Comparison of craniomaxillofacial morphology in children with unilateral cleft lip and palate treated with/without presurgical nasoalveolar molding - a retrospective study with a mean age of 5 years.

OBJECTIVES: To three-dimensionally assess differences in craniomaxillofacial skeletal development in patients with operated unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) treated with/without presurgical nasoalveolar molding (PNAM) with a mean age of 5 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cone-beam CT radiographs of 30 patients with UCLP who had undergone PNAM and 34 patients with UCLP who did not receive PNAM were analyzed. The data were stored in DICOM file format and were imported into the Dolphin Imaging program for 3D image reconstruction and landmark identification. 33 landmarks, 17 linear and three angular variables representing craniofacial morphology were analyzed and compared by using the Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: The vast majority of linear variables and 3D coordinates of landmark points reflecting craniofacial skeletal symmetry were not significantly different between the two groups. In terms of craniofacial skeletal development, the PNAM group had a significantly smaller anterior nasal spine offset in the midsagittal plane and a greater maxillary length compared to the non-PNAM group. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluations performed in early childhood showed that treatment with/without PNAM in the neonatal period was not a major factor influencing craniomaxillofacial hard tissue development in patients with UCLP; moreover, PNAM treatment showed significant correction of skeletal deviation at the base of the nose. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Follow-up in early childhood has shown that PNAM treatment administered during the neonatal stage does not impede maxillary development and has benefits in correcting nasal floor deviation. It is a viable option for improving nasal deformity in children with unilateral cleft lip and palate.

Digital nasoalveolar molding through presurgical orthopedics in newborns/infants with cleft lip and palate: A comprehensive review and case study.

AIMS: This study aims to provide a comprehensive review and case study about the advantages and disadvantages of the application of digital technologies in presurgical orthopedics in newborns/infants with cleft lip and palate (CLCP). Positive changes in the nasal anatomy, maxillary arch, and cleft width could be achieved. METHODS: Three representative cases of newborns/infants with CLCP were managed using the presurgical newborn/infant orthopedics (PSIO) approach. The patients were diagnosed and treated. Detailed descriptions of the impression procedures and PSIO appliance construction and placement were provided for each case. RESULTS: Case 1 utilized traditional impression techniques, Case 2 employed a semi-digitalized approach with intraoral digital scanning, and Case 3 utilized a completely digitalized method for appliance construction. Positive changes in maxillary arch dimensions and cleft width reduction were observed in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: The management of CLCP in newborns and infants poses a complex challenge with profound implications. The PSIO approach not only facilitates reconstructive surgery but also enhances overall quality of life. Digital tools, like specialized optical scanners and 3D printing, revolutionize the PSIO process, making it more efficient and patient-friendly. Clinical benefits include improved facial morphology, esthetics, feeding, speech, and optimized future surgical results. Despite ongoing efficacy debates, global adoption as the initial surgical approach underscores its value. The integration of digital technologies offers new hope for patients and families, promising a brighter future for those affected by this congenital condition.

Nasolabial morphological changes in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate using a Korat-modified nasoalveolar moulding appliance with primary correction.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to measure the morphological changes of the nose and lip in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate before and after cheiloplasty with primary rhinoplasty (primary correction) in conjunction with Korat-NAM usage. DESIGN: Longitudinal cohort study. SETTING: Cleft Center Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. SUBJECTS: Twenty-six patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate. INTERVENTIONS: Control group: only active obturator before primary correction. Experimental group: an active obturator and Korat-NAM I before primary correction. A customized endotracheal tube was retained in the nostril for 3 weeks before switching to Korat-NAM II for 1 year. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Six measurements comprising nostril rim length, nostril height, nostril sill width, columella angle, vertical lip height, and horizontal lip length were measured from the patients' photographs. All measurements, except the columella angle, were reported as the cleft side/non-cleft side value ratio. Measurements were taken at the initial appointment, immediately before, 3 weeks after, and 1 year after primary correction. RESULTS: Nostril rim length ratio, nostril height ratio, nostril sill width ratio, columella angle on the cleft side, and vertical lip height ratio were improved using Korat-NAM before and 3 weeks after primary correction. Nostril rim length and height ratios were significantly better than the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Korat-NAM improved nose and lip morphology before primary correction. An overcorrection improved the nose and lip morphology on the cleft side. The nostril rim length and vertical lip height on the cleft side also improved with Korat-NAM II 1 year after primary correction.

