Bite Force Changes in Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Patients Before and After ALT-RAMEC Protocol

Objectives To evaluate the bite force (BF) changes in bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) in contrast to the non BCLP children after ALT-RAMEC Facemask therapy. Methods The prospective study was carried out on a total of 60 subjects of age 6 to 13 years in a tertiary care hospital; treatment group, 30 children with BCLP and control group, 30 children without cleft lip and palate. Each cleft patient was received ALT-RAMEC Facemask treatment and their BF assessed at 4 different stages. Bite force taken before treatment, immediately, 3 months and 6 months after treatment. Bite force of the control group was taken at baseline to compare with the treatment group to demonstrate the difference in BF values. Independent t test and analysis of variance were used to perform statistical analysis. Results There was a significant difference in BF between the treatment group (BCLP) 122.53 +/- 8.64 N and the control group (non BCLP) 181.38 +/- 18.84 N at baseline. After the Alt RAMEC protocol, changes in BF recorded over 3 and 6 months of therapy showed significant improvement. The mean values of BF at 3months and 6 months were 106.7 +/- 9.3 N and 137.4 +/- 9.5 N, respectively. Conclusion Bite force was significantly improved after ALT-RAMEC protocol followed by facemask therapy in BCLP patients.