Cleft lip/palate(CL/P) are one of the most common birth defects in the U.S., affecting 1 out of every 940 births. Children with CL/P are susceptible to a range of functional and aesthetic problems, which can impact quality of life.
Orthodontic treatment is central to the treatment of CL/P because clefts typically disrupt tooth development, jaw growth, and dental occlusion, and treatment.
A new study examines the issues that could affect a patient’s adherence to orthodontic treatment. The study, published in the February issue of The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal, was co-authored by Mia K. Markey, a professor in the Cockrell School of Engineering’s Department of Biomedical Engineering. Researchers discovered that good oral hygiene and orthodontic treatment, such as use of braces are critical for optimizing CL/P outcomes. However, patients with CL/P are more at risk for caries, or tooth decay. Researchers wanted to learn more about factors that could contribute to CL/P patients lack of receiving adequate orthodontic care.
The study analyzes the patient behavior and variables such as demographics, eating habits, and age of when a patient first received orthodontic treatment, missed appointments, and travel distance to orthodontists to understand how these factors impact a patient’s treatment. The purpose of the study is to use this data, build on it, and provide supportive solutions that may improve patient outcomes.
Markey was part of a team that included researchers from The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Dell Children’s Medical Center, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
