Nasoalveolar Molding in Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate: A Three-Dimensional Analysis

This study aimed to three-dimensionally analyse the effects of pre-surgical nasoalveolar molding (NAM) in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate.

The sample consisted of 66 patients (with pre- and post-NAM casts), collected from three centres. Landmarks and measurements were identified on each cast, and the changes from pre- to post-NAM were recorded and analysed using a paired t-test.

Post-NAM, we observed a mean decrease of 5.18 mm in 3D cleft width, a 1.78 mm decrease in the sagittal cleft gap, a 1.34 mm decrease in the anterior arch width and a 2.27 mm increase in the posterior arch width. There was a greater inward rotation of the greater segment (8.50°) compared to the lesser segment (3.09°), an increase in arch depth (1.74 mm) and internal flexion (9.20°) of the lesser segment. No statistically significant changes in the greater segment's arch depth and internal flexion were observed. The morphological changes between pre- and post-NAM therapy were visualised by the closest-distance colour maps and 3D superimposition assessments.

This study demonstrated the significant morphological changes induced by pre-surgical nasoalveolar molding (NAM) in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate through a three-dimensional analysis. There was a notable reduction in cleft width, inward rotation of the greater segment and changes in arch dimensions.