Nasoalveolar Molding for Unilateral and Bilateral Cleft Lip Repair

Nasoalveolar molding (NAM) is a powerful tool in the treatment of patients with unilateral or bilateral cleft lip and palate. The primary goal of NAM is to improve alignment of critical anatomic elements before surgical repair of the unilateral or bilateral cleft lip. Modifications of the position of the alveolar segments and their associated lip elements, the lower lateral cartilages, and the columella achieved with NAM are helpful for creating a suitable platform for tension-free lip repair.