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Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing Technology for Conducting Nasoalveolar Molding for Infants
Bach Kim Nguyen1, Camila Caro2, Kyle Stevens2
1Graduate Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Summary
This review outlines four computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) methods for nasoalveolar molding (NAM) in infants. The stepwise alveolar molding and manually fabricated plates (SM_MP) method is most common, while 3D-printed methods offer advanced designs.
Area of Science:
- Craniofacial surgery
- Biomedical engineering
- Digital dentistry
Background:
- Nasoalveolar molding (NAM) is crucial for treating infants with cleft lip and palate.
- Traditional NAM relies on manual fabrication, which can be time-consuming and technique-sensitive.
- Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) offer potential advancements in NAM protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically identify, describe, and characterize CAD/CAM methods used in nasoalveolar molding.
- To provide an overview of the digital workflows and manufacturing techniques involved in CAD/CAM NAM.
- To compare the different CAD/CAM NAM approaches based on literature.
Main Methods:
- A scoping review was conducted following PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
- Searches were performed across major scientific databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus).
- Data extraction focused on digitization, virtual modeling, and manufacturing protocols for CAD/CAM NAM.
Main Results:
- Thirteen articles met the inclusion criteria for CAD/CAM NAM.
- Four distinct methods were characterized: SM_MP, SM_3P, SPE_3P, and SAPE_3P.
- SM_MP was most frequent, followed by SM_3P, SPE_3P, and SAPE_3P; all applied to UCLP, SM_MP and SM_3P also used for BCLP.
Conclusions:
- This review presents four CAD/CAM NAM methods, detailing their digital design and manufacturing processes.
- SM_MP and SM_3P simulate alveolar molding, with SM_3P showing enhanced digital design and fabrication.
- SPE_3P and SAPE_3P utilize consecutively enlarged plates, with SAPE_3P incorporating semi-automation.
