The shape and size of the alveolar arch are sometimes considerably
affected as an after result of uranoplasty. It would appear that in the
young the contraction of the cicatrix between the palatal segments and of
the new tissue in the lateral openings exercises a narrowing influence
on the transverse diameter. The alveolar borders approach one another,
and this approximation is most marked at the level of the first or second
bicuspids, and indeed is so great occasionally as to produce an obvious
incurvation of the alveolar ridge. M. Ehrmann of Paris, has investigated
many instances of this change, and from his work[102] the figures
mentioned below are obtained.
In one case a child was operated on for total cleft at three and a half
years. Six months later the following measurements were taken:
Transverse interval between canines 13 mms.
” ” 1st molars 18 ”
” ” 2nd ” 26 ”
At twenty-three years of age the following were the measurements:
Transverse interval between canines 7 mms.
” ” 1st premolars 13 ”
” ” 2nd ” 19 ”
” ” 1st molars 23 ”
” ” 2nd ” 32 ”
The alveoli here formed a reversed 𝖵, and when the patient spoke, the
tongue was more or less protruded. In another case, operated on at five
years of age for the palate defect, a double harelip having been treated
at an earlier date, the measurements were—
At 5 years. At 6 years. At 11 years.
Intervals between canines 23 mms. 19 mms. 12 mms.
” 1st premolars 27 ” 24 ” 14 ”
” 2nd ” 32 ” 27 ” 19 ”
” 1st molars — — 23 ”
This result is more frequently seen in the severer forms of cleft palate
associated with double harelip, especially where the os incisivum has
been removed. Extreme youth increases the tendency to the production of
these deformities, which may become troublesome, not only by interfering
with the size of the buccal cavity, and so causing protrusion of
the tongue during speech, but also by interfering with the “bite,”
necessitating lateral movement of the jaw during mastication.
In one of Ehrmann’s cases an actual increase of the interdental diameters
was found; this was one in which Fergusson’s osteoplasty had been
performed with complete success; possibly the formation of new bone from
the callus produced led to this, or it may have been merely an evidence
of normal growth. The measurements were as follows:
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