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Updated: Sep 25, 2025
Digital Hybrid Model Preparation for Virtual Planning of Reconstructive Dentoalveolar Surgical Procedures
Published on: August 5, 2021
Novel Digital Workflow for Nasoalveolar Molding and Postoperative Nasal Stent for Infants With Cleft Lip and Palate
Chad B Carter1, Francisco F Gallardo2, Hannah E Colburn3
1Air Force Postgraduate Dental School and Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Postgraduate Dental College, Joint Base San Antonio, Lackland Air Force Base, TX, USA.
Objective:
We present a novel digital workflow to provide presurgical infant orthopedic (PSIO) treatment for a patient with a unilateral cleft lip/palate utilizing nasoalveolar molding (NAM) and a custom postsurgical nasal stent.
Setting:
Within the US military healthcare system, the Joint Base San Antonio Craniofacial Anomalies Team utilizes dental scanners, predictive 3D modeling software, and 3D printing technology in a digital workflow for NAM appliance fabrication.
Workflow:
Soft tissue facial scanning, peri-oral scanning, and dental putty impressions are used to facilitate fabrication and measure outcomes. Digital modeling software and 3D resin printing are utilized to manufacture the prescribed devices.
Main Outcome Measures And Results:
Extra-oral facial scans and intra-oral impressions are compared between 3 timepoints: pre-treatment, posttreatment with NAM, and postsurgical treatment.
Conclusions:
The ability to share workflows, establish outcome standards, and streamline patient care will continue to advance best practices in digital PSIO.
