Maxillary expansion using transpalatal distraction in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate

Background: The goal of this study was to evaluate prospectively the use of a transpalatal distractor for surgically assisted rapid palatal distraction osteogenesis in the treatment of severe unilateral maxillary constriction of patients with cleft lip and palate following alveolar bone grafting. Methods: The authors analyzed the clinical and radiographic data of eight patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate. Follow-up examinations were performed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Results: All of the patients had satisfactory palatal expansion and correction of the dental crossbite without major complications. None of the children in this study were noncompliant with the prescribed duration of the active distraction period. Conclusions: Surgically assisted rapid palatal distraction osteogenesis using a transpalatal distractor results in a high rate of success in correcting maxillary transverse width discrepancies and dental crossbite and offers a harmonious maxillary arch shape in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate.