Which type of cleft lip is considered the most common?

Unilateral cleft lip is the most common type of cleft lip. This condition occurs when only one side of the lip fails to completely close during fetal development, resulting in a visible gap. The skewed distribution is often attributed to genetic and environmental factors that influence the development of the facial structures.

In contrast, complete cleft lip refers to a situation in which the cleft extends through the entire lip and typically involves the palate. Incomplete cleft lip affects only a portion of the lip but is less frequently encountered than unilateral cleft lip. Bilaterally complete cleft lip, which affects both sides of the lip, is the least common scenario.

Understanding the prevalence of cleft lip types helps in planning the appropriate management and can influence surgical approaches in an oral and maxillofacial surgery context. Each type may present different challenges and developmental implications for the affected individuals.