Effects of nasoalveolar molding on nasolabial aesthetics in patients with cleft lip and palate during pre-adolescence: A systematic review and meta-analysis of retrospective studies.

This study aims to analyze long-term effects of nasoalveolar molding (NAM) as a part of cleft primary management protocols on nasolabial aesthetics for patients with non-syndromic cleft lip and palate by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis. Six electronic databases and two journals were searched up to July 2023. Studies comparing nasolabial outcomes between NAM and non-NAM protocols were selected for further analysis. Nasolabial aesthetics were the outcome of interest. Data extraction, methodological quality assessment, risk of bias assessment, meta-analysis and subgroup analysis were performed. Seven retrospective cohort studies were selected for a qualitative review and four for a quantitative analysis. The risk of bias assessment was moderate for most studies. Only studies utilizing the Asher-McDade rating (AMR) were included for meta-analyses. The protocols with NAM exhibited a significantly lower AMR score for vermillion border than other protocols. AMR scores for nasal form and nasal symmetry from protocols with NAM were significantly lower than protocols without any pre-surgical infant orthopaedics (PSIO) but not significantly different from protocols with other PSIO techniques. The AMR score for nasolabial profile from protocols with NAM was not significantly different from other protocols. However, subgroup analysis demonstrated that protocol combining NAM and primary rhinoplasty significantly lowered AMR scores for nasal form, nasal symmetry and nasolabial profile. For patients with unilateral cleft lip with or without palate (UCLP), this study found that a protocol combining NAM and primary rhinoplasty improved nasolabial outcomes while a protocol with NAM alone offered only limited benefits. For patients with BCLP, the available evidence remains inconclusive. Performing NAM in combination with primary rhinoplasty improves nasolabial aesthetics in patients with UCLP. PROSPERO (CRD4202128384).

Defining the Treatment Gap in Nasoalveolar Molding: Factors Affecting the Utilization of NAM in an Urban Cleft Center.

BACKGROUND: Many cleft centers incorporate NasoAlveolar Molding (NAM) into their presurgical treatment protocols. However, there are limited data on eligible patients who do not receive or complete NAM. This study characterizes the demographics associated with non-utilization or completion of NAM. METHODS: A single-institution retrospective review was performed of all patients with cleft lip and alveolus undergoing primary unilateral and bilateral cleft lip repair from 2012-2020. Patients were grouped based on utilization or non-utilization of NAM. Demographic and treatment data were collected, including documented reasons for not pursuing or completing NAM. RESULTS: Of 230 eligible patients, 61 patients (27%) did not undergo or complete NAM (no-NAM). In this group, 37 (60.7%) received no presurgical intervention, 12 (19.7%) received presurgical nostril retainers, 3 (4.9%) received lip taping, 1 (1.6%) received a combination of taping/nostril retainers, and 8 (13.1%) discontinued NAM. The most common reasons for not receiving NAM were sufficiently aligned cleft alveolus (21.3%), medical complexity (16.4%), late presentation (16.4%), and alveolar notching (18%). Compared to the NAM group, the no-NAM group had significantly lower rates of prenatal cleft diagnosis/consult, and significantly higher proportion of non-married and non-English speaking caregivers. Multivariable analysis controlling for insurance type, primary language, prenatal consult, marital status, and age at first appointment found that age at first appointment is the only statistically significant predictor of NAM utilization (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Common reasons for non-utilization of NAM include well-aligned cleft alveolus, medical complexity, and late presentation. Early presentation is an important modifiable factor affecting rates of NAM utilization.

