utterance, type-token ratio, and speech measures, such as vowel and consonant inventories. Similar maternal language measures were also analyzed. Results: Post-teleintervention findings revealed notable improvements in all language measures, characterized by increased lexical diversity and longer utterances. Speech analysis showed expansion in vowel and consonant inventories, particularly in high vowels, glottal stops, nasal bilabial, and nasal dentals. Mothers demonstrated increased use of responsive communication strategies, indicating enhanced awareness and engagement. Conclusions: Teleintervention is a promising and effective model for delivering early speech–language services in underserved settings. It facilitates parent-led support, promotes consistent care, and addresses access barriers, making it a practical solution for early intervention in children with RCLP.
We present an extremely rare case report of the presence of an interfrontal bone in a 4-month-old child with an apparent caudal translocation of anterior fontanelle. This rare case in the Indian population is important to identify because it confounds the diagnosis of other craniofacial conditions.
Children with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) experience significant psychosocial difficulties, often compounded by stigma and inadequate psychological support in resource-limited settings. Art therapy may provide a culturally adaptable means of improving emotional well-being in this population. To evaluate the short-term effectiveness of a structured art therapy programme in improving psychosocial outcomes among children with CL/P in Kano, Northwest Nigeria. A quasi-experimental one-group pre-test/post-test study was conducted among 500 children aged 6–17 years with non-syndromic CL/P. Participants completed an 8-week, group-based art therapy program. Psychosocial outcomes were assessed using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), the Rosenberg self-esteem scale (RSES), Revised Children’s Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS-25), Body Image Disturbance Questionnaire, and selected suicidality items from the Beck Depression Inventory. For 6-year-olds, only parent-report tools were used. Data were analyzed using paired t -tests, McNemar’s test, and multivariate regression. Significant short-term improvements were observed across all measures: Mean PedsQL scores increased from 56.7 ± 10.8 to 81.3 ± 8.9, and RSES from 17.8 ± 4.5 to 26.9 ± 2.8 (both P < 0.001). RCADS anxiety and depression scores reduced by over 45%, while suicidal ideation decreased from 18.6% to 4.2%. Effect sizes were large (Cohen’s d >2.0). Improvements were consistent across age, gender, and cleft type. Structured art therapy produced substantial short-term psychosocial improvements among Nigerian children with CL/P. Integrating art therapy into multidisciplinary cleft care could bridge the critical mental health support gap in resource-poor settings.
Background: Client satisfaction is a health assessment parameter that has become a core consideration and of increasing importance in healthcare delivery worldwide. This is useful for the determination of accountability, quality improvement, health systems design, resource allocation, purchasing decisions, and policy development. The aim of this study was to find the relationship between preoperative unilateral cleft lip severity and the client satisfaction. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study conducted between March 2019 and July 2021. The sociodemographics of the patients and caregivers, such as age and sex, were obtained. The presurgical severity of the unilateral cleft was assessed using the Bermudez rating scale, and the postoperative client satisfaction for lip, nose, and general appearance of the face was measured using a visual analogue scale. The collected data were analyzed with SPSS version 20. Results: Fifty-nine subjects completed the study with 86.4% ( n = 51) were of the severe spectrum using the Bermudez rating scale. Using Spearman’s correlation test, there was a statistically significant difference between preoperative cleft severity and client satisfaction for nose and lip (r s = −0.31, P = 0.02) and (r s = −0.26 P = 0.05), respectively. Conclusions: The study showed that the preoperative severity of unilateral cleft had a significant influence on client satisfaction. It is recommended that client satisfaction levels and clinical outcomes be recorded routinely, and their concordance or discrepancy evaluated, so as to have an impression of the client’s perception of surgical outcome.
