A Narrative Review on Non-Invasive Diagnostic Tools for the Analysis of Dental Arches in Orofacial Cleft Patients

Background: It is necessary to analyze and monitor the facial growth of orofacial cleft patients. The documentation should therefore begin before and after primary surgeries. Technological evolution has transformed plaster models into 3D images through scanners that allow rational storage, manipulation, and rotation without the possibility of breakage or damage. Based on this fact, this narrative review aims to provide a feature on the three-dimensional tools available for the assessment of dental arches in children with orofacial cleft and mixed dentition. Material and Methods: Three databases were chosen (PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus) and keywords were used to select papers. Results: During the database screening, 292 potentially relevant papers were found. After removing duplicates, titles, and abstracts, 32 papers presented qualifications for analysis. Through evaluating each document by reading it one by one, 24 papers fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Conclusions: It was concluded that digital tools-i.e., benchtop scanners which evaluate the dental arches of children with cleft lip, palate, and mixed dentition-are reproducible and reliable, without the use of ionizing radiation, allow storage, manipulation with sustainability, and help preserve the environment.

Automated summary

This narrative review provides a feature on the three-dimensional tools available for the assessment of dental arches in children with orofacial cleft and mixed dentition. It concludes that digital tools, such as benchtop scanners, are reproducible and reliable in evaluating the dental arches of cleft lip, palate, and mixed dentition patients. These tools also allow sustainable storage and manipulation without the use of ionizing radiation, contributing to environmental preservation.