IMPACT OF NASOALVEOLAR MOLDING ON MAXILLARY ARCH DIMENSIONS AND MALOCCLUSION CHARACTERISTICS IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH CLEFT LIP AND PALATE DURING PRIMARY DENTITION

Abstract

Unilateral complete cleft lip and palate (UCLP) are congenital disabilities when a baby's lip or mouth does not form properly during early pregnancy. This retrospective study investigated the long-term effects of passive alveolar molding (PAM) and nasoalveolar molding (NAM) on cleft width and maxillary growth parameters in children with UCLP. A retrospective study of children with UCLP was enrolled and divided into two groups: PAM and NAM. Cleft width measurements were obtained at baseline and regular intervals during the follow-up period. Maxillary growth parameters were also assessed, including arch width, dental occlusion, and facial symmetry. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and linear regression models. Data was collected from 52 patients according to the inclusion criteria. The NAM group consisted of 22 patients with UCLP (mean age of 3.98 ± 1.6 years) and 12 patients with BCLP mean age of 3.81 ± 1.9 years. Fourteen patients with UCLP (mean age 3.9 ± 1.9 years) and four patients with BCLP and mean age 4.4 ± 2.1 years were included in the non-NAM group. It is concluded that the results of our study suggest that passive alveolar molding (PAM) and nasoalveolar molding (NAM) have a significant impact on cleft width reduction and maxillary growth in unilateral cleft lip palate (UCLP).