Evaluation of effects of nasoalveolar molding on the nazolabial, alveolar and palatal area in infants with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the nasolabial, alveolar and palatal changes in infants with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) treated by nasoalveolar molding (NAM). Materials and Methods: The material of this study consists of newborns with UTDDY who applied to Dicle University Faculty of Dentistry Orthodontic clinic for treatment. Our study group consisted of 15 newborns with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate, 7 boys and 8 girls, with a mean age of 12.27 ± 7.29 days. Extraoral photographs and intraoral impression records of the infants were taken pre-NAM (T0) and post-NAM (T1). Linear and angular measurements of individuals were made by using the Fiji ImageJ (2022, USA) program. The conformity of the numerical variables to the normal distribution was tested with the Shaphiro Wilk test. Paired t-test was used to compare two dependent measures of normally distributed numerical variables, and Wilcoxon test was used to compare two dependent measures of non-normally distributed numerical variables. Results: After NAM therapy, in the nasal region, bialar width, cleft side (YT) nostril width, columella length, YT nostril height, healthy side (ST) nostril height, YT columella inclination angle, ST columella inclination angle, nasal projection angle in the lip region, cleft lip width, YT lip height, YT lip length, alveolar cleft, width between C-C and in the palatal region, palatal cleft and cleft area parameters changed significantly at the p<0.001 level. Sagittal distance and small segment length parameters changed significantly at the p<0.01 level. No statistically significant change was found in the parameters of ST nostril width, ST lip height, ST lip length, midpalatal width, posterior arch width and large segment length. Conclusion: The initial nasolabial, alveoler and palatal deformity of the UCLP patients were significantly improved with NAM treatment. NAM treatment has been shown to be an effective treatment on UCLP patients. Key Words: Nazoalveolar Molding, NAM, Complete Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate, Newborn