Does YouTubeTM Offer High-Quality Information About Nasoalveolar Molding?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the content and quality of YouTubeTM videos concerning nasoalveolar molding (NAM). DESIGN: YouTubeTM was searched for videos containing information relevant to NAM with the 2 keywords "nasoalveolar molding," and "presurgical infant orthopedics." A total of 24 out of 51 videos were found to be applicable to this study and rated for quality using the Global Quality Scale (GQS). To determine whether the contents of the selected 24 videos were useful or not, a content usefulness index consisting of 8 parameters was created. The videos were classified according to the usefulness index as low or high content videos. Spearman rank correlation analysis, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Shapiro-Wilk, and Mann-Whitney U-tests were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The mean GQS score of the 24 YouTubeTM videos on NAM was 2.3 ± 0.8, indicating overall poor quality. In terms of information, videos with high content (29.2%) were less in number than low content videos (70.8%). GQS values were found to be significantly higher in the high content group (P < .01). Regarding the source, video, and audio quality values were significantly higher in the expert group compared to the caregiver group (P < .01), whereas the usefulness index did not differ between groups (P > .05). A significant relationship was found between GQS and usefulness index, audio quality, and video quality (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: YouTube™ videos on NAM were generally inadequate in their content information and poor in quality. Expert videos, showing better audiovisual quality and flow compared to non-expert videos, did not offer higher quality information about NAM considering the usefulness index.

Effects of nasoalveolar molding on maxillary arch dimensions and malocclusion characteristics in primary dentition patients with cleft lip and palate.

BACKGROUND: Nasoalveolar molding (NAM) is a presurgical orthopedic technique used in the management of cleft lip and palate deformities. Despite the widespread use of NAM therapy, there is a need for further investigation to assess its specific effects on arch dimensions and malocclusion characteristics. AIM: To evaluate the effects of NAM therapy on maxillary arch dimensions and malocclusion characteristics in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP). DESIGN: Patients in primary dentition were referred to the Institutional Department of Orthodontics. The NAM group consisted of 21 patients with UCLP (mean age 4.7 ± 0.7 years) and 12 patients with BCLP (mean age 4.8 ± 0.7 years). Sixteen patients with UCLP (mean age 4.9 ± 0.9 years) and five patients with BCLP (mean age 5.4 ± 1.1 years) were included in the non-NAM group. The plaster models of all patients were digitized. Dental arch dimensions and malocclusion characteristics were analyzed via digital software. One-way ANOVA with Bonferroni correction was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Intercanine and intermolar widths showed statistically significant differences according to the cleft type (p < .01). There was no statistically significant effect of NAM therapy on maxillary arch parameters and malocclusion characteristics (p > .05). The prevalence of anterior crossbite was 12.1% in the NAM group and 23.8% in the non-NAM group. CONCLUSION: NAM therapy did not affect the maxillary arch dimensions and malocclusion characteristics in patients with UCLP and BCLP. The cleft type was the main factor, leading to a significant difference in maxillary widths.

Influence of presurgical nasoalveolar molding (PNAM) treatment in maxillary dental arch width and nasolabial symmetry in patients with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate.

Unilateral complete cleft lip and palate (UCCLP) is one of the most severe clinical subphenotypes among nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate (NSCL/P), that complicates surgical repair operations. Presurgical nasoalveolar molding (PNAM) is a technique used to reshape the nose, lip and alveolar bone of infants with UCCLP before surgery (the modified Mohler rotation advancement cheiloplasty and two flap palatoplasty), with the potential to facilitate surgical repair. However, the effectiveness of PNAM treatment is still a matter of debate. In this paper, the 3Shape scanning system and 3dMD stereophotography were used to assess the short-term and long-term effects of PNAM treatment on the dental arch morphology and nasolabial features of patients with UCCLP, respectively. The findings indicated that PNAM treatment negatively affects both short-term and long-term dental arch shape compared to the treatment without PNAM, particularly in terms of limiting the transverse width of the maxillary canine-to-midline. Regarding the nasal and labial symmetry, PNAM improves the symmetry of the nasal alae in patients over 7 years old and the symmetry of the lip in patients under 7 years old. Moreover, UCCLP patients who received PNAM treatment exhibited a shorter and wider shape of the nostril on the cleft side compared to those without PNAM treatment. In clinical practice, the multidisciplinary team should carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of the outcomes of PNAM treatment when treating infants with cleft lip and palate.

