Comparative evaluation of nasal and alveolar changes in complete unilateral cleft lip and palate patients using intraoral and extraoral nasoalveolar molding techniques: randomized controlled trial

• Published in: Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Vol. 47; no. 4; pp. 257 - 268
• Main Authors: Kalaskar, Ritesh, Bhaje, Priyanka, Sharma, Priyanka, Balasubramanian, Shruti, Ninawe, Nupur, Ijalkar, Rajesh
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) The Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons 31.08.2021; 대한구강악안면외과학회
• Subjects: Original; 치의학; Extraoral NAM technique; Compliance; Nasal stent; Nasal and alveolar changes; Cleft lip and palate
• ISSN: 2234-7550; 2234-5930
• DOI: 10.5125/jkaoms.2021.47.4.257

Cleft lip and palate is a common congenital anomaly that impairs the aesthetics, speech, hearing, and psychological and social life of an individual. To achieve good aesthetic outcomes, presurgical nasoalveolar molding (NAM) has become important. Currently, the intraoral NAM technique is widely practiced. Numerous modifications have been made to intraoral NAM techniques, but the original problem of compliance leading to discontinuation of treatment remains unsolved. Therefore, the present study compared an extraoral NAM technique with the intraoral NAM technique. Twenty infants with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate were included and divided into two equal groups. Group A received the intraoral NAM technique, and Group B received the extraoral NAM technique. Pre- and postoperative extraoral and intraoral measurements were recorded. Groups A and B did not differ significantly in any extraoral or intraoral parameter. The extraoral NAM technique is as effective as the intraoral NAM technique in achieving significant nasal and alveolar changes in com-plete unilateral cleft lip and palate patients. Additionally, it reduces the need for frequent hospital visits for activation and the stress associated with the insertion and removal of the intraoral NAM plate, thereby improving compliance.