Evaluation of pre- and post-treatment changes in the alveolus of infants with cleft lip and palate using nasoalveolar molding

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in maxillary alveolar morphology in unilateral and bilateral cleft lip palate infants treated with presurgical nasoalveolar molding (PNAM). Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, 10 infants, less than 6 months of age, with cleft lip and palate (CLP) treated with PNAM prior to surgical repair, were evaluated. Pre-PNAM (T1) and Post-PNAM (T2) study models were analyzed. Critical linear dimensions like inter-canine width, inter-tuberosity width, and arch length were measured and compared at the T1 and T2 stages using a grid comparison system. Results: The width of the alveolar cleft, arch length, and arch width showed a significant decrease in infants treated with PNAM. The inter-tuberosity width and arch perimeter showed a statistically significant increase with PNAM. Conclusion: PNAM was effective in reducing the severity of the initial cleft deformity mainly at the anterior portion of the maxillary arch.