Effects of Nasoalveolar Molding on Maxillary Arch Dimensions and Malocclusion Characteristics of Deciduous Dentition Patients with Cleft Lip and Palate.

Abstract

To evaluate the effects of nasoalveolar molding (NAM) therapy on maxillary arch dimensions and malocclusion characteristics in patients with unilateral (UCLP) and bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP). Patients in deciduous dentition were referred to the institutional department of orthodontics. The NAM group consisted of 21 patients with UCLP (mean age 4.7±0.7 years) and 12 patients with BCLP (mean age 4.8±0.7 years). Sixteen patients with UCLP (mean age 4.9±0.9 years) and 5 patients with BCLP (mean age 5.4±1.1 years) were included in the non-NAM group. The plaster models of all patients were digitized. Dental arch dimensions and malocclusion characteristics were analyzed via digital software. One-way ANOVA with Bonferroni correction was used for statistical analysis. Intercanine and intermolar widths showed statistically significant differences according to the cleft type (P<.01). There was no statistically significant effect of NAM therapy on maxillary arch parameters and malocclusion characteristics (P>.05). The prevalence of anterior crossbite was 12.1% in the NAM group, and 23.8% in the non-NAM group. NAM therapy did not affect the maxillary arch dimensions and malocclusion characteristics in patients with UCLP and BCLP. The cleft type was the main factor, leading to a significant difference in maxillary widths.