Predictors for canine impaction in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) after secondary alveolar bone grafting: a retrospective study

Objectives: To compare parameters related to impacted canines at the cleft versus the normal contralateral side and with non-impacted canines at the cleft side in UCLP patients. We also aim to search for possible parameters enabling prediction of canine impaction in these patients. Materials and methods: Ninety-five non-syndromic UCLP patients were included and divided into group A with unilateral impacted canines at the cleft side (A1, n=41) and spontaneously erupted canines at the non-cleft side (A2, n=41) and group B with spontaneously erupted canines at the cleft side (n=54). Clinical information and radiographic parameters on panoramic radiographs were collected and compared between groups using a generalized linear mixed model, a Mann-Whitney U test, a Fisher's exact test and ROC tests. Results: Impaction of the maxillary canine at the cleft side in UCLP patients can be suspected in case of delayed canine root development, a higher vertical position and sector score (P