Background: Orofacial clefts (OFCs) often impose considerable psychiatric and psychosocial challenges on affected children and their primary caregivers, especially mothers. In resource-limited settings like Nigeria, the extent of these unmet needs remains poorly documented. This study assessed the psychiatric and psychosocial needs of children/adolescents with OFCs and their mothers in Northwest Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 500 mother–child dyads ( n = 1000) recruited consecutively from the cleft clinic of the Armed Forces Specialist Hospital, Kano. Data were obtained using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for children, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) for mothers, and a structured questionnaire on psychosocial needs and service access. Analysis employed SPSS version 25, applying descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of unmet needs was notably high. Among children, 378 (75.6%) had abnormal or borderline SDQ scores, reflecting marked psychosocial difficulties. For mothers, 312 (62.4%) met the threshold for clinically significant anxiety (HADS-A ≥ 8) and 285 (57.0%) for depression (HADS-D ≥ 8). Service gaps were profound: 415 (83.0%) mothers reported a lack of access to speech therapy, while 478 (95.6%) reported no psychological support. Financial constraints were the leading barrier for 421 (84.2%) families. Conclusion: Children with OFCs and their mothers in Northwest Nigeria face overwhelming psychiatric and psychosocial burdens, largely unmet by current care systems. Integrating mental health and psychosocial support into cleft care is urgently required in Nigeria and similar low-resource settings.
Background: Sense of coherence (SOC) refers to an individual’s ability to cope with stress. Mother’s SOC has been associated with the health outcomes of children. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the difference in SOC between mothers of children with and without cleft lip and palate (CLP). Methodology: This comparative cross-sectional study included mothers of children with CLP (CLP group) and without CLP (control group) managed at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital from January 2023 to December 2024. Data on sociodemographic and CLP characteristics, and mothers’ SOC were collected. SOC was assessed using the Antonovsky’s 13-item SOC questionnaire. Participants in the CLP group were recruited consecutively, and the control group was matched to the CLP group using participants’ age. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted. Results: A total of 320 mothers, 160 in each group, were included. In the CLP group, their age ranged from 17 to 51 years with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of 30 (27–37) years, while in the control group, their age ranged from 23 to 53 years with a median (IQR) age of 30 (28–35) years. In the CLP group, the minimum SOC score was 29, the maximum was 51, and the mean was 41.1 ± 5.31, while in the control group, the minimum SOC score was 26, the maximum was 65, and the mean was 45.2 ± 8.97. There was a statistically significant decrease in mothers’ SOC scores in the CLP group compared to the control group ( P < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that mothers of children without CLP, with a high level of education, and married mothers had strong SOC ( P < 0.05 for the regression analyses). Conclusion: Mothers of children with CLP had significantly weaker SOC compared to their peers.
To develop a fully digital workflow for fabricating nasoalveolar molding (NAM) appliances for the treatment of infants born with cleft lip and palate, integrating commercially available intraoral scanning, computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing, and three-dimensional (3D) printing tools. Digital models were obtained using direct intraoral scanning and from scans of plaster models poured from conventional impressions of three infants with cleft lip and palate. The models were digitally superimposed to assess dimensional accuracy. Digital models were manipulated in MeshMixer software to simulate sequential NAM adjustments, which were then compared to those of a conventionally fabricated appliance. NAM appliances were digitally designed in 3Shape and SolidWorks software and fabricated using SprintRay and Stratasys 3D printers with material customization for intraoral and nasal components. Superimposition analysis demonstrated high dimensional accuracy of intraoral scans with deviations of <0.5 mm in clinically relevant areas. Virtual model manipulation successfully replicated clinical NAM adjustments with systematic modifications ranging from 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm. Quantitative comparison between conventional and digital adjustments revealed similar magnitudes of change. The fully digital workflow allowed for predictable appliance fabrication of 3D-printed NAM appliances with satisfactory fit and function. A fully digital workflow for NAM appliance fabrication was successfully developed, demonstrating high accuracy, reproducibility, and feasibility using commercially available technologies. This approach eliminates the need for conventional impressions, streamlines appliance fabrication, and provides a systematic method for digital NAM adjustments, offering a promising alternative to traditional techniques.
Cleft lip and palate (CLP) frequently present with transverse maxillary deficiency due to disrupted midpalatal fusion, surgical scarring, and muscular imbalance. Accurate differentiation between skeletal and dental contributions to expansion is essential for treatment planning in these patients. Aim and Objectives: This pilot study evaluated a three-dimensional (3D) digital workflow combining cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and stereolithography (STL)-based superimpositions for assessing maxillary expansion in unilateral CLP (UCLP) cases. Nonsyndromic UCLP patients with transverse deficiency were treated using a banded Hyrax rapid maxillary expansion appliance. CBCT datasets were oriented to a midsagittal reference plane and registered through voxel-based cranial base superimposition in Dolphin 3D Imaging. Pre- and postexpansion dental casts were digitized and aligned in 3Shape OrthoAnalyzer using three-point surface-based registration on palatal rugae, with color-coded displacement maps for visualization. STL models were further integrated with CBCT datasets to provide a combined assessment of skeletal and dental effects. Results demonstrated significant increases in intermolar and nasal widths, alongside controlled dental expansion. The proposed workflow achieved sub-millimetric accuracy, high reproducibility, and effective visualization of complex cleft anatomies. This study protocol offers a practical, scalable solution for cleft care, enhancing diagnostic precision and supporting individualized treatment planning.