Alarm Signals to Postpone Feeding Plate Fabrication and Nasoalveolar Molding.

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The Effects of NAM on the Symmetry of the Face and Maxillary Arch in Babies With Unilateral Cleft.

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of nasoalveolar molding (NAM) therapy through reverse engineering, or its absence, to obtain symmetry of the face and maxillary arch. Twenty-six babies with unilateral cleft lip and palate received treatment with NAM, and 12 babies with unilateral cleft lip and palate without presurgical orthopedics (control group). Patients were molded and photographed in 2-stages: the first month of life (T1/pre) and after the use of NAM/before the cheiloplasty (T2/post). In the digital models, the analyses performed were arch perimeter, arch length, and labial frenulum angle. The photographs allowed us to analyze nasal width, mouth width, columella angle, and nostril area. The results demonstrated that there was an increase in arch perimeter and arch length in control and NAM groups in the T2 period in comparison to T1. Labial frenulum angle was reduced in the NAM group compared to the NAM-T1 and control-T2 periods. Treatment with NAM yielded a reduction in nasal width in the period of T2 compared with T1. Columella angle was enhanced after NAM use in T2 and, was different from control group. The nostril area was reduced in the NAM group in T2 compared with control group. Nasoalveolar molding therapy reduced the labial frenulum angle, contributing to a reduction in the extension of the cleft. The NAM protocol improved facial symmetry, mainly through nasal effects, whereas the absence of orthopedic therapy yielded a commitment to the face and maxillary arch symmetry.

The impact of passive alveolar molding vs. nasoalveolar molding on cleft width and other parameters of maxillary growth in unilateral cleft lip palate.

OBJECTIVE: Passive alveolar molding (PAM) and nasoalveolar molding (NAM) are established presurgical infant orthodontic (PSIO) therapies for cleft lip palate (CLP) patients. PAM guides maxillary growth with a modified Hotz appliance, while NAM also uses extraoral taping and includes nasal stents. The effects of these techniques on alveolar arch growth have rarely been compared. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively compared 3D-scanned maxillary models obtained before and after PSIO from infants with unilateral, non-syndromic CLP treated with PAM (n = 16) versus NAM (n = 13). Nine anatomical points were set digitally by four raters and transversal/sagittal distances and rotations of the maxilla were measured. RESULTS: Both appliances reduced the anterior cleft, but NAM percentage wise more. NAM decreased the anterior and medial transversal width compared to PAM, which led to no change. With both appliances, the posterior width increased. The alveolar arch length of the great and small segments and the sagittal length of the maxilla increased with PAM but only partially with NAM. However, NAM induced a significant greater medial rotation of the larger and smaller segment compared to PAM with respect to the lateral angle. CONCLUSIONS: NAM and PAM presented some significant differences regarding maxillary growth. While NAM reduced the anterior cleft and effectively rotated the segments medially, PAM allowed more transversal and sagittal growth. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results of this study should be taken into consideration when to decide whether to use PAM or NAM, since they show a different outcome within the first few months. Further studies are necessary regarding long-term differences.

Comparison of Facial Growth between Two Nasoalveolar Molding Techniques in Patients with Unilateral Complete Cleft Lip.

