| dc.description.abstract | Unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) is a specific form of orofacial cleft (OFC) that accounts for 23% of those born with clefts. In the Eastern Cape, Free State and Northern Cape provinces of South Africa (SA), the prevalence of OFCs is 0.1, 0.1, and 1.2 per 1000, respectively. UCLP is more common in males compared to females, with 2:1 gender distribution. In addition, UCLP has a strong predilection for the left side of the maxilla as compared to the right side. Individuals born with UCLP typically require several surgeries and/or other intricate procedures to rectify this anomaly. Individuals diagnosed with UCLP frequently exhibit a range of functional and aesthetic defects, in addition to the particular deformities associated with the condition. Complications related to UCLP include hypoplastic maxilla and a high incidence of Class III malocclusion. Children who are born with UCLP requires a complex management that starts with specialist nursing care, surgical repair on both the lip (which is generally done at three months of age) and the palate (at any time between six to 14 months of age). Several studies have verified that if the initial surgery is performed unskillfully, it can have a detrimental impact on the growth of the face, development of the dentition, and speech. Establishing a dependable approach for evaluating dental arch relationships is crucial in order to evaluate and contrast the outcomes of early management of UCLP in children. | en_US |