Cleft lip and palate are among the most common congenital anomalies globally. While surgical outcomes have advanced in the past years, psychosocial impacts remain unaddressed in low- and middle-income countries. To highlight the psychosocial experiences of children and families affected by cleft in Pakistan and to present the importance of integrating psychology into comprehensive cleft care. Narrative data were collected through clinical observations, patient/parent stories, and family interviews at our center, which manages approximately 2000 patients every year. Qualitative themes were developed around parental reactions, stigma, children’s voices, and posttreatment transformation. Families reported profound stigma around cleft, with mothers most often blamed for their child’s condition. Common myths around cleft included lunar eclipse, parent sin, and evil eye. Cleft children reported bullying, peer exclusion, and speech-related discrimination. Following surgery and psychological support, families showed relief, increased confidence, and social reintegration. Two case reflections illustrated severe psychological distress, including suicidal ideation, as well as positive transformations when support was provided. Surgical repair alone cannot address the psychosocial scars related with cleft. Integrating psychological services within comprehensive cleft care provides essential support to families, reduces stigma, and improves overall treatment outcomes. Policies targeting neonatal screening, awareness campaigns, and school-based education are urgently needed in Pakistan.
Cleft lip and palate are one of the most common congenital craniofacial anomalies worldwide. It is frequently associated with significant functional, esthetic, and psychological challenges, including maxillary hypoplasia, malocclusion, and speech difficulties. Orthodontic management in cleft patients is crucial to restore facial harmony and occlusal balance, especially in growing individuals. This article presents two case reports of unilateral cleft lip and palate managed through a structured two-phase orthodontic approach involving early orthopedic correction followed by fixed appliance therapy. In both cases, patients presented with severe skeletal Class III malocclusion, constricted maxillary arches, anterior and posterior crossbites, and significant reverse overjet. The treatment protocol focused first on orthopedic maxillary expansion using quad helix appliances, followed by protraction with facemask therapy to leverage growth potential and correct maxillary hypoplasia. Comprehensive fixed appliance treatment was then undertaken to address crowding, space management, and final occlusal detailing. Therapeutic extractions and specific mechanics such as piggyback wires, open coil springs, and E-chains were employed where necessary. Post-treatment outcomes showed notable maxillary advancement, establishment of positive overjet and overbite, and a transition to a more favorable molar relationship. Retention was achieved using Hawley’s retainers. Both patients experienced improved esthetics and function, reflecting the effectiveness of this treatment approach in cleft management. Timely, growth-modification-based orthodontic management in cleft patients can significantly improve skeletal and dental relationships, even in resource-limited settings.
Background: Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) have been considered a promising resource for regenerative medicine due to the ease of obtainment, noninvasive collection, and availability of deciduous teeth. Aims and Objectives: This study compared the characterization of SHED between children with and without cleft lip and palate (CLP), aiming at analyzing whether autologous SHED can be considered an option to be used as an alternative in the reconstruction of alveolar clefts in individuals with CLP. Materials and Methods: Dental pulp tissues were obtained from 6 healthy deciduous teeth at the exfoliation stage, from donors aged between 4 and 12 years, and divided into the control group and cleft group. The dental pulp cells obtained in the primary culture were immunophenotypically analyzed. Cells that showed positive for expressions of the cell surface markers and negative for were collected. The cells were submitted to multilineage differentiation and morphologically analyzed. The immunophenotypic difference between the groups was analyzed using Student’s t test, with a significance level of 5% ( P < 0.05). Results: Plastic adhesion was demonstrated and high levels of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) markers were identified in both groups, with positive expression of CD105, CD73, and CD90 (≥95% positive) and absence of hematopoietic lineage markers CD45, CD34, CD11b, CD19, and HLA RD (≤2% positive). Pulp cells demonstrated capacity for adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation. The morphological analysis identified a slightly smaller nucleus and decreased proliferative capacity in the cleft group. There was a statistically significant difference ( P = 0.042) in the comparison of the cells obtained after immunophenotypic analysis between the groups. After validating the standard criteria for defining multipotent MSCs in both groups, the isolation and characterization of SHED were confirmed in all samples. Conclusion: SHED characterization of both groups was similar. These results suggest that SHED of children with CLP may be considered an option for future investigations on the autologous use of cells for therapeutic intervention.
