Comparison of short-term effects of presurgical nasoalveolar molding and Hotz’s plate on maxillary arch form in unilateral cleft lip and palate

Abstract

ObjectiveTo compare the short-term effects of presurgical nasoalveolar molding (PNAM) and Hotz’s plate treatment on maxillary arch form in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). Materials and MethodsThis retrospective study included patients with non-syndromic UCLP who received orthopedic treatment with PNAM (the PNAM group; n = 27) or Hotz’s plate (the Hotz’s group; n = 29) before lip repair. Maxillary dental casts obtained at first visit and at the time of lip repair were scanned, and the two groups were compared for maxillary form by superimposition of palatal rugae. ResultsBy the time of lip repair, the PNAM group exhibited significantly greater posterior movements of the incisal and cleft-edge points of the major segment than did the Hotz’s group; additionally, the incisal point had moved laterally to the cleft side. Moreover, the PNAM group exhibited significant smaller alveolar cleft width and alveolar arch length than the Hotz’s group at the time of lip repair. ConclusionSince PNAM induces rotation of the major segment to the cleft side, it could contribute to the formation of a more symmetrical maxillary arch. However, it might also decrease alveolar arch length before lip repair.