This study aimed to compare the linear dimensions of the dental arches of adult patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) after orthodontic and prosthetic treatment with fixed partial dentures (FPD) to patients without clefts, using 3D technology. This retrospective longitudinal study sample consisted of 35 subjects divided into two groups. Included in this sample were 15 complete UCLP individuals who had received orthodontic treatment before rehabilitation with a fixed partial denture (FG), as well as 20 patients without cleft as control group (CG). All patients were aged between 18 and 30 years. Digital dental casts were obtained in two stages: (T1) end of orthodontic treatment and (T2) one year after prosthetic rehabilitation (FG); and (T1) end of orthodontic treatment and (T2) one year after removal of the orthodontic appliance (CG). Intercanine, interfirst premolar and intermolar distances, and incisor-molar length were obtained. A precalibrated and trained examiner performed the assessments. Intergroup differences between T2 and T1 were compared between the groups using the t test or Mann-Whitney test with a significance level of 5% (p<0.05). The intercanine distance variation (T2-T1) showed statistical difference (p=0.005) increasing in the FG group and decreasing in the CG group. In the interfirst premolar distance variation, FG decreased, while CG increased with statistically significant difference (p=0.008). The intercanine distance of individuals with cleft showed stability, while that of the CG had no stability. The CG showed stability in the interfirst premolar distance, while FG had no stability. These findings showed that the FPD is capable of restricting orthodontic results, leading to a stabilization of the dental arches.

Objective: This study assessed the prevalence of orofacial dysfunctions (ODs) and quality of life (QoL) in adults with and without a cleft lip and palate. Design: Cross sectional. Setting: Craniofacial Center, Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies, Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil. Methods: The study was composed of a sample of 120 patients: 60 adults in the cleft lip and palate group (CLPG) and 60 adults in the control group with no craniofacial anomalies. Each patient underwent an interview and clinical examination, using the Nordic Orofacial Test-Screening (NOT-S) and the 36-Item Short Form Survey. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test, χ², and the Spearman correlation coefficients. Results: There was a higher prevalence of OD in CLPG ( P < .001) on the NOT-S. The adults in the CLPG had higher QoL in the areas of general health ( P = .003), physical function ( P = .014), social function ( P < .001), and vitality ( P = .006). The CLPG had significant associations between higher OD and lower QoL for general health ( P = .004), emotional role function ( P = .028), and vitality ( P = .05). Conclusion: Orofacial dysfunctions were more prevalent in adults with a cleft, negatively impacting their QoL in general health, emotional role function, and vitality. However, adults with a cleft also had significantly higher QoL, reflecting possible resiliency when compared to adults without a cleft.