Objective: Cleft lip repair is undertaken in the U.K between the age of 3-6 months according to the “OSLO” protocol. During the COVID19 pandemic all cleft surgical activity was suspended leading to a backlog. With the return of surgical activity, we were operating on children much older than we normally would. This meant that the children were a lot more mobile, traumatising their lip repairs due to an increase in incidents of falls. We would like to present the impact of delays in cleft lip repairs at our centre, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients and Methods: A retrospective review of patients undergoing primary cleft lip repair was performed for patients between 2020-2022 Aug (COVID19 pandemic). To compare the outcomes, we also collected data from patients operated between 2018 and 2019. The Fisher exact test was used to explore statistical difference in surgical outcomes between the two groups of cleft lip patients. Results: During the pandemic 100% of the patients undergoing primary lip repair were over the age of 6 months compared to 16% (8/50) in the pre-pandemic group. In the pandemic group, the parents of 12 children (21%) reported an incident causing trauma to the lip repair. The p value using the Fisher exact test was 0.0037, which was significant at p < 0.05 confirming a higher incidence of falls in older children. Conclusions: We conclude from this study that cleft lip surgery performed in older children has the potential to cause significant and unwanted complications.
Presurgical nasoalveolar molding (PNAM) is a key intervention in the management of cleft lip and palate deformities, aiming to optimize soft tissue and cartilaginous anatomy prior to surgical repair. However, conventional devices such as the Grayson nasal stent can be cumbersome, interfere with feeding, and are often poorly tolerated in bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) patients. This report describes the successful use of a novel bilateral modified indigenous nasal elevator (BMINE) appliance in a neonate with BCLP. The infant, presenting with severe columellar shortening, nasal dome collapse, and a protrusive premaxilla, was managed using a phase-wise protocol: PNAM with BMINE, followed by lip repair and rhinoplasty at 3 months, and planned palatal repair at 15–18 months. The BMINE appliance, fabricated using 19-gauge stainless steel wire and heat-cure acrylic, provided patient-specific, calibrated traction to the alar domes. Its pull-type mechanism allowed columella centralization, nasal dome elevation, and effective nasal cartilage molding, without interfering with feeding or requiring invasive fixation. Over the course of treatment, the intersegmental gap reduced from 11 mm to 2.5 mm. Columellar angle improved from 115° to 91°, and nasal symmetry and alar dome projection were restored. Postoperative assessment confirmed improved nasal contour, lip esthetics, and arch form. The appliance continued to be used postoperatively, with periodic modifications to accommodate facial growth, thereby preserving surgical outcomes. The BMINE appliance offers a low-cost, customizable, and noninvasive alternative to conventional NAM techniques in BCLP patients. Its bilateral design, ease of fabrication, and calibrated force application make it a valuable adjunct for cleft teams, particularly in resource-constrained settings. Further studies are warranted to evaluate its long-term outcomes and scalability.
Cleft lip and palate (CLP) is a prevalent congenital malformation in Mexico, affecting a significant portion of the population. It is associated with a range of psychological and mental health issues, in addition to physical sequelae, making it a complex and multifaceted condition. The present research was meticulously developed using a robust quantitative methodology and an exploratory cross-sectional design. This approach was chosen to provide a comprehensive understanding of the mental health status of children with CLP in Mexico. The sample consisted of 93 children with a mean age of 9.6 years, 53 (57%) males and 40 (43%) females. The Brief Screening and Diagnostic Questionnaire (CBTD), designed to identify possible mental health problems in children and adolescents, was used. It was found that 63.44% of the sample did not have serious mental health problems, but there were changes in the children’s behavior; 21.5% were likely to have uncomplicated mental health problems, and 15.1% were likely to have complicated mental health problems. The findings underscore the need for more comprehensive research focusing on the mental health of children with CLP. A larger and more diverse participant population is essential to provide conclusive data on the psychological sequelae of CLP, thereby enhancing our understanding and improving the care for these children.