BACKGROUND: Nasoalveolar molding (NAM) has become standard treatment in the authors' craniofacial center. There are two types of presurgical NAM: the Grayson and Figueroa techniques. The Grayson method involves active alveolar molding, and the Figueroa method involves passive alveolar molding. The authors previously found no differences in number of clinic visits, costs, or 6-month postoperative outcome between the two techniques. The authors extended the previous study to evaluate facial growth between these two groups. METHODS: In this randomized single-blind study, conducted between May of 2010 and March of 2013, the authors recruited 30 patients with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate and randomized them for Grayson or Figueroa presurgical NAM. Standard lateral cephalometric measurements at 5 years were used to determine facial growth. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients completed 5 years of follow-up. There were no statistically significant differences in facial cephalometric measurements between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Presurgical NAM using either a passive or active NAM technique produced similar facial growth patterns after unilateral cleft lip and palate repair. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, II.

Clinical Outcomes of Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Repair with Nasoalveolar Molding and Gingivoperiosteoplasty to Facial Maturity.

BACKGROUND: The long-term effects of nasoalveolar molding (NAM) on patients with bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) are unknown. The authors report clinical outcomes of facially mature patients with complete BCLP who underwent NAM and gingivoperiosteoplasty (GPP). METHODS: A single-institution retrospective study of nonsyndromic patients with complete BCLP who underwent NAM between 1991 and 2000 was performed. All study patients were followed to skeletal maturity, at which time a lateral cephalogram was obtained. The total number of cleft operations and cephalometric measures was compared with a previously published external cohort of patients with complete and incomplete BCLP in which a minority (16.7%) underwent presurgical orthopedics before cleft lip repair without GPP. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients with BCLP comprised the study cohort. All patients underwent GPP, 13 (54.2%) underwent alveolar bone graft, and nine (37.5%) required speech surgery. The median number of operations per patient was five (interquartile range, two), compared with eight (interquartile range, three) in the external cohort ( P < 0.001). Average age at the time of lateral cephalogram was 18.64 years (1.92). There was no significant difference between our cohort and the external cohort with respect to sella-nasion-point A angle (SNA) [73 degrees (6 degrees) versus 75 degrees (11 degrees); P = 0.186] or sella-nasion-point B angle (SNA) [78 degrees (6 degrees) versus 74 degrees (9 degrees); P = 0.574]. Median ANB (SNA - SNB) was -3 degrees (5 degrees) compared with -1 degree (7 degrees; P = 0.024). Twenty patients (83.3%) underwent orthognathic surgery. CONCLUSION: Patients with BCLP who underwent NAM and GPP had significantly fewer total cleft operations and mixed midface growth outcomes at facial maturity compared with patients who did not undergo this treatment protocol. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Comparison of post-surgical soft tissue changes between bilateral cleft patients treated with and without a modified nasoalveolar molding appliance: A cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: The advantages of nasoalveolar molding (NAM) treatment for cleft lip and palate (CLP) patients have been well documented. A modified design for bilateral CLP was introduced. AIMS: This paper aimed to: 1- quantify the soft tissue changes after applying modified NAM treatment to these patients; and 2-compare post-surgical changes to a control group where no NAM was used. MATERIAL AND METHODS: At a tertiary care paediatric hospital, a historical cohort group of complete BCLP patients (n=15) was compared to a prospectively collected group of complete BCLP patients who underwent NAM therapy (n=15). In the NAM group (mean age: 1.1mos±0.2), a new modification of the NAM appliance was implemented. In the control group (mean age: 5mos±0.2), no NAM treatment was adopted prior to lip closure surgery. Soft tissue nasolabial segments were measured on initial (T1), post-NAM (T2) and 3 months post-surgery (T3) photographs; measurements were analysed statistically. RESULTS: In the NAM group, cleft size was reduced by 68 to 70% in 4-5months and all measurements improved between T1 and T2. Columellar crest inclination decreased by 74%, columellar length increased by 184%, nostril and bialar widths decreased by 36% and 16%, respectively. The lip philtrum was elongated by 49.5%. At T3, all soft tissue variables statistically improved better in NAM versus non-NAM groups. CONCLUSION: The modified NAM appliance provided improved results of lip approximation and nasal measurements compared to non-NAM treatment.

