Start practicing

Pathology · single question

A patient with cleft lip and palate is expected to present with all of the following EXCEPT:

  1. Increased growth of the maxilla
  2. Crossbite (anterior or posterior)
  3. Congenitally missing teeth in the cleft region
  4. Velopharyngeal inadequacy
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Increased growth of the maxilla

  • A. Correct. Cleft lip and palate is associated with REDUCED maxillary growth (hypoplastic maxilla) due to scarring from surgical repair and disrupted growth centers — NOT increased maxillary growth. Patients commonly have a Class III skeletal relationship (underdeveloped maxilla relative to mandible).
  • B. Crossbite (due to maxillary hypoplasia and collapse) is very common in cleft lip and palate patients.
  • C. Congenitally missing teeth, especially lateral incisors adjacent to the cleft, are a common finding.
  • D. Velopharyngeal inadequacy (failure of the soft palate to close against the pharyngeal wall) causes hypernasality and is a well-recognized complication of cleft palate.

Practice Pathology questions Pathology study notes

More Pathology practice questions