Context: It is observed that cleft lip and palate (CLP) patients have more dental abnormalities than individuals without cleft such as hypodontia, supernumerary teeth, microdontia, reduced crown and root size, etc. Anticipated implications of vertical distortion, reported from panoramic radiographs, could be prevented when assessing crown/root ratio of CLP patients 16. Aims: To compare crown root ratio of cleft patient with normal patients so as to modify orthodontic treatment mechanics Methods and Material: Digital orthopantomograms of cleft patients and control patients were obtained from the department. Crown/Root ratios were calculated for 50 CLP patients (25 Bilateral CLP and 25Unilateral CLP patients) and 32control group patients from orthopantomograms. A total of 2045 teeth (1224teeth of CLP patients, 821 teeth of control patients) were traced and measured. Results: BCLP patients have significantly higher C/R ratio in some teeth than UCLP. Root length is shorter in BCLP than UCLP group. Conclusions: orthodontic treatment modification in biomechanics, using lighter forces and periodic check-up for root resorption for CLP patients should be considered.