Three-dimensional Changes of Maxillary Alveolar Morphology After Using Modified Nasoalveolar Molding in Patients with Complete Unilateral Cleft lip and Palate.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the three-dimensional changes in maxillary alveolar morphology after using modified NAM in patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate. DESIGN: This is a retrospective study. SETTING: The study was carried out in the dental hospital, Faculty of Dentistry of Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, which serves as a tertiary care center. PATIENTS: The population sample consisted of 19 patients with nonsyndromic complete unilateral cleft lip and palate. INTERVENTION: All patients received the modified NAM treatment based on the treatment protocol of the Naresuan University Cleft and Craniofacial Center, Thailand. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Dental models obtained at pre-treatment (T0) and post-treatment (T1) were scanned to construct the digital models. The maxillary digital models that showed dimensional changes between T0 and T1 were measured using a computer graphic software. RESULTS: The modified NAM resulted in a significant decrease in the anterior cleft width, posterior cleft width, and anterior arch width. Conversely, it caused a significant increase in the length of the lesser cleft segment and the greater segment rotation. However, the change in the height of both segments and posterior arch width was not found to be significant. CONCLUSIONS: The modified NAM was an effective device for reducing the alveolar cleft width while improving the alignment of alveolar cleft segments.

Effect of One-Stage Bilateral Cleft Lip, Nose, and Alveolus Repair Following Nasoalveolar Molding on the Premaxilla Position at Preadolescence: An 8-Year Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: This paper describes the changes in maxillary arch morphology in infants with bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) following nasoalveolar molding (NAM) and with follow up to assess the need for secondary alveolar bone grafting (ABG) and premaxillary repositioning surgery at preadolescence. METHODS/DESCRIPTION: Treatment records of infants with BCLP treated with NAM between 2003 and 2013 were reviewed. Patients with complete BCLP who underwent NAM and had complete sets of maxillary casts at T 0 pre-NAM (mean = 27 days), T 1 post-NAM (mean = 6 months and 5 days), and T 2 before palate surgery (mean = 11 months and 15 days) were included. The sample comprised 23 infants (18 male, 5 female). Casts were digitized and analyzed using three dimensional software. The need for secondary ABG and premaxillary repositioning surgery was assessed at preadolescent follow-up (mean = 8.3 years). RESULTS: Cleft width was reduced on average by 4.73 mm (SD±3.15 mm) and 6.56 mm (SD±4.65) on the right and left sides, respectively. At T 1, 13 (56.52%) patients underwent bilateral gingivoperiosteoplasty (GPP), 8 (34.78%) patients unilateral GPP, and 2 patients (8.7%) did not undergo GPP. 34/46 clefts sites (73.91%) underwent GPP while 12 (26.08%) did not. At preadolescent follow-up of 19 patients, 7 patients (36.84%) did not need ABG on either side, 8 (42.10%) needed ABG on 1 side, and 4 (21.05%) needed ABG on both sides. None of the patients needed premaxillary repositioning surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Nasoalveolar molding treatment significantly improves the position of the premaxilla before primary repair, and there is a significant reduction in the need for secondary ABG and premaxillary repositioning surgery at preadolescence.

Evaluation of Facial Esthetics Following NAM Versus CAD/NAM in Infants With Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim is to compare the facial esthetics following nasoalveolar molding (NAM) versus computer-aided design NAM (CAD/NAM) in patients with bilateral cleft lip/palate (CLP). DESIGN: The trial is a randomized comparative trial with a 1:1 allocation ratio. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty infants with bilateral complete cleft lip and palate were recruited. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized between NAM and CAD/NAM groups. The treatment steps described by Grayson were followed for the NAM group. In the CAD/NAM group, digitized maxillary models were made to create a series of modified virtual models, which were used to fabricate the molding plates using 3-dimensional printing technology. The nasal stents were then added to the intraoral plates following the Grayson method. The study lasted for 4 months. MAIN OUTCOMES: The assessment of the changes observed in the interlabial gap and nasolabial esthetics was done using standardized 2-dimensional photographs. The correlation between dental arch changes and extraoral facial esthetics was studied. RESULTS: Both modalities showed improvement in nasolabial esthetics before the lip surgery. No statistically significant difference was found between NAM and CAD/NAM groups in any of the assessed variables. CONCLUSIONS: Both interventions were effective in the management of infants with bilateral CLP.

