Apical root resorption after orthodontic treatment in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate

Objectives The aims of this retrospective longitudinal study were to present the incidence of external apical root resorption (EARR) in the maxillary anterior teeth of patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (CUCLP) and to evaluate the influence of orthodontic treatment variables on the development of EARR. Material and methods Forty-one patients with CUCLP participated in the study. Orthopantomograms (OPGs), taken before (T2) treatment with multiband orthodontic appliances (MBA), and periapical radiographs (PAs) of the maxillary anterior teeth taken at the end (T3) of orthodontic treatment (OT) were assessed for EARR. Results The incidence of EARR at T3 (97.6%) was considerably higher than at T2 (51.2%). Central incisors and canines on the cleft side showed a significantly higher score ( p