Novel Digital Workflow for Nasoalveolar Molding and Postoperative Nasal Stent for Infants With Cleft Lip and Palate.

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.

Early Cleft Lip Repair: Demonstrating Efficacy in the First 100 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Cleft lip and/or palate affects approximately one in 700 live births. Optimal timing for repair of cleft lip has yet to be objectively validated. Earlier repair takes advantage of a high degree of plasticity within the nasal cartilage and maxilla. The authors present patients enrolled in an early cleft lip repair protocol facilitating effective repair of the cleft lip and nostril. METHODS: American Society of Anesthesiologists class I to II patients with unilateral cleft lip and/or palate undergoing repair before 3 months of age were enrolled over 5 years. Perioperative data, surgical and anesthetic complications, preoperative and postoperative nostril breadth, nostril width, nasal angle, lip length, frontal nasal breadth, and commissure length measured as ratios between the cleft and noncleft sides were abstracted. Early cleft lip repair and nasoalveolar molding patients were matched for cleft lip severity using the cleft width ratios and compared. RESULTS: The surgical and anesthetic complication rate for 100 early cleft lip repair patients was 2 percent. Operative and anesthetic times were 123 ± 37 minutes and 177 ± 34 minutes, respectively. Hospital length of stay was 1 ± 0 day. Age at repair between early cleft lip repair and nasoalveolar molding was 33 ± 15 days and 118 ± 33 days, respectively. After early cleft lip repair, preoperative to postoperative distance from symmetry for all anthropomorphic measurements improved ( p < 0.001). Comparing severity-matched early cleft lip repair to nasoalveolar molding patients, similar improvements were observed, suggesting equivalent results ( p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Early cleft lip repair provides an efficacious method for correcting the cleft lip and nasal deformity that simulates nasoalveolar molding. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Efficacy of Postsurgical Nostril Retainer in Patients with Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Treated with Presurgical Nasoalveolar Molding and Primary Cheiloplasty-Rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this investigation was to determine whether the nasal form of patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate treated with presurgical nasoalveolar molding therapy, primary lip-nose surgery, and postsurgical nostril retainer was different from that of patients treated with presurgical nasoalveolar molding and primary lip and nose surgery alone. METHODS: This cross-sectional, retrospective review focused on 50 consecutive patients with nonsyndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate: 24 treated with nasoalveolar molding and primary lip and nose surgery followed by postsurgical nostril retainer (group 1) compared with 26 patients treated with nasoalveolar molding and primary lip and nose surgery without postsurgical nostril retainer (group 2). Polyvinyl siloxane nasal impressions were performed at an average age of 12 months and 6 days. Bilateral measurements of alar width at maximum convexity, total alar base width, nasal tip projection, columella length, and nostril aperture width and height were recorded. Statistical comparisons of cleft-side versus noncleft side nasal measurements were performed within group 1 and group 2, as well as comparisons of differences between the two groups. RESULTS: Cleft-side nasal dimension was statistically significantly better in group 1 than in group 2 across all measures except nasal projection ( p < 0.05). Group 1 showed less difference between the cleft side and noncleft side in all six measurements than did group 2 ( p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant difference in the nasal shape of patients who used a postsurgical nostril retainer compared with those who did not. Patients who used a postsurgical nostril retainer showed better nasal shape at an average age of 12 months compared with the